Armed vs. Unarmed Security Guards: Training, Pay, and Responsibilities

One of the first decisions you'll face when starting a security career is whether to pursue armed or unarmed work. Whether or not you carry a firearm shapes your training path, the environments you'll work in, a nd the level of responsibility you'll carry on the job.

Most states have separate licensing requirements for the two career paths that require different training modules and certifications. For example, in Florida, this distinction comes down to understanding the difference between a Class D Security Officer License and a Class G Statewide Firearm License.

This guide breaks down the key differences between armed and unarmed security guards, including licensing requirements, day-to-day duties, pay expectations, and how to decide which path fits your goals.

What Is the Difference Between Armed and Unarmed Security Guards?

The main difference between armed and unarmed security guards is that armed guards are authorized to carry a firearm while on duty, while unarmed guards are not. That single distinction creates two very different career paths with different training requirements, work environments, and levels of responsibility.

Armed guards typically work in higher-risk settings like banks, government buildings, armored transport, and jewelry stores. Their presence serves as a stronger deterrent, and they're equipped to respond to immediate threats without waiting for law enforcement. Unarmed guards focus on observation, access control, incident reporting, and de-escalation. You'll find them in retail stores, corporate offices, schools, hospitals, and residential communities.

The licensing process also differs. Armed roles require a separate firearms certification on top of a basic security license, along with stricter background checks and often higher age minimums. Unarmed positions generally have lower entry barriers, which is why many people start there before moving into armed work. Requirements vary by state, so always verify the rules where you plan to work.

What Do Unarmed Security Guards Do?

Unarmed security guards focus on prevention, observation, and communication. Their visible presence alone often deters problems, and they serve as the first point of contact for visitors, employees, and emergency responders.

Day-to-day responsibilities typically include:

• Patrol and observation: Conducting routine rounds to detect suspicious activity, safety hazards, or unauthorized access

• Access control: Verifying credentials, checking IDs, managing entry points, and enforcing visitor procedures

• Incident reporting: Documenting security events and communicating with supervisors, property managers, or law enforcement

• Customer service: Assisting visitors, employees, or residents with directions and safety concerns

• Emergency coordination: Responding to alarms, enforcing site rules, and contacting police, fire, or medical responders when needed

Common work settings include retail stores, office buildings, hotels, schools and universities, hospitals, event venues, gated communities, and warehouses. The work is less about confrontation and more about awareness. Unarmed guards catch problems early and handle them before they escalate. That makes unarmed work a strong entry point for building experience and confidence before pursuing more specialized roles.

What Do Armed Security Guards Do?

Armed security guards perform many of the same duties as unarmed guards, like patrol, access control, monitoring, reporting, but the firearm changes the level of responsibility. Armed roles typically involve higher-risk environments where immediate threat response may be necessary.

In addition to standard security duties, armed guards handle:

• Armed deterrence: Providing visible protection that discourages criminal activity

• High-risk response: Intervening in situations involving immediate threats to people or property

• Asset protection: Guarding cash, valuables, or sensitive materials during transport or storage

• Law enforcement coordination: Working with police and emergency responders during critical incidents

• Use-of-force compliance: Understanding what level of force is lawful, proportional, and consistent with employer policy

• Firearm safety and documentation: Carrying, storing, and handling firearms according to legal and employer requirements, and creating detailed records after any critical incident

Armed guards commonly work at banks and financial institutions, government buildings and courthouses, critical infrastructure sites, armored transport companies, high-value retail locations like jewelry stores, healthcare facilities, and cannabis businesses where legal. The job requires not just physical readiness but sound judgment. After all, knowing when to draw a weapon is just as important as when not to.

Training Requirements for Armed and Unarmed Security Guards

Training requirements vary by state, but the general pattern holds across the country: unarmed training covers core security duties, while armed training adds firearm-specific instruction, qualification, and legal responsibility.

Unarmed Security Guard Training

Most states require pre-licensing or post-registration training before or shortly after employment. Standard curriculum areas include:

• Security officer laws, legal authority, and liability

• Observation and documentation techniques

• Patrol procedures and access control

• Emergency procedures and evacuation

• Communication and conflict de-escalation

• Ethics, professional conduct, and incident reporting

• Terrorism awareness

Hours and format differ significantly by state. Florida's Class D requires 40 hours of professional training through an FDACS-licensed school. California requires guard card training after registration, divided into phases. Texas requires Level II training for non-commissioned officers, and Georgia requires pre-licensing coursework aligned with state board rules.

