How to become a security guard in Vermont
Vermont security guards are licensed by the Vermont Secretary of State, Office of Professional Regulation. Here is what it takes to work as a licensed security guard in Vermont, from official sources checked November 4, 2026.
Who can become a security guard in Vermont?
- Age of majority (for a full license)
- Signed Supervisor Authorization form from your employing agency (registration)
- Vermont Crime Information Center background check
- FBI fingerprint check for the armed specialty
- Approved CPR course within the 2 years before licensure and renewal
- Full license: 2 years of security work, 2 character references and a jurisprudence exam
Vermont security guard license requirements
| State license | Yes. Security guards working for an agency must be registered by the Office of Professional Regulation before starting work. Guards who run an agency or practice independently need a full security guard license. |
|---|---|
| Licensed by | Vermont Secretary of State, Office of Professional Regulation |
| License name | Registered Investigative/Security Employee (Licensed Security Guard for independent practice) |
| Education or training | 8-hour OPR-approved training before registration. Licensed security guards need a 40-hour approved training course. |
| Experience | None for employee registration. A full license for independent practice needs at least 2 years of security work satisfactory to the Director (26 V.S.A. 3174). |
| Exam | No exam for employee registration; a full license requires the Vermont State Jurisprudence Examination. |
| License term | 2 years, expiring May 31 of odd years; current CPR certification required to renew |
How much does it cost?
| Registered employee application (unarmed) | $70 |
|---|---|
| Registered employee renewal (unarmed) | $95 |
| Licensed private investigator/security guard application (unarmed) | $175 |
| Licensed private investigator/security guard renewal (unarmed) | $140 |
Fees as listed by the state. Schools, courses, exam prep, insurance and equipment cost extra and vary by provider.
Steps to become a security guard in Vermont
- Get a job with a licensed Vermont security agency
- Complete an 8-hour OPR-approved training course
- Complete an approved CPR course
- Have your supervisor sign the Supervisor Authorization form
- Apply and pay through the OPR Online Services System
- Do not start work until your registration is issued
Apply on the official Vermont site
How do you check a security guard's license in Vermont?
- Search the name or license number on the official Vermont security guard license lookup.
- Check that the status is active and the name matches the person or company you're hiring.
- Ask how long they've been licensed and whether any complaints or discipline are on record.