The Security School of Choice in Tennessee
At Alliance Training & Testing, we understand the importance of staying current with the latest training and resources to maintain excellence. We’ve put together this carefully curated collection of links to our social media profiles—an invaluable resource for professionals in Tennessee’s security industry. This collection features links to various topics, including regulatory updates, best practices, and expert insights from industry leaders.
The Class Calendar makes accessing upcoming training sessions and workshops easy, helping you plan your professional development effectively.
Our Company Links provide details of upcoming training events, social media links, videos, and activities tailored to advance your career and expertise.
We also offer a valuable Step-by-Step License Process Guide and a Comprehensive Job Toolkit to help security professionals sharpen their skills or explore new opportunities. A link to our Podcast also delivers valuable audio content on security training and industry best practices.
This page is a must-bookmark for anyone pursuing licensing training or seeking ongoing education in security operations. Whether focusing on licensing requirements or continuous professional growth, this collection ensures you’re always informed and equipped to excel in your role.
Dallas Law implemented two main changes for unarmed security guards:
1—Required Unarmed Guard Refresher or Renewal Training: Unarmed security guards had no refresher training requirement before Dallas Law. Starting January 1, 2023, all Unarmed Security Guard Registrants must complete two hours of refresher training every two years.
2 - Conditional Additional Training: Armed and unarmed security guards working at establishments with an on-premises alcohol license must complete additional training in First Aid, CPR, De-escalation, and Safe Restraint techniques within 15 days of employment. Businesses selling alcohol but not for on-premises consumption, such as liquor stores or warehouses, are exempt from the additional training.
There are various penalties for non-compliance with Dallas Law.
Disciplinary Action for Security Guards: Security guards who provide services without completing the required training, including the active shooter training, face disciplinary action by the Department.
This may include:
● Suspension or revocation of their security guard registration ● Assessment of civil penalties ● Assessment of investigatory and court costs
Penalties for Employers: Individuals, schools, or companies who employ improperly trained security guards may be prosecuted for a Class A misdemeanor, punishable by a fine.
Suspension of Alcohol Licenses: Establishments with on-premises alcohol licenses that employ unregistered or improperly trained security guards can suspend their license or permit for 30 days by the Tennessee Alcoholic Beverage Commission or a local beer board.
There are various penalties for non-compliance with Dallas Law:
Disciplinary Action for Security Guards: Security guards who provide services without completing the required training, including the active shooter training, face disciplinary action by the Department. This may include: Suspension or revocation of their security guard registration Assessment of civil penalties Assessment of investigatory and court costs
Penalties for Employers: Individuals, schools, or companies who employ improperly trained security guards may be prosecuted for a Class A misdemeanor, punishable by a fine.
Suspension of Alcohol Licenses: Establishments with on-premises alcohol licenses that employ unregistered or improperly trained security guards can suspend their license or permit for 30 days by the Tennessee Alcoholic Beverage Commission or a local beer board.
Whether the security guards need the additional training depends on who holds the ABC license or beer permit and who employs the security guards.
If the mall has the license and uses the guards, then the guards would need additional training, even if they don’t specifically provide security for the restaurant.
If the restaurant holds the license and employs its security personnel separately from the mall security, the mall security guards would not need the additional training.
It’s recommended to exercise caution and get training in cases where it’s unclear.
You must possess a current TENNESSEE ARMED or UNARMED SECURITY GUARD/OFFICER LICENSE OR meet the requirements to obtain one.
It is highly recommended that you complete the licensing process to become an armed or unarmed security guard or officer before purchasing this course.
Please review the eligibility requirements on our RESOURCES PAGE before buying the course.
Yes. The course has been thoroughly reviewed and fully approved by Private Protective Services following the requirements under Tenn. Code Ann. § 62-35-118 that all candidates must complete a training course that includes:
De-Escalation Safe Restraint Techniques Legal Powers and Limitations of security guards/officers First Aid CPR
All students have access to complete the course for up to 30 days.
Every student will complete the course by investing only 10 minutes daily for 30 days.
You Must have a Current Tennessee Unarmed Security Guard License that is Not More than 90 Days Past the Expiration Date.
