All Arizona Security Guards begin with the same required unarmed training, but those pursuing armed positions must complete additional firearms instruction and range qualification. This guide compares both Guard Card paths to help prospective guards in Phoenix and surrounding communities choose the right starting point for their careers.
Key Takeaways
- Every Arizona Security Guard begins with an 8-hour unarmed training course.
- The unarmed course may be completed in person or online through an approved provider.
- Armed applicants must complete an additional 16 hours of in-person firearms training.
- Armed training includes a written examination and live-fire range qualification.
- Unarmed positions provide an accessible entry point into the security industry.
- An Armed Guard Card can qualify you for positions where an employer authorizes guards to carry firearms.
- Armed guards must complete an 8-hour refresher course and range requalification every calendar year.
- You can begin with an Unarmed Guard Card and upgrade to armed later.
If you’re preparing for a security career in Arizona, you may wonder whether you should pursue an armed or unarmed Guard Card. The right choice depends on the work you want to perform, your experience with firearms, and whether you are ready to meet the additional responsibilities and training requirements that come with an armed position.
Importantly, you don’t have to make a permanent decision before beginning your training. Every Arizona Security Guard starts with the required unarmed course. You can begin as an unarmed guard and complete the additional armed training later if your career goals change.
The Arizona Unarmed Guard Card
An Unarmed Guard Card allows you to work for a licensed security agency in a position that doesn’t require carrying a firearm. It’s the starting credential for a security career in Arizona and the foundation for becoming an armed guard later.
Before applying for the card, you must complete an approved 8-hour unarmed security training course. The course covers subjects such as:
- The roles and responsibilities of security guards
- Communication
- Security procedures
- Use of force
- Arizona laws
- First response
- Crime-scene preservation
- Emergency response
- Ethics
- Uniform and grooming standards
Arizona Security Group offers both in-person and online unarmed Guard Card training. The online option may be useful if you need greater scheduling flexibility, while in-person training provides direct access to instructors and includes fingerprinting and photographs through ASG.
After completing the course, you will need an employer sponsor and must follow the Arizona Guard Card application process, which includes submitting the required application materials, fingerprints, photograph, identification, and fees to the Arizona Department of Public Safety.
Jobs You Can Get With an Unarmed Guard Card
Unarmed guards work in many settings throughout Phoenix, Mesa, Scottsdale, Tempe, Chandler, and surrounding communities. Possible assignments may include:
- Office buildings
- Apartment and residential communities
- Retail properties
- Hotels and resorts
- Schools and campuses
- Warehouses
- Construction sites
- Special events
- Parking facilities
- Reception desks and controlled entrances
The exact duties depend on the employer and assignment. Common responsibilities include observing activity, monitoring entrances, conducting patrols, checking credentials, enforcing property rules, writing incident reports, assisting visitors, and contacting emergency services when necessary.
Unarmed security can be a practical starting point if you are new to the field. It allows you to build experience in observation, communication, report writing, de-escalation, and emergency response before deciding whether to pursue an armed position.
The Arizona Armed Guard Card
An Armed Guard Card is required for security guards who carry a firearm while performing their official duties. Because carrying a firearm introduces additional risks and legal responsibilities, armed guards must complete more training than unarmed guards.
Before taking the armed course, you must complete the required 8-hour unarmed training. You will then need to complete a 16-hour Armed Security Guard course.
Arizona Security Group’s armed course is conducted over two days and includes:
- Firearm safety
- Basic marksmanship
- Weapon care and maintenance
- Mental conditioning and tactics
- Use of force
- Relevant Arizona laws
- Written examination
- Live-fire range qualification
The armed course is not available online because students must demonstrate safe firearm handling and shooting proficiency in person.
An Armed Guard Card does not automatically allow you to carry a firearm whenever or wherever you choose. You must be properly registered with the sponsoring security agency and authorized by that employer to carry a firearm while on duty.
What Does the Armed Range Qualification Include?
