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Security Guard
Total cost: $215-$402
Governing Authority
Connecticut Department of Emergency Services and Public Protection (DESPP) - Special Licensing and Firearms Unit (SLFU)
Official website →Yes
License Required?
8 hrs
Unarmed Training
8 hrs
Armed Training
$215-$402
Total Initial Fees
5 years
Renewal Period
18+
Min Age (Unarmed)
Application Fee
$50
Fingerprint / Background Check Fee
$40
Training Fee
$75-$200
Varies by training provider
Unarmed License Fee
$50
Armed License Fee
$62
Renewal Fee
$50
State Regulation
VerifiedRequired
License Requirement
state
Regulation Level
Regulation Notes
Connecticut requires a Security Officer Training Certification Identification Card through DESPP's Special Licensing and Firearms Unit (SLFU) before employment.
Training Hours
Additional Requirements
Training Hours
Additional Requirements
8 hrs
Hours Required
Training Topics
Provider Requirements
Training must be completed through a Commissioner-approved private instructor
Armed training available
8 hrs
Firearms Training Hours
Qualification Requirements
Must complete firearms safety course and range qualification approved by DESPP Commissioner
Authorized Firearm Types
Requalification Frequency
Annual firearms refresher course required
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Guard Card / Licensing Exam
VerifiedRequired
Guard Card
Security Officer Training Certification Identification Card
Card Name
Processing Time
4-6 weeks
Valid Period
5 years
Overall licensing difficulty: 2/100
Study recommendation: 1–2 weeks of focused review is usually sufficient
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Security Guard Exam Prep
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Difficulty rating based on education, exam, and experience requirements. Individual experience may vary.
18+
Unarmed Min Age
21+
Armed Min Age
Yes
Required
Yes
Fingerprinting
Yes
Federal Check
Yes
State Check
Disqualifying Offenses
Drug screening not required by state
Yes
Company License
Yes
Insurance Required
Yes
Bonding Required
Employer Training Obligations
Not sure if you need a security guard license? Check whether your state requires one.
| Fee | Amount |
|---|---|
Application Fee | $50 |
Fingerprint Fee | $40 |
Training Fee Varies by training provider | $75-$200 |
Unarmed License Fee | $50 |
Armed License Fee | $62 |
Renewal Fee | $50 |
Total Initial Fees Total varies based on training provider selected | $215-$402 |
Use our licensing cost calculator to estimate your total investment including education and exam fees.
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Renewal & CE Requirements
Verified5 years
Renewal Period
8 hrs
CE Hours Required
Refresher Training
Refresher training required for renewal
Firearms Requalification
Annual firearms requalification required
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
Connecticut 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.
Moving to another state? Use our Transfer Tool to see what you need →
Compare Connecticut with other states →
See how requirements, costs, and timelines differ across all 50 states.
Connecticut offers a military exemption allowing qualified military personnel to waive both the training course requirement and licensing fee. The firearms endorsement requires a separate $62 application.
Connecticut requires certification through DESPP before a security agency can register an employee.
Armed security requires a separate firearms endorsement with a $62 fee.
Military personnel may qualify for a waiver of training and licensing fees (effective October 1, 2014).
The Special Licensing and Firearms Unit handles all security licensing.
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Official Sources
Security Guard requirements in Connecticut verified against Connecticut Department of Emergency Services and Public Protection (DESPP) - Special Licensing and Firearms Unit (SLFU), March 2026.