How to become a security guard in Vermont

Every Vermont credential

All 8 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 Vermont security agency and complete an approved 8-hour course (Registered Security Employee).
2. Apply online with the $70 fee, the course certificate and the Supervisor Authorization Form; OPR runs a Vermont Crime Information Center check (FBI check too if armed). Don't start work until the registration is issued.
3. Get CPR and AED certification within three months of hire.
4. To practice independently later, complete 40 hours of approved training, pass the jurisprudence exam, and document 2+ years of experience (Licensed Security Guard).
5. Renew by May 31 of odd-numbered years (next: May 31, 2027) with CPR certification from the prior two years.

Registered Security Employee: Requires 8 hours of approved training (role of the agency guard 2, ethics and conduct 3, legal powers and limitations 3; OPR rule 9-3), a Supervisor Authorization Form and a Vermont Crime Information Center record check; armed registrants also need an FBI check. Works only while employed and supervised by a licensed agency; otherwise the registration is active but inoperative (rule 4-2). Changing agencies takes a new Supervisor Authorization Form, not a new application. CPR and AED certification within three months of hire (rule 6-3); renewals fall on May 31 of odd-numbered years and require CPR certification from the prior two years.

Licensed Security Guard: Requires 40 hours of approved training (rule 9-2), the Vermont State Jurisprudence Examination, 2+ years of security or law-enforcement experience, two character references, and state and FBI record checks (26 V.S.A. § 3174; rule 4-1). May work as a sole proprietor or agency employee and supervise registered employees. Fast track endorsement available for guards licensed in other states.

Guard Dog Handler Specialty Designation: Rule Part 5-4: required to handle or use a guard dog while working as a licensee. Requires a Part 4 license, approved classroom instruction in guard-dog safety/use/legal responsibility (no hour minimum stated) and an approved field examination. Renewal requires, within the 6 months before renewal, repeating the classroom training and re-qualifying at the field exam. Fee not itemized on the OPR fee sheet.

Licensed Private Investigator: Same OPR board and rule chapter as security guards (26 V.S.A. ch. 59). Requires 40 hours approved PI training (Rule 9-4), passing the state PI exam (26 V.S.A. 3175) and 2+ years investigative or law-enforcement experience. May practice as a sole proprietor or agency employee. Fixed biennial renewal (PI & Security group renews May 31 of odd years per fee sheet).

Registered Investigative Employee: Entry-level PI registration: 8 hours approved PI training (Rule 9-5), works only under a licensed PI at a licensed agency; registration is 'active but inoperative' when not employed by an agency. Mirrors the registered security employee.

Licensed Guard Dog Training Instructor: Rule 4-7: instructors providing guard-dog training to licensees must be licensed by OPR and teach OPR-approved courses. Requires the age of majority, a copy of the training program, proof of instructor certification and a federal record check (26 V.S.A. § 3175b).

Working armed in Vermont

Vermont requires no permit to carry, but a licensee may not have a firearm while working without a firearms certification (26 V.S.A. § 3175c). The specialty takes at least 12 classroom hours on safe handling and legal responsibility, 4 hours on the weapon carried and range qualification from a Vermont-licensed instructor (rule 5-3), plus an FBI record check, and a firearms recertification at each renewal.

Licensed Firearms Training Instructor: Rule 4-7: anyone training licensees in firearms must be licensed by OPR under 26 V.S.A. 3175a, and each course must be OPR-approved; OPR will not recognize training from an unlicensed instructor. Requires the age of majority, a copy of the training program, proof of certification from an OPR-approved instructor course and a federal record check (26 V.S.A. § 3175a).

Firearms Specialty Designation (Armed Endorsement): Board of Private Investigative and Security Services rule Part 5: no licensee may carry a firearm on the job without this designation on top of a Part 4 license (registered employee or licensed guard/PI). Requires >= 12 hours approved classroom instruction on safe handling/legal responsibility, >= 4 hours on the specific weapon carried, and range qualification, all from an OPR-licensed firearms instructor, plus an FBI record check. Renewal on the fixed biennial cycle requires a valid firearms recertification certificate. Also covers armed private investigators.

Keep your Vermont credential alive

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