So You Wanna Be a Real-Life Hero (with a License to Carry)? Your Guide to Getting an Armed Security Guard License in Washington State
Ever dreamt of being the cool cop character in a movie, minus the whole police academy and life-or-death situations (well, hopefully less of those)? Being an armed security guard might just be your calling! But before you channel your inner Bruce Willis, there's a little hurdle to jump – getting that shiny armed security guard license.
 |
| How To Get Armed Security License In Washington State |
Step 1: You Gotta Be the Right Stuff (Legally Speaking)
- Age is Just a Number (But Not This Number): You gotta be at least 21 years old. Sorry, teens, gotta wait a few years before you can legally pack some heat on the job.
- Clean Background? Check! You'll undergo a background check, so any skeletons in your closet better be long gone.
- Firearm Fanatic? Excellent! But you gotta prove it with a firearms certificate issued by the Washington State Criminal Justice Training Commission. We'll get to that in a sec.
Bonus points if you're already a certified unarmed security guard. Makes things a bit smoother.
Step 2: Train Like a Superhero (Without the Cape)
Think wielding a firearm is all about pointing and shooting? Think again! You'll need to take an eight-hour armed guard training course approved by the Washington State Criminal Justice Training Commission.
Here's what you can expect (besides learning not to shoot your foot):
- Laws and regulations – gotta know the rules of the game!
- Firearm safety – because accidents happen, but hopefully not yours.
- Defensive tactics – how to handle a sticky situation without going all Rambo.
- And of course, some good ol' marksmanship training – gotta hit your target, not that flower pot over there.
Step 3: Apply, Apply, Apply!
Once you've got the training and the certificate, it's time to get your official badge of awesomeness. You can apply for your armed security guard license online or by mail. Don't forget the application fee (it's a cool $121) – gotta pay to play, as they say.
Tip: Train your eye to catch repeated ideas.
Pro tip: Applying online gets you your license faster. Who wants to wait to be a certified crime-fighter?
Step 4: Fingerprint Fanatics? Don't Worry!
Yup, you'll need to get fingerprinted for the background check. Don't worry, it's a painless process (unless you have super glue on your fingers – that might sting a bit).
You've Done It! Now You're a Licensed Law Enforcer (Sort Of)
Congratulations! You've officially got the green light to carry a firearm as a security guard. Now go forth and protect the innocent (and maybe get a cool holster – gotta look the part, right?).
Remember, with great power comes great responsibility. Use your newfound skills wisely, and who knows, maybe you'll stop the next big heist (or at least deter that pesky shoplifter).
Tip: Don’t just glance — focus.
Armed with Knowledge: FAQ
How to find a firearms training course?
 |
The Washington State Criminal Justice Training Commission has a list of instructors who can deliver the required course https://dol.wa.gov/professional-licenses?combine=&field_category_target_id=36.
How long does the armed security guard license last?
Tip: Read slowly to catch the finer details.
Your license is valid for two years. You'll need to renew it to keep working as an armed security guard.
How much does it cost to get an armed security guard license?
The application fee is $121, but there may be additional costs for fingerprinting and the training course.
How can I learn more about the requirements?
Tip: Revisit challenging parts.
The Washington State Department of Licensing has a whole section dedicated to armed security guards on their website https://dol.wa.gov/professional-licenses/security-guard-armed.
How can I become an unarmed security guard first?
The Department of Licensing also has information on becoming an unarmed security guard https://dol.wa.gov/professional-licenses?combine=&field_category_target_id=36. This can be a good first step before applying for your armed guard license.
 |