Students must complete a live-fire qualification as part of Arizona Security Group’s armed course. This involves firing 50 rounds and achieving a qualifying score of at least 70 percent. Students must also earn a score of at least 70 percent on the written examination.
The armed course is a qualification course, not an introductory lesson on how to shoot. Students should already be familiar with safe firearm operation and capable of handling the weapon they intend to use during qualification.
If you have little or no handgun experience, consider completing a basic handgun training class and practicing on a gun range before enrolling in armed guard training. Building those skills first can help you approach the qualification safely and confidently.
Jobs You Can Get With an Armed Guard Card
An Armed Guard Card can make you eligible for security assignments where an employer determines that carrying a firearm is appropriate. Possible work settings may include:
- Financial institutions
- High-value retail locations
- Cash-handling operations
- Critical infrastructure sites
- Healthcare facilities
- Industrial properties
- Government-contracted locations
- High-risk commercial properties
- Secure transportation assignments
- Protective security details
Job duties and hiring standards vary by employer. Some armed positions may require prior security, military, law enforcement, or firearms experience in addition to the Guard Card.
Comparing the Training Requirements
The unarmed and armed paths share the same starting point, but the armed path adds substantial training and qualification requirements.
Unarmed Guard Card Training
- 8 hours of required training
- Available in person or online
- No shooting qualification
- Covers security procedures, communication, emergency response, use of force, and Arizona law
- Training must be completed again for the four-year renewal process
Armed Guard Card Training
- Requires completion of the unarmed course
- Adds 16 hours of in-person firearms training
- Includes a written examination
- Includes a live-fire range qualification
- Requires an 8-hour armed refresher course every calendar year
- Requires continued written and shooting proficiency
Both Guard Cards generally have a four-year registration period, but armed guards have annual training obligations in addition to the four-year renewal requirements.
Upgrading From an Unarmed to an Armed Guard Card
Every security guard begins their career with an Unarmed Guard Card. Obtaining this license allows them to get a start in the security industry and see if it’s a good fit. They might upgrade to an Armed Guard Card as their career develops and they seek new opportunities.
To pursue the upgrade, you must complete the required 16-hour armed course, pass the written examination and range qualification, and submit the appropriate armed application materials. You will also need sponsorship from a licensed security agency that intends to employ you in an armed capacity.
Train for Your Armed or Unarmed Guard Card With ASG
Arizona Security Group provides professional Guard Card training for students throughout the Phoenix area, including Mesa, Scottsdale, Tempe, Chandler, Gilbert, Glendale, and nearby communities.
If you are considering a security career, register for an in-person or online unarmed course. If you have completed the unarmed requirement and are ready to pursue armed work, sign up for ASG’s 16-hour armed training course. Our team can explain the training requirements, help you prepare the necessary paperwork, and guide you through the next steps in the Guard Card process.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do armed and unarmed guards take the same initial course?
Every Arizona Security Guard begins with the required 8-hour unarmed training. Applicants who want an Armed Guard Card must then complete an additional 16-hour armed course.
Can I apply for an Armed Guard Card without completing unarmed training?
No. The unarmed training requirement must be completed before you take the armed course. You do not necessarily need to wait until your Unarmed Guard Card has been issued, but you must have completed the unarmed training.
Can I start as an unarmed guard and become armed later?
Yes. You can obtain an Unarmed Guard Card, gain security experience, and complete the armed training and upgrade process later. This is a common path for people who are new to the industry.
Can I take armed guard training online?
No. Armed training must be completed in person because it includes firearm instruction, a written examination, and live-fire range qualification. The 8-hour unarmed course may be completed online or in person.
Do armed guards have to requalify every year?
Yes. Arizona Armed Security Guards must complete an 8-hour refresher course during each calendar year. The refresher includes a written examination and range requalification.
Does an Armed Guard Card allow me to carry a gun anywhere?
No. An Armed Guard Card is related to your work as a Security Guard. You must be registered with and authorized by your employer to carry a firearm while performing official duties.
