Frequently Asked Questions

To obtain a Security Guard License, either Armed or Unarmed, in the State of Tennessee, a potential candidate has to complete 3 steps: Training, Fingerprinting, and Applying.

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Guidelines for how to obtain a guard license can be found in the Private Protective Services Regulatory Act, Rule 078-05-02.

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In short, a student must complete 4 hours of approved Basic Guard Training from a certified trainer in good standing in the State of Tennessee. Students wishing to be armed guards must complete an additional 12 hours of training including Firearms Safety, Marksmanship, and Maintenance.

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After completing training, students must submit to a background check through a State of Tennessee approved vendor. State of Tennessee contracts through IDEMIA/IndetoGO for background check fingerprinting.  Visit their website to schedule an appointment.

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Finally, students will create an account on the State of Tennessee's CORE website where they will submit proof of training and fingerprinting plus their license fee and a head shot photo. Approval process takes 2 to 4 weeks and may require students to submit additional information should it be requested.

From Tenn. Code Ann. § 62-35-117:

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The State of Tennessee requires all Officer Candidates be 18 years of age or older to obtain an Unarmed Guard license.

The State of Tennessee requires all Officer Candidates be 21 years of age or older to obtain an Armed Guard license.
 

Must be a U.S. resident or resident alien.
 

Not have been declared by any court of competent jurisdiction incompetent by reason of mental defect or disease unless a court of competent jurisdiction has since declared the applicant competent.
If convicted in any jurisdiction of any of the crimes listed in this subdivision, have completed serving sentence or court ordered probation at least five (5) years prior to application. Conviction of the following crimes shall disqualify an applicant, subject to the conditions stated in this section:
 

DISQUALIFYING OFFENSES INCLUDE:
Any Felony.
Any misdemeanor involving: 
Shooting a firearm or other weapon; 
Shoplifting; 
Assault and battery or other act of violence against persons or property; 
Crimes involving the sale, manufacture or distribution of controlled substances, controlled substance analogues, drugs or narcotics; 
Theft of property; or 
Theft of services
 

Not be suffering from habitual drunkenness or narcotics addiction or dependence.
 

Not have any disability that, in the opinion of the commissioner, prevents the applicant from performing the duties of a security officer.
 

Be of good moral character.

Under the Fresh Start Act, criminal offenses may be reviewed on a case-by-case basis and may not be disqualifying provided additional information is received about the offenses. Otherwise, if you do not meet these listed criteria, you will not be able to obtain a guard license.

Questions regarding why a license application was denied or is otherwise being held up should be directed to the Department of Commerce & Insurance, Private Protective Services division. Here is a link to the site.

Students and prospective students are always encouraged to reach out during business hours, Monday-Friday, 9am to 4pm with questions relating to training and services offered by Cannon Safety & Security Training. However, questions pertaining to individual state laws, state regulations, corporate policies, etc... should be directed to the appropriate entity. Nothing told to you by the instructor will supersede existing law, policy, or other regulations nor should it be construed as legal advice.