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Verified by GA Board of Public Safety

Security Guards Licensing in Georgia

Review current requirements, exam details, renewal cycle, and salary outlook for security guards in Georgia, including See agency and board contact links.

Last verified: Feb 18, 2026

Current

Application Fee

See agency

Exam Requirement

State exam required

Renewal Cycle

See board renewal rules

Licensing Blueprint for Security Guards in Georgia

Estimated timeline: 2 years

Core Requirements

  1. 1

    Education: Degree required.

  2. 2

    Experience: Work experience required.

  3. 3

    Background/Criminal Review: Background check required.

  4. 4

    Physical Requirement: No physical requirements.

  5. 5

    License Type: Stand-alone license.

  6. 6

    Applicants requirements for a security company license:.

  7. 7

    2 years of experience as a supervisor or administrator in in-house security.

  8. 8

    Operations or with a licensed security agency, or 2 years of experience in law.

  9. 9

    Enforcement, or four-year degree in criminal justice or related field from an.

Exam and processing details

  • State exam required

Application Snapshot

  1. Licensing Authority

    Georgia Board of Private Detective and Security Agencies

  2. Current Filing Fee

    See agency

  3. Renewal Cycle

    See board renewal rules

  4. Salary Position

    $35,670 median (7% below national)

  5. State Salary Rank

    #44 of 50 states

Step-by-Step Process (6)

  1. 1. Meet Georgia eligibility requirements for Security Guards licensure.
  2. 2. Complete required education or training: Degree required.
  3. 3. Document required supervised experience: Work experience required.
  4. 4. Pass required examination steps: State exam required.
  5. 5. Prepare supporting documentation (background check: Background check required; Background/Criminal Review: Background check required.).
  6. 6. Submit the application to Georgia Board of Private Detective and Security Agencies and monitor board communications.

Salary Insights in Georgia

With a median salary of $35,670, Security Guardss in Georgia earn 7% below the national median of $38,370. Georgia ranks #44 among 50 states. The typical licensing timeline is 2 years.

State Hiring Climate (QCEW)

Steady

QoQ Employment Change

+0.9%

Average Weekly Wage

$1,339

Median annual salary

$35,670

Hourly estimate

$17.15
7% below national median

Difference: -$2,700

Percentile Distribution

Annual compensation
  • P1010th percentile$26,190
  • P2525th percentile$31,100
  • P50Median$35,670
  • P7575th percentile$42,830
  • P9090th percentile$58,790

State vs National Median

State: $35,670
National: $38,370

Total employment: 35,410 | Annual openings: N/A

Security Guards Salary Ranking

#44 of 50 statesfor Security Guards median salary
RankStateMedian Salary
#1Alaska$48,620
#2Washington$48,010
#3Colorado$46,080
#4Minnesota$46,020
#5Massachusetts$44,950

Nearby States Comparison

Security Guards licensing across the region
StateMedian SalaryEducationExamTimeline
Georgia$35,670Degree requiredState exam required2 years
Tennessee$36,090No educational requirementsState exam required1-18 years
North Carolina$35,900No educational requirementsNo exam requiredVaries by board
South Carolina$34,820Specific course requiredState exam requiredVaries by board
Florida$36,090Specific course requiredState exam requiredVaries by board
Alabama$31,210Varies by state boardState-approved exam1-5 years

License by Endorsement

Transfer requirements are state-specific. Use this quick matrix as a planning signal, then verify final endorsement rules with each board.

StateReciprocity ScoreTierNotes
Georgia54LowState-specific exam conditions may apply. Documented experience may be required.
Tennessee50LowState-specific exam conditions may apply. Documented experience may be required.
North Carolina15LowLimited or restricted active licensing status. State-specific exam conditions may apply.
South Carolina54LowState-specific exam conditions may apply. Documented experience may be required.
Florida54LowState-specific exam conditions may apply. Documented experience may be required.
Alabama78HighBoard-specific review required.
  • License status indicator: Active.
  • Reciprocity and transfer rules vary by state board. Verify directly with the agency.

Official Licensing Agency

Official website verified

Georgia Board of Private Detective and Security Agencies

237 Coliseum Drive, Macon, GA, 31217-3858

Phone: 4782072440

Related Careers in Georgia

ProfessionMedian SalaryEducationTimeline
Corrections Officer$44,500Degree required21 years
Firefighter$45,970Varies by state boardVaries by board
Police Officer$56,350Degree required2 years
Acupuncturist$60,440Degree requiredVaries by board

FAQ

How long does it take to become a Security Guards in Georgia?

Most applicants finish the licensing path in about 2 years, but timing can change based on education track, exam scheduling, and board processing.

What exams are required for Security Guardss in Georgia?

Georgia lists State exam required as part of the licensure process for Security Guardss.

What education do you need to become a Security Guards in Georgia?

The board typically expects Degree required for Security Guards licensure in Georgia.

What is the typical Security Guards salary in Georgia?

The median annual salary for Security Guardss in Georgia is $35,670. Salaries range from $26,190 (10th percentile) to $58,790 (90th percentile).

How does the Security Guards salary in Georgia compare to the national average?

Security Guardss in Georgia earn 7% below the national median of $38,370, with a state median of $35,670.

How many Security Guardss work in Georgia?

Georgia employs approximately 35,410 Security Guardss according to BLS data.

Can I transfer my Security Guards license to Georgia from another state?

Transfer requirements vary by board. License status indicator: Active. Reciprocity and transfer rules vary by state board. Verify directly with the agency.

Who is the licensing agency for Security Guardss in Georgia?

The licensing agency is Georgia Board of Private Detective and Security Agencies. Review agency details at https://sos.ga.gov/index.php/licensing.

How often do you renew a Security Guards license in Georgia?

Current guidance indicates a renewal cycle of See board renewal rules.