Application Fee
See agencyVerified by WI Board of Public Safety
Security Guards Licensing in Wisconsin
Review current requirements, exam details, renewal cycle, and salary outlook for security guards in Wisconsin, 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 Wisconsin
Estimated timeline: Varies by boardCore Requirements
- 1
Education: No educational requirements.
- 2
Experience: No experience required.
- 3
Background/Criminal Review: Felony convictions prohibited.
- 4
License Type: Stand-alone license.
- 5
The filing of an application for a permit is not authorization to practice.
Exam and processing details
- No exam required
Continuing education and program notes
- No continuing education requirement to maintain license
Application Snapshot
- Licensing Authority
WI Department of Safety and Professional Services • Division of Professional Credential Processing
- Current Filing Fee
See agency
- Renewal Cycle
See board renewal rules
- Salary Position
$39,110 median (2% above national)
- State Salary Rank
#19 of 50 states
Step-by-Step Process (7)
- 1. Meet Wisconsin 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: No exam required.
- 5. Prepare supporting documentation (background check: Felony convictions prohibited; Background/Criminal Review: Felony convictions prohibited.; The filing of an application for a permit is not authorization to practice.).
- 6. Submit the application to WI Department of Safety and Professional Services~Division of Professional Credential Processing and monitor board communications.
- 7. Maintain post-licensure compliance (continuing education: No continuing education requirement to maintain license).
Salary Insights in Wisconsin
With a median salary of $39,110, Security Guardss in Wisconsin earn 2% above the national median of $38,370. Wisconsin ranks #19 among 50 states. The typical licensing timeline is Varies by board.
State Hiring Climate (QCEW)
RisingQoQ Employment Change
+2.3%Average Weekly Wage
$1,213Median annual salary
$39,110Hourly estimate
$18.802% above national median
Difference: +$740
Percentile Distribution
Annual compensationSecurity Guards Salary Ranking
#19 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 |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Wisconsin | $39,110 | No educational requirements | No exam required | Varies by board |
| Minnesota | $46,020 | Varies by state board | State-approved exam | Varies by board |
| Iowa | $37,380 | Specific course required | No exam required | Varies by board |
| Illinois | $38,630 | Specific course required | State exam required | Varies by board |
| Michigan | $38,120 | 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 |
|---|---|---|---|
| Wisconsin | 54 | Low | State-specific exam conditions may apply. Documented experience may be required. |
| Minnesota | 78 | High | Board-specific review required. |
| Iowa | 62 | Medium | State-specific exam conditions may apply. Background check or criminal history review is indicated. |
| Illinois | 50 | Low | State-specific exam conditions may apply. Documented experience may be required. |
| Michigan | 54 | Low | State-specific exam conditions may apply. Documented experience may be 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
WI Department of Safety and Professional Services • Division of Professional Credential Processing
1400 E. Washington Ave., P.O. Box 8935, Madison, WI, 53708-8935
Phone: 6082662112
Related Careers in Wisconsin
| Profession | Median Salary | Education | Timeline |
|---|---|---|---|
| Corrections Officer | $74,490 | Varies by state board | Varies by board |
| Firefighter | $47,710 | Degree required | Varies by board |
| Police Officer | $78,980 | Varies by state board | Varies by board |
| Acupuncturist | $74,450 | Degree required | Varies by board |
FAQ
How long does it take to become a Security Guards in Wisconsin?
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 Wisconsin?
Wisconsin lists No exam required as part of the licensure process for Security Guardss.
What education do you need to become a Security Guards in Wisconsin?
The board typically expects No educational requirements for Security Guards licensure in Wisconsin.
What is the typical Security Guards salary in Wisconsin?
The median annual salary for Security Guardss in Wisconsin is $39,110. Salaries range from $31,010 (10th percentile) to $56,570 (90th percentile).
How does the Security Guards salary in Wisconsin compare to the national average?
Security Guardss in Wisconsin earn 2% above the national median of $38,370, with a state median of $39,110.
How many Security Guardss work in Wisconsin?
Wisconsin employs approximately 11,670 Security Guardss according to BLS data.
Can I transfer my Security Guards license to Wisconsin 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 Wisconsin?
The licensing agency is WI Department of Safety and Professional Services / Division of Professional Credential Processing. Review agency details at https://dsps.wi.gov/Pages/Professions/Default.aspx.
How often do you renew a Security Guards license in Wisconsin?
Current guidance indicates a renewal cycle of See board renewal rules.