How to become a security guard in Oklahoma

Every Oklahoma 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. Complete the 40-hour Security Guard Training Course (Phase 1 + Phase 2) at a CLEET-accredited school.
2. Pass the state examinations for both phases.
3. Apply through CLEET's online portal, complete fingerprinting through IdentoGO within 30 days of applying, and pay the $50 fee ($100 armed). An unarmed guard hired by a licensed agency can work up to 45 days on a complete application.
4. Renew every 3 years with 8 hours of continuing education and employment verification.

Unarmed Security Guard License: 18+ (59 O.S. 1750.5(H)). Phase I Basic 20 h + Phase II Security Guard 20 h at a CLEET-approved school, then the Phase I & II state exam (OAC 390:35-15-1). Since Nov. 1, 2022, an unarmed guard employed by a licensed agency with a complete application has 45 days from hire to get the license (59 O.S. 1750.4(B)). A conditional training license gives 180 days to finish training (1750.5(E)). CLEET may credit documented comparable training (1750.3). Three-year license; 8 hours CE per period; renewal filed more than 30 days after expiration is not accepted (1750.6).

Unarmed Private Investigator License: Issued by CLEET under the Security Guard and Private Investigator Act. Requires Phase I Basic (20 h) and Phase III Private Investigator (35 h) at a CLEET-approved school and the Phase III state exam (CareerTech testing centers); training may be waived by experience. Three-year license; 16 hours CE per licensing period (OAC 390:35-5-2(g)). Self-employed PIs must also hold an agency license and bond/insurance.

Approved Private Security Instructor: CLEET approves instructors who teach at accredited private security schools (OAC 390:35-15-2(b)(4)). Minimum: two years supervisory experience with a security/investigative agency or two years as a full-time certified peace officer within the last five years, or one year as an instructor at an accredited institution, PLUS the CareerTech curriculum orientation workshop. Firearms (Phase IV) instructors must hold a current LE or private-security firearms instructor certification from CLEET, FBI, NRA or similar; Phase III instructors need extra PI evidence.

Working armed in Oklahoma

Armed guards (21+) complete Phases 1, 2, and 4 (firearms instruction and qualification), pass a firearms exam, complete a psychological evaluation, and requalify every year on each firearm they carry.

Armed Security Guard License: 21+ (59 O.S. 1750.5(H); OAC 390:35-5-2). Phases I, II and IV (Firearms, 32 h per firearm category) with the Phase I & II and Phase IV state exams, plus the MMPI psychological evaluation given during firearms training (59 O.S. 1750.3A). Must requalify annually on every firearm authorized (OAC 390:35-13-3). Carry only in the course of employment; concealed when out of uniform (390:35-13-1). Conditional licenses never authorize carrying.

Armed Private Investigator License: Phase I (20 h) + Phase III (35 h) + Phase IV Firearms (32 h per firearm category) with the Phase III and Phase IV state exams, plus a current MMPI psychological evaluation. Three-year license, 16 CE hours per period; firearms requalification per OAC 390:35-15-5.

Combination License - Armed Security Guard & Armed Private Investigator: Single CLEET license covering both armed security guard and armed PI work. Requires Phases I, II, III and IV (20+20+35+32 h) and the Phase I/II, Phase III and Phase IV exams, plus MMPI. Upgraded licenses keep the original expiration date. 16 CE hours per three-year period.

Keep your Oklahoma credential alive

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