Comprehensive & State-Approved Unarmed Guard to Armed Guard License Training Program by Alliance Training & Testing
If you are an unarmed security guard in Tennessee interested in advancing your career and becoming an armed security guard, the Unarmed Guard to Armed Guard License Training Class offered by Alliance Training and Testing is a valuable opportunity.
Meet Specific Criteria: Upgrade Unarmed Guard License to Armed Guard License
You must be at least 21 years old.
You must have completed the unarmed security guard license class within the past 12 months.
It is important to note that the armed security guard license course is not intended for beginners.
Before enrolling, candidates should be proficient in safe pistol operation and confident in their weapon manipulation skills.
We Help You Go Above and Beyond the Minimum Training Requirements
It is designed specifically for individuals aspiring to work as armed security professionals. The instructors are highly skilled, with extensive experience in private security, law enforcement, and military service, ensuring participants receive essential knowledge and skills for success in this field. The training includes classroom instruction on Tennessee gun laws, legal responsibilities, and appropriate weapons and gear selection to ensure workplace safety.
A standout feature of the program is the hands-on training provided, which is essential for enhancing weapon-handling skills. Classes are held at a premier, state-of-the-art Range Training Center in Nashville, TN, within a dynamic learning environment led by expert, state-certified trainers. Enrolling with Alliance Training & Testing is a proactive step toward launching an exciting career as an armed security guard in Tennessee.
$120
Reservation Fee: $10; Armed Security License Training: $110
For unarmed security guards in Tennessee considering transitioning to armed security guards or officers, completing training is a focused preparation for your future roles. This training, totaling 12 hours, includes 8 hours of Classroom Firearms Training and 4 hours of Marksmanship Firearms Training or Range Qualification. This program will equip you with the confidence and skills to perform your duties effectively, ensuring you are competent and proficient.
This course prepares individuals to obtain a license as armed security officers in Tennessee. It is fully approved by the State of Tennessee Private Protective Services and meets all licensure requirements.
Royal Range USA 7741 US-70S, Nashville, TN 37221
12 Hours Total – Two Days
Firearms Training (8 hours): This course focuses on responsible firearm use, encompassing legal limitations, firearm handling, and essential safety and maintenance practices.
Marksmanship Training (4 hours): Participants refine their firearm proficiency through a commissioner-approved silhouette target course, where achieving a minimum score of 70% demonstrates competency.
Day One (8 Hours)
No weapons required
4 Hours - Armed Classroom Instruction (Legal Limitations on Firearm Use, Firearm Handling, Safety and Maintenance)
Day Two (8 Hours)
Pistol, Magazine, Holster, Duty Belt or Sturdy Belt, Ear & Eye Protection, 50 Rounds of Ammunition
(Factory Ammo Only / No Reloads)
4 Hours - Armed Classroom Instruction (Continued)
4 Hours - Firearms Training (Marksmanship training and qualification)
This course includes an examination covering subjects in which the individual must have training for licensure as an armed security officer in Tennessee.
Armed Classroom & Range Qualification
In accordance with requirements under Tenn. Code Ann. § 62-35-118 all candidates must complete a 12-hour Armed Firearms Training course including:
(4) Hours Legal Limitations and Liability Issues In the Use of a Firearm under TCA § 62-35-118(a)(1)
(3) Hours Handling of a Firearm under TCA § 62-35-118(a)(1)(B)
(1) Hour Safety and Maintenance under TCA § 62-35-118(a)(1)(C)
(4) Hours Marksmanship Firearms Training & Range Qualification segment
Understand the definition, roles, responsibilities, and authority of an Armed Security Guard/Officer.
Recognize the importance of de-escalation techniques to prevent the unnecessary use of force.
Comprehend the Tennessee Private Protective Services Licensing and Regulatory Act, which serves as a guide for conduct.
Comprehend Tennessee criminal and civil law, particularly Title 39 (Criminal Offenses) and Title 40 (Criminal Procedure).
Understand the legal limitations on firearm use under Tennessee Code Annotated § 62-35-118(b)(1)(A), including consequences of misuse.
Learn proper firearm safety, maintenance, and storage, as well as safe cleaning practices under § 62-35-118(b)(1)(C).
Prepare mentally for potential deadly force situations and the vital statistics involved.
Be aware of local, state, and federal firearms laws and landmark cases affecting the use of deadly force.
Grasp the Use of Force Continuum, emphasizing de-escalation.
Know basic firearm safety rules and types commonly used in Armed Security.
Familiarize yourself with firearm terminology, shooting stances, and fundamentals.
Always unload firearms before cleaning and maintain them effectively.
Recognize specified range commands and the reasoning behind them.
Practice safe gun handling skills, including muzzle control and trigger discipline.
Identify and correct different types of stoppages (e.g., empty weapon, misfire).
Demonstrate proper grip, shooting stance, sight alignment, and trigger control necessary for duty weapon qualifications.
Armed Guards/Officers renew registration every two (2) years.
Every two (2) years, armed security guards must complete four hours of refresher training and requalify the use of a firearm by achieving a minimum of 70% on any silhouette target course approved by the commissioner before the renewal of their guard registration.
A 90-day late renewal period is available for license renewal.
Armed security officers can renew their licenses during this time but cannot work with expired licenses.
Please review our LICENSE PROCESS PAGE, which includes a Checklist of Requirements For Security Guard Registration (to ensure you meet all eligibility requirements), and a Checklist of Tasks that must be completed to become a licensed security officer in Tennessee.
