Step 01
Verify Eligibility & Enroll
Confirm you meet all state requirements. Then, enroll in the mandated four-hour course for your Tennessee security certification.
Tennessee Security Guard Training
Get Your Tennessee Unarmed Security License Online
State-approved online training for your TN unarmed security license. Get certified fast with Alliance Training and Testing.
Tennessee Unarmed License
Start Your Security Career
Alliance Training & Testing — the security school of choice in Tennessee since 2012.
How to Get Licensed Online
To obtain your TN unarmed license online for 2025, you must first meet Tennessee's eligibility requirements, including being at least 18 years old with a clean criminal background.
The next step is to complete a 4-hour online course from a trusted provider, such as Alliance Training and Testing, that meets all state requirements. Our curriculum, developed by military and law enforcement veterans, covers critical topics such as legal limitations and emergency procedures.
After passing the final exam, you'll receive a Training Certificate to submit with your application, fingerprints, and fees to the Tennessee Private Protective Services. This streamlined, expert-led process ensures you are fully compliant and prepared for your role.
Ready to start your security career? Enroll now and get started.
Before You Enroll
Eligibility Requirements
Before enrolling, ensure you meet the state of Tennessee's requirements for an unarmed security guard. This guarantees a smooth application process after you complete your training.
| Requirement | Details | How to Verify |
|---|---|---|
| Age | Must be at least 18 Year Old | Valid State-Issued ID or Driver's License |
| Citizenship | Must be a U.S. Citizen or a legal resident alien. | U.S. Passport, Birth Certificate, or Residency Card |
| Background Check | Must have no disqualifying felony convictions or misdemeanors. | Fingerprint-based criminal background check |
| Character | Must be of good moral character. | Self-attestation on the state application |
Pro Tip: The state background check is thorough. Disclose any past convictions as required on your application to avoid automatic denial for non-disclosure.
Licensing Path
3 Simple Steps to Your TN License
Getting your Tennessee guard card is a straightforward process. Follow these three steps to start your career as a professional security guard in Tennessee.
Step 02
Complete Online Training
Finish the self-paced course and pass the 50-question final exam. Receive your Training Certificate via email within 24 hours.
Step 03
Apply to the State
Submit your application through the TN Department of Commerce and Insurance's CORE portal. Upload your Training Certificate, provide a passport-style photo, fingerprinting, and pay the state fees.
How Can You Avoid Application Delays?
To prevent delays, ensure your application information exactly matches your government ID. Double-check all details before submitting.
Quick Reference
Tennessee Unarmed License Steps
Verify, train, and apply — the complete path at a glance.
Verify Eligibility
- Be at least 18 years old
- Pass background check
Complete Training
- Finish 4-hour course
- Pass 50-question exam
- Certificate in 24 hours
Apply to State
- Use TN CORE portal
- Upload certificate & photo
- Submit fingerprints
Ready to Start
- Enroll in online course
- Train at your own pace
- Launch your TN career
TN-Compliant Curriculum
What You'll Learn
What Do Tennessee Compliant Courses Cover?
Our courses are 100% approved by the Tennessee Private Protective Services and provide practical skills and legal knowledge to excel as a security guard. The Unarmed License Course offers a comprehensive foundation for your career.
What Are the Key Topics in the Unarmed License Course?
Legal Powers, Authority, and Limitations: Understand Tennessee Code Annotated (TCA) sections governing private security.
Emergency Procedures & Response: Learn protocols for alarms, medical emergencies, and scene security.
General Duties and Responsibilities: Master patrolling techniques, report writing, and communication protocols.
Why Is Proper Licensing Critical? A Case Study
Proper licensing protects you, your employer, and the public. A 2022–2023 case study shows:
Incident: A national security provider in Tennessee used unlicensed guards.
Issue: 309 guards worked illegally, risking their careers.
Cause: Failure to meet state licensing requirements.
Result: Complaints triggered an investigation, leading to the $185K fine.
This case highlights legal and career risks of non-compliance. Our training ensures you meet state requirements from day one.
Online Training
Courses & Pricing
Perfect for busy schedules, rural areas, or students who prefer self-paced learning.
$60Online Dallas Law Security Guard Certification Course TN
De-escalation, safe restraint awareness, and first-aid communication habits for Tennessee officers.
View course
$120Online Armed Security Guard Upgrade Course TN
Tennessee armed upgrade pathway with firearms safety habits, dense lessons, and downloadable post binders.
View course.jpg?alt=media&token=583c5c75-f017-4156-8f3d-a8e9cffd731a)
$0Security Officer Orientation Lab
Hands-on Alliance orientation lab — Vimeo + MP4 video, audio briefing, dense reading, PDF downloads, and quizzes for curriculum QA.
View courseWatch & Listen
Training Media Hub
Watch Our Licensing Guide
See exactly how our training prepares you for success. This short video walks you through the licensing process and highlights key skills you'll learn.
More Tennessee Security Tips
Listen to this entire page on our Podcast.
Complement your online training with expert insights from our podcast.
Student Voices
What Our Graduates Say
“Great online course. Easy to follow and understand the material. I highly recommend them if you are looking to get your guard license. The process was fast and simple.”
“The Unarmed Security course was very well structured and easy to follow. Everything was explained very well by the instructor Angel. I will be recommending this course to anyone interested in security.”
“The course was really simple and easy to understand. I liked that you could pause the course and come back to it later. I finished the course in two days and got my certificate a few hours after I was done. They do a really good job and I highly recommend them.”
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Answers First
Frequently Asked Questions
A: To get certified in Tennessee quickly, follow these steps: 1. Complete a 4-hour online certification course in one day. 2. Schedule and complete fingerprinting on the same day or the next day. 3. Submit your application and pay the Tennessee state license fee. 4. Print temporary proof from CORE to start working immediately. 5. Receive your full license in the mail within 2-4 weeks. This streamlined process allows you to become fully licensed and ready to work in Tennessee.
A: After submitting your application in the CORE system Step 1: Print the payment receipt and submission confirmation. Step 2: You must carry these printed proofs with you at all times while on duty. This serves as your temporary license. Step 3: The state typically processes applications and issues your official guard card within 2-4 weeks. Step 4: Your permanent Tennessee guard card authorizes you to work for any licensed security company in the state.
A: The course is $60, with the total cost being around $165 after state fees. Your Training Certificate is emailed to you automatically within 24 hours of passing the final exam.
A: You need to score seventy percent or higher to pass the final exam. Don't worry, you have three chances to pass.
A: You can work in diverse roles like retail loss prevention, corporate office security, event staffing, or at residential communities. Demand for licensed guards in Tennessee is growing steadily.
A: Yes. The course works perfectly on any device with internet, including your smartphone, tablet, or computer. You can even start on one and finish on another.