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Security Guard License Guides by State
“Guard card” can mean a BSIS registration, Class D license, work card, or security guard registration depending on where you live. Choose the state before paying for training.
Biggest costly mistake: buying training for the wrong state or wrong license type.
Fast comparison
| State | Credential | Pre-application training | Separate exam? |
|---|---|---|---|
| California | BSIS Security Guard registration | 3 + 5 hours | Course exam, 52 questions |
| Texas | Non-Commissioned Security Officer registration | Level II training course and test | Yes — the Level II course and test are required. |
| Florida | Class “D” Security Officer License | 40 hours at a licensed Class DS school or training facility | No separate statewide Class D licensing exam is listed; the central requirement is successful completion of the 40-hour course. |
| New York | Security Guard Registration Card | 8-hour pre-assignment course before applying; 16-hour on-the-job course within 90 days of employment; 8-hour annual in-service | No separate Department of State licensing exam is listed for an unarmed guard registration. |
| Nevada | Registered Employee Work Card | Use the current PILB application packet and complete its work-card examination materials | Yes — the current packet includes a work-card exam and answer sheet. |
| Arizona | Unarmed Security Guard Registration Card | Mandatory 8-hour pre-assignment training by an authorized instructor | The required 8-hour curriculum is the central training standard; Arizona’s public syllabus does not present a separate state licensing exam. |
Scope: These are unarmed-entry guides. Armed work has additional permits, firearms training, and eligibility rules.