Tennessee Security Guard License | 4-Hour Course
On-Demand CourseCourse Overview
Earn your Tennessee Unarmed Security Guard license with our state-approved 4-hour online course. 100% on-demand and mobile-friendly — meets all Tennessee Department of Commerce & Insurance requirements under Tenn. Code Ann. § 62-35-118. Taught by a retired law enforcement officer with decades of security and investigative experience. Enroll today and start your TN guard card application.
What's Included
- • 4 hours of comprehensive training
- • Professional certification upon completion
- • Access to course materials
Learning Objectives
- • Course Goal Upon successful completion of this 4-hour course, the student will be prepared to perform the duties of an unarmed security guard in Tennessee lawfully, safely, and professionally, in accordance with the Tennessee Private Protective Services Licensing and Regulatory Act and Tenn. Code Ann. § 62-35-118.
- • Module 1 — Legal Framework & Authority Upon completion of this module, the student will be able to:
- • Identify the Tennessee administrative rules and regulations that govern the conduct and licensing of unarmed security guards.
- • Explain the legal powers and limitations of a security officer, including the distinction between the authority of a security guard and that of a sworn law enforcement officer.
- • Describe the criminal and civil laws and liabilities that apply to a security officer's actions on duty, including Tennessee's citizen's arrest authority under T.C.A. § 40-7-109 and lawful use-of-force standards.
- • Module 2 — Professional Standards Upon completion of this module, the student will be able to:
- • Demonstrate the attitude, conduct, and ethical standards expected of a professional security officer.
- • Define common security terminology used in the field and in written documentation.
- • Apply proper report writing, documentation, and evidence-handling practices to accurately record incidents and observations.
- • Module 3 — Safety & Emergency Response Upon completion of this module, the student will be able to:
- • Describe basic first aid procedures appropriate to a security officer's role while awaiting emergency medical responders.
- • Explain emergency evacuation and notification procedures, including the officer's responsibilities during fire, medical, and other emergency situations.
- • Module 4 — Operational Procedures Upon completion of this module, the student will be able to:
- • Apply effective patrol procedures and best practices for monitoring and securing an assigned area.
- • Demonstrate appropriate incident response and documentation, including recognizing, responding to, and reporting security events.
Course Content
Module 1 — Legal Framework & Authority (1 Hour)
- • Tennessee Administrative Rules and Regulations governing security guards
- • Legal Powers and Limitations of a Security Officer
- • Criminal and Civil Laws and Liabilities, including citizen's arrest authority (T.C.A. § 40-7-109) and lawful use-of-force standards
Module 2 — Professional Standards (1 Hour)
- • The Role of a Security Officer: Attitude and Conduct
- • General Security Terminology
- • Report Writing, Documentation, and Evidence
Module 3 — Safety & Emergency Response (1 Hour)
- • Basic First Aid Procedures
- • Emergency Evacuation and Notification Procedures
Module 4 — Operational Procedures (1 Hour)
- • Patrol Procedures and Best Practices
- • Incident Response and Documentation
Final Examination
- • Multiple-choice exam covering all four modules; minimum passing score of 70% required for certification
Your Instructor
Catherine D. Flowers
About Your Instructor — Catherine Flowers Catherine Flowers is the Owner and Director of Training of PI Leadership Academy and a licensed North Carolina private investigator with more than 27 years of field experience. As a Tennessee-approved security guard trainer (Trainer ID #932738), she brings real-world investigative and security expertise directly into the classroom, giving students practical, job-ready instruction grounded in current law and best practices. A retired Raleigh Police Officer and a Commissioned Officer in the U.S. Army Military Police Corps, Catherine has built her career on protecting people and upholding professional standards. Today she trains the next generation of security and investigative professionals across multiple states, helping students earn their credentials with confidence and start their careers on a strong foundation.
Frequently Asked Questions
Who is required to take this course?
All new security guards in Tennessee must complete the 4-Hour General Training before being certified, regardless of classification. This course satisfies that requirement for unarmed security guards. Armed guards must complete this same general training plus additional firearms training.
