How to Become a Licensed Security Guard in Delaware
Obtaining a Delaware security guard license is a crucial step for anyone aspiring to work in this field within the state. Delaware offers a unique licensing process, distinguishing between unarmed and armed security guards, each with its own set of requirements.
In this guide, we delve into the specifics of the Delaware security guard licensing process, outlining the necessary steps, training requirements, and essential qualifications. Whether you're pursuing a Yellow Card for unarmed security work or a Red Card for armed duties, understanding the nuances of Delaware's regulations is key to a successful career in security.
Requirements for a Delaware Security Guard License: Yellow and Red Cards
The process for getting a Guard Card, called a “Yellow Card” or a “Red Card” in Delaware, is different from other states in that there is no government agency dedicated to security guard licensing.
Rather, licenses are processed through the state police. In Delaware security guards are considered law enforcement officers and therefore are treated as such, right down to unique testing practices.
The application process is managed by the Professional Licensing Section of the Delaware State Police in association with other state agencies.
Delaware Security Guard Licensing Process
There are two types of security guard licenses in Delaware: unarmed security guards (minimum age 18) hold a Yellow Card, armed security guards (minimum age 21) are issued an additional Red Card as a firearms endorsement to their unarmed security guard license.
The Delaware Board of Examiners is responsible for setting the standards including training topics, length, testing, and what constitutes a passing grade.
Applicants for a Yellow Card must complete state-approved training on subjects including, but not limited to, instruction in rules and regulations, legal requirements and limitations, use of force, ethics, emergency services, diversity, communication, asset protection, and terrorism.
There is no minimum hourly requirement for the content (it usually takes 8 to 12 hours to complete the training), but all applicants must pass a written exam with a minimum grade of 75%.
The test will be administered by a Board-approved training/testing facility. Those going on to apply for a Red Card endorsement then complete 40 hours of additional state-approved firearms training.
Applicants will need to demonstrate proficiency in day and low light shoot conditions with an approved firearms instructor. Red Cards must be renewed annually.
How to Successfully Apply for a Delaware Security Guard License
Like most states, Delaware has a lengthy list of conditions and disqualifiers for a security guard license. In addition to the stated minimum ages, applicants must:
- Be a US citizen or present proof of right to work in the US
- Be able to speak and write in English
- Not have any felony convictions or dishonorable military discharges on their record
- Not have any misdemeanor convictions for theft, drugs, or moral turpitude in the past seven years
- Not have been convicted as a juvenile for a crime that would constitute a felony if committed as an adult
Provided you clear these hurdles the next steps to getting a Yellow Card are to complete the mandatory Delaware Board of Examiners-approved training, submit a set of fingerprints, and pass a background check.
But in Delaware, the application process is a little different. Here’s how it works:
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Complete the mandatory basic security guard training program. This training program may be taken in-person or online through the following state-approved providers:
- Delaware Technical & Community College (DTCC) campus
- Defencify (online, self-paced training)
- Polytech Adult Education (online, scheduled virtual classes)
- The licensed security agency which has or will hire you
Fees for the training (determined by the training provider) will apply. A signed certificate of course completion from the provider must be presented to the Delaware State Police. -
Pass the mandatory state security license exam with a score of 75% or higher. Your training, whether administered in-person or online, will have quizzes and testing built into the course. You will need to pass these knowledge checks to earn your certificate of completion, but this is not the mandatory Delaware State Security License Exam.
You must take and pass the Delaware Board of Examiners State Security License Exam within one year of earning your course completion certificate. This written test is administered exclusively on-site by approved instructors at DTCC campuses in Dover, Georgetown, and Stanton. You can retake the exam on different days until you pass. A $49 fee for each attempt will apply. A PDF of the study guide provided by the state of Delaware can be found here.
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Appear for an appointment at a Delaware State Bureau of Identification (SBI) location (Delaware State Police Troop 2/Newark or Dover). Upon presenting your Mandatory Security License Training Certificate (provided by your certified trainer) and your State Security License Exam Certificate (provided by your DTCC exam proctor), along with a photo ID and an $85 fee (non-refundable), you will complete a Delaware Police Department Employee application, be fingerprinted, and photographed.
Upon approval, your Yellow Card will be mailed to the address listed on your application or can be picked up in person at the Dover SBI location upon request. Security licenses (new or renewed Yellow Cards) are valid for five years and can be used for employment at any private security company licensed in Delaware.
Once you are hired as a security guard, your employer will register you as a security guard at their agency with the Delaware State Police. Carry your Yellow Card at all times when on duty.
Defencify is an approved Delaware Yellow Card training provider
Defencify is one of the state-approved providers of Mandatory Security License Training in Delaware, and the only one that permits you to take the course at your convenience.
Defencify’s affordable, mobile-optimized online courses allow you to enroll in just a few clicks and begin immediately.
Complete the training at your pace, on your device, at the time and place of your choosing. Defencify’s remote training eliminates travel time and expenses, fixed schedules, and conflicts with other commitments.
Best of all, Defencify’s self-paced, online Delaware Security License Course is guaranteed to satisfy Delaware’s security guard licensing requirements.
The course was created by Defencify instructional designers working together with the Delaware State Police Professional Licensing Section and Board of Examiners to ensure the training covers the necessary topics as required by the State.
It is designed using modern eLearning technologies and adult learning concepts tied to interactive lessons and games to make the training engaging and fun.
A certificate can be printed after successfully completing the course (and you’ll need to show it to gain entry to the test), but there is no final exam in the Defencify course needed to get the certificate.
As Delaware requires you to pass the mandatory state security license exam, the course offers an optional twenty-question practice exam to help prepare you for the sixty-question mandatory state security license exam administered at a DTCC campus.
Get your career as an unarmed security guard in Delaware started today! Visit defencifytraining.com to learn more about registering for the training you need to earn your Yellow Card/
For Delaware security guard agencies seeking affordable online training options for their entire workforce, sign up for a free trial of Defencify’s courseware offerings to see how Defencify can get new hires into the field faster.