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How to become a licensed security guard in Arkansas. State license required. Unarmed training: 8 hours. Armed training: 16 hours. Total initial fees: $215-$415. Verified 2026-03-21. Data verified 2026-03-21. Source: LicenseMap (getlicensemap.com).
Security Guard
Governing Authority
Arkansas State Police - Regulatory Services Division (Board of Private Investigators and Private Security Agencies)
Official website →Yes
License Required?
8 hrs
Unarmed Training
16 hrs
Armed Training
$215-$415
Total Initial Fees
2 years
Renewal Period
18+
Min Age (Unarmed)
State Regulation
VerifiedRequired
License Requirement
state
Regulation Level
Regulation Notes
Arkansas requires state-level registration for security guards through the Arkansas State Police Regulatory Services Division, under the Board of Private Investigators and Private Security Agencies.
Training Hours
Additional Requirements
Training Hours
Additional Requirements
8 hrs
Hours Required
Training Topics
Provider Requirements
Training must be completed at an Arkansas-approved security guard training school
Armed training available
16 hrs
Firearms Training Hours
Qualification Requirements
Must complete minimum 16-hour firearms training and demonstrate proficiency
Authorized Firearm Types
Requalification Frequency
Firearms requalification required at renewal (every 2 years)
Guard Card / Licensing Exam
VerifiedRequired
Guard Card
Private Security Officer Registration
Card Name
Processing Time
4-6 weeks
Valid Period
2 years
18+
Unarmed Min Age
21+
Armed Min Age
Yes
Required
Yes
Fingerprinting
Yes
Federal Check
Yes
State Check
Disqualifying Offenses
Drug screening required
Drug test required as part of the application process
Yes
Company License
Yes
Insurance Required
Yes
Bonding Required
Employer Training Obligations
| Fee | Amount |
|---|---|
Application Fee | $50 |
Fingerprint Fee | $40 |
Training Fee Varies by training provider | $75-$200 |
Unarmed License Fee | $50 |
Armed License Fee | $75 |
Renewal Fee | $50 |
Total Initial Fees Total varies based on training provider selected | $215-$415 |
Renewal & CE Requirements
Verified2 years
Renewal Period
4 hrs
CE Hours Required
Refresher Training
Renewal training required within 12 months prior to renewal
Firearms Requalification
Firearms requalification required at renewal
Renewal Fee
$50
Regulatory Board
Security guard licenses must be renewed on schedule. Most states require refresher training covering updated laws, use-of-force guidelines, and emergency procedures.
Out-of-State Reciprocity
VerifiedDoes Not Accept Out-of-State Credentials
Transfer Details
Arkansas does not offer reciprocity for out-of-state security guard licenses.
Security guard license reciprocity varies significantly by state. Most states require new applicants to complete state-specific training and background checks regardless of prior credentials.
Arkansas is one of the few states requiring a drug test for all security guard applicants. The state uses the PSO/CSO designation system.
Arkansas uses PSO (Private Security Officer) for unarmed and CSO (Commissioned Security Officer) for armed guards.
Drug testing is required for all applicants.
Employers must register each guard with the Arkansas State Police.
High school diploma or GED is required.
Explore requirements for other professional licenses in Arkansas.
How this state compares to 50 others for this profession
Timeline
#1 of 51
Salary
#36 of 51
Cost
#9 of 51
Processing
#1 of 51
Based on May 2024 Bureau of Labor Statistics OEWS data for Security Guards (SOC 33-9032)
Entry Level
$31,790
25th percentile
Median
$37,090
-3% vs. national avg ($38,370)Experienced
$43,120
75th percentile
Wage Distribution (Annual)
6,680 employed in this state
Source: BLS OEWS – Security Guards (May 2024)
National employment projections for 2024-2034
Projected Growth
+3.5%
Average GrowthNew Jobs
+35,900
over 10 years
Annual Openings
137,700
per year (avg.)
1.0M currently employed nationwide (2024)
Source: BLS Employment Projections 2024-2034 (September 2025)
Government fees and exam costs to obtain your initial license
Note: These are government licensing fees only. Education/training program costs (tuition, books, etc.) are not included as they vary widely by institution.
Estimated total: 4–15 weeks
Timeline estimated from licensing requirements on this page.
4–12 weeks
Estimated processing time
Study guides for security guard licensing exams.
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Arkansas requires state-level security guard licensing. Unarmed training requires 8 hours. All licensing is managed through the Arkansas State Police - Regulatory Services Division (Board of Private Investigators and Private Security Agencies).
Requirements vary by state and local jurisdiction. Always verify current requirements with your state licensing authority.