Tennessee Security Officer License: Complete Step-by-Step Guide

This guide explains how to become a registered security guard/officer in Tennessee. It covers Unarmed and Armed paths under Tennessee’s Private Protective Services program at the Department of Commerce & Insurance (TDCI).

1) Do you need a Tennessee registration card?

If you perform security guard or patrol duties at any post located in Tennessee, you must hold a Tennessee registration card that matches the work:

• Unarmed Security Guard/Officer for posts that do not require a firearm. This card authorizes uniformed security duties without a firearm; you may carry only devices your employer authorizes and you are separately trained and certified to use.
• Armed Security Guard/Officer for posts that require a firearm. This card authorizes firearm carry during security duties and also permits you to work unarmed posts without a second card.

Out-of-state licenses do not transfer. You must register in Tennessee even if you live elsewhere and only work occasionally in Tennessee.

Working before your card arrives:

• Unarmed applicants may work while their application is processing only if a complete application has been filed and they carry proof of filing and fee payment while on duty. “Complete” means you submitted training, fingerprints, photo, and the state fee; carry a printed or digital copy of the CORE confirmation and your payment receipt.
• Armed applicants may not work armed until the Armed registration card is issued. You can still accept unarmed shifts if you meet the unarmed “work while pending” rule above.

Need help choosing a path? Email STPA: classes@shieldwalltpa.com

2) Eligibility and disqualifiers

Unarmed path

• Minimum age 18. You must be 18 or older on the date you submit the application.
• Good moral character and fitness to perform duties. The state evaluates criminal history, employment history, and any conditions that could make you unsafe on duty.
• Electronic fingerprint background check with the Tennessee Bureau of Investigation and the Federal Bureau of Investigation. Schedule with IdentoGO; your results flow directly to TDCI.
• Completion of 4 hours of general guard training and a written exam. Your trainer provides Form IN-1144 to prove completion.

Armed path

• Minimum age 21. This is a hard threshold at application time.
• All Unarmed requirements, plus 12 hours of firearms training (8 hours classroom and 4 hours live-fire marksmanship) and a passing firearms exam and qualification score. Your trainer records your weapon details and score on Form IN-1144.

Tennessee reviews criminal history and other disqualifiers case-by-case. If you reside outside Tennessee you can still register; you will use the non-resident fingerprint option if you cannot be printed in Tennessee.

Questions about your background or age path? Ask STPA in confidence: classes@shieldwalltpa.com

3) Registration types in this guide

• Unarmed Security Guard/Officer — initial and renewal. You start here if your job does not require a firearm.
• Armed Security Guard/Officer — initial and renewal. You add this if your job requires a firearm; it also covers unarmed posts so you do not need two cards.

Trainer credentials and company or proprietary security (PSO) licensing are handled in a separate post.

4) Initial training requirements

Unarmed initial — 4 hours plus exam

You will complete four one-hour blocks and then pass a written exam:

1. Orientation: roles, responsibilities, professional standards. You learn how security fits into a client’s risk program, plus etiquette and professionalism on post.
2. Legal powers and limitations: authority on private property, detentions, use-of-force overview, and when to call law enforcement. Focus is on what you legally may and may not do while in uniform.
3. Emergency procedures: medical and fire basics, evacuations, severe weather, suspicious packages, and incident reporting. You will learn how to escalate and when to stabilize a scene.
4. General duties: patrol methods, radio procedures, observation and documentation, public contact, and customer service. Emphasis on report writing that stands up to review.

After you pass, your trainer issues the Certificate of Successful Completion of Guard Training (Form IN-1144). You will upload this with your application. Keep a copy for renewals and employer onboarding.

Ready to start Unarmed? Find dates: https://shieldwalltpa.com/training | Questions? Email classes@shieldwalltpa.com

Armed initial — 12 hours firearms plus exam

This is an add-on to Unarmed. You complete:

• 8 hours classroom (firearms): legal limitations and liabilities for armed work, safe handling, safe storage and transport, maintenance, malfunctions, and employer policies. You must understand Tennessee use-of-force constraints and safe carry standards.
• 4 hours live-fire marksmanship with a required Course of Fire and a minimum 70% passing score. The trainer records your weapon make, model, caliber, and your numeric score on Form IN-1144.

