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Verified by NV Board of Public Safety

Security Guards Licensing in Nevada

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

Last verified: Feb 18, 2026

Current

Application Fee

See agency

Exam Requirement

State exam required

Renewal Cycle

Renewal al--$500 per license; firearms initial certification--$100; annual

Licensing Blueprint for Security Guards in Nevada

Estimated timeline: 5-21 years

Core Requirements

  1. 1

    Education: No educational requirements.

  2. 2

    Experience: Work experience required.

  3. 3

    Background/Criminal Review: Specific type of conviction prohibited.

  4. 4

    License Type: Stand-alone license.

  5. 5

    2) Undergo a background check through FBI and DPS.

  6. 6

    4) Have 5 years (10,000 hours) of private patrolman experience certified by their employer, or a combination of education and experience acceptable to the board.

  7. 7

    5) Pass a State Board examination with a score of 75% or better.

  8. 8

    In addition to the fees listed below, a background investigation deposit fee is also required and is applied to the cost of conducting an investigation.

  9. 9

    The fee is $750 for the first license category and $250 for each additional license category.

  10. 10

    Fees are: application processing --$20

    • examination--$100 (nonrefundable)
    • abeyance fee--$100 per license per year
    • initial license--license fee is prorated
    • annual license renewal--$500 per license
    • firearms initial certification--$100
    • annual firearms certification renewal--$50
    • fingerprints--$38.25.

Exam and processing details

  • State Board examination with a score of 75% or better

Continuing education and program notes

  • certified by their employer, or a combination of education and experience acceptable to the board

Application Snapshot

  1. Licensing Authority

    Private Investigator's Licensing Board

  2. Current Filing Fee

    See agency

  3. Renewal Cycle

    Renewal al--$500 per license; firearms initial certification--$100; annual

  4. Salary Position

    $38,340 median (0% above national)

  5. State Salary Rank

    #27 of 50 states

Step-by-Step Process (7)

  1. 1. Meet Nevada eligibility requirements for Security Guards licensure.
  2. 2. Complete required education or training: No educational requirements.
  3. 3. Document required supervised experience: Work experience required.
  4. 4. Pass required examination steps: State exam required State Board examination with a score of 75% or better.
  5. 5. Prepare supporting documentation (background check: Specific type of conviction prohibited; Background/Criminal Review: Specific type of conviction prohibited.; 2) Undergo a background check through FBI and DPS.).
  6. 6. Submit the application to Private Investigator's Licensing Board and monitor board communications.
  7. 7. Maintain post-licensure compliance (renewal cycle: Renewal al--$500 per license; firearms initial certification--$100; annual; continuing education: No continuing education requirement to maintain license).

Salary Insights in Nevada

With a median salary of $38,340, Security Guardss in Nevada earn 0% below the national median of $38,370. Nevada ranks #27 among 50 states. The typical licensing timeline is 5-21 years.

State Hiring Climate (QCEW)

Steady

QoQ Employment Change

+1.2%

Average Weekly Wage

$1,294

Median annual salary

$38,340

Hourly estimate

$18.43
0% above national median

Difference: -$30

Percentile Distribution

Annual compensation
  • P1010th percentile$28,970
  • P2525th percentile$35,360
  • P50Median$38,340
  • P7575th percentile$44,500
  • P9090th percentile$48,500

State vs National Median

State: $38,340
National: $38,370

Total employment: 25,610 | Annual openings: N/A

Security Guards Salary Ranking

#27 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
Nevada$38,340No educational requirementsState exam required5-21 years
Oregon$43,680Varies by state boardState-approved examVaries by board
Idaho$40,610Degree requiredThird-party exam requiredVaries by board
Utah$42,440Varies by state boardState-approved examVaries by board
Arizona$38,560Varies by state boardState-approved examVaries by board
California$43,930Varies 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
Nevada54LowState-specific exam conditions may apply. Documented experience may be required.
Oregon78HighBoard-specific review required.
Idaho54LowState-specific exam conditions may apply. Documented experience may be required.
Utah78HighBoard-specific review required.
Arizona78HighBoard-specific review required.
California78HighBoard-specific review 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

Private Investigator's Licensing Board

704 W. Nye Lane #203, Carson City, 89703

Phone: 7756873223

Related Careers in Nevada

ProfessionMedian SalaryEducationTimeline
Corrections Officer$76,800Varies by state board18 years
Firefighter$67,120Varies by state boardVaries by board
Police Officer$78,670Varies by state board18 years
Acupuncturist$78,140Degree required1-3 years

FAQ

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

Most applicants finish the licensing path in about 5-21 years, but timing can change based on education track, exam scheduling, and board processing.

What exams are required for Security Guardss in Nevada?

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

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

The board typically expects No educational requirements for Security Guards licensure in Nevada.

What is the typical Security Guards salary in Nevada?

The median annual salary for Security Guardss in Nevada is $38,340. Salaries range from $28,970 (10th percentile) to $48,500 (90th percentile).

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

Security Guardss in Nevada earn 0% below the national median of $38,370, with a state median of $38,340.

How many Security Guardss work in Nevada?

Nevada employs approximately 25,610 Security Guardss according to BLS data.

Can I transfer my Security Guards license to Nevada 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 Nevada?

The licensing agency is Private Investigator's Licensing Board. Review agency details at http://pilb.nv.gov/.

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

Current guidance indicates a renewal cycle of Renewal al--$500 per license; firearms initial certification--$100; annual.