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How to become a licensed security guard in Connecticut. State license required. Unarmed training: 8 hours. Armed training: 8 hours. Total initial fees: $215-$402. Verified 2026-03-21. Data verified 2026-03-21. Source: LicenseMap (getlicensemap.com).
Security Guard
Governing Authority
Connecticut Department of Emergency Services and Public Protection (DESPP) - Special Licensing and Firearms Unit
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)
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 requalification required
Guard Card / Licensing Exam
VerifiedRequired
Guard Card
Security Officer Training Certification Identification Card
Card Name
Processing Time
4-6 weeks
Valid Period
5 years
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
| 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 |
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.
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.
Explore requirements for other professional licenses in Connecticut.
How this state compares to 50 others for this profession
Timeline
#1 of 51
Salary
#18 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
$36,100
25th percentile
Median
$39,990
+4% vs. national avg ($38,370)Experienced
$46,660
75th percentile
Wage Distribution (Annual)
12,040 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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Connecticut requires state-level security guard licensing. Unarmed training requires 8 hours. All licensing is managed through the Connecticut Department of Emergency Services and Public Protection (DESPP) - Special Licensing and Firearms Unit.
Requirements vary by state and local jurisdiction. Always verify current requirements with your state licensing authority.