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complete asrb guide from stpa
Complete Alabama Security License Guide from STPA

Complete Alabama Security License Guide from STPA

Want to work security in Alabama? This guide explains how to earn your license through the Alabama Security Regulatory Board (ASRB) — from training and fingerprints to fees, timelines, exemptions, and firearms qualifications.

Who needs an ASRB license?

If you’ll be working as a security officer in Alabama (unarmed or armed), you must be licensed by the ASRB. You must carry your ASRB license card while on duty; while your application is processing, you must carry the temporary card (tear-off) when performing regulated duties (Ala. Code § 34-27C-7(a); Rule 832-X-1-.04).

Step 1: Complete approved training

  • Unarmed (8 hours): Required initial course.
  • Armed add-on (6 hours + live-fire): Taken after unarmed if your role will be armed.

Firearms/armed training is in person and includes Alabama-specific firearms safety, lawful use of force, safe handling/storage, and a Board-mandated qualification with the firearm(s) you’ll use on duty (Rule 832-X-1-.08).

Looking for dates? Check our Schedule to pick a class and register.

Training exemptions

You may be exempt from the 8-hour basic block if one of these applies (you still complete required refresher/annual training):

  • Recent qualifying training (last 3 years): You completed basic security training through a military, government, or security training institute that meets or exceeds Alabama’s standard. Provide proof for Board review. If you have prior military service, include your DD-214 (or equivalent discharge/separation orders) with your application — this is required for former service members and also serves as proof if you are claiming the military-training exemption (Ala. Code § 34-27C-8).
  • Company curriculum meets/exceeds the state standard: You are employed by a contract security company whose curriculum the Board determines meets or exceeds statutory requirements; include documentation for Board review (Ala. Code § 34-27C-8).
  • Sworn peace officer: Provide proof of status as directed by the Board (Ala. Code § 34-27C-8).

Board-granted exemptions do not waive ongoing refresher/annual training (Ala. Code § 34-27C-8).

Step 2: Get fingerprinted

Provide two (2) FBI FD-258 fingerprint cards with your packet. If prints are rejected later, the Board typically allows a short window to re-submit (Rule 832-X-1-.04).

Step 3: Submit your application to ASRB

File your application and keep copies of everything.

What to include

  • Personal License Application (typed/legible; notarized where required)
  • Government photo ID (driver license or state ID)
  • Two FD-258 fingerprint cards
  • Training certificates, and exemption proof if claimed
  • DD-214 (or equivalent discharge/separation orders) if you have prior military service — required in the application packet and also used as proof for the military-training exemption when applicable
  • License fee: $112 (see payment options below)

Use the current ASRB application set for exact formatting and the current mailing address (Rule 832-X-1-.04).

Fees

ASRB personal license: $112, paid to the Alabama Security Regulatory Board (Ala. Code § 34-27C-7; Rule 832-X-1-.04).

Payment & mailing (how STPA can help)

STPA is an ASRB-licensed company. If you (or your ASRB-licensed employer) prefer, we will include our business check payable to the Alabama Security Regulatory Board in your packet so you don’t have to purchase a money order. You may also provide a cashier’s check or money order yourself — your choice. Packets are mailed the next USPS business day after class (classes usually end after the local USPS cut-off) (Rule 832-X-1-.04).

Timelines

After fingerprints and the packet are filed, most applicants see 12–16 weeks for the physical license card to arrive. It’s normal to show Pending for a while before the first update.

Application statuses

  • Pending: Application received; waiting in queue.
  • Active: Approved; license is valid to work.
  • Expired: License term ended; renewal required.
  • Closed: Administratively closed; not valid to work.
  • Denied: Not approved due to eligibility issues.
  • Rejected: Returned for corrections; you typically have a short window to fix and re-submit.
  • FP-Pending: Everything’s good except fingerprints; re-print and re-submit within the stated window.
  • Suspended/Revoked: Disciplinary action; not valid to work.

What you must carry while working

Your ASRB license card (or temporary card) must be on your person while performing duties (Ala. Code § 34-27C-7(a); Rule 832-X-1-.04).

Armed officers: Alabama law requires you to have a pistol permit issued by your county sheriff. Even though Alabama has permitless (“constitutional”) carry for the general public, that does not change the pistol-permit requirement for armed security officers (Ala. Code § 34-27C-11). We recommend keeping your pistol permit with your ASRB card while on duty.

LEOSA (HR-218) users: LEOSA lets qualified active/retired law enforcement carry concealed nationwide but does not replace Alabama’s employment licensing rules for armed security. LEOSA itself does not supersede certain state laws; Alabama separately requires an armed security officer license and a pistol permit (18 U.S.C. §§ 926B–926C; Ala. Code § 34-27C-11).

