Get certified: security, firearms, range and medical credentials
What each credential is, who needs it, requirements, cost, time, renewal and the official issuing body, with state-by-state rules for guard cards and armed guard permits.
Not legal advice. This guide is general information, not legal or career advice. Licensing rules, hours and fees change and vary by state and employer. Verify every requirement with the issuing body before you enroll, apply or work.
- State guard card (unarmed security)Guard card
- Armed guard / exposed firearm permitArmed guard
- Firearms permit / qualificationFirearms qualification
- Concealed carry permit (CCW)CCW
- NRA certified instructorNRA instructor
- NRA range safety officer (RSO)RSO
- POST / law enforcement certificationPOST / LE
- EMT, CPR and first aidEMT / CPR
State rules
State guard card (unarmed security)
- ArizonaSecurity guard registration (unarmed)
- CaliforniaSecurity Guard Registration (guard card)
- FloridaClass "D" Security Officer License
- GeorgiaUnarmed security employee registration (through employer)
- IllinoisPermanent Employee Registration Card (PERC)
- New YorkSecurity Guard Registration
- North CarolinaUnarmed security guard registration
- TexasNoncommissioned Security Officer license
- VirginiaUnarmed Security Officer/Courier registration
Armed guard / exposed firearm permit
- ArizonaArmed security guard registration
- CaliforniaBSIS Firearms Permit (exposed firearm)
- FloridaClass "G" Statewide Firearm License
- GeorgiaArmed security license (Board-licensed)
- IllinoisFirearm Control Card (FCC)
- New YorkArmed security guard registration
- North CarolinaArmed guard registration (firearm registration permit)
- TexasCommissioned Security Officer license
- VirginiaArmed Security Officer/Courier registration with firearms endorsement
More states are added as we verify them against official sources. Carry permit guides cover all 50 states and DC.