REAL-WORLD TRAINING

This isn’t just about meeting a state mandate. It’s about understanding your role, your authority, and your responsibility as a professional security officer.

INDUSTRY-LED

Classes are taught by a former Operations Manager with 13+ years of experience — you learn what companies actually expect.

CAREER PIPELINE

Guard Card → Ongoing Training → Leadership Development → Career Advancement.

FEES AT A GLANCE

• $100 — CT Guard Card Course
• $100 — State Application Fee (Paid via check)
• $75 — State Background Check (Paid online)
• $12 — Federal Background Check (Paid online)

EXEMPTIONS

Veterans and law enforcement professionals may qualify for exemption from the 8-hour Guard Card course. Contact DESPP to verify eligibility.

How long does it take to receive my CT Guard Card?

After completing your 8-hour Connecticut Guard Card training course and submitting your application to the state, the Connecticut Department of Emergency Services and Public Protection (DESPP) typically takes 6–8 weeks to process applications. These are average timeframes — processing may be shorter or longer depending on application volume and background check completion. Many students are able to begin working while their application is pending.

What jobs can I get with a CT Guard Card?

A Connecticut Guard Card qualifies you to work in a wide range of security positions across the state. Common roles include school security officer, retail loss prevention, mall security, corporate office security, hospital security, warehouse and distribution center security, event security, construction site security, residential community patrol, and private security contracts. Virtually any unarmed security officer position in Connecticut requires a valid Guard Card license.

How do I become an armed security officer in Connecticut?

To work as an armed security officer in CT, you must first obtain your Connecticut Guard Card license and possess a valid Connecticut State Pistol Permit. After obtaining both, you are required to complete what is commonly known as a Blue Card certification course, an additional 8-hour training where you qualify with the specific firearm you will carry on duty. At minimum, the process includes: 8-hour Guard Card course → 8-hour pistol permit course → 8-hour Blue Card qualification. Once completed and approved, you may pursue armed security positions with licensed security companies.

Can I work while my Guard Card application is pending?

Yes. Under Connecticut General Statutes 29-161q(h), an applicant may perform the duties of a security officer while their license application is pending — provided certain conditions are met. The employing security company must conduct a state and national criminal history records check, confirm the applicant meets eligibility requirements, and verify that required training has been successfully completed. Applicants may not work in preschools, elementary or secondary schools, or licensed child care centers while pending. Employment must cease if the state ultimately denies the application.

Where are you located?

We are located in Rocky Hill, Connecticut, operating out of our professional training center inside the Southway Executive Park office complex. Our central location allows us to proudly serve students from Hartford, East Hartford, West Hartford, New Britain, Wethersfield, Newington, Berlin, Cromwell, Middletown, Manchester, Glastonbury, Bristol, Southington, Waterbury, New Haven, and communities throughout Connecticut. We have even trained students traveling from Springfield, Massachusetts, New York, and New Jersey to attend our Connecticut Guard Card and security training programs.