Ready to go Armed? Find dates: https://shieldwalltpa.com/training | Questions? Email classes@shieldwalltpa.com

5) Special venue rules: “Dallas’s Law” and other classifications

If you work at an establishment with on-premises alcohol sales (alcoholic beverage commission or beer permit) or similar venues, you must complete additional topics often referred to as Dallas’s Law training. These modules include de-escalation and safe restraint so you can reduce force, protect patrons, and meet venue obligations. Some posts require current CPR/First Aid; that training is being added soon.

Your classification should appear on your registration card. If timing requires you to start sooner, you must carry proof that you submitted an add-classification application and paid the fee until the new card arrives. Do not assume your employer’s internal course is sufficient; the state classification must be recorded to your registration.

Unsure whether your post requires a classification? Email STPA the post description: classes@shieldwalltpa.com

6) Weapons rules and less-lethal devices

• Unarmed registrants may not carry a firearm while on duty, even if they have a personal handgun carry permit. Your authority is limited to observation, deterrence, communication, and hands-on only as allowed by policy and law.
• Less-lethal devices such as baton, chemical spray (oleoresin capsicum), or conducted energy devices may be carried only when you have completed device-specific 4-hour training, you carry the trainer’s card, and your employer has authorized the device in writing. Keep copies of the card and authorization available for inspection.
• Armed registrants may carry firearms in accordance with Tennessee rules and employer policy, after completing the required firearms training and passing the qualification. You must maintain proficiency and requalify at renewal.

Need device-specific authorization? Request scheduling: https://shieldwalltpa.com/training | Questions? Email classes@shieldwalltpa.com

7) Fingerprinting and background check

All applicants must complete a TBI/FBI background check through IdentoGO.

Tennessee residents schedule electronic fingerprints at a local IdentoGO site. Bring government ID and the correct service code for Private Protective Services. At your appointment you will verify your identity and submit prints; IdentoGO transmits them to TBI/FBI. You receive a receipt; upload it with your application.

Non-residents or those unable to visit a Tennessee site use Non-Resident Cardscan. You register for Tennessee cardscan service online, pay the vendor, then mail inked fingerprint cards with the cover sheet that IdentoGO generates. Roll your prints at a law enforcement agency or approved provider so the quality meets FBI standards.

Common issues that cause delays: names that do not match your application, smudged cards for mail-in submissions, and missing receipts. Double-check your name format and keep your receipt with your application packet.

Need the correct service code and a pre-flight checklist? Request STPA’s fingerprint guide: classes@shieldwalltpa.com

Appointment timing tips

• Same-day booking: IdentoGO often posts new slots early morning. Check again at 7–9 a.m. for cancellations.
• Name format: Enter your name exactly as it appears on your government ID and in CORE. Mismatches cause delays.
• Non-resident cardscan mailing: Use a rigid mailer and include the IdentoGO cover sheet; retain the tracking number.
• Receipts: Save a PDF of your fingerprint receipt and upload it to CORE with your application.

8) Online application in the CORE portal

Tennessee uses the CORE licensing portal for initial and renewal applications.

Create a CORE account and start the application that matches your path:

• Unarmed Security Guard/Officer – Initial. Choose this if you will not carry a firearm on duty. The system will prompt you for training proof, fingerprint receipt, and your head-and-shoulders photo.
• Armed Security Guard/Officer – Initial. Choose this if your job requires a firearm. You must upload Unarmed and Armed training documentation on Form IN-1144, your fingerprint receipt, and your photo.

You will upload:

• A head-and-shoulders, passport-style photo with a plain background. This appears on your registration card; avoid hats, sunglasses, and busy backgrounds.
• Form IN-1144 that shows your completed training (and firearms details for Armed). Take a clear scan; ensure your name matches CORE exactly.
• Your IdentoGO receipt or non-resident cardscan confirmation. This connects your background check to your application.
• A government photo ID. Use a current, unexpired ID.
• Any other supporting documents the portal requests. If you have a prior record, upload certified court dispositions as directed.

