Application Fee
See agencyVerified by VA Board of Public Safety
Security Guards Licensing in Virginia
Review current requirements, exam details, renewal cycle, and salary outlook for security guards in Virginia, including See agency and board contact links.
Last verified: Feb 18, 2026
Current
Exam Requirement
No exam requiredRenewal Cycle
See board renewal rulesLicensing Blueprint for Security Guards in Virginia
Estimated timeline: Varies by boardCore Requirements
- 1
Education: Specific course required.
- 2
Experience: No experience required.
- 3
License Type: Stand-alone license.
Exam and processing details
- No exam required
Continuing education and program notes
- No continuing education requirement to maintain license
Application Snapshot
- Licensing Authority
Virginia Department of Criminal Justice Services • Division of Licensure and Regulatory Services • Private Security Services
- Current Filing Fee
See agency
- Renewal Cycle
See board renewal rules
- Salary Position
$43,440 median (13% above national)
- State Salary Rank
#9 of 50 states
Step-by-Step Process (6)
- 1. Meet Virginia 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: No exam required.
- 5. Submit the application to Virginia Department of Criminal Justice Services~Division of Licensure and Regulatory Services~Private Security Services and monitor board communications.
- 6. Maintain post-licensure compliance (continuing education: No continuing education requirement to maintain license).
Salary Insights in Virginia
With a median salary of $43,440, Security Guardss in Virginia earn 13% above the national median of $38,370. Virginia ranks #9 among 50 states. The typical licensing timeline is Varies by board.
State Hiring Climate (QCEW)
RisingQoQ Employment Change
+1.6%Average Weekly Wage
$1,471Median annual salary
$43,440Hourly estimate
$20.8813% above national median
Difference: +$5,070
Percentile Distribution
Annual compensationSecurity Guards Salary Ranking
#9 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 |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Virginia | $43,440 | Specific course required | No exam required | Varies by board |
| Maryland | $38,590 | Varies by state board | State-approved exam | Varies by board |
| West Virginia | $37,220 | No educational requirements | No exam required | Varies by board |
| Kentucky | $35,520 | Degree required | Third-party exam required | 1 month |
| Tennessee | $36,090 | No educational requirements | State exam required | 1-18 years |
| North Carolina | $35,900 | No educational requirements | No 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 |
|---|---|---|---|
| Virginia | 60 | Medium | State-specific exam conditions may apply. Documented experience may be required. |
| Maryland | 78 | High | Board-specific review required. |
| West Virginia | 54 | 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. |
| Tennessee | 50 | Low | 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. |
- 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
Virginia Department of Criminal Justice Services • Division of Licensure and Regulatory Services • Private Security Services
1100 Bank Street, Richmond, VA, 23219-3639
Phone: 8047864700
Related Careers in Virginia
| Profession | Median Salary | Education | Timeline |
|---|---|---|---|
| Corrections Officer | $49,980 | Degree required | Varies by board |
| Firefighter | $58,300 | Specific course required | Varies by board |
| Police Officer | $65,110 | Specific course required | Varies by board |
| Acupuncturist | $78,140 | Degree required | Varies by board |
FAQ
How long does it take to become a Security Guards in Virginia?
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 Virginia?
Virginia lists No exam required as part of the licensure process for Security Guardss.
What education do you need to become a Security Guards in Virginia?
The board typically expects Specific course required for Security Guards licensure in Virginia.
What is the typical Security Guards salary in Virginia?
The median annual salary for Security Guardss in Virginia is $43,440. Salaries range from $31,200 (10th percentile) to $73,470 (90th percentile).
How does the Security Guards salary in Virginia compare to the national average?
Security Guardss in Virginia earn 13% above the national median of $38,370, with a state median of $43,440.
How many Security Guardss work in Virginia?
Virginia employs approximately 33,440 Security Guardss according to BLS data.
Can I transfer my Security Guards license to Virginia 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 Virginia?
The licensing agency is Virginia Department of Criminal Justice Services / Division of Licensure and Regulatory Services / Private Security Services. Review agency details at https://www.dcjs.virginia.gov/.
How often do you renew a Security Guards license in Virginia?
Current guidance indicates a renewal cycle of See board renewal rules.