Security Officer Network
Maryland security officer certifications are issued by the Maryland State Police. The certifications are issued pursuant to the provisions established by Title 19 Section 401 of Business Occupations and Professions provisions of the Maryland State Code.
To qualify for certification the applicant must be sponsored by a licensed security agency. The application may be denied if the applicant has been convicted of a felony or certain types of misdemeanors. Interestingly, there does not appear to be any age limitation codified in Maryland law. Thus, it may be possible for an applicant who is under the age of 10 to receive a certification from the state.
There are both exemptions and temporary waiver of certification processes. Law enforcement officers are exempted from licensing. And, security officers may work temporarily on a site while their application is pending approval.
The basic application fee isn't expensive. It is just $15. The officer should expect to pay a fee for fingerprint collection and processing. This fee is charged by a state authorized fingerprint collection service and the fee goes to them not the state. The fingerprint processing fee likely costs about $35. Officers who wish to work armed must pay for a handgun permit application. This costs $75. It also costs $10 to renew a security certification.
Applicants must submit two 2 X 2 passport sized photos of themselves in addition to the application packet.
Officers seeking transition to an armed license can do so by completing an application for a handgun permit. Unlike other jurisdictions, Maryland does not require the applicant to be 21 years of age to apply. This appears to allow 18 year old officers to receive a permit to carry while on duty.
The certification lasts for three years without needing a renewal. There are no obvious continuing education requirements for renewal. The officer must pay a renewal fee of $10.
Step by Step Guide
- 1. Apply for employment at a licensed security firm. The State of Maryland requires the applicant for a security certification to secure sponsorship from a licensed security firm. A security agency may sponsor a person while he is only applying for a position with the company and does not have to wait until a hiring decision has been made. This expedites the application process.
- 2. Download the application for a security certification. This application may be used for both a security certification and the handgun certificate which allows officers to work in an armed capacity.
- 3. Visit a Maryland electronic fingerprint processing center. The State Police use these private facilities to capture the fingerprints of applicants. There will be a fee charged by the center. Simply google "Maryland electronic fingerprint processing" or a variation to find a center near you.
- 4. Develop a list of personal references. These references should be prepared to vouch for the integrity of the applicant.
- 5. Receive certification of qualification from a state approved firearm instructor. This is only necessary if the application is for a handgun permit in addition to the security certification. The handgun permit allows the officer to work armed. Those applying for a handgun permit should probably also apply for a body armor permit at the same time.
- 6. Return the completed application. Ensure page seven and page 13 contain the required notarizations.
Special Police Commission
Maryland allows for special police commissions to be granted to privatized security officers. These commissions convey additional powers. Security officers posted at large facilities such as hospital or college campuses are probably more likely to receive these commissions.
Instant Access To Your Free Copy of:
The Unarmed Security Exam Prep Guide
SecurityOfficerHQ.com is the exclusive provider of this free 57 page PDF guide. It features just about everything you need to know before taking the exam and includes The Professional Security Officer eCourse. You may get your copy for free right now only at SecurityOfficerHQ.com! Submit your name and email to receive your copy via email or click here to learn more about this guide.
Instant Access To Your Free Copy of:
How to Start a Security Guard Company
SecurityOfficerHQ.com is the exclusive provider of this free 140 page PDF ebook. Less-comprehensive versions sell for $24, but, for the time being, you may get your copy for free right now only at SecurityOfficerHQ.com! Submit your name and email to receive your copy via email or click here to learn more about the book.
Practice Test
Test Your Security Knowledge
The forty question, free practice exam will test your unarmed security knowledge. It's the perfect test prep for those who must sit an exam before getting licensing.
Job Interview Guide
Private Security Job Interview Guide -- 2022 Edition
This free job interview guide is the security officer's must-have resource. Get yours here.
State & City Resources
- Chicago & PERC/Blue Cards
- Florida & Class D Security Licensing
- Las Vegas & PIRB Guard Card
- North Carolina & PPSB Registration
- Oklahoma & CLEET Licensing
- Pennsylvania and Act 235 Certification
- Unarmed, Armed & Contract Security Company Licenses in Tennessee
- The Washington DC Security Officer and Special Police (SPO) Portal
Most Frequently Asked Questions
- How Much Money Does it Take to Start a Security Company?
- Where Do I Get the PDF of Unarmed Security Test Questions and Answers?
- How Do I Prepare for My Security Guard Job Interview?
- Security Guard Test Questions and Answers in 2022
- What Type of Duty Gear Should I Buy and How Can I get it for Cheap?
- Should I Start a Security Guard Company?
- What are the Components of the Security Guard Company Business Plan?
- Where Can I Find a Security Survey for Apartment Complexes?
- The Three Laws all Security Officers Must Know
- Why 2024 Is the Perfect Time To Have a Security Guard Card?
- How Do I Pass Time as a Security Guard
- Is It Safe to Be a Security Guard?
- Which Security Shift Should I Choose?
- How Much Do Security Guards Make in 2023?
- Where Do I Find Clients for My Security Company
- How Much Do Security Guard Companies Charge?
- How Hard Is It To Become a Security Guard in 2023?
- Will a Criminal History Keep Me From Getting a Security Officer License?
- How Hard is The Unarmed Security Test
- Should I Work for Allied Universal?
- Should Security Officers Use AI When Writing Incident Reports?
- Can You Get a Bodyguard Job, Without Having Police or Military Experience?
- What Is It Really Like To Work for Allied Universal Security in 2024?
Security Officer Network Advisories
The Security Guard’s Big Mistake
Why 2023 Is The PERFECT Time to Get Your Security Guard Card
When Observe and Report is Not OK
In the News
- 2023.12.09 Allied Universal's CEO Declares The End of The "Big, Burly, Often 'Male' Security Guard. Is He Right?
- 2023.12.04 Allied's Exit From Israel Illustrates the Dangers of Working and Doing Business With Allied Universal Security
- 2023.11.08 Why Aren't More Celebrities Speaking Out on Controversial San Francisco Walgreens Security Officer Use of Force Incident?
- 2023.11.02 Not Just Mall Cops: More Security, Less Police
- 2023.10.18 The money-making model of private security in the 21st century.
- 2023.10.18 The mainstream media flip-flops on private security.
- 2023.07.27 Security guard steals the show during police arrest gone bad.
- 2023.04.04 ADT Commercial has just introduced its Gemini private security robot to the public. Will this replace unarmed security officer jobs?
Agencies
- The Rise and Fall of Wackenhut Security
- Five Things You Didn't Know About Wackenhut Security
- SecurityOfficerHQ.com
- Blog
- Directory
- Email
- Twitter: @OfficerHQ
- Youtube: @TheSecurityOfficerNetwork
- RSS Feed
- 307.461.6079
- eBooks
- How To Start A Security Guard Company
- Unarmed Security Exam Preparation
- Get Clients for Your Security Agency
- From Security Guard to Security Expert
- Security Guard's Guide to Becoming a Police Officer
- Armed Security Prep Guide
- How to Manage a Security Guard Company
- Training and Equipment
- Training Tutorials
- SOPAS Unarmed Security Practice Exam
- Frequently Asked Questions
- Equipment
- Licensing, Regulations and Resources
- Licensing Procedures
- Resources
- Security Liability Insurance
- Portals
- Chicago
- Florida
- Las Vegas
- North Carolina
- Pennsylvania
- Tennessee
- Washington DC
Join The Security Officer Network
A Product of the 1918 Media Limited Liability Company
Addr: Thirty North Gould Street 2288
Sheridan, Wyoming 82801
Phone: (307) 461-6079
Red Hirundo Rustica Custom CMS and Testing Engine
