Maryland FAQ’S 

Q. If I am a security guard in another state, can I use that certification to work in MD?

A. You will need to contact your security guard agency and have them submit the status request to the Maryland State Police Licensing Division, Security Guard Section.

 

Q. Who should apply to be a MD Security Guard?

A.  To qualify for a State of Maryland Security Guard Certification, an applicant shall be an individual who is a current employee of, or a current applicant for employment with a licensed security guard agency and be of good moral character and reputation. Applicants must also meet any standards set by the Maryland State Police. The Maryland State Police may deny certification as a security guard to any applicant:

• If the applicant or individual fraudulently or deceptively obtains or attempts to obtain certification as a security guard ; OR
• If, under the laws of the United States or of, any state, the applicant or individual plead(s) guilty or nolle contendre to or is convicted of (1) a felony; or (2) a misdemeanor that is directly related to the fitness and qualification of the applicant or individual to be certified as a security guard.

NOTE: Individuals who are not current employees of or a current applicant for employment with a licensed security guard agency shall not apply for a State of Maryland Security Guard Certification.

 

Q. How to become MD Security Guard and what are the costs?

 

Step 1 Take the Maryland Armed Security Guard training class.   You will receive a Range Qualifier Certification.    This is good for two (2) years.   

Additional costs during class:

Gun rental, Ammo (100 rounds), eye/ear protection and targets.

 

Step 2 Get your fingerprints done. Find a location HERE. Most popular place is CJIS – Central Repository at 6776 Reisterstown Rd, Baltimore, MD 21215.

We try to have a Livescan rep come in on the second day of training to make things easier.  All original applications require FBI and CJIS fingerprint submissions.

You MUST submit your MSP application before this expires in 30 days.  

 

Step 3 Get Two (2) 2”x2” passport photos, per application. So, if your applying for MD Guard and MD Handgun, you will need four (4). Walgreens, CVS, any place that does passport photos.

Pictures must be head and shoulder passport type photos with white background, full face, no hat, no dark glasses.

You MUST submit your MSP application before this expires in 30 days.  

 

Step 4 Money Order for MSP Licensing Division Application.

Maryland Security Guard Certification   $15

Maryland Security Guard Re-Certification   $10

Maryland Handgun Permit   $75

Maryland Handgun Permit Re-Certification   $50

Do NOT combine totals onto one (1) money order!

 

Step 4 Fill out the Maryland State Police Security Guard application, online. The Security Guard Unit will only accept applications completed electronically on the PDF form(s) provided under DOCUMENTS for initial and renewal applications. Fill out application. Please answer all questions accurately, completely and honestly. Once completed, the PDF form should be printed, signed, and dated.

Make sure to enter the date and livescan number on the top of the application.

Select “security guard” and fill out your information, then print.

Select “handgun permit” and fill out your information, again, then print.

Make sure to select “original” or “renewal” and “firm”.      

Select the License you are applying for. “security guard” “handgun permit”

If you do NOT already have your security guard card, you will need two separate applications: one for security guard and one for handgun permit.

 

APPLICATION HELP, CHECK LIST: Click here!

 

YOU MUST PRINT YOUR APPLICATION, COMPLETED FROM THE MSP WEBSITE.       NO HANDWRITTEN APPLICATIONS!

 

Step 5 Bring all the above paperwork to your Security Agency employer. They will attach a “sponsorship” letter and check all your paperwork.

 

Step 6 Submit your packet to the MSP Licensing Division. You can can mail it in or drop it off personally.

 

Step 7 Your card(s) will be mailed to your employer, up to 90 days after submitting, where you can pick them up.

 

You must apply for a security guard certification through a valid security guard agency that is licensed to conduct business in this state.

 

Q. Are there any extra fees?

A. Yes, See ABOVE

 

Q. What are the requirements to take the course? 

A. You must be a U.S. citizen or possess documentation that allows you to work in this country. The applicant shall be of good character and reputation. The Maryland State Police Licensing Division may deny a security guard certification for a felony or a misdemeanor that is directly related to the fitness and qualification of the applicant to be certified.