Age: Must be at least 21 years old.
Citizenship: Must be a U.S. citizen or resident alien.
Character: Must be of good moral character:
Physical and Mental Fitness: Free from disabilities that prevent performing duties.
ANY MISDEMEANOR INVOLVING:
ADDITIONAL REQUIREMENTS
Must meet the training requirements.
Submit electronic fingerprints for processing TBI and or FBI criminal history checks.
Rules of Department of Commerce and Insurance Division of Regulatory Boards.
LexisNexis® publishes Tennessee Code Annotated. To locate the area about Private Protective Services, enter the LexisNexis® Web site and scroll to Title 62 - Chapter 35.
Go to the Tennessee State Legislature website to see Senate and House bills passed that amend the Tennessee Code Annotated.
By making this purchase, you affirm that you:
Can read, write, and comprehend Standard English text.
Can speak and comprehend the English Language.
Are eligible for Unarmed to Armed Security Officer/Guard training by the State of Tennessee Private Protective Services requirements.
Are eligible to work in Tennessee and meet all Citizenship Eligibility Requirements by the State of Tennessee Private Protective Services requirements.
Unarmed to Armed Security Officer/Guard students must pass a multiple-choice test & a marksmanship test scoring<70% to complete the Armed training successfully; therefore, we do not guarantee successful completion or licensure.
Alliance Training and Testing LLC is a privately owned and operated training center.
We reserve the right to refuse to train or certify any student for any reason.
This is a Non-Refundable Reservation Fee.
We do not offer Exchanges, Returns, or Refunds of any kind.
All sales of products and services are final.
If you do not attend the class on the training date selected, your exclusive and sole remedy is to re-schedule for an alternate training date within 60 days of the original training date selected.
Please register at least 24 hours in advance by using the “Buy Now” link on this page.
The “Trainee” is responsible for applying to the State of Tennessee and paying the applicable fee(s).
By making this purchase, you agree to our RETURN POLICY.
● Firearms Training (8 hours): This training covers the legal limitations of using a firearm, handling, and safety and maintenance
● Marksmanship Training (4 hours): You must complete a silhouette target course approved by the commissioner and achieve a minimum score of 70%
● Additional Training: If you carry any less-than-lethal devices, such as a baton, electronic control device, or chemical spray, you must complete training specific to each device.
Your employer is responsible for keeping records of this training.
All training courses must be taken by a certified trainer approved by the Tennessee Department of Commerce & Insurance.
Yes! The course has been thoroughly reviewed and fully approved by Private Protective Services and meets all requirements under Tenn. Code Ann. § 62-35-118. This states that you must:
● Complete at least eight (8) additional classroom hours of firearms training administered by a certified trainer
● Pass an examination covering at least the following subjects:
(A) Legal limitations of the use of a firearm
(B) Handling of a firearm
(C) Safety and maintenance
● Complete at least four (4) hours of marksmanship training administered by a certified trainer, and need to achieve a minimum of seventy percent (70%) on any silhouette target course approved by the commissioner
Unarmed to Armed Class = $120
Fingerprints = $35.15 (fingerprinting costs may vary)
License Fee = $105
Estimated Total = $260.15
You’ll need:
● Pistol
● Magazine
● Holster
● Duty Belt or Sturdy Belt
● Ear & Eye Protection
● 50 Rounds of Ammo
Please note that you must use factory-manufactured ammunition.
Reloaded or “recycled” ammunition is not allowed.
Yes. We have several types of pistols to choose from, and you can use the weapon for free if you register for the class.
You must, however, purchase 50 rounds of ammunition; reloads are not allowed.
The authorized calibers are:
● 380
● 9MM
● 32 caliber
● 38 caliber
● 40 caliber
● 45 caliber
● 357 Sig.
Yes. You will need to pay a fee of $30 per additional pistol.
You will also need 25 rounds of ammunition and a spare magazine for each additional pistol.
Training can be waived if you supply any one of the following:
● P.O.S.T Certificate
● Latest In-service (within last year)
● Letter from Dept. of H.R. or Personnel stating they are FT Sworn Peace Officers (The letter must include the weapon’s make, model, and caliber)
You will still need to complete fingerprinting and pay the application fee.
No, carrying a firearm while working as a security guard before receiving your armed security guard registration card is illegal.
Working While Your Application Is Pending
You can work as an unarmed security guard while waiting for your license if you:
• Submit a completed application form
• Submit proof of fingerprinting
• Submit a recent head-and-shoulder photograph
• Pay the application fee
• Keep a copy of the completed application on you at all times you are on duty
You can only work in this capacity for 75 business days from submitting your application.
You cannot work as an armed security guard until you receive your registration card.
The course will consist of firing 50 rounds at different distances and times:
● You will fire 30 rounds at a distance of 2-3 yards
● You will fire 15 rounds at a distance of 5-7 yards
● The remaining five rounds will be fired at a distance determined by the instructor, but it will be at least 10 yards
At least five rounds of the 50-round qualifying course should be fired using the duty ammunition the security guard intends to carry
The course will consist of firing ten rounds at different distances:
● You will fire three rounds of buckshot at 5-7 yards while standing
● You will fire five rounds (3 slugs and 2 buckshot) at a distance of 12-15 yards, firing 3 shots standing and two shots kneeling
● You will fire two slugs at a distance of 20+ yards, firing one shot standing and one shot kneeling
The unarmed to armed security guard license course is NOT a beginner class.
We recommend that all students learn to operate a pistol safely, proficiently, and confidently before registering for the class.
