How to become an unarmed or armed security officer in future GSA course states.
This Resources page is built as a practical licensing path guide. It breaks down the major steps for unarmed and armed security officer licensing in states where Guardian Shield Academy plans to add courses as programs become available.
This is a planning guide, not legal advice. Requirements can depend on the license type, approved provider, instructor, employer, delivery method, testing rules, and firearm/range requirements. Students should verify the current process with the official state agency before enrolling.
Illinois
Guardian Shield Academy currently serves Illinois students. Basic security uses structured classroom coursework, while armed security requires a required in-person range/classroom portion.
- Complete the 20-hour basic security training path.
- Apply for or maintain a Permanent Employee Registration Card (PERC) through IDFPR/CORE.
- Complete fingerprint/background requirements and work under the proper licensed security employer or agency.
- Complete the 20-hour basic course plus the required firearm training path for armed security work.
- Complete the in-person range/classroom requirement and qualification steps.
- Apply for the Firearm Control Card through IDFPR and maintain all firearm/employer requirements.
Florida
Florida requires training through a properly licensed school or training facility, with state rules for attendance, testing, records, and audit controls.
- Meet basic eligibility, including age and legal work authorization requirements.
- Complete at least 40 hours of Class D professional security officer training through a licensed school or training facility.
- Submit the Class D application, proof of training, fingerprints/background materials, photo, and state fees.
- Hold or qualify for the Class D security officer license.
- Complete the 28-hour Class G firearm course through a licensed Class K firearms instructor.
- Submit the Class G application and complete annual 4-hour firearms requalification while licensed.
Delaware
Delaware uses approved training providers for the unarmed Yellow Card path, and the state exam remains a separate required step.
- Complete mandatory Yellow Card training through an approved training facility or qualifying licensed security agency.
- Pass the state security guard exam with the required score through Delaware Technical Community College.
- Complete IdentoGO fingerprints/photo ID background processing and email the application documents to Professional Licensing.
- First complete and hold the Unarmed/Yellow Card license.
- Complete a 40-hour firearms course with an approved instructor, including required shoot certifications.
- Submit the firearms certification and Red Card/firearms upgrade documents, then maintain required annual recertification.
Tennessee
Tennessee requires qualifying training through the proper trainer path. Firearm classroom and range requirements must be completed in person.
- Submit the initial unarmed guard registration application through CORE.
- Upload a head-and-shoulder photo, fingerprinting receipt, and proof of four hours of qualifying training.
- Pay the state fee and work only through a contract security company or proprietary security organization.
- Submit the initial armed guard registration application through CORE.
- Upload photo, fingerprinting receipt, and proof of sixteen hours of qualifying armed guard training.
- Wait for the armed registration card before working armed posts; handgun permit training does not replace the armed guard course.
Texas
Texas training must be completed through the proper licensed school, instructor, guard company, or TOPS-recognized path. Students should verify the provider before purchasing.
- Complete the Level II training course and test required for noncommissioned security officers.
- Apply through the Texas TOPS portal and complete fingerprint/background requirements.
- Be affiliated with a DPS-licensed company or entity before working security services.
- Complete Level II first, then complete the Level III minimum 45-hour course and test with course-of-fire requirements.
- Submit Level II and Level III certificates plus the required psychological/emotional health declaration.
- Complete firearm proficiency within the required application window and carry the issued pocket card while on duty.
California
California training must come from a qualified employer, certified training facility, or Bureau-approved course provider. Use-of-force and firearms elements can require in-person delivery.
- Be at least 18 and complete the DOJ/FBI Live Scan criminal history background process.
- Complete Power to Arrest training before the security guard registration is issued.
- Complete 32 additional hours of security officer skills training within the first six months and complete annual continuing training.
- Hold a California security guard registration and meet the BSIS firearms permit eligibility requirements.
- Complete BSIS firearms training and range qualifications through a Bureau-approved firearms training facility/instructor.
- Submit the firearms permit application through BreEZe or by mail and complete required renewal qualifications.
Illinois is active now. Other states are licensing research targets.
Guardian Shield Academy currently serves Illinois students. As the academy expands, this page can become the national licensing guide for students who want to know the exact unarmed and armed steps before choosing training.