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What are the Requirements for an Armed Guard License?

by | Apr 2, 2026

To obtain an armed guard license, individuals must meet several foundational and state-specific requirements. At a minimum, candidates generally need to be at least 21 years old, possess a high school diploma or equivalent, and pass a rigorous FBI-level or state-specific background check to ensure they have no disqualifying criminal history.

Specific training and certification requirements include:

Initial Training: In Arizona, candidates must complete over 40 hours of initial training, which covers firearms proficiency, legal protocols, constitutional law, and emergency procedures. This is significantly higher than the federal minimum of 8 hours.

Firearms Proficiency: Applicants must master hands-on skills, including weapon handling, loading/unloading, and clearing malfunctions. They must also pass accuracy drills and demonstrate knowledge of safety protocols.

Evaluations: Many jurisdictions require psychological evaluations and medical fitness assessments to ensure the individual can handle high-stress duties.

Core Skills: Beyond technical training, guards must demonstrate physical fitness, clear communication skills, and an understanding of the use-of-force continuum and de-escalation strategies.

To maintain the license, guards typically must complete 8 to 16 hours of annual refresher courses and range requalification.

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