If your license has been expired for more than 90 days, you’ll have to complete the 4-Hour General Training for an Unarmed Security License.
Yes! The course is mobile responsive on any smartphone with an internet connection.
We also offer a free app to take the course on your mobile device in the App Store and Google Play Store.
Our students have a very high success rate. We follow all the best practices of instructional system design, giving students the best chance of success. The course includes chapter reviews and progress quizzes that effectively prepare students for the final exam.
Students are required to achieve 70% on the final exam.
General Training (4 hours): This training covers the basics of security work, such as orientation, legal powers and limitations of a security guard, emergency procedures, and general duties.
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 all candidates must complete a four-hour basic course, including one (1) hour each of the following:
(A) Orientation (B) Legal powers and limitations of a security guard/officer (C) Emergency procedures (D) General duties
Unarmed Class = $65 Fingerprints = $35.15 (fingerprinting costs may vary) License Fee = $70
Estimated Total = $170.15
We have a very high success rate and adhere to best teaching practices to give you the best chance of passing. The course includes chapter reviews and progress quizzes that effectively prepare students for the final exam.
Students are required to achieve at least 70% on the final exam.
Alliance Training & Testing provides a free E-Book with step-by-step instructions for completing the unarmed security guard licensing process.
These steps and the free E-Book are available on our website’s License Process page.
No! Tennessee has a high demand for professional licensed security officers, creating numerous opportunities for full-time and part-time employment.
Our job board, free job tools, and eBooks on the License Process page offer valuable support to students and aid in job placement.
General Training (4 hours): This training covers the basics of security work, such as orientation, legal powers and limitations of a security guard, emergency procedures, and general duties.
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, which states that all candidates must complete a four-hour basic course including one (1) hour each of:
(A) Orientation (B) Legal powers and limitations of a security guard/officer (C) Emergency procedures (D) General duties
Complete at least eight (8) additional classroom hours of firearms training administered by a certified trainer and 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 achieve a minimum of seventy percent (70%) on any silhouette target course approved by the commissioner.
Armed Class = $160 Fingerprints = $35.15 (fingerprinting costs may vary) License Fee = $105
Estimated Total = $300.15
You’ll need:
● Pistol ● Magazine ● Holster ● Duty Belt or Sturdy Belt ● Ear & Eye Protection ● 50 Rounds 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 3 rounds of buckshot at 5-7 yards while standing ● You will fire 5 rounds (3 slugs and 2 buckshot) at a distance of 12-15 yards, firing 3 shots standing and 2 shots kneeling ● You will fire 2 slugs at a distance of 20+ yards, firing 1 shot standing and one shot kneeling
The 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.
● 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.
Yes, if your license has expired within the last ninety (90) days, you can renew it.
Armed security officers may renew during this time but are not authorized to work with an expired license.
● 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.
Armed Renewal Class $70 License Renewal Fee $60
Total = $130.00
You’ll need:
● Pistol ● Magazine ● Holster ● Duty Belt or Sturdy Belt ● Ear & Eye Protection ● 50 Rounds 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.
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:
The 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.
You will need to complete:
● General Training (4 hours): This training covers the basics of security work, such as orientation, legal powers and limitations of a security guard, emergency procedures, and general duties. ● 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 all candidates must complete a four-hour basic course including one (1) hour each of the following:
(A) Orientation (B) Legal powers and limitations of a security guard/officer (C) Emergency procedures (D) General duties.
Unarmed Class = $65 Fingerprints = $35.15 (fingerprinting costs may vary) License Fee = $70
Estimated Total = $170.15
We have a very high success rate, as we make use of best practices in teaching and course design. The course includes chapter reviews and progress quizzes that effectively prepare students for the final exam.
Students are required to achieve at least 70% on the final exam.
Alliance Training & Testing provides a free E-Book with step-by-step instructions for completing the unarmed security guard licensing process.
These steps and the free E-Book are also available on our website’s License Process page.
No. Tennessee has a high demand for professional licensed security officers, creating numerous opportunities for full-time and part-time employment.
Our job board, free job tools, and eBooks on the License Process page offer valuable support to students and aid in job placement.