Browse State Pre-Licensing Courses →

Armed Security Guard Training

Armed training builds on unarmed requirements and adds firearms-specific instruction. In most cases, you'll already hold or be pursuing the underlying security officer license before qualifying for armed certification.

Topics typically include firearm safety and handling, classroom and range instruction, use-of-force rules and legal limitations, de-escalation before force, judgment under pressure, and firearm qualification. In Florida, the Class G pathway requires 28 hours of classroom and range training; NITA's Florida Class G online training supports the required classroom portion for eligible students, with the range component completed in person.

Continuing Education and Recertification

Security training doesn't end at initial licensure. Many states require renewals, continuing education, or periodic refresher training to keep a license active — and armed credentials add ongoing firearm requalification. In Florida, Class G licensees must complete annual firearms requalification training during each year of the two-year license term.

Staying current keeps you compliant with legal updates, maintains employment eligibility, and prevents lapses in licensure.

Explore Continuing Education Courses →

Florida Class D vs. Class G: What's the Difference?

Florida is a clear example of how states separate general security officer licensing from firearm authorization. Class D is the standard Florida security officer license and requires 40 hours of professional training. Class G is the statewide firearm license and requires 28 hours of classroom and range training for firearm-related duties.

What Is a Florida Class D Security Officer License?

The Class D Security Officer License is the standard pathway for unarmed security work in Florida. The Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services (FDACS) requires applicants to complete at least 40 hours of professional training from a licensed security officer school or training facility.

Training covers legal responsibilities, patrol procedures, emergency response, observation, documentation, communication, and professional conduct. The Class D license does not, by itself, authorize you to carry a firearm while performing regulated security duties. It's the foundation for general security officer work, and the starting point for most Florida security careers.

Explore Florida Security D Online Training →

What Is a Florida Class G Statewide Firearm License?

The Class G Statewide Firearm License is for eligible security professionals who carry a firearm while performing regulated security duties. FDACS requires 28 hours of classroom and range training related to firearm use, and the live-fire range portion must be completed in person at a licensed facility.

Class G is not a general security license — it's a firearm-specific credential that adds a higher level of responsibility. You're not just learning to handle a weapon; you're learning when and how force is legally and ethically appropriate under pressure. Training reinforces safety, judgment, de-escalation, and the legal limits of using force on duty.

Explore Florida Class G Online Training →

Do You Need Both a Class D and Class G License in Florida?

In many cases, yes. Class D relates to working as a security officer, while Class G relates to carrying a firearm while performing regulated security duties — and armed security roles in Florida typically require both, depending on the position and employer. FDACS guidance notes that a Class D Security Officer who also holds a Class G license may carry a firearm on duty, subject to employer authorization and duty-related requirements.

Eligibility differs too: the minimum age for Class D is 18, while Class G requires you to be at least 21. Before starting training, verify current requirements with FDACS and your prospective employer.

Armed vs. Unarmed Security Guard Salary and Pay Comparison

Armed security guards often earn more than unarmed guards. The difference reflects the additional training, licensing, screening, risk tolerance, and liability exposure that armed roles require, though armed certification alone doesn't guarantee a specific wage.

Actual pay depends on several factors:

• Geographic location: Cost of living and local demand affect wages significantly

• Industry: Healthcare, finance, government contracting, and cannabis security often pay more than retail

• Experience level: Entry-level guards earn less than those with years on the job or supervisory duties

• Employer type: Contract security companies and in-house security departments pay differently

• Worksite risk and schedule: Higher-risk assignments and night, weekend, or holiday shifts often carry premiums

• Background: Prior military or law enforcement experience and specialized training can command higher pay

Unarmed guards generally start at entry-level pay, with advancement possible through experience, reliability, site specialization, and supervisory opportunities. Armed guards often command higher starting wages because they bring firearm certification and accept greater liability exposure. Before choosing a path based on salary alone, consider the factors that influence you and your broader goals. This can include training costs, licensing fees, renewal requirements, risk level, and your own comfort with the responsibilities.

Legal Responsibilities and Liability for Armed and Unarmed Guards

Both armed and unarmed guards carry legal responsibilities, but armed guards face significantly higher liability exposure. Security guards are not law enforcement officers. Their authority is limited by state law, employer policy, and the specific duties of their assignment.

