Hawaii Guard Employee (GDE) – 8-Hour Initial Training Course (Online)

This 8-hour online course meets Hawaii's state pre-assignment training requirement under HRS §463-10.5 (Act 208) for anyone working as a security guard in the islands. Complete it from any island, on any device, on your schedule. Pass the final exam and download your state-approved certificate for your Guard Employee (GDE) license application.

Before your first shift as a security guard in Hawaii, the State Board of Private Detectives and Guards requires 8 hours of pre-assignment classroom instruction under HRS §463-10.5 (Act 208). This online course delivers that full requirement on your phone, tablet, or laptop, on your schedule. Start the moment you check out, work through the modules at your own pace, and download your state-approved certificate as soon as you pass the final exam.

The course covers Hawaii guard law and Act 208, the powers and limitations of a Hawaii guard, use of force under Hawaii law, crisis intervention and de-escalation, patrol procedures and report writing, emergency response, public interaction, and workplace safety. Each module ends with a short quiz to reinforce key concepts, followed by a comprehensive 50-question final exam with retakes included.

Topics Covered

1. Hawaii security guard law and Act 208 overview

2. Introduction to the private security industry

3. Powers and limitations of a Hawaii guard

4. Legal foundations and professional ethics

5. Use of force under Hawaii law

6. Crisis intervention and de-escalation

7. Patrol procedures, observation, and report writing

8. Emergency response on the job

9. Public interaction and customer service

By the end of this course, students will be able to:

• Describe the legal framework for security guards in Hawaii under HRS §463-10.5 (Act 208)

• Explain the powers and limitations of a security guard role in Hawaii

• Apply use-of-force principles consistent with Hawaii law

• De-escalate conflict and respond appropriately to crises

• Carry out patrol, observation, and report writing duties on the job

• Respond appropriately to common workplace emergencies

• Interact professionally with the public, coworkers, and law enforcement

• Recognize and mitigate workplace safety hazards

Once you pass, you'll use your certificate as part of the Guard Employee (GDE) license application submitted online to the Board of Private Detectives and Guards at mypvl.dcca.hawaii.gov.