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Security Guard
Total cost: $275-$521
Yes
License Required?
8 hrs
Unarmed Training
8 hrs
Armed Training
$275-$521
Total Initial Fees
2 years
Renewal Period
18+
Min Age (Unarmed)
Application Fee
$75
Fingerprint / Background Check Fee
$50
Training Fee
$75-$200
Varies by training provider
Unarmed License Fee
$75
Armed License Fee
$121
Renewal Fee
$75
State Regulation
VerifiedRequired
License Requirement
state
Regulation Level
Regulation Notes
Washington requires state-level licensing for security guards through the Department of Licensing.
Training Hours
Additional Requirements
Training Hours
Additional Requirements
8 hrs
Hours Required
Training Topics
Provider Requirements
8 hours pre-assignment training before licensing; 8 hours post-assignment within 12 months
Armed training available
8 hrs
Firearms Training Hours
Qualification Requirements
Must complete 8-hour firearms course and obtain certificate from Criminal Justice Training Commission (CJTC)
Authorized Firearm Types
Requalification Frequency
Annual firearms requalification required
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Guard Card / Licensing Exam
VerifiedRequired
Guard Card
Security Guard License
Card Name
Processing Time
2-4 weeks
Valid Period
2 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 | $75 |
Fingerprint Fee | $50 |
Training Fee Varies by training provider | $75-$200 |
Unarmed License Fee | $75 |
Armed License Fee | $121 |
Renewal Fee | $75 |
Total Initial Fees Total varies based on training provider selected | $275-$521 |
Use our licensing cost calculator to estimate your total investment including education and exam fees.
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Renewal & CE Requirements
Verified2 years
Renewal Period
8 hrs
CE Hours Required
Refresher Training
8 hours post-assignment training within 12 months of initial employment
Firearms Requalification
Annual firearms requalification required
Renewal Fee
$75
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
Washington 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 Washington with other states →
See how requirements, costs, and timelines differ across all 50 states.
Washington requires guards to have employment or a job offer before applying, and has a 10-year felony lookback period. Armed guards need a certificate from the Criminal Justice Training Commission, separate from the DOL license.
Washington requires employment or a job offer from a licensed company to apply.
Felony convictions within 10 years are disqualifying.
Armed guards need a firearms certificate from the Criminal Justice Training Commission (CJTC).
Post-assignment training (8 hours) must be completed within 12 months.
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Official Sources
Security Guard requirements in Washington verified against Washington State Department of Licensing, March 2026.