 

Q. Do I have to come in for more than one day?

A. Yes, the class for Armed MD Security Guard is 2 (two) days. We have class on Saturday and Sundays.

 

Q. Can I start any time?

A. We have classes though out the month. Please check our training schedule.  

 

Q. Where is the training academy located?

A. 8117 Harford Rd, Baltimore MD 21234.      

 

Q. Which range do we use for firearms qualification?

A. Continental Arms or FreeState Gun range. 

 

Q. How do I pay?  

A. We accept cash, money orders, credit cards and checks (must clear before class starts) at our office. Online payments can be made on our website via Paypal. Pre-registration is required and no walk-ins the day of class, please.  No Refunds.

 

Q. What’s included with the price?

A. Two day training class with gun range qualification. You can bring your own firearm on the second day of MD Armed training class. 

 

Q. Are there additional costs?

A. You will need passport photos $10, MSP application fee $75, Livescan (fingerprinting) $60 and ammo $40 (purchase at office, gun range or bring your own brass cased), targets $3, eye/ear protection $2 and gun rental (if needed).  These are estimates of fees. 

 

Q. Baton, Handcuffing and OC Spray certifications are included?

A. No, you are not required to have these to be a MD Security guard. Not all agencies require them, but we recommend them to make yourself more qualified.

 

Q. Do you do Taser Certifications?

A. Yes, Taser certifications are also available on a case by case basis, but since they are not legal in Baltimore city/ county you will have to go to our satellite facility in PG county for training.   

 

Q. Do I walk out as a MD Security Guard after completing the course?

A. No, this is the first step required to submit your MD application.  The MSP will be the determining factor on if and when your approval will be accepted.  

 

Q. Do I have to be employed to become a MD Security Guard? 

A. Yes, you must be “sponsored” by a MD Security Agency, like Statewide Protective Services.  Individuals who are not current employees of or a current applicant for employment with a licensed security guard agency shall not apply for a State of Maryland Security Guard Certification.        Licensed Security Guard agencies shall, upon receipt from an applicant, forward to the Maryland State Police the applicant’s application form, Livescan receipt, photographs, and fees. 

 

Q. Will I get a job?

A. Maybe, we have a wide variety of posts in the Maryland. We hire first from our past students. Unarmed guards can be hired as soon as the MSP application is submitted. It takes up to 90 days for the MSP to process your handgun carry permit application and we can NOT put you on an armed post until you have your Carry Permit in your possession.  

 

Q. Do I have to work for Statewide Protective Services?

A. Yes and No,  you are under no contract with us. If we are endorsing your application, then you will need to work unarmed hours as you wait for processing.  

 

Q. How long until I have to take a post to keep my license current?

A. A Security Guard Certification expires three (3) years after its date of issuance and upon the date the Secretary of State Police sets.  By regulation, the Secretary shall stagger the terms of the certification. The license may be renewed for an additional 3-year term. The renewal process is the responsibility of the applicant and should be started no less than 90 business days from expiration of the license. Timely renewal is the responsibility of the license holder. The renewal application and required material must be mailed to the Licensing Division at least 90 business days before a certification expires. Renewals require, in addition to the FBI fingerprints:

 

BUSINESS OCCUPATIONS AND PROFESSIONS

TITLE 19. SECURITY GUARD AGENCIES AND SECURITY GUARD CERTIFICATION

SUBTITLE 4. CERTIFICATION OF SECURITY GUARDS

Md. BUSINESS OCCUPATIONS AND PROFESSIONS Code Ann. 19-401 (2013)

19-401. Certification

Certification generally required. — Except as provided under subsection (b) of this section, a licensed security guard agency may provide an individual for hire as a security guard only if the individual is certified by the Secretary as a security guard.

Exceptions. — A licensed security guard agency may provide an uncertified individual for hire as a security guard if:

• the security guard agency has submitted to the Secretary the application of the individual for certification as a security guard, fingerprint cards, and records fee as required under 19-402(b) of this subtitle; and
• the Secretary has not disapproved the application; or
• the individual has obtained and currently possesses certification by the Maryland Police and Corrections Training Commission as a police officer.

HISTORY: 1996, ch. 602, 2.