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Verified by WV Board of Public Safety

Security Guards Licensing in West Virginia

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

Last verified: Feb 18, 2026

Current

Application Fee

See agency

Exam Requirement

No exam required

Renewal Cycle

See board renewal rules

Licensing Blueprint for Security Guards in West Virginia

Estimated timeline: Varies by board

Core Requirements

  1. 1

    Education: No educational requirements.

  2. 2

    Experience: Work experience required.

  3. 3

    Background/Criminal Review: Felony convictions prohibited.

  4. 4

    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

  1. Licensing Authority

    There is some indication that this license exists in West Virginia, but it has not yet been confirmed by state experts

  2. Current Filing Fee

    See agency

  3. Renewal Cycle

    See board renewal rules

  4. Salary Position

    $37,220 median (3% below national)

  5. State Salary Rank

    #34 of 50 states

Step-by-Step Process (7)

  1. 1. Meet West Virginia 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: No exam required.
  5. 5. Prepare supporting documentation (background check: Felony convictions prohibited; Background/Criminal Review: Felony convictions prohibited.).
  6. 6. Submit the application to There is some indication that this license exists in West Virginia, but it has not yet been confirmed by state experts and monitor board communications.
  7. 7. Maintain post-licensure compliance (continuing education: No continuing education requirement to maintain license).

Salary Insights in West Virginia

With a median salary of $37,220, Security Guardss in West Virginia earn 3% below the national median of $38,370. West Virginia ranks #34 among 50 states. The typical licensing timeline is Varies by board.

State Hiring Climate (QCEW)

Rising

QoQ Employment Change

+1.7%

Average Weekly Wage

$1,167

Median annual salary

$37,220

Hourly estimate

$17.89
3% below national median

Difference: -$1,150

Percentile Distribution

Annual compensation
  • P1010th percentile$23,310
  • P2525th percentile$28,990
  • P50Median$37,220
  • P7575th percentile$47,290
  • P9090th percentile$59,270

State vs National Median

State: $37,220
National: $38,370

Total employment: 6,290 | Annual openings: N/A

Security Guards Salary Ranking

#34 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
West Virginia$37,220No educational requirementsNo exam requiredVaries by board
Pennsylvania$37,680No educational requirementsNo exam requiredVaries by board
Maryland$38,590Varies by state boardState-approved examVaries by board
Virginia$43,440Specific course requiredNo exam requiredVaries by board
Kentucky$35,520Degree requiredThird-party exam required1 month
Ohio$36,180Varies 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
West Virginia54LowState-specific exam conditions may apply. Documented experience may be required.
Pennsylvania54LowState-specific exam conditions may apply. Documented experience may be required.
Maryland78HighBoard-specific review required.
Virginia60MediumState-specific exam conditions may apply. Documented experience may be required.
Kentucky50LowState-specific exam conditions may apply. Documented experience may be required.
Ohio78HighBoard-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

Agency website unverified

There is some indication that this license exists in West Virginia, but it has not yet been confirmed by state experts

See official licensing board website

Phone: N/A

Website Pending Verification

Related Careers in West Virginia

ProfessionMedian SalaryEducationTimeline
Corrections Officer$49,990Varies by state boardVaries by board
Firefighter$41,500Degree required18 years
Police Officer$54,570Varies by state boardVaries by board
Acupuncturist$78,140Degree required18 years

FAQ

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

West 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 West Virginia?

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

What is the typical Security Guards salary in West Virginia?

The median annual salary for Security Guardss in West Virginia is $37,220. Salaries range from $23,310 (10th percentile) to $59,270 (90th percentile).

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

Security Guardss in West Virginia earn 3% below the national median of $38,370, with a state median of $37,220.

How many Security Guardss work in West Virginia?

West Virginia employs approximately 6,290 Security Guardss according to BLS data.

Can I transfer my Security Guards license to West 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 West Virginia?

The licensing agency is There is some indication that this license exists in West Virginia, but it has not yet been confirmed by state experts. The official board website is currently under manual verification.

How often do you renew a Security Guards license in West Virginia?

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