What are the eligibility requirements?
You must be at least 18 years of age to register as an unarmed security guard in Tennessee and be able to pass the state background check administered through the Tennessee Department of Commerce and Insurance, Private Protective Services. There are no prior experience or education requirements to enroll.
How long is the course?
The course consists of four hours of mandated instruction, divided into four one-hour modules. With progress checks and the final exam, most students complete it in approximately four to five hours
What topics does the course cover?
The curriculum is organized into four modules: Legal Framework and Authority, Professional Standards, Safety and Emergency Response, and Operational Procedures. Together these cover Tennessee laws and regulations, the legal powers and limitations of a security officer, professional conduct, report writing, first aid, emergency procedures, patrol practices, and incident response.
Is there a test?
Yes. The course concludes with a multiple-choice final examination covering all four modules. A minimum score of 70% is required to pass and receive your certificate of completion.
What do I receive when I finish?
Upon successful completion and passing the exam, you receive a certificate of completion that documents you have met the Tennessee 4-Hour General Training requirement for unarmed security guard certification.
How often do I need to renew?
Tennessee unarmed security guard registrations renew every two years. Renewal requires completing a 2-hour refresher course and passing its exam. Note that if your license is more than 90 days past expiration, you must retake the full 4-Hour General Training rather than the 2-hour refresher.
Does this course let me work as an armed guard?
No. This course covers the general training required of all guards but does not include the firearms training armed guards must complete. It certifies you for unarmed security work.
Where can I verify current state requirements and fees?
For the most current requirements and fees, visit the Tennessee Department of Commerce and Insurance, Private Protective Services division website or contact them directly.
Is this course approved by the State of Tennessee, and what is your license number?
This course is delivered by a trainer approved by the Tennessee Department of Commerce and Insurance, Private Protective Services to provide the 4-Hour General Training for unarmed security guards. Our Tennessee Trainer ID is #932738.
How to Get Your Tennessee Unarmed Security Guard License
You must be at least 18 years of age and able to pass a state background check. There are no prior experience or education requirements to begin.
Complete the 4-Hour General Training
Enroll in and complete the Tennessee 4-Hour General Training course covering the four required topic areas: legal powers and limitations, professional standards, emergency procedures, and general duties. This training is mandatory for all new security guards in Tennessee.
Secure Employment with a Licensed Security Company
In Tennessee, unarmed security guards are registered through their employing security company. Obtain a position with a company licensed by the Tennessee Department of Commerce and Insurance.
Submit Your Registration Application
Your employer submits your guard registration application to the Tennessee Department of Commerce and Insurance, Private Protective Services, along with your training certificate, fingerprints for the background check, and the required fees.
Receive Your Registration and Begin Working
Once your background check clears and your registration is approved, you are authorized to work as an unarmed security guard in Tennessee.
Renew Every Two Years
Maintain your registration by completing the 2-hour refresher course and passing its exam every two years. If your license lapses more than 90 days past expiration, you must retake the full 4-Hour General Training.
What Our Students Say
"I really enjoyed my classes with Mrs.Cat. She was very knowledgeable and teacher friendly. She made it very easy to learn from her and understand the materials. I loved my NC PPSB Training with Mrs.Flowers its was greatttt!!!! Thank You Mrs.Azure D.Thompson"
Mrs.Azure D.Thompson
Security Professional
"Mrs. Cat is a wonderful instructor! She takes the time to get to know you & understands the needs for taking her class. She is thorough & made sure everyone understood the material before moving on. She personalized our class for our specific business needs so it was easy to follow along & implement practically in our industry. Would highly recommend Cat & her class to anyone looking to obtain licensing."
Amanda Lambert
Security Supervisor
"Mrs. Cat Flowers provides outstanding, professional training that exceeds expectations. Her course is insightful, engaging, and essential for anyone entering the security field. I highly recommend her services to all security companies seeking high‑quality guard certification."
Nicole Hayton
International Security Professional