Pay the state fees inside CORE and submit. Save the confirmation. If you are unarmed and working while pending, carry a copy of your complete application and proof of payment until your card arrives.

Want help assembling your upload package? Ask for the CORE upload checklist: classes@shieldwalltpa.com

Scheduling and seat availability

• Find dates: view upcoming classes here: https://shieldwalltpa.com/training | Questions? Email classes@shieldwalltpa.com
  This page lists Unarmed initial, Armed add-on, renewals, and device-specific modules. If you do not see a date that fits, email your target week and city; we group students to open additional sessions.
• Corporate or group seats: if you are sending four or more students, include your preferred window and any post requirements (Dallas’s Law, less-lethal devices). We will propose a private or semi-private block and confirm documentation needs in advance. Email classes@shieldwalltpa.com.

9) State fees and what each one pays for

Training tuition is separate and paid to the school. The fees below are state charges you will see in CORE or with IdentoGO. These amounts come from the TDCI license-detail pages and current program guidance. Plan for both training and state fees.

Unarmed Security Guard/Officer (Initial)

• State application and registration: $95 total. This covers the review of your application, issuance of your registration card upon approval, and program administration. You pay it in CORE at submission; it is nonrefundable once processing begins.
• Electronic fingerprints (IdentoGO): about $35.15; paid to the vendor. This pays TBI/FBI record checks and vendor processing. You pay at scheduling (online) or at the appointment, depending on the site.

Unarmed Security Guard/Officer (Renewal, every 2 years)

• Renewal: $70. This fee keeps your registration active for another two years. Pay in CORE when you submit your renewal with proof of the 2-hour refresher.
• Late renewal penalty: $20 per month during the 90-day grace period. If you renew one month late, add $20; two months late, add $40; three months late, add $60. After 90 days, you must reapply as an initial and pay the initial fee again.

Armed Security Guard/Officer (Initial)

• State application and registration: $130 total. This includes unarmed registration plus armed authorization and card production. Pay in CORE when you submit; nonrefundable once processing begins.
• Electronic fingerprints: vendor fee similar to Unarmed. If you recently printed for an Unarmed application, the state may still require a current submission tied to the Armed application; follow CORE prompts.

Armed Security Guard/Officer (Renewal, every 2 years)

• Renewal: $85. This keeps your Armed registration active for two years. Upload proof of the 4-hour refresher and passing requalification score, then pay in CORE.
• Late renewal penalty: $20 per month during the 90-day grace period. Same monthly additions as Unarmed. More than 90 days late requires reapplication as an initial Armed applicant with full training.

Other common fees and when they apply

• Duplicate card: $25. Use this if your card is lost, stolen, or damaged. Request through CORE; your status must be Active.
• Add-classification application (for venue classifications such as Dallas’s Law) after your initial or renewal: $25. This prints a new card showing the added classification. If you include the classification at the time of initial or renewal and submit training proof on time, you avoid a separate add-on fee.
• Reinstatement after grace: varies. If you miss the 90-day grace window, you must reapply as an initial. Budget the initial fee and current fingerprint vendor fee again.

Not sure which fees to expect? We can confirm your exact path before you enroll. Email classes@shieldwalltpa.com.

10) Typical processing times and status meanings

Many applicants see approval in four to six weeks from the date a complete application is submitted. “Complete” means training, fingerprints, photo, ID, and fee are all uploaded and readable. Eight to twelve weeks is not unusual during peak periods, if prints must be resubmitted, or if your name or date of birth has mismatches.

You may see these status labels in CORE:

• Submitted/Processing: your application is in review. You do not need to call to confirm receipt; check CORE for updates.
• Active: approved; your card is valid. Print or download a copy for your wallet and notify your employer.
• Expired: past the expiration date. You cannot work until you renew; your employer will remove you from armed or unarmed posts.
• Grace: within the 90-day renewal grace period; late fees apply per month. You may not be scheduled if policy requires Active status; renew quickly.
• Closed/Denied/Rejected: not approved; you cannot work. Read the notice, correct the issues, and resubmit if allowed.

