Ultimate Guide to Tennessee Armed Security Guard Training in 2025: Get State-Certified in Nashville with Alliance Training and Testing
By Angel Rodriguez, CPP – Certified Protection Professional and Owner & Lead Instructor at Alliance Training and Testing | Published: October 12, 2025
In the vibrant heart of Music City, the demand for elite, professionally trained security officers is growing faster than Nashville's skyline. For veterans, former law enforcement, and dedicated career-changers, becoming a state-certified armed security guard is a direct path to a stable, rewarding, and respected profession. This license is your key to protecting iconic venues, corporate headquarters, and the very people who make our city thrive. At Alliance Training and Testing, our veteran-led, 16-hour armed security guard training program in Nashville is meticulously designed to exceed the standards set by Tennessee Code Annotated § 62-35-118, equipping you with the tactical skills, legal knowledge, and sound judgment to excel.
But we believe in showing, not just telling. Before you dive into this guide, see our training in action. Watch our complete
This definitive guide is your roadmap to certification and career success. We've optimized every section to answer your questions, covering topics like "Tennessee armed security guard training Nashville 2025," "how much do armed guards make in TN?", and "what are the legal requirements for armed security?" Our goal is to provide unparalleled clarity and expert insight, making this the number one resource for you, the next generation of Tennessee's protectors. Let's arm you with knowledge and set you on the certification path.
Why Pursue Armed Security Guard Training in Tennessee? The Growing Demand and Career Edge 🛡️
Tennessee's private security sector is not just growing; it's exploding. With over 10,000 licensed guards statewide and a projected job growth rate that outpaces many other industries, the need for qualified armed officers has never been higher. As Nashville continues its ascent as a global hub for tourism, music, and corporate business, employers are actively seeking armed security officers who possess more than just marksmanship. They need professionals who demonstrate superior judgment, verbal de-escalation skills, and a rock-solid understanding of Tennessee law.
This is where state-mandated training becomes your competitive advantage. The Tennessee Department of Commerce & Insurance requires a specialized 16-hour course to ensure every armed guard can handle escalated situations with legal precision and tactical competence.
At Alliance Training and Testing, our program is uniquely positioned for success because it's built by and for professionals. We cater specifically to individuals with intermediate proficiency in pistol operation—this is not a beginner's course. Our curriculum is led by a team of seasoned experts: myself (Angel Rodriguez, CPP, a 30+ year veteran of military and private security and a Bronze Star recipient), Warren Smith (a distinguished Marine Corps and Tennessee Highway Patrol veteran), and Bo Smith (a 25-year veteran of the Metro Nashville Police Department). We don't just teach from a manual; we integrate decades of real-world experience into every lesson.
The Career Payoff: Salaries, Opportunities, and Advancement 📈
Earning your Tennessee armed security guard license is a direct investment in your financial future. It's a career accelerator that opens doors to higher pay and more specialized roles.
Salaries: While an unarmed guard in Nashville might start around $15-$17 per hour, a licensed armed guard immediately commands a higher wage, typically starting between $18 and $25 per hour. With experience and placement in specialized roles, that figure can easily climb to $30+ per hour.
Opportunities: The possibilities are diverse. Our graduates secure positions with top national firms, as well as prestigious local companies. You could be protecting:
Financial institutions and banks.
High-end retail establishments in The Gulch or Green Hills.
Significant events like CMA Fest, concerts at Bridgestone Arena, or Tennessee Titans games.
Corporate campuses for major companies like Amazon and Oracle.
Executive protection details for visiting VIPs.
Advancement: This license is a launchpad. Within a few years, you can advance to supervisory or management roles or transition into high-paying federal contracting work. Many of our graduates report a significant income increase within their first two years post-certification.
Pro Tip: Although many armed guards hold a Tennessee Handgun Carry Permit, understanding the distinction is crucial. Your armed guard license and training govern your actions while on duty and operating under the authority of your employer. The legal standards for the use of force are different. Our course focuses exclusively on the on-duty application of force.
Do You Qualify? A Step-by-Step Eligibility Checklist for Tennessee Armed Security Certification ✅
Before investing your time and money, ensure you meet the strict eligibility standards set by Tennessee's Private Protective Services Board. These requirements are in place to protect the public and maintain the integrity of the profession.
Core Requirements
Age: You must be at least 21 years of age.
Citizenship: You must be a U.S. citizen or a legal resident alien with the right to work in the United States.
Criminal Background Check: You must pass a comprehensive criminal history background check submitted via electronic fingerprints to the TBI and FBI. You cannot have any felony convictions or serious misdemeanor convictions, particularly those related to assault, theft, drugs, or firearms offenses.
Good Moral Character: The state requires applicants to be of good moral character. This generally means no history of substance abuse or mental impairment.
Physical and Mental Fitness: You must be free from any physical disability or mental impairment that would prevent you from performing the duties of an armed security guard.
