- How To Get A Security Guard License In Washington, D.C.
- Basic Requirements To Be A Security Guard in Washington, D.C.
- Training Programs for New Security Guards
- Obtain Your Security Officer License
- Requirements For Armed Security Guards In Washington, D.C.
- Licensed Guards – Join The Guard Alliance in Washington, D.C.
Demand for security guard services is increasing across the United States, and Washington, D.C., in particular, offers many opportunities for those interested in becoming security guards. At the time of this article’s writing, a quick search on a common jobs board shows hundreds of open positions. Given the specific demands of working as a security guard in the District of Columbia, it is no surprise that most of these roles pay higher than the national average. Qualified security personnel can expect access to many high-paying positions, especially industry veterans and folks with prior military or police experience.
New guards must possess security guard licenses to operate in Washington, D.C. We’ve put together this brief guide to help folks in our network understand the requirements for becoming licensed. Learn more about the specific rules in the District of Columbia and the daily responsibilities of working as an armed or unarmed security guard in D.C.
How To Get A Security Guard License In Washington, D.C.
Starting a career as a security officer in America’s capital city can be daunting, to say the least. Locals are keenly aware of the high-stakes events taking place around them all the time. Folks from other parts of the country are generally drawn to the region because it is such a hub of activity. All of these high-stakes-goings-on mean higher-paying opportunities for security guards working in Washington, D.C.
Whether you grew up in the D.C. Area or are considering moving there for an opportunity, you’ll need to know how guard licensing works to start working as a security guard in the District of Columbia. Across the United States, regulations for security guard licensing are set at the state and local levels rather than the Federal.
To obtain your security guard license in Washington, D.C., you’ll need to:
- Meet the basic criteria
- Pass a Security Officer’s Exam
- Be affiliated with a licensed Security Agency Business
We’ll break down each of these requirements in the sections that follow.
Basic Requirements To Be A Security Guard in Washington, D.C.
Before being deployed to the field, you must pass a training course and connect with a licensed Security Agency Business. To begin that process, you’ll need to meet some basic criteria and have certain pieces of paperwork in order. This ensures that security training companies are bringing in viable candidates who can meet the physical and intellectual demands of security guard work.
The basic requirements for becoming a security guard in the District of Columbia are:
- Be at least eighteen years of age
- Be a United States citizen or have a valid work permit;
- Be able to read, write, and speak fluent English
- Possess a United States Passport, United States Birth Certificate, or Immigration and Naturalization Service Work Permit
Take note of that last bullet. According to the District of Columbia’s government site, applicants must have their US Passports. We strongly recommend beginning this process as soon as possible to avoid delays after you’ve completed your training.
Training Programs for New Security Guards
If you are licensed in another state, you can connect with a security company certified in D.C. They can help you submit a fresh application for your Washington, D.C., license (see below). If you’re new to the security world, your journey will start with a training course.
There are many courses offered throughout the District of Columbia. As a newcomer, your best path forward is to partner with a company that offers both training and deployments. They’ll be able to help kick-start your career by teaching you all the skills you’ll need in the field, helping you obtain your license, and sending you out on your first deployment.
Other companies—like The Guard Alliance—operate in Washington, D.C., but do not assist with licensing. Companies like ours hire guards who are already certified in the District of Columbia, and many teams operate just as we do. That’s why it’s critical to do your research: make sure you are connecting with a company that offers training and deployment when starting out as a security guard in Washington, D.C.
Training courses can be taken online or in person, and can often be completed in a weekend. As always, we recommend as much training as possible from industry veterans so you can get the best sense of what working in the field will look like. Advanced training is available to help you further your career, but every training course will cover:
- Basics of Criminal & Constitutional Law
- Report Writing & Documentation
- Patrol Techniques
- Customer Service
- De-escalation
- Ethics
Obtain Your Security Officer License
Once you’ve completed your training and are connected with a licensed Security Agency Business in Washington, D.C., you’ll be ready to submit your license application. Applications must be submitted to the Department of Licensing and Consumer Protection (DLCP) and typically approved within sixty days.
In addition to the basic and training requirements already mentioned, the official application will require a few more pieces of paperwork:
- Health and physical examinations (usually included with training)
- Notarized authorization to release information form
- Security officer’s passed examination results
- Proof of military service – DD214, if applicable
- Notarized arrest affidavit
- Six-panel drug screening
Requirements For Armed Security Guards In Washington, D.C.
Working as an armed security guard in Washington, D.C., comes with heightened challenges and responsibilities while also offering competitive compensation. High-stakes encounters happen daily in D.C., and aspiring armed guards must fulfill additional requirements and undergo training before obtaining a specialized license. In the District of Columbia, armed security guards are classified as Special Police Officers, or SPOs.
In addition to the criteria already mentioned in this article, SPOs must be over twenty-one, possess a high school diploma or GED, and be range-certified. More training is also required, beginning with forty hours of pre-assignment training covering the following topics:
- Unattended Packages & Unknown Substances
- Emergency Procedures & First Aid
- Interacting With Tourists
- Search & Seizure Laws
- Terrorism Awareness
- Building Evacuation
- D.C. Criminal Code
- Arrest Powers
- Use of Force
Pre-assignment training will be followed by a sixteen-hour on-the-job training course within your first three months of employment. With all these items in order, candidates can submit their applications to become Special Police Officers in the District of Columbia. Again, expect a nominal fee and a brief waiting period. You’ll also need to take annual refresher courses on various topics as needed.
Licensed Guards – Join The Guard Alliance in Washington, D.C.
We hope aspiring guards in our network will find this article helpful as you navigate the world of security services. Consider what role you’d like to have in protecting your community and whether armed or unarmed guard duties are the right fit for you. Research reputable training organizations in the region, and be sure to connect with ones that offer in-person training from industry veterans.
The Guard Alliance does not offer this type of training at this time. Our deployments are staffed by licensed guards with years of experience protecting Washington, D.C., and dozens of other cities nationwide. We are always adding to our team. If you already possess your Security Officer or Special Police Officer license, feel free to visit our Careers page and fill out an application.
As always, if you need security or fire watch services to safeguard your Washington, D.C. property today, The Guard Alliance is ready to assist. Contact us for a custom quote when you’re ready to get started.