Want a one-page progress tracker? Request STPA’s status tracker: classes@shieldwalltpa.com

11) What to carry on duty

• Your registration card that matches the work you are doing. Present it to law enforcement or state inspectors on request.
• If you are unarmed and working while pending, a copy of your complete application and proof of fee payment. Keep a printed copy in your pocket or a clear digital copy on your phone.
• If your post requires a special classification, carry a card that shows the classification or carry proof that you submitted the add-classification application and paid the fee. Keep the proof until your new card arrives.
• If you carry less-lethal devices, carry your trainer’s device-specific card and ensure your employer authorization is on file. Show the trainer card if an inspector or officer asks.
• If you are armed, carry your Armed registration card. Do not work armed until it is issued.

Request the “What to Carry On Duty” wallet checklist: classes@shieldwalltpa.com

What to bring to class

• Identification: government photo ID that matches your CORE profile name.
  Why: your documents, photo, and range roster must all match to avoid rework.
• For Armed training: duty-type handgun, two or more magazines, 50–150 rounds, rigid holster that covers the trigger guard, eye/ear protection, closed-toe shoes.
  Why: Tennessee requires live-fire qualification; missing gear delays your certification.
• Optional: hat, water, weather gear for outdoor ranges.
  Why: comfort improves safety and performance.

12) Renewal requirements and timing

Unarmed renewal

Every two years you must complete a 2-hour refresher that reinforces legal updates, duty standards, emergency procedures, and any site-specific topics like Dallas’s Law when applicable. Then submit your renewal in CORE with the $70 fee. You have a 90-day grace period after expiration; a $20 per month late fee applies while in grace. After 90 days you must reapply as an initial. Renew early to avoid lapses that can pause your work schedule.

Renew options and dates: https://shieldwalltpa.com/training | Questions? Email classes@shieldwalltpa.com

Armed renewal

Every two years you must complete 4 hours of refresher and requalify on the handgun Course of Fire with a minimum 70%. Upload your documents and pay the $85 renewal fee in CORE. The same 90-day grace and $20 per month late fee apply. If you pass 90 days, you must reapply and complete a full Armed program again. Schedule requalification with your refresher to streamline the process.

Book range and class: https://shieldwalltpa.com/training | Questions? Email classes@shieldwalltpa.com

13) Upgrading from Unarmed to Armed or adding a classification

To upgrade from Unarmed to Armed, complete the 8-hour classroom firearms and 4-hour marksmanship blocks, pass the written exam and live-fire qualification, then submit the Armed initial application in CORE with applicable fees and fingerprints. You may continue to work unarmed, but you may not work armed until your Armed card is issued. Plan your upgrade so your prints and training are current on submission day.

To add a venue classification, complete the required training. If you missed adding it on your initial or renewal, submit an add-classification application and fee so a new card can be printed. Keep proof of submission while you wait for the new card.

Need a timing plan that avoids downtime? Ask STPA to schedule your upgrade: classes@shieldwalltpa.com

14) Firearms qualification: detailed Course of Fire

Tennessee requires qualification on a silhouette target with a minimum 70% to pass. STPA delivers a standards-based course that meets Tennessee expectations and prepares you for real posts.

Handgun Course of Fire (50 rounds, timed)

• 2–3 yards — 30 rounds. You will run timed strings that include dominant-hand only, support-hand only, and two-handed fire. You must show safe draws, controlled pairs, and immediate action to clear induced stoppages. This proves control at close distances.
• 5–7 yards — 15 rounds. You will fire timed strings with controlled pairs and cadence fire, transitioning between grip styles while maintaining accuracy under time pressure. This builds consistency at typical engagement distances.
• 10–15 yards — 5 rounds. You will fire from cover or concealment and perform an emergency reload inside the time standard. This validates marksmanship and weapon handling at longer distances.

Scoring

• Passing score is 70% or higher. Programs may score by hits (for example, 35 of 50) or by points on the silhouette. Your numeric score is recorded on Form IN-1144 to verify you met the standard.

Optional shotgun Course of Fire (10 rounds)

• 7 yards: 3 buckshot standing. You demonstrate recoil management and pattern control.
• 15 yards: 3 slugs and 2 buckshot (standing and kneeling). You show position transitions and slug placement.
• 25 yards: 2 slugs (standing and kneeling). You prove longer-range precision and position discipline.
• Passing score is 70% or higher.

