Tennessee Security Guard Training
Everything you need to meet the training requirements set by TDCI's Private Protective Services program, pass your background check, and get to work as a licensed Tennessee security officer - initial training, armed add-ons, and renewal refreshers, all online.
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New License State Approved
Regular price $53.99Regular priceUnit price per$67.00Sale price $53.99 -
Be the Guard Every Site Wants: Get Bronze, Silver & Gold Certified
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Getting licensed
Getting Licensed as a Tennessee Security Officer
Five steps, start to finish.
Complete your 4-hour general training. Unarmed officers must finish TDCI's general training course within 15 days of starting work.
Armed officers: add classroom and marksmanship training. Within 60 days of employment, complete 8 hours of classroom firearms law, handling, and safety training, plus a 4-hour marksmanship course with a required 70% pass rate.
Check for a role-specific add-on. Alcohol-venue guards need de-escalation, restraint, and first-aid/CPR training within 15 days; school-assigned guards need an 8-hour active-shooter course before assignment; carrying a less-lethal device adds 4 hours per device.
Get fingerprinted for your background check. TDCI requires a fingerprint-based check through IdentoGO, with a 5-year lookback for disqualifying offenses.
Renew every 2 years. Complete your continuing education - 2 hours for unarmed officers, 4 hours plus a firearms requalification (70% pass) for armed officers - before your card expires.
At a glance
Tennessee Security Officer Licensing, At a Glance
Fees and requirements are set by the Tennessee Department of Commerce & Insurance's Private Protective Services program under Tenn. Code Ann. Title 62, Chapter 35, and are subject to change.
Questions
Common Questions
How fast can I get licensed as a security officer in Tennessee?
Unarmed officers complete a 4-hour general training course within 15 days of starting work. Armed officers have 60 days to add 8 hours of classroom training and a 4-hour marksmanship course.
What's changing for armed guards in 2026?
Starting January 1, 2026, Tennessee introduces an Enhanced Armed Guard credential for officers who carry a rifle or shotgun, which requires a 16-hour course under §62-35-144. It's a new, separate credential on top of standard armed officer training.
What does it cost to get licensed in Tennessee?
TDCI sets an initial and renewal fee for Private Protective Services licensing. Contact TDCI directly for the current fee schedule.
Is Defencify's training built to TDCI's requirements?
Yes. Our Tennessee courses cover the 4-hour general training curriculum, the armed classroom and marksmanship requirements, and the specialty tracks for alcohol-venue and school-assigned officers.
How long does my license last, and what's renewal like?
Tennessee security officer licenses run 2 years. Renewal requires 2 hours of continuing education for unarmed officers, or 4 hours plus a firearms requalification (70% pass) for armed officers.
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>“The class was very informative and I appreciate it all the information I retained it was great that it was also short before our course that's a lot of information to start my new career.”
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Your Tennessee security officer license is closer than you think.
Complete your training online and meet TDCI's requirements on your schedule.
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