TL;DR
The right Arizona guard card training option depends on whether you are applying for the first time or renewing an existing registration, and how much help you want with the application process.
GuardCard.com offers four primary options:
New applicant, training only: Complete the required eight-hour online training and handle the Arizona DPS application, fingerprinting, photos, and fees yourself.
New applicant, All-in-One Bundle: Complete the training and receive fingerprinting, passport photos, application processing, and DPS fees in one package.
Renewing guard, training only: Complete the required online refresher training and manage the renewal process yourself.
Renewing guard, All-in-One Bundle: Complete the refresher course and receive additional help with fingerprinting, photos, application processing, and DPS fees.
Choosing the correct option before enrolling helps you avoid buying the wrong course or paying separately for services you expected to be included.
Arizona guard cards are issued by the Arizona Department of Public Safety, but applicants must complete several requirements before receiving or renewing their credentials. Training is one requirement. The application, fingerprinting, background screening, photographs, state fees, and supporting documents are separate parts of the process.
That distinction is important when comparing online guard card courses. Some options include only the required training. Others combine the training with services that help applicants complete the licensing process.
GuardCard.com offers separate courses for new applicants and renewing security guards. Each is available as a standard training course or an All-in-One Bundle. Understanding the difference will help you choose the option that matches your situation.
Are All Arizona Guard Cards the Same?
Arizona issues different security guard credentials based on the type of work a person will perform. An unarmed security guard registration applies to security work that does not involve carrying a firearm while on duty.
An armed security guard must meet additional requirements, including separate firearms training, registration, and employer authorization. GuardCard.com’s current online courses focus on Arizona unarmed security guard training and renewal.
The state-issued credential is officially called a security guard registration certificate, although most applicants and employers refer to it as an Arizona guard card.
Arizona DPS issues the registration certificate after reviewing the application and determining that the applicant satisfies the applicable legal requirements. A training provider can help you complete required coursework and prepare for the application, but it cannot issue the guard card or guarantee DPS approval.
Are You Applying for Your First Arizona Guard Card?
If you have never held an Arizona unarmed guard card, you need an initial certification course rather than a renewal course.
Arizona requires eight hours of pre-assignment training for unarmed security guards. The required curriculum includes subjects such as:
Orientation to private security
Criminal law
Uniform requirements
Communication
Use of force
General security procedures
Crime-scene preservation
Ethics
First response and emergency procedures
After completing the course, you must continue through the Arizona DPS application process. That normally includes submitting the required information and documents, completing fingerprinting, paying the applicable fees, and undergoing state and federal background screening.
GuardCard.com offers two choices for new applicants.
Option 1: Arizona Unarmed Security Guard Certification Course
The standardArizona Unarmed Security Guard Certification course is intended for students who want to complete the required training online and manage the remaining DPS application steps themselves.
The course includes:
Eight hours of required online training
Nine training modules
30 days of course access
Self-paced online learning
Training verification after successful completion
You can enroll online and access the course without traveling to a scheduled classroom. The online format works well for applicants who need to fit training around a job, family responsibilities, transportation limitations, or other commitments.
The standard course does not include fingerprinting, passport photos, application submission, or Arizona DPS fees. Those responsibilities remain with the applicant.
Who should choose the standard certification course?
This option may be appropriate if you:
Are comfortable using the Arizona DPS Public Services Portal
Want to complete the application yourself
Can arrange your own fingerprinting and photographs
Understand which documents must be submitted
Prefer to pay the training and application expenses separately
Have already researched the current DPS process
The standard course provides the required training, but you remain responsible for completing each licensing step correctly.
Option 2: All-in-One Bundle for New Applicants
TheArizona Unarmed Guard Card All-in-One Bundle combines the required online training with services that help new applicants complete the licensing process.
The Bundle includes:
Eight-hour online training
Fingerprinting
Passport photos
Processing and submission of the DPS application
Arizona DPS application fees
Step-by-step process guidance
Instead of purchasing the training and then arranging each additional requirement separately, the Bundle places the major components into one package.
This option can be particularly helpful for applicants who are unfamiliar with the DPS portal, concerned about completing the application correctly, or interested in having one service coordinate more of the process.
Who should choose the new-applicant Bundle?
The All-in-One Bundle may be the better fit if you:
Want help navigating the Arizona DPS application
Do not want to arrange each requirement separately
Need convenient access to fingerprinting and passport photos
Prefer to have the DPS fees included in the package
Want application processing and submission assistance
Would like clearer guidance about what happens after training
The Bundle does not change Arizona’s eligibility standards or guarantee that DPS will approve the application. Arizona DPS conducts the background screening, reviews the submission, and makes the final decision.
Do You Already Have an Arizona Guard Card?
If you currently hold an Arizona unarmed guard card and need to keep it active, you need a renewal course rather than the initial certification course.
Arizona guard card registrations are generally issued for four years under current law. Renewal applicants must complete the required refresher training and follow the current Arizona DPS renewal procedures.
Do not assume the renewal process is identical to your original application. Forms, fingerprinting procedures, portal instructions, fees, and submission requirements can change. Arizona DPS states that applicants must use the most current versions of its forms.
GuardCard.com offers standard and Bundle options for renewing guards.
Option 3: Arizona Unarmed Guard Card Renewal Course
The standardArizona Unarmed Guard Card Renewal course provides the required eight-hour refresher training online.
The course includes:
Eight hours of online refresher training
Nine course modules
30 days of course access
Self-paced learning
Training verification after successful completion
DPS application checklist and technical support
The standard renewal course does not include fingerprinting, passport photos, application submission, or DPS fees. You must complete those portions of the renewal process separately.
