Maryland Security Officer Initial & Renewal Course

Frequently Asked Questions

• When I complete the course, can I start working as a security officer or special police officer?

  These courses award students a certificate that is submittable to the Maryland State Police licensing division in order to be licensed. The certificate alone is not a license. You must still complete the process to be licensed. This certificate meets the licensing requirements set forth by the Maryland State Police. Our security and special police officer courses are certified through MPCTC (The Maryland Police and Corrections Training Commission). Our firearm instructors are certified through the Maryland State Police licensing division.  

• Is this course required?

  Our courses must be completed to obtain your license. After you obtain your certificate of completion, you can then apply for your license through the Maryland State Police licensing division. 

• What are the steps required to be licensed?

  You must first take a certified course, which this is. Then, you must get your LiveScan fingerprints taken and complete the online application through the Maryland State Police licensing portal. 

• Can I pay for this over time?

  Yes! You can use the online payment portal Klarna when checking out. Klarna allows you to make payments over time for our courses. 

• Where are you located?

  We are located in Salisbury, Maryland; however, we offer multiple courses online. You can also schedule an in-person class if you are a company with numerous people who require training, or you can come to our training center. 

• I have a felony or other serious misdemeanor, can I get a license?

   Probably not. The Maryland State Police restricts licensing for security officers, special police officers, and firearms permits to persons who are of good repute. 

  • Applicants must disclose any arrests, charges, convictions, or summonses for criminal violations.
  • Applicants must disclose any history of mental health treatment
  • Applicants must disclose any history of substance abuse
  • Applicants must disclose any history of handgun permit suspension, revocation, or termination
• Why do I need to take the 12 hour course for renewal when it says I only need an 8 hour course?

  The Maryland State Police Licensing Division published a memo detailing that you must take the 12-hour initial course upon your first renewal if you already have a security guard card. Three years from that point, you can take the 8 hour renewal course. Therefore, even if you currently have a Maryland security guard card and need a renewal, you still must initially take the 12 hour course.