Application Fee
See agencyVerified by TN Board of Public Safety
Security Guards Licensing in Tennessee
Review current requirements, exam details, renewal cycle, and salary outlook for security guards in Tennessee, including See agency and board contact links.
Last verified: Feb 18, 2026
Current
Exam Requirement
State exam requiredRenewal Cycle
See board renewal rulesLicensing Blueprint for Security Guards in Tennessee
Estimated timeline: 1-18 yearsCore Requirements
- 1
Must meet the training requirements
- 2
Education: No educational requirements.
- 3
Experience: No experience required.
- 4
Background/Criminal Review: Specific type of conviction prohibited.
- 5
Physical Requirement: Some physical requirements.
- 6
License Type: Stand-alone license.
- 7
Must meet the training requirements.
- 8
TRAINING REQUIREMENTS:.
- 9
Training includes an examination covering subjects in which the individual must have training.
- 10
All candidates must complete a four hour basic course including 1 hour each of orientation, legal powers and limitations of a security guard/officer, emergency procedures, and general duties with additional training for carrying the weapons or other devices that are less than lethal that he will use.
- 11
An armed guard must complete eight additional hours in the classroom covering legal limitations on the use of a firearm, handling of a firearm, and safety and maintenance of firearms, and an additional four hours of marksmanship training and achieve a minimum of 70% on any silhouette target course approved by the commissioner.
- 12
Within 15 days of employment at an establishment with on-premises alcohol consumption, take two additional training courses.
Exam and processing details
- State exam required
Continuing education and program notes
- Continuing education required to maintain license
Application Snapshot
- Licensing Authority
Department of Commerce and Insurance • Division of Regulatory Boards • Division of Regulatory Boards
- Current Filing Fee
See agency
- Renewal Cycle
See board renewal rules
- Salary Position
$36,090 median (6% below national)
- State Salary Rank
#42 of 50 states
Step-by-Step Process (7)
- 1. Meet Tennessee eligibility requirements for Security Guards licensure.
- 2. Complete required education or training: No educational requirements.
- 3. Document required supervised experience: No experience required.
- 4. Pass required examination steps: State exam required.
- 5. Prepare supporting documentation (background check: Specific type of conviction prohibited; Background/Criminal Review: Specific type of conviction prohibited.).
- 6. Submit the application to Department of Commerce and Insurance~Division of Regulatory Boards~Division of Regulatory Boards and monitor board communications.
- 7. Maintain post-licensure compliance (continuing education: Continuing education required to maintain license).
Salary Insights in Tennessee
With a median salary of $36,090, Security Guardss in Tennessee earn 6% below the national median of $38,370. Tennessee ranks #42 among 50 states. The typical licensing timeline is 1-18 years.
State Hiring Climate (QCEW)
SteadyQoQ Employment Change
+0.6%Average Weekly Wage
$1,297Median annual salary
$36,090Hourly estimate
$17.356% below national median
Difference: -$2,280
Percentile Distribution
Annual compensationSecurity Guards Salary Ranking
#42 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 |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Tennessee | $36,090 | No educational requirements | State exam required | 1-18 years |
| Kentucky | $35,520 | Degree required | Third-party exam required | 1 month |
| Virginia | $43,440 | Specific course required | No exam required | Varies by board |
| North Carolina | $35,900 | No educational requirements | No exam required | Varies by board |
| Georgia | $35,670 | Degree required | State exam required | 2 years |
| Alabama | $31,210 | Varies by state board | State-approved exam | 1-5 years |
| Mississippi | $29,710 | Degree required | State exam required | Varies by board |
| 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 |
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 |
|---|---|---|---|
| Tennessee | 50 | Low | State-specific exam conditions may apply. Documented experience may be required. |
| Kentucky | 50 | Low | State-specific exam conditions may apply. Documented experience may be required. |
| Virginia | 60 | Medium | State-specific exam conditions may apply. Documented experience may be required. |
| North Carolina | 15 | Low | Limited or restricted active licensing status. State-specific exam conditions may apply. |
| Georgia | 54 | Low | State-specific exam conditions may apply. Documented experience may be required. |
| Alabama | 78 | High | Board-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
Agency website unverified
Department of Commerce and Insurance • Division of Regulatory Boards • Division of Regulatory Boards
Davy Crockett Tower, 500 James Robertson Pkwy, Nashville, TN, 37243-1158
Phone: 6157416382
This agency is in our manual verification queue. We only publish direct official board URLs after verification.
Related Careers in Tennessee
| Profession | Median Salary | Education | Timeline |
|---|---|---|---|
| Corrections Officer | $51,490 | Degree required | 1 month |
| Firefighter | $47,300 | No educational requirements | Varies by board |
| Police Officer | $59,410 | No educational requirements | 1-18 years |
| Acupuncturist | $78,140 | Specific course required | Varies by board |
FAQ
How long does it take to become a Security Guards in Tennessee?
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 Tennessee?
Tennessee lists State exam required as part of the licensure process for Security Guardss.
What education do you need to become a Security Guards in Tennessee?
The board typically expects No educational requirements for Security Guards licensure in Tennessee.
What is the typical Security Guards salary in Tennessee?
The median annual salary for Security Guardss in Tennessee is $36,090. Salaries range from $28,690 (10th percentile) to $60,200 (90th percentile).
How does the Security Guards salary in Tennessee compare to the national average?
Security Guardss in Tennessee earn 6% below the national median of $38,370, with a state median of $36,090.
How many Security Guardss work in Tennessee?
Tennessee employs approximately 28,260 Security Guardss according to BLS data.
Can I transfer my Security Guards license to Tennessee 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 Tennessee?
The licensing agency is Department of Commerce and Insurance / Division of Regulatory Boards / Division of Regulatory Boards. The official board website is currently under manual verification.
How often do you renew a Security Guards license in Tennessee?
Current guidance indicates a renewal cycle of See board renewal rules.