How to become a security guard in Alaska

Every Alaska credential

All 2 individual credentials this regulator issues to security workers, from the entry-level card to specialty and instructor registrations.

Steps to get started

1. Get hired by a licensed agency and complete 8 hours of general pre-assignment training.
2. Submit notarized form 12-183 to the Department of Public Safety with a $50 license fee, a $47 fingerprint processing fee, proof of insurance, a recent waist-up photo and a fingerprint card; your agency can put you on post for up to 30 days while it is pending.
3. Finish 40 hours of in-service training within 180 days of starting work.
4. Pass an 8-hour refresher course every year and renew the license every 2 years, at least 30 days before it expires.

Security Guard License: Applicants must be 18 or older with no felony conviction in the last 10 years unless pardoned (13 AAC 60.050). The 40-hour in-service block must cover law of arrest, search and seizure, duties to employer and client, fire prevention, first aid, and patrol techniques. The license requires $100,000/$200,000 liability and $100,000 property damage coverage, usually through the employer (13 AAC 60.120). Report a change of employer within 5 days (13 AAC 60.140), and file renewals at least 30 days before expiration (13 AAC 60.080).

Working armed in Alaska

Armed guards complete at least 8 additional hours of firearms training from a certified instructor, show competence with each firearm they may be issued, and requalify at an annual practice firing review (13 AAC 60.085). On duty an armed guard must be in company uniform and may not conceal the firearm without a concealed handgun permit from Alaska or another state (13 AAC 60.100), even though adults 21 and older can carry concealed off duty without one (AS 11.61.220). An Alaska permit requires age 21, 90 days of residency and a handgun course, applied for in person at a State Troopers office (AS 18.65.700 to 18.65.720).

Armed Security Guard License: Adds at least 8 hours of firearms pre-assignment training from a certified firearms trainer and demonstrated competence with each firearm that may be issued (13 AAC 60.085). Competence is rechecked at an annual practice firing review, and renewals need proof of it (13 AAC 60.080).

Keep your Alaska credential alive

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