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Eligibility Overview

​Before beginning your career as a licensed security guard, it’s important to make sure you meet the state’s basic requirements. The Washington State Department of Licensing (DOL) oversees the licensing process, and all applicants must meet specific standards. Completing our 8-hour Pre-Assignment Training Course is a required step, you must also have a job offer from a licensed security company and pass a background check before you can receive your guard card and legally begin working.

Basic Eligibility Prerequisites

  • Be at least 18 years of age

  • Be a U.S. citizen or legally authorized to work in the United States

  • Have no disqualifying criminal convictions that would prevent you from holding a security license

If you have prior a conviction, the Department of Licensing reviews these situations on a case-by-case basis:​​

During this review, the DOL will carefully consider:

  • The type of crime

  • The level of the conviction (misdemeanor or felony)

  • The relationship of the crime to the duties of a security guard

  • The length of time since the conviction occurred

  • Whether you notified the DOL of the conviction as required

After Course Completion

After completion of our 8-hour Pre-Assignment Training Course, you’re ready to take the next steps toward obtaining your Washington State Security Guard License. These steps will guide you through the remaining requirements to become fully authorized to work as a security professional:

  • Be Employed, or have a job offer from, a licensed private security guard company

  • Submit a background check with fingerprints to IdentoGO to be searched through Washington State Patrol and FBI records

  • Submit your application and fees to the Washington Department of Licensing (DOL)

Further Questions

If you have any further questions or need clarification about the licensing process, including eligibility requirements, background checks, or application procedures, we encourage you to visit the Washington State Department of Licensing (DOL) website for the most up-to-date and detailed information.

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