Key Disqualifiers to Be Aware Of
Any felony conviction.
Conviction for any crime involving the illegal use, sale, or possession of a firearm.
Being on probation or parole for a serious misdemeanor.
Dishonorable discharge from the armed forces.
If you are an active law enforcement officer, you must still complete the application and fingerprinting process. If you are a retired law enforcement or military servicemember, you must complete the 16-hour course. If you're an unarmed guard looking to upgrade from unarmed to armed, you must have completed your unarmed training within the last 12 months to have the initial 4 hours credited.
| Requirement | Details | How to Verify |
| Age | 21 years or older | Valid State-Issued Driver's License or ID |
| Citizenship | U.S. Citizen or Legal Resident Alien | U.S. Passport, Birth Certificate, etc. |
| Background Check | No felonies or disqualifying misdemeanors | Fingerprint Submission (~$35.15) |
| Character & Fitness | Good moral character, mentally and physically sound | Self-Attestation on Application |
| Firearm Proficiency | Intermediate skill level required (Not a beginner's course) | Self-assessment of safe handling skills |
This table summarizes the key checkpoints. Be honest in your self-assessment; the background check is thorough.
Meet Our Expert Instructors: The Alliance Training and Testing Difference
What truly sets our program apart is the caliber of our instruction. You're not learning from academics; you're learning from seasoned professionals who have operated at the highest levels of security, military, and law enforcement.
Angel Rodriguez, CPP: 30+ Years of Elite Protection
As the lead instructor and a Certified Protection Professional (CPP)—the gold standard in security management certification—I bring over three decades of real-world experience. From my time in the U.S. Army during the Gulf War, where I was awarded the Bronze Star, to designing security protocols for Fortune 500 companies, my focus is on practical, legally defensible decision-making. In our
My Pro Tip:
"Your most powerful weapon is your mastery of communication. The firearm is a last resort. Winning a confrontation without it ever leaving the holster is the ultimate mark of a professional."
Warren Smith: Marine Corps Discipline & Highway Patrol Precision
Warren embodies tactical excellence. His background as a U.S. Marine instilled discipline, while his years as a Tennessee Highway Patrol Trooper honed his skills in high-stress situations. He is our lead firearms instructor, specializing in the fundamentals of marksmanship. He has a unique ability to diagnose and correct common shooting errors, such as flinching or improper sight alignment, ensuring you can confidently pass the live-fire qualification.
Warren's Range Rule:
"Slow is smooth, and smooth is fast. Rushing your draw or your shots is a recipe for disaster. Master the fundamentals, and speed will follow naturally."
Bo Smith: 25 Years of Street Smarts from Metro Nashville PD
Bo brings a quarter-century of experience from the front lines of Nashville law enforcement. His expertise includes patrol techniques, emergency response, and the practical application of Tennessee law on the street. He provides invaluable context on how to interact with police as a security professional and how to write incident reports that stand up in court. As you can see in our YouTube video, Bo excels at teaching situational awareness.
Bo's Street-Smart Tip:
"Never stand when you can sit, but never sit when you should be moving. Complacency is the enemy. Always be observing, assessing, and anticipating what could happen next."
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Deep Dive into the Curriculum: What You'll Master in Our 16-Hour TN Armed Guard Training
Our state-approved curriculum is a comprehensive, two-day program that covers 4 hours of general security topics (creditable from a recent unarmed course), 8 hours of intensive firearms classroom instruction, and 4 hours of live-fire range qualification.
Day 1: Legal and Tactical Foundations (8 Hours)
The first day is dedicated to building the mental framework of an armed professional. No live firearms are needed in the classroom.
Morning Session (4 hours): We begin with the legal powers and limitations of a security officer, emergency procedures, and general duties. We then transition into the core of armed work: the legal use of force. We conduct a deep dive into Tennessee Code § 39-11-611 (Self-Defense) and the critical legal precedents that shape your decisions, including:
Graham v. Connor: Understanding the "Reasonable Officer" standard and how your actions will be judged based on the totality of circumstances.
Tennessee v. Garner: A landmark Supreme Court case originating in Tennessee that defines the constitutional limits on using deadly force against a fleeing suspect.
Afternoon Session (4 hours): This session is all about firearm safety and mechanics. We cover the Four Universal Firearm Safety Rules until they are second nature. You'll learn the nomenclature of your pistol, basic field stripping and cleaning, and how to safely handle and store your weapon both on and off duty. We also introduce the fundamentals of marksmanship: stance, grip, sight alignment, and trigger control.
Day 2: Range Day and Qualification (8 Hours)
Day two marks the point where theory meets practice. You'll bring your unloaded and cased duty firearm and gear for a day of hands-on training and testing.
Morning Session (4 hours): We begin in the classroom with a review of maintenance protocols, malfunction drills (including how to clear a stovepipe or double feed under pressure), and the specific course of fire for the qualification exam. We conduct dry-fire drills to build muscle memory before heading to the range.