• Authority limitations: Guards have restricted powers and must understand what they can and cannot legally do

• Use-of-force standards: Any use of force must be reasonable, proportional, and consistent with the law and employer policy. Armed guards face intense scrutiny for any weapon discharge

• Civil liability: Guards and employers can be sued for negligence, excessive force, wrongful detention, or rights violations

• Criminal exposure: Improper firearm use or unlawful force can result in criminal charges

• Employer authorization: Armed work must align with duties authorized by the employer and applicable state rules

Training is one of the most important ways to reduce liability risk. Thorough educaiton helps guards understand legal boundaries, make better decisions under pressure, and respond professionally. Reputable employers prioritize candidates with documented, state-approved training for exactly this reason.

Which Security Career Path Is Right for You?

Choosing between armed and unarmed security is a personal and professional decision, based on your eligibility, confidence, career goals, and willingness to take on additional responsibility.

Unarmed security may be a better fit if you want to:

• Start your security career sooner with lower entry requirements

• Build experience and a professional track record before pursuing armed work

• Work in customer-facing or lower-risk environments

• Focus on observation, reporting, and de-escalation without firearm-related liability

Armed security may be a better fit if you want to:

• Pursue higher-responsibility roles with greater earning potential

• Work in higher-risk environments or specialized assignments like executive protection, armored transport, or high-value site security

• Complete firearm training and expand your long-term career options

Two practical considerations before you commit:

Eligibility and background. Armed positions involve stricter background checks and firearm eligibility requirements. Some states disqualify applicants with certain criminal histories, and age minimums are often higher for armed roles. Review your state's rules before investing in armed training.

Training investment and ongoing compliance. Armed certification takes longer and costs more upfront — classroom instruction, range time, ammunition, testing, application fees — and carries ongoing requalification obligations throughout your career. If your goal is to start working as soon as possible, unarmed security is the more practical first step. If your goal is higher-responsibility work, the armed path can be worth the investment. Make sure you understand what it takes to maintain the credential, not just earn it.

Start With the Right Security Training

Whether you are interested in unarmed security, armed security, or a future transition from one role to the other, training is the foundation of a professional security career.

For Florida students, understanding the difference between Class D and Class G is an important first step. Class D is the foundation for security officer work, while Class G is the firearm license for eligible professionals working armed posts. NITA provides online training options for security professionals, including Florida Security D training with 40 hours of live instruction through a DS-approved school, Florida Class G classroom training, continuing education, and exam preparation, all with flexible online learning that fits around work and family.

NITA provides online training options for private investigators and security professionals, including security pre-licensing, continuing education, exam preparation, and professional development courses. With flexible online learning options, students can prepare for licensing goals while balancing work, family, and other responsibilities.

Ready to start or advance your security career? Explore NITA’s online security training options to find courses that support your licensing goals, career path, and state requirements.

State Pre-Licensing Courses→

Frequently Asked Questions About Armed vs. Unarmed Security Guards

What is the difference between armed and unarmed security guards?

Armed security guards are authorized to carry a firearm while working; unarmed guards are not. Both roles involve patrols, observation, access control, and incident reporting, but armed roles require additional training, licensing, and responsibility.

Do armed security guards make more than unarmed security guards?

Often, yes. Armed roles may pay more because they involve added training, licensing, risk, and responsibility. Actual pay depends on location, employer, experience, and worksite.

What is a Florida Class D security license?

A Florida Class D Security Officer License is the credential for security officer work in Florida. FDACS requires applicants to complete at least 40 hours of professional training from a licensed security officer school or training facility.

What is a Florida Class G security license?

A Florida Class G Statewide Firearm License is required for eligible security professionals who carry a firearm while performing security duties in Florida. FDACS requires 28 hours of classroom and range training related to firearm use.

Is Florida Class D the same as Class G?

No. Class D relates to security officer licensing, while Class G relates to firearm authorization for regulated security duties. Armed security work in Florida typically involves both pathways.

Can you carry a firearm off duty as an armed security guard?

Generally, no, an armed security license authorizes firearm carry only in connection with regulated security duties and employer-authorized assignments. Off-duty carry is governed by separate state firearm laws and typically requires a separate concealed carry permit.

Do armed security guards need a separate concealed carry permit?

In most states, yes.  An armed security license is a separate credential from a personal concealed carry permit. Holding one does not automatically grant the other.

Is armed security worth it?

Armed security may be worth it if you want higher-responsibility roles and are comfortable with firearm-related training, risk, and liability. Unarmed security may be a better fit if you want to enter the field quickly or work in lower-risk, customer-facing environments.

Is armed security guard work more dangerous than unarmed security work?

Generally, yes, armed guards are more likely to be assigned to high-risk environments and may face situations requiring threat intervention. The actual level of risk depends on the site, employer, shift, and job duties.