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Verified by HI Board of Public Safety

Security Guards Licensing in Hawaii

Review current requirements, exam details, renewal cycle, and salary outlook for security guards in Hawaii, 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 Hawaii

Estimated timeline: 1-18 years

Core Requirements

  1. 1

    Submit FBI fingerprint check through Hawaii Criminal Justice Data Center. 2) A Criminal History Record check. 3) Be 18 years of age or older. 4) Presently not suffering from any psychiatric or psychologic disorder. 5) Not have been convicted in any jurisdiction of a crime.

  2. 2

    Complete 8 hours of classroom instruction given by a Board approved instructor on a Board approved curricula before the first day of service

  3. 3

    Education: Specific course required.

  4. 4

    Experience: Work experience required.

  5. 5

    Background/Criminal Review: Background check required.

  6. 6

    License Type: Stand-alone license.

  7. 7

    Personal requirements: 1) Submit FBI fingerprint check through Hawaii Criminal Justice Data Center.

  8. 8

    Education requirements: High school graduate or equivalent.

  9. 9

    Complete 8 hours of classroom instruction given by a Board approved instructor on a Board approved curricula before the first day of service

    • and 4 hours of classroom instruction triennially thereafter.
  10. 10

    Between July 1, 2022 to June 30, 2023, pay $116 (application $10, registration $54, compliance resolution fund $34, 1/3 Triennial Renewal Fee - $18).

Exam and processing details

  • State exam required

Continuing education and program notes

  • Center

Application Snapshot

  1. Licensing Authority

    Hawaii State Dept. of Commerce & Consumer Affairs • Professional and Vocational Licensing Division • Board of Private Detectives and Guards

  2. Current Filing Fee

    See agency

  3. Renewal Cycle

    See board renewal rules

  4. Salary Position

    $41,770 median (9% above national)

  5. State Salary Rank

    #13 of 50 states

Step-by-Step Process (7)

  1. 1. Confirm eligibility prerequisites (Submit FBI fingerprint check through Hawaii Criminal Justice Data Center. 2) A Criminal History Record check. 3) Be 18 years of age or ol...).
  2. 2. Complete required education or training: Specific course 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; Submit FBI fingerprint check through Hawaii Criminal Justice Data Center. 2) A Criminal History Record check. 3) Be 18 years of age or ol...; Background/Criminal Review: Background check required.).
  6. 6. Submit the application to Hawaii State Dept. of Commerce & Consumer Affairs~Professional and Vocational Licensing Division~Board of Private Detectives and Guards and monitor board communications.
  7. 7. Maintain post-licensure compliance (continuing education: Continuing education required to maintain license).

Salary Insights in Hawaii

With a median salary of $41,770, Security Guardss in Hawaii earn 9% above the national median of $38,370. Hawaii ranks #13 among 50 states. The typical licensing timeline is 1-18 years.

State Hiring Climate (QCEW)

Steady

QoQ Employment Change

-0.1%

Average Weekly Wage

$1,316

Median annual salary

$41,770

Hourly estimate

$20.08
9% above national median

Difference: +$3,400

Percentile Distribution

Annual compensation
  • P1010th percentile$30,220
  • P2525th percentile$36,730
  • P50Median$41,770
  • P7575th percentile$47,350
  • P9090th percentile$59,290

State vs National Median

State: $41,770
National: $38,370

Total employment: 9,790 | Annual openings: N/A

Security Guards Salary Ranking

#13 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
Hawaii$41,770Specific course requiredState exam required1-18 years
California$43,930Varies by state boardState-approved examVaries by board
Oregon$43,680Varies by state boardState-approved examVaries by board
Washington$48,010Specific course requiredState exam required21 years
Alaska$48,620Varies by state boardState-approved examVaries 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.

StateReciprocity ScoreTierNotes
Hawaii50LowState-specific exam conditions may apply. Documented experience may be required.
California78HighBoard-specific review required.
Oregon78HighBoard-specific review required.
Washington50LowState-specific exam conditions may apply. Documented experience may be required.
Alaska78HighBoard-specific review required.
  • License status indicator: Active.
  • Continuing education indicator: Continuing education required to maintain license.
  • Reciprocity and transfer rules vary by state board. Verify directly with the agency.

Official Licensing Agency

Official website verified

Hawaii State Dept. of Commerce & Consumer Affairs • Professional and Vocational Licensing Division • Board of Private Detectives and Guards

P. O. Box 3469, [335 Merchant St., Rm. 301, Honolulu, HI 96813], Honolulu, HI, 96801

Phone: 8085863000

Visit Official WebsiteCall BoardOpen in Maps

Related Careers in Hawaii

ProfessionMedian SalaryEducationTimeline
Corrections Officer$66,250Degree required2 years
Firefighter$59,530Degree required2-12 years
Police Officer$89,390Specific course required3-18 years
Acupuncturist$78,140Degree required1-4 months

FAQ

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

Most applicants finish the licensing path in about 1-18 years, but timing can change based on education track, exam scheduling, and board processing.

What exams are required for Security Guardss in Hawaii?

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

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

The board typically expects Specific course required for Security Guards licensure in Hawaii.

What is the typical Security Guards salary in Hawaii?

The median annual salary for Security Guardss in Hawaii is $41,770. Salaries range from $30,220 (10th percentile) to $59,290 (90th percentile).

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

Security Guardss in Hawaii earn 9% above the national median of $38,370, with a state median of $41,770.

How many Security Guardss work in Hawaii?

Hawaii employs approximately 9,790 Security Guardss according to BLS data.

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

Transfer requirements vary by board. License status indicator: Active. Continuing education indicator: Continuing education required 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 Hawaii?

The licensing agency is Hawaii State Dept. of Commerce & Consumer Affairs / Professional and Vocational Licensing Division / Board of Private Detectives and Guards. Review agency details at http://cca.hawaii.gov/pvl/boards/private/.

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

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