How to become a security guard in Alabama

Every Alabama credential

All 6 individual credentials this regulator issues to security workers, from the entry-level card to specialty and instructor registrations. Rows marked ◇ are drafted from the regulator’s pages and await our reviewer’s sign-off.

Steps to get started

1. Get hired by a licensed contract security company; you apply within 30 days of starting work (Ala. Code 34-27C-7).
2. Complete 8 hours of training with an ASRB-certified trainer (12 hours plus firearms qualification for armed).
3. Submit two fingerprint cards for the state and FBI background check.
4. Apply to the Alabama Security Regulatory Board with the $112 license fee (cashier's check, money order or company check), and carry the notarized temporary license from the application while the board decides.
5. Renew every 2 years with 8 hours of refresher training from a certified trainer and new fingerprints.

Security Officer License: Must be 18+ and work for a licensed contract security company; apply within 30 days of starting work (Ala. Code 34-27C-7). Training must come from an ASRB-certified trainer. The notarized temporary license on the application lets you work until the board decides. Renewal every two years needs 8 hours of refresher training and new fingerprints. Guards who work only for their own employer are exempt (34-27C-17).

Certified Trainer 1: Board certification required to teach the Board-mandated classroom training for Security Officers (non-firearms). Certification expires two years from issuance; must be obtained before performing any regulated training. Qualification criteria are listed in r. 832-X-1-.07 but no hour count is stated.

Certified Trainer 2 (Firearms): Higher-tier trainer certification qualified to conduct ALL Board-required training including firearms training and qualification courses. Requires a firearms instructor certification from APOSTC, FBI, FLETC, NRA or equivalent; Board will not issue to anyone prohibited from possessing a firearm. Expires two years from issuance.

Qualifying Agent (Contract Security Company): Named individual designated by a licensed Contract Security Company who must personally hold a Security Officer license and is personally responsible (and disciplinable) for the company's regulated activity (r. 832-X-1-.06). No separate fee or renewal cycle is stated; the designation rides on the company license (renewed before October 1 annually) and the agent's own personal license.

Special License (six months or less): Personal license for an individual who will perform regulated security work in Alabama for six months or less in a year (e.g., seasonal/event staff). Must apply within 10 days of starting work, including employment and training documents; holder submits a renewal form but no renewal fee is assessed.

Working armed in Alabama

Armed officers must be at least 21, complete 4 additional hours of board-approved armed training, qualify with an approved firearms course, and hold a pistol permit from the sheriff of their home county (Ala. Code 34-27C-11). Renewal adds 2 extra hours of armed refresher training and a current course of fire.

Armed Security Officer License: 8-hour basic course plus 4 hours of armed training and firearms qualification (POSTC, NRA LE, or ASRB-approved course). Must be 21+ (Ala. Code 34-27C-4(d)(1)) and hold a pistol permit from the sheriff of your home county (34-27C-11). Renewal adds 2 hours of armed refresher training and a current course of fire.

Keep your Alabama credential alive

The free wallet computes your renewal deadline from Alabama's rules and reminds you at 60, 30, and 7 days. Exam prep for Alabama follows.