Your Career Path with Alliance Training and Testing
Professional security is a high-demand, high-stakes industry in Tennessee. As economic hubs like Nashville, Memphis, and Knoxville expand, the need for elite, well-trained personnel has skyrocketed. If you are looking for a Nashville security guard training center that provides more than just a certificate, you need "The Security School of Choice."Alliance Training and Testing (ATT) is a veteran-led organization with over 100 years of combined law enforcement and military experience. Voted the Best Trade School in Nashville in 2019 and 2020, we offer the definitive roadmap to obtaining your armed security license in Tennessee.
Quick Answer: How Do I Get an Armed Security License in TN?
To get an armed security guard license in Tennessee, you must be at least 21 years old, pass a background check, and complete a state-mandated 16-hour training course (8 hours of classroom instruction and 8 hours of firearms range training). After training, applicants must submit electronic fingerprints and apply through the Tennessee CORE portal.
What are the Tennessee State Eligibility Requirements?
To wear the badge of a professional security officer, you must first meet the legal benchmarks set by the State of Tennessee under TCA § 62-35-118.
Basic Eligibility Checklist:
Age: Minimum 21 years old for armed registration (18 for unarmed).
Citizenship: Must be a U.S. citizen or a documented resident alien.
Fitness: Must be free from any disability that prevents the performance of duties.
Mental Competency: Must not have been declared incompetent by a court due to mental defect or disease.
Character: Must be of good moral character and not suffer from habitual drunkenness or narcotics addiction.
Disqualifying Offenses (5-Year Rule):
If you have been convicted of the following, you must have completed your sentence or probation at least five years prior to application:
| Offense Category | Specific Disqualifying Criteria |
| Felonies | Any felony conviction in any jurisdiction. |
| Misdemeanors | Shooting a firearm or other weapon. |
| Misdemeanors | Shoplifting, theft of property, or theft of services. |
| Misdemeanors | Assault, battery, or any act of violence against persons/property. |
| Misdemeanors | Sale, manufacture, or distribution of controlled substances. |
The Disclosure Warning: Per TCA § 62-35-116(a)(1), you must disclose all convictions and pending charges, including misdemeanor citations. If an arrest appears on your TBI/FBI report that you failed to disclose, the state will deny your application for "material misstatement."
How to Get Your Initial Armed Security License
Our 16-Hour Initial Armed Security Course is the "Gold Standard" for entering the industry. Note: This is not a "learn to shoot" class; candidates should already be proficient in safe pistol operation.
The 16-Hour Curriculum Breakdown:
Classroom (8 Hours): Covers the tactical mindset, the use of force continuum, and legal liabilities under TCA § 62-35-118. You will study orientation, emergency procedures, and the legal powers of a security guard.
Range (8 Hours): Hands-on marksmanship training and qualification. You must achieve a minimum score of 70% on a commissioner-approved silhouette target.
Required Gear & Range Specifications:
- Authorized Pistols: 9MM, .380, .32, .38, .40, .45, or .357 Sig. (Shotgun qualification available for 12-gauge).
- Ammunition: 50 rounds of factory-manufactured ammo (No Reloads).
- Duty Gear: Sturdy belt, holster, magazine pouch, and eye/ear protection.
- The Alliance Advantage: If you do not own a firearm, ATT provides free loaner weapons to students.
- Training is conducted at Royal Range USA, a premier facility featuring a 15,000-square-foot Scenario House for realistic training and a multi-stage filtration system to protect student health.
How to Upgrade from Unarmed to Armed Security
Upgrading your license is the fastest way to increase your earning potential. Armed guards in Tennessee significantly out-earn unarmed roles, which average $30,000 to $35,000 annually.
The Strict 12-Month Rule: To take the 12-hour upgrade course, you must have completed your unarmed training within the last 12 months. If you are even one day past that window, the state requires you to take the full 16-hour armed course.
Career Advancement: Graduates are currently securing high-profile roles at Vanderbilt University, Austin Peay, the Governor’s Square Mall in Clarksville, and The Avenue Murfreesboro.
How to Renew Your TN Armed Security License
Tennessee armed licenses operate on a biennial (2-year) renewal cycle.
Renewal Requirements: You must pass a 4-hour refresher course covering legal updates and complete a marksmanship re-qualification with a minimum 70% score.
The Grace Period: There is a 90-day late renewal window. However, it is illegal to work with an expired license. If your license is more than 90 days expired, you must restart the entire 16-hour initial process.
How Much Does an Armed Security License Cost in TN?
A professional roadmap requires a clear financial picture. Here is the estimated total cost to become licensed in Tennessee, updated to reflect the most current state fees:
| Service Type | Course Fee | Fingerprints | State Fee | Total Estimated Cost |
| Initial Armed | $160 | $38.15 | $130 | $328.15 |
| Unarmed to Armed | $120 | $35.15 | $130 | $285.15 |
| Armed Renewal | $70 | N/A | $85 | $155.00 |
| Unarmed (Online) | $60 | $35.15 | $95 | $190.15 |
The 8-Step Tennessee Security Guard Application Process
Navigating state red tape is easy when you follow these exact steps:
Confirm Eligibility: Ensure you meet the age and criminal history requirements listed above.
Schedule Training: Register for your required course at guardtrainingtn.com.
Gather Records: Obtain certified final court dispositions for any past arrests and your DD214 (if applicable).
Attend Class: Complete your hours and receive your signed Trainer's Certificate.
Electronic Fingerprinting: Use the state provider. Select "Don’t Know Your Service Code" -> "Department of Commerce and Insurance" -> "Armed Guard."
Digitize Documents: Take a clear picture or scan your ID, Training Certificate, and Fingerprint Receipt.
Submit CORE Application: Create an account on the TN CORE portal and upload your documents in the "Additional Documents" section.
Understand the "Working While Pending" Rule: You may work as an unarmed guard for 75 days with your CORE receipt. You cannot carry a weapon until the physical armed registration card is in your possession.
Why Choose Alliance Training and Testing?
Our instructors literally wrote the book on Tennessee security. When you train with us, you are learning from the best:
Angel Rodriguez (CPP): A Gulf War veteran awarded the Bronze Star. Angel is the primary author of the state’s 4-hour General Training Curriculum and the Dallas Law curriculum.
Warren Smith: A Marine Corps veteran and former Training Division instructor for the Tennessee Highway Patrol.
Dallas Law Leadership: ATT was the first to offer Dallas Law certification (De-escalation, CPR/First Aid) 100% online in Tennessee.
What Our Graduates Say:
"Great online course. Easy to follow... The process was fast and simple." — David H.
"The Unarmed Security course was very well structured... everything was explained very well by Angel. I will be recommending this." — Will T.
Step up to a higher standard of security. Confidence comes from veteran-led training.
Visit guardtrainingtn.com to view our current class calendar and secure your seat at Royal Range USA.
About Alliance Training and Testing
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
BIO LINKS
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.