Afternoon Session (4 hours): This is the live-fire portion at our modern, safe training range. You will fire a 50-round qualification course using a commissioner-approved B-27 silhouette target.
Course of Fire: The course is designed to test your proficiency at various engagement distances:
20 rounds from 3 yards (simulating a close-quarters encounter)
15 rounds from 5 yards
15 rounds from 7 yards
You must achieve a minimum score of 70% (175 out of 250 possible points) to pass.
Approved Calibers: You may qualify with a semi-automatic pistol or revolver in any caliber from .380 ACP up to .45 ACP. We strongly recommend you train with the firearm you intend to carry on duty.
Choosing Your Duty Firearm: A common question we get is what firearm is best. While we can't make the choice for you, popular and reliable options for duty use include the Glock 19/17, Sig Sauer P320/P226, and Smith & Wesson M&P series. The most important factor is finding a quality firearm that fits your hand and that you can operate proficiently and safely.
The Simple 5-Step Path to Your Tennessee Armed Guard License
Navigating the licensing process is simple when you follow the steps. Remember, you can work as an unarmed guard for your employer for up to 75 days while your armed application is processing, but you cannot work an armed post until you have the license in hand.
Confirm Eligibility: Thoroughly review the checklist in the section above.
Complete Our 16-Hour Training: Register and pay for our course ($160). You must register at least 24 hours in advance. Our Nashville classes run monthly and fill up quickly.
Get Fingerprinted: After submitting your application, you'll receive instructions to schedule a fingerprinting appointment with the state's vendor, Identogo. The cost is approximately $35.15. This initiates your TBI and FBI background check.
Submit Your Application Online: Go to the state's CORE website (core.tn.gov) to create an account and submit your application. You'll upload a passport-style photo, your training certificate from us, and pay the state's fees (currently $105 license fee + $25 processing fee).
Receive Your License: Once your background check clears and your application is approved, the state will mail you your armed security guard license. Carry it with you at all times while on duty.
The entire process typically takes 4 to 6 weeks.
Pro Tip: Schedule your fingerprinting appointment BEFORE you submit your CORE application. The background check is often the longest part of the process, so starting it early is key.
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FAQs: Your Top Questions on Armed Security Training in Nashville Answered
We've compiled answers to the most common questions we receive from prospective students. This section is designed to give you quick, clear information.
How much does it cost to get an armed guard license in Tennessee in 2025?
The total investment is typically under $350. This includes our $160 training course fee, the state application fee of $130, and the fingerprinting fee of approximately $35.15.
What firearm and gear do I need for the class?
For Day 2 (Range Day), you will need a quality semi-automatic pistol or revolver (.380 to .45 ACP), a sturdy belt, a dominant-side holster that covers the trigger guard (no soft nylon or collapsible holsters), at least two magazines (or speedloaders for a revolver), a magazine pouch, and 50 rounds of new factory ammunition. Eye and ear protection are mandatory; we can provide them if needed.
What if I fail the marksmanship test?
We are committed to your success. If you do not pass the range qualification on your first attempt, you can return to the range portion of our next scheduled class for a free re-qualification attempt.
I'm a military veteran. Can I get a training waiver?
No. You will still need to complete the required 16-hour training course approved by the Tennessee insurance commissioner, even if you are a veteran with combat arms experience.
Does an armed guard license allow me to carry a concealed weapon off-duty?
No. This is a critical distinction. Your armed security guard license authorizes you to carry a firearm only while you are on duty and acting on behalf of your licensed security company employer. To have a gun concealed off-duty, you must obtain a separate Tennessee Handgun Carry Permit.
How long is the license valid, and what is required for renewal?
Your license is valid for two years. To renew, you must complete a 4-hour armed renewal course, which includes classroom instruction and another live-fire range qualification.
Ready to Launch Your Career? Enroll in Nashville's Premier Armed Guard Training Today.
Investing in your professional development is the single best way to advance your career and increase your earning potential. For just $160, our course provides the state-required certification, expert instruction from industry veterans, and the confidence you need to operate as a top-tier armed security professional.
Our monthly classes in Nashville fill up fast. Don't wait to take the next step. Watch our
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About Alliance Training and Testing
Alliance Training and Testing is Tennessee's leading provider of security training and testing services. The company offers a range of courses, including state-approved unarmed security guard training, armed security guard training, online security guard licensing courses, and Dallas Law certification. Alliance Training and Testing is committed to delivering exceptional security guard training and certification services to its clients.
Contact
Angel Rodriguez CPP.Owner, Alliance Training and Testing.
Have questions? Contact us directly:
Phone: (615) 669-3121
Email: attcweb@securitylicensetn.com
Location: Nashville, TN
Alliance Training and Testing is a Tennessee state-approved training provider under the Department of Commerce & Insurance, Private Protective Services. We are dedicated to empowering Tennessee's protectors with responsible, practical, and legally sound training.
