State license required
How to become a security guard in Tennessee
Last reviewed August 28, 2026 · Regulator: Tennessee Dept. of Commerce & Insurance — Private Protective Services
Tennessee registers guards through the Department of Commerce & Insurance. Unarmed guards complete at least 4 hours of training on legal powers, emergency procedures, and general duties; armed guards add classroom firearms instruction and marksmanship qualification.
At a glance
Steps to get started
- Complete at least 4 hours of certified training (16 for armed).
- Complete the fingerprint background check through IdentoGO.
- Register with the Department of Commerce & Insurance ($95 unarmed / $130 armed).
- Renew every 2 years with the required refresher training (2 hours unarmed / 4 hours range for armed).
Unarmed Security Guard Registration: Guards at venues serving alcohol need extra de-escalation/restraint/first-aid training within 15 days of assignment.
Working armed in Tennessee
Armed guards (21+) complete 16 hours of training including marksmanship qualification at 70%+, plus 4 hours of range training at each renewal. School assignments require 8 additional hours of active-shooter training.
Armed Security Guard Registration: 4-hour orientation + 8 classroom hours on firearms law and handling + 4 hours of marksmanship (70%+ on approved silhouette course). School posts require 8 hours of active-shooter training. Must be 21+.
Sources
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