Application Fee
See agencyVerified by AR Board of Public Safety
Security Guards Licensing in Arkansas
Review current requirements, exam details, renewal cycle, and salary outlook for security guards in Arkansas, including See agency and board contact links.
Last verified: Feb 18, 2026
Current
Exam Requirement
Third-party exam requiredRenewal Cycle
See board renewal rulesLicensing Blueprint for Security Guards in Arkansas
Estimated timeline: Varies by boardCore Requirements
- 1
Education: Specific course required.
- 2
Experience: No experience required.
- 3
Background/Criminal Review: Specific type of conviction prohibited.
- 4
Physical Requirement: No physical requirements.
- 5
License Type: Tied to business.
- 6
Background check to be conducted by the Division of Arkansas State.
- 7
(C) The state and national criminal background check shall conform to.
- 8
Director and shall make payment of any fee associated with the state.
- 9
And national criminal background check;
Exam and processing details
- Third-party exam required
Continuing education and program notes
- Center shall be available to the director for review of the applicant's
Application Snapshot
- Licensing Authority
Arkansas Department of Public Safety • Arkansas State Police-Regulatory Services Division • Private Investigators-Security-Alarm Installation and Monitoring
- Current Filing Fee
See agency
- Renewal Cycle
See board renewal rules
- Salary Position
$37,090 median (3% below national)
- State Salary Rank
#35 of 50 states
Step-by-Step Process (7)
- 1. Meet Arkansas eligibility requirements for Security Guards licensure.
- 2. Complete required education or training: Specific course required.
- 3. Document required supervised experience: No experience required.
- 4. Pass required examination steps: Third-party exam required.
- 5. Prepare supporting documentation (background check: Specific type of conviction prohibited; Background/Criminal Review: Specific type of conviction prohibited.; Background check to be conducted by the Division of Arkansas State.).
- 6. Submit the application to Arkansas Department of Public Safety~Arkansas State Police-Regulatory Services Division~Private Investigators-Security-Alarm Installation and Monitoring and monitor board communications.
- 7. Maintain post-licensure compliance (continuing education: No continuing education requirement to maintain license).
Salary Insights in Arkansas
With a median salary of $37,090, Security Guardss in Arkansas earn 3% below the national median of $38,370. Arkansas ranks #35 among 50 states. The typical licensing timeline is Varies by board.
State Hiring Climate (QCEW)
SteadyQoQ Employment Change
+1%Average Weekly Wage
$1,118Median annual salary
$37,090Hourly estimate
$17.833% below national median
Difference: -$1,280
Percentile Distribution
Annual compensationSecurity Guards Salary Ranking
#35 of 50 statesfor Security Guards median salary
| Rank | State | Median Salary |
|---|---|---|
| #1 | Alaska | $48,620 |
| #2 | Washington | $48,010 |
| #3 | Colorado | $46,080 |
| #4 | Minnesota | $46,020 |
| #5 | Massachusetts | $44,950 |
Nearby States Comparison
Security Guards licensing across the region| State | Median Salary | Education | Exam | Timeline |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Arkansas | $37,090 | Specific course required | Third-party exam required | Varies by board |
| Missouri | $40,680 | Degree required | Third-party exam required | Varies by board |
| Tennessee | $36,090 | No educational requirements | State exam required | 1-18 years |
| Mississippi | $29,710 | Degree required | State exam required | Varies by board |
| Louisiana | $31,660 | Specific course required | State exam required | Varies by board |
| Texas | $33,390 | No educational requirements | No exam required | Varies by board |
| Oklahoma | $36,580 | Specific course required | State exam required | Varies by board |
License by Endorsement
Transfer requirements are state-specific. Use this quick matrix as a planning signal, then verify final endorsement rules with each board.
| State | Reciprocity Score | Tier | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Arkansas | 54 | Low | State-specific exam conditions may apply. Documented experience may be required. |
| Missouri | 54 | Low | State-specific exam conditions may apply. Documented experience may be required. |
| Tennessee | 50 | Low | State-specific exam conditions may apply. Documented experience may be required. |
| Mississippi | 54 | Low | State-specific exam conditions may apply. Documented experience may be required. |
| Louisiana | 54 | Low | State-specific exam conditions may apply. Documented experience may be required. |
| Texas | 54 | Low | State-specific exam conditions may apply. Documented experience may be required. |
- License status indicator: Active.
- Continuing education indicator: No continuing education requirement to maintain license.
- Reciprocity and transfer rules vary by state board. Verify directly with the agency.
Official Licensing Agency
Official website verified
Arkansas Department of Public Safety • Arkansas State Police-Regulatory Services Division • Private Investigators-Security-Alarm Installation and Monitoring
#1 State Police Plaza Drive, Little Rock, AR, 72209
Phone: 5016188600
Related Careers in Arkansas
| Profession | Median Salary | Education | Timeline |
|---|---|---|---|
| Corrections Officer | $40,330 | Varies by state board | 1-18 years |
| Firefighter | $42,100 | Varies by state board | 1-18 years |
| Police Officer | $48,090 | Specific course required | 1-21 years |
| Acupuncturist | $78,140 | Degree required | 1-5 months |
FAQ
How long does it take to become a Security Guards in Arkansas?
Most applicants finish the licensing path in about Varies by board, but timing can change based on education track, exam scheduling, and board processing.
What exams are required for Security Guardss in Arkansas?
Arkansas lists Third-party exam required as part of the licensure process for Security Guardss.
What education do you need to become a Security Guards in Arkansas?
The board typically expects Specific course required for Security Guards licensure in Arkansas.
What is the typical Security Guards salary in Arkansas?
The median annual salary for Security Guardss in Arkansas is $37,090. Salaries range from $28,340 (10th percentile) to $48,840 (90th percentile).
How does the Security Guards salary in Arkansas compare to the national average?
Security Guardss in Arkansas earn 3% below the national median of $38,370, with a state median of $37,090.
How many Security Guardss work in Arkansas?
Arkansas employs approximately 6,680 Security Guardss according to BLS data.
Can I transfer my Security Guards license to Arkansas from another state?
Transfer requirements vary by board. License status indicator: Active. Continuing education indicator: No continuing education requirement to maintain license. Reciprocity and transfer rules vary by state board. Verify directly with the agency.
Who is the licensing agency for Security Guardss in Arkansas?
The licensing agency is Arkansas Department of Public Safety / Arkansas State Police-Regulatory Services Division / Private Investigators-Security-Alarm Installation and Monitoring. Review agency details at https://www.asp.arkansas.gov/services-and-programs/detail/Private-Investigators-Security-Alarm-Installation-Monitoring.
How often do you renew a Security Guards license in Arkansas?
Current guidance indicates a renewal cycle of See board renewal rules.