What to bring to the range: duty-type handgun, two or more magazines, 50–150 rounds, rigid holster that covers the trigger guard, eye and ear protection, and weather-appropriate clothing. Bring water and a brimmed hat for outdoor ranges.

Schedule qualification with the renewal class to save a trip: https://shieldwalltpa.com/training | Questions? Email classes@shieldwalltpa.com

15) Practical scenarios

I live in another state but will work in Tennessee several times a year.
Train with STPA, then either do electronic fingerprints during your trip or use the non-resident cardscan process before you travel. Upload everything to CORE promptly to start the clock. Keep copies of your submissions in your phone for quick reference.

My post is at a venue that serves alcohol.
Complete the Dallas’s Law training modules and ensure the classification appears on your card. If you must start before the new card arrives, carry the proof that you filed the add-classification application and paid the fee. Recheck your site’s CPR/First Aid requirements.

I already have a personal handgun carry permit.
That does not replace Tennessee’s Armed registration. You must complete the Armed training, pass the qualification, and receive your Armed registration card before you can work an armed post. Your personal permit does not authorize armed security duties.

I missed my renewal date.
Use the 90-day grace period and pay the per-month late fee. If more than 90 days have passed, reapply as an initial. Do not work while you are expired unless your employer confirms a lawful path; most clients require Active status on day one.

Need a tailored plan for your situation? Contact STPA scheduling: classes@shieldwalltpa.com

16) Enroll and Get Help

Choose what you need and register in minutes. If you are unsure which option fits your assignment, email classes@shieldwalltpa.com with your post details and timeline.

Unarmed Security Guard/Officer — Initial (4 hours)

• Live class, written exam, and completed Form IN-1144 for your application. You leave class ready to file in CORE.
• Find dates: https://shieldwalltpa.com/training | Questions? Email classes@shieldwalltpa.com

Armed Security Guard/Officer — Add-On (8 hours classroom + 4 hours range)

• Legal and policy blocks, safe handling, maintenance, and live-fire qualification with recorded score and weapon details for Form IN-1144. Range conducted to Tennessee standards.
• Find dates: https://shieldwalltpa.com/training | Questions? Email classes@shieldwalltpa.com

Unarmed Renewal (2 hours)

• Refresher aligned to current rules; documentation for CORE upload. We confirm your photo and naming conventions so CORE accepts files the first time.
• Find dates: https://shieldwalltpa.com/training | Questions? Email classes@shieldwalltpa.com

Armed Renewal (4 hours) + Requalification

• Classroom refresher and handgun qualification (≥70% required) with documentation for CORE. We record your score and weapon data for Form IN-1144.
• Find dates: https://shieldwalltpa.com/training | Questions? Email classes@shieldwalltpa.com

Dallas’s Law Venue Training

• De-escalation and safe restraint modules for alcohol-serving and similar venues; guidance on adding classifications to your card without extra downtime.
• Request dates: classes@shieldwalltpa.com

Less-Lethal Device Modules (baton, OC, conducted-energy device)

• Device-specific 4-hour sessions; trainer card issued when complete; employer authorization guidance so you remain compliant on inspections.
• Request scheduling: classes@shieldwalltpa.com

Fingerprinting and CORE Application Help

• Service codes, non-resident cardscan steps, and a file-naming checklist to reduce rejections. We align your file names and photo specs to CORE rules.
• Get the checklist: classes@shieldwalltpa.com

CPR/First Aid

• Coming soon; aligned to venue expectations tied to Dallas’s Law posts.
• Join the update list: classes@shieldwalltpa.com

References

• Tennessee license detail pages and program home confirming fees, renewals, grace periods, training blocks, and requalification: Armed ($130 initial, $85 renewal, $25 duplicate; 4h refresher + COF ≥70%); Unarmed ($95 initial, $70 renewal, $25 duplicate; 2h refresher; 90-day grace; $20/month late).
• IdentoGO Tennessee for electronic fingerprinting and non-resident cardscan.
• Guard training certificate Form IN-1144 (training documentation for Unarmed and Armed submissions).
• STPA Tennessee training outlines and range scorecards (course content and qualification structure).