Who should choose the standard renewal course?
This option may work well if you:
Have previously completed the Arizona DPS process
Are comfortable managing the renewal yourself
Know how to access and use the DPS portal
Can arrange fingerprinting and other requirements
Want to purchase only the required training
Have enough time before expiration to address any problems
Even experienced guards should review the current DPS instructions. Relying on the process you followed several years ago can result in missing documentation or using outdated forms.
Option 4: All-in-One Bundle for Renewals
TheArizona Unarmed Guard Card Renewal All-in-One Bundle combines the required refresher course with additional renewal services.
The renewal Bundle includes:
Eight-hour online refresher training
Fingerprinting
Passport photos
Processing and submission of the renewal application
Arizona DPS application fees
Guidance through the renewal process
This option is intended for guards who want to reduce the number of separate tasks and payments involved in renewal.
Who should choose the renewal Bundle?
The Bundle may be appropriate if you:
Want assistance completing the renewal process
Prefer not to arrange fingerprinting and photos separately
Want DPS application fees included
Need help understanding current submission requirements
Have not used the DPS portal recently
Want a more coordinated renewal experience
DPS retains authority over the application, background screening, processing time, and final decision.
Arizona Guard Card Training Options at a Glance
Review the current product details before purchasing, as services, procedures, and requirements may change.
What Is the Difference Between Training and Licensing?
Training providers and Arizona DPS perform different roles.
GuardCard.com provides the required online training, training verification, and the application-related services included with the selected package.
Arizona DPS:
Establishes the licensing requirements
Regulates security guards and training instructors
Receives and reviews applications
Conducts or obtains the required background screening
Maintains licensing records
Determines applicant eligibility
Issues security guard registration certificates
Completing the course does not mean your Arizona guard card has been issued. You must satisfy the remaining requirements and receive approval from DPS.
How Should You Choose Between a Standard Course and a Bundle?
The choice comes down to how much of the application process you want to handle yourself.
Choose a standard course if:
You only need the required training.
You understand the application process.
You are comfortable working through the DPS portal.
You can arrange fingerprinting and photographs.
You want to pay state and vendor fees separately.
You are prepared to monitor and manage your application.
Choose an All-in-One Bundle if:
You want training and application services together.
You would like help navigating the process.
You want fingerprinting and passport photos included.
You prefer DPS fees to be included in the package.
You want GuardCard.com to process and submit the application.
You are concerned about missing steps or required materials.
The less expensive option is not necessarily the best option for every applicant. Compare what is included, what you must arrange independently, and how comfortable you are managing the DPS process.
Check Your Eligibility Before Enrolling
Neither a standard course nor a Bundle can override Arizona’s eligibility requirements. Before purchasing training, confirm that you meet the basic legal qualifications for an Arizona unarmed guard card.
Arizona law addresses:
Minimum age
Authorization to work in the United States
Felony convictions or indictments
Certain misdemeanor convictions
Outstanding arrest warrants
Parole, probation, and other release conditions
Registered sex-offender status
Other precluding conditions
Applicants who are uncertain about a criminal record or legal status should reviewA.R.S. § 32-2622, contact Arizona DPS, or consult an Arizona attorney. Training providers cannot determine whether DPS will approve a particular applicant.
Use Current Arizona DPS Instructions
Arizona’s licensing procedures can change. DPS updates forms and application instructions in response to new laws, regulations, technology, and administrative requirements.
Before submitting anything:
Review theArizona DPS licensing information.
Use the newest application forms.
Follow the fingerprinting instructions associated with your submission method.
Keep copies of training records, receipts, confirmations, and correspondence.
Monitor your DPS portal account and email.
Respond promptly to requests for additional information.
Using an outdated checklist or relying on someone else’s previous experience can cause delays.
Choose the Arizona Guard Card Option That Fits Your Needs
GuardCard.com makes Arizona guard card training available online for new applicants and current security guards preparing to renew.
If you want to manage the application yourself, choose the appropriate standard course:
If you want training combined with additional application services, choose an All-in-One Bundle:
Choose the course that matches your current registration status and the amount of application assistance you want.
Frequently Asked Questions About Arizona Guard Cards
What is an Arizona guard card?
An Arizona guard card is the common name for the security guard registration certificate issued by the Arizona Department of Public Safety. It authorizes a qualified individual to perform the applicable regulated security work.
Does GuardCard.com issue Arizona guard cards?
No. GuardCard.com provides online training and application-related services. Arizona DPS reviews applications and issues security guard registration certificates.
Which course should a first-time applicant take?
A first-time applicant should select theArizona Unarmed Security Guard Certification course or thenew-applicant All-in-One Bundle.
Which course should a current security guard take?
A current unarmed guard preparing to renew should select theArizona Unarmed Guard Card Renewal course or theRenewal All-in-One Bundle.
What is included in the standard training course?
The standard course includes the required eight-hour online training, course access, and training verification. Fingerprinting, photos, DPS fees, and application submission are not included.
What is included in the All-in-One Bundle?
The Bundle includes the required online training, fingerprinting, passport photos, processing and submission of the DPS application, and applicable DPS application fees, according to the current product description.
Does buying a Bundle guarantee approval?
No. The Bundle helps with training and application-related tasks, but Arizona DPS determines eligibility and makes the final decision.
Can Arizona guard card training be completed online?
Yes. GuardCard.com provides online training for initial Arizona unarmed guard card applicants and renewing guards. Students receive 30 days of course access and can complete the coursework without attending a scheduled classroom.