Carrying handcuffs, batons, OC spray, and Tasers on duty

Alabama’s ASRB rules treat these as less-lethal weapons and restraints. To carry them on duty, you must:

  • Complete training and certification on the specific device from an instructor authorized by the manufacturer or an independent instructor-certifying authority, and
  • Be authorized by your employer; carrying in violation of employer policy is prohibited (Rule 832-X-1-.08(6)).
Coming soon from STPA: Starting late October/early November, we’re adding OC spray, expandable baton, handcuffing, and tactical/duty flashlight courses. Watch the FAQ and Schedule for dates.

Firearms qualification (handgun, shotgun, rifle)

To be approved as armed, you must complete Board-approved firearms safety training and pass a Board-mandated qualification for each firearm you will use on duty (make/model/caliber). Annual re-qualification is required (Rule 832-X-1-.08).

Approved ways to qualify (any one)

  • APOSTC (Alabama Peace Officers Standards & Training Commission) course of fire current at the time of qualification, or
  • NRA Law Enforcement Activities Division (LEAD) course approved for a “Private Law Enforcement Organization” (requires Agency Affiliation and following NRA-LEAD rules), or
  • The ASRB course of fire for the discipline (Rule 832-X-1-.08(2)(d)).

ASRB handgun course (summary)

  • Rounds: 30
  • Target: FBI “Q”
  • Scoring: only hits completely inside the silhouette count
  • Passing: 80% (24/30)
  • Distances/stages: strings at 3, 7, and 15 yards with specified times, starts, reloads, scan/secure, and re-holstering (Rule 832-X-1-.08(10)).

ASRB shotgun course (summary)

  • Rounds: 10
  • Target: FBI “Q”
  • Scoring: only hits completely inside count
  • Passing: 80%
  • Stages: sequences at 25, 15, and 7 yards with ready conditions, movement, and reloads defined (Rule 832-X-1-.08(11)).

ASRB rifle course (summary)

  • Rounds: 30
  • Target: FBI “Q”
  • Scoring: only hits completely inside count
  • Passing: 80%
  • Stages: 50 → 25 → 15 → 7 yards incorporating kneeling/prone, use of cover, strong-/support-side transitions, tactical reloads (including a 2-round magazine), speed reloads while moving to kneeling, and facing drills (Rule 832-X-1-.08(12)).

Attempts, remedial training, and re-tests

Armed officers must qualify at least once each calendar year with each weapon carried on duty. If you fail initially, you receive a second attempt; after that, 8 hours of remedial training are required before two additional attempts. Failing after remedial training removes you from an armed post and you may not re-try for one year (Rule 832-X-1-.08(13)).

Renewals & armed upgrades

  • Renewals: Complete Board-approved refresher training before you submit your renewal (Ala. Code § 34-27C-8; Rule 832-X-1-.08).
  • Upgrade from unarmed to armed (license amendment):
    1. Complete Board-approved firearms safety training for armed status (Rule 832-X-1-.08).
    2. Pass the Board-mandated qualification for each firearm you will carry (Rule 832-X-1-.08(2), (10)–(12)).
    3. Obtain your county pistol permit (Ala. Code § 34-27C-11).
    4. File your armed amendment with the Board using the current personal-license application process. While it’s pending, if you perform regulated work you must carry the temporary license; you may not carry a firearm on duty until the Board issues your armed license card (Ala. Code § 34-27C-7; Rule 832-X-1-.04).

FAQ

Can I take this training virtually?

Firearms/armed blocks are in person. Required contact hours may include classroom, video, or assigned reading as allowed; Board-required training uses a written test with a minimum 70% to pass (Rule 832-X-1-.08).

Do I pay the license fee to STPA?

No — the $112 fee is paid to the ASRB. If you prefer, STPA (as an ASRB-licensed company) can include our business check to ASRB in your packet, or you can provide a cashier’s check or money order yourself (Rule 832-X-1-.04).

I have prior training or I’m a sworn officer — do I still need the 8-hour basic?

Maybe not. Alabama law lists three exemption paths — recent qualifying training, employer curriculum meeting/exceeding the standard, or sworn peace officer — but proof is required. If you have military service, include your DD-214 or equivalent orders (Ala. Code § 34-27C-8).

What must I carry while working?

Your ASRB license (or temporary license) at all times. If you’re armed, you must also have your county pistol permit, and you may not carry a firearm on duty without a valid armed license card (Ala. Code § 34-27C-7; § 34-27C-11; Rule 832-X-1-.04).

Get started

Helpful links: Schedule · FAQ · Firearms Qualification Details · Training Catalog

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