Loading...
Loading...
How to become a licensed security guard in Wisconsin. State license required. Unarmed training: 8 hours. Armed training: 36 hours. Total initial fees: $215-$465. Verified 2026-03-21. Data verified 2026-03-21. Source: LicenseMap (getlicensemap.com).
Security Guard
Governing Authority
Wisconsin Department of Safety and Professional Services (DSPS)
Official website →Yes
License Required?
8 hrs
Unarmed Training
36 hrs
Armed Training
$215-$465
Total Initial Fees
2 years (expires 08/31 even years)
Renewal Period
18+
Min Age (Unarmed)
State Regulation
VerifiedRequired
License Requirement
state
Regulation Level
Regulation Notes
Wisconsin requires a Private Security Person Permit through the Department of Safety and Professional Services (DSPS).
Training Hours
Additional Requirements
Training Hours
Additional Requirements
8 hrs
Hours Required
Training Topics
Provider Requirements
DSPS-approved training program; most employers require completion
Armed training available
36 hrs
Firearms Training Hours
Qualification Requirements
Must complete 36-hour firearms training; up to 30 hours waivable if authorized by another jurisdiction in prior 5 years (6-hour refresher still required)
Authorized Firearm Types
Requalification Frequency
Annual firearms requalification required
Guard Card / Licensing Exam
VerifiedRequired
Guard Card
Private Security Person Permit
Card Name
Processing Time
4-6 weeks
Valid Period
2 years (expires 08/31 even 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-$250 |
Unarmed License Fee | $50 |
Armed License Fee | $75 |
Renewal Fee | $50 |
Total Initial Fees Total varies based on training provider selected | $215-$465 |
Renewal & CE Requirements
Verified2 years (expires 08/31 even years)
Renewal Period
8 hrs
CE Hours Required
Refresher Training
Continuing education required
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
Wisconsin 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.
Wisconsin is unique in that felony convictions permanently disqualify applicants with NO exceptions -- even a pardon cannot restore eligibility. All permits have a synchronized expiration date of August 31 of even years.
Wisconsin prohibits issuing permits to anyone convicted of a felony, with no exceptions -- even a pardon does not restore eligibility.
All permits expire on 08/31 of even years.
Up to 30 hours of armed training can be waived for prior out-of-state authorization.
The 6-hour refresher covers Wisconsin-specific law.
Explore requirements for other professional licenses in Wisconsin.
How this state compares to 50 others for this profession
Timeline
#1 of 51
Salary
#20 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
$36,300
25th percentile
Median
$39,110
+2% vs. national avg ($38,370)Experienced
$47,120
75th percentile
Wage Distribution (Annual)
11,670 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: Wisconsin Department of Safety and Professional Services (DSPS) — Licensing Requirements
4–12 weeks
Estimated processing time
Source: Wisconsin Department of Safety and Professional Services (DSPS) — Licensing Requirements
Study guides for security guard licensing exams.
Browse Study Guides on Amazon →As an Amazon Associate, we earn from qualifying purchases.
Shop essential tools and supplies to get started in your career.
Training requirements, guard card process, armed vs unarmed paths, background check details, and renewal info — delivered straight to your inbox.
No spam. Unsubscribe anytime. We respect your privacy.
Wisconsin requires state-level security guard licensing. Unarmed training requires 8 hours. All licensing is managed through the Wisconsin Department of Safety and Professional Services (DSPS).
Requirements vary by state and local jurisdiction. Always verify current requirements with your state licensing authority.