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How to become a licensed security guard in Nevada. State license required. Armed training: 16 hours. Total initial fees: $135-$364. Verified 2026-03-21. Data verified 2026-03-21. Source: LicenseMap (getlicensemap.com).
Security Guard
Yes
License Required?
0 hrs
Unarmed Training
16 hrs
Armed Training
$135-$364
Total Initial Fees
5 years
Renewal Period
18+
Min Age (Unarmed)
State Regulation
VerifiedRequired
License Requirement
state
Regulation Level
Regulation Notes
Nevada requires a PILB Work Card for all security guards through the Private Investigators Licensing Board.
Training Hours
Additional Requirements
Training Hours
Additional Requirements
0 hrs
Hours Required
Training Topics
Provider Requirements
No formal training required; must pass 30-question written exam covering Nevada security laws
Armed training available
16 hrs
Firearms Training Hours
Qualification Requirements
Must demonstrate proficiency with duty firearm at an approved range
Authorized Firearm Types
Requalification Frequency
Annual firearms requalification required
Guard Card / Licensing Exam
VerifiedRequired
Guard Card
PILB Work Card
Card Name
Processing Time
1-2 weeks standard; 2-3 business days expedited; permanent card 30-90 days
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 | $85 |
Fingerprint Fee | Included in app fee |
Training Fee Varies by training provider | $50-$150 |
Unarmed License Fee | $85 |
Armed License Fee | $129 |
Renewal Fee | $85 |
Total Initial Fees Total varies based on training provider selected | $135-$364 |
Renewal & CE Requirements
Verified5 years
Renewal Period
0 hrs
CE Hours Required
Firearms Requalification
Annual firearms requalification required
Renewal Fee
$85
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
Nevada 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.
Nevada is unique in requiring no formal training for unarmed guards -- just a written exam on security laws. The 5-year card validity and provisional card system allow guards to start working quickly.
Nevada issues a provisional work card by email that allows guards to start working.
No formal training is required for unarmed guards -- just a written exam.
Expedited processing is available for $129 (2-3 business days).
Work cards are valid for 5 years -- one of the longest in the nation.
Explore requirements for other professional licenses in Nevada.
How this state compares to 50 others for this profession
Timeline
#1 of 51
Salary
#28 of 51
Cost
#2 of 51
Processing
#1 of 51
Based on May 2024 Bureau of Labor Statistics OEWS data for Security Guards (SOC 33-9032)
Entry Level
$35,360
25th percentile
Median
$38,340
At national averageExperienced
$44,500
75th percentile
Wage Distribution (Annual)
25,610 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.
Source: Nevada Private Investigators Licensing Board (PILB) — Licensing Requirements
4–12 weeks
Estimated processing time
Source: Nevada Private Investigators Licensing Board (PILB) — Licensing Requirements
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Nevada requires state-level security guard licensing. All licensing is managed through the Nevada Private Investigators Licensing Board (PILB).
Requirements vary by state and local jurisdiction. Always verify current requirements with your state licensing authority.