TL;DR
How long it takes to get an Arizona guard card depends mostly on DPS. Training takes eight hours, but DPS advises waiting 15 business days after applying before checking status.
Finish the eight-hour unarmed course online, at your own pace.
Submit your application, fingerprints, and background screening through DPS.
Accurate information and quick replies prevent avoidable delays.
DPS mails your card after approval, so it arrives later.
If you need an Arizona guard card for a new job, one of your first questions is probably how long the process takes. The short answer is that you can complete the required Arizona unarmed guard training in eight hours, but receiving your actual guard card takes longer.
After training, you still need to complete the Arizona Department of Public Safety (DPS) application process, submit fingerprints, undergo state and federal background screening, and wait for DPS to review and approve your application.
Arizona DPS advises applicants to allow at least 15 business days after submitting an application before calling to check its status. That doesn't mean every guard card will be issued within 15 business days. Processing can take longer depending on the application, fingerprint results, DPS workload, and whether additional information is required.
How Long Does Arizona Guard Card Training Take?
Arizona requires eight hours of pre-assignment training for an unarmed security guard registration.
GuardCard.com provides the required training online, so you do not have to wait for a scheduled classroom session. The course is self-paced and includes nine training modules. Students receive 30 days of access and can complete the training from a computer, tablet, or phone.
Because the training itself is eight hours, it can be completed much faster than the overall licensing process. Once you successfully finish the course, you receive the training verification needed to continue through the Arizona DPS application process.
Completing the course does not mean you have received your guard card. Training is one requirement in a larger licensing process.
What Happens After You Complete the Eight-Hour Course?
After completing your unarmed guard card training, you must continue through the Arizona DPS licensing process.
For most applicants, the process includes:
Completing the required eight-hour unarmed guard training.
Submitting the application through the Arizona DPS Public Services Portal.
Providing the required identification and supporting information.
Following the fingerprinting instructions provided through the DPS portal.
Completing the required state and federal criminal-history background screening.
Monitoring the DPS portal for messages or requests.
Waiting for DPS to review the application and determine eligibility.
Arizona DPS, not the training provider, reviews applications and decides whether to issue an unarmed security guard registration.
How Long Does Arizona DPS Take to Process a Guard Card Application?
GuardCard.com advises applicants that Arizona DPS says to allow at least 15 business days after submission before contacting the agency to check application status.
This is an important distinction: 15 business days is not a guaranteed approval or issuance time.
Actual processing time can depend on several factors, including:
Current DPS application volume
Fingerprint quality
State and federal criminal-history results
Missing or inconsistent application information
Requests for court records
Additional documentation required by DPