Alabama Certified Security Guard – 8-Hour Initial Training Course (Online)

In Alabama, security officers (unarmed and armed) are licensed by the Alabama Security Regulatory Board (ASRB). You must hold an ASRB personal license as a Security Officer (unarmed) or Armed Security Officer to work for a Board-licensed contract security company. Requirements vary slightly depending on whether you will be unarmed or armed.

Unarmed Security Officer Requirements

1. Age and Citizenship
   Be at least 18 years old.
   Be a U.S. citizen or legal resident alien authorized to work in the United States.
   
   
2. Background & Character
   Undergo an FBI/ABI criminal background check and submit fingerprints with your application.
   
   Have no felony conviction or crime involving moral turpitude without a full pardon, and no disqualifying mental incompetence, habitual drunkenness, or narcotics addiction as defined by ASRB forms.
   
   
   
3. Training – Initial/Basic Security Officer Course
   
   Complete at least 8 hours of Board-approved classroom training with an ASRB Certified Trainer before applying for a license.
   
   Training must cover core topics such as: fire prevention; legal information relevant to providing security services; detention procedures; methods of handling crisis situations; methods of crowd control; and use of equipment needed in providing security services.
   
   Complete Board-approved use-of-force training as part of your initial training.
   
   
   
4. Application to the ASRB
   
   Submit a Personal License Application to the ASRB with required documents: photos, proof of age/citizenship, fingerprints, training certification, and fees.
   
   
   

Armed Security Officer Requirements

1. Be at least 21 years old.
2. Meet All Unarmed Security Officer Requirements
   Armed applicants must first meet the same age, citizenship, background, and 8-hour basic training requirements as unarmed security officers.
3. Additional Firearms Training
   Complete additional firearms safety training with a Certified Trainer (ASRB rules currently require armed officers to complete at least 14 total hours of Board-approved classroom training, which includes firearms-specific content).
   
   Firearms training includes Alabama use-of-force law, safe handling and storage of firearms, and qualification on Board-mandated courses of fire with the weapon types carried on duty (handgun, and where applicable, shotgun and rifle).
   
   
4. Ongoing Firearms Requirements
   Armed officers must also complete Board-approved firearms refresher training each year and maintain passing qualification scores on the ASRB-approved course of fire.
   

Refresher Training & License Renewal (Unarmed and Armed)

• After initial licensure, security officers and armed security officers must complete at least 8 hours of Board-approved refresher training from a Certified Trainer before each renewal of their personal license (typically every two years).
  
• The law also requires refresher use-of-force training before renewal; specific curriculum details are set by the ASRB in its rules and training guidance.
  

For official forms, fees, and the most current information, visit the Alabama Security Regulatory Board website and review the Personal License Application, Certification of Training, and related rules.

This summary is based on Alabama Code §34-27C, Ala. Admin. Code r. 832-X-1-.08, and current ASRB forms and guidance, which are outside Defencify’s internal course library. Requirements and fees can change, so applicants should always verify details directly with the ASRB or other official state resources. This information is for training and general education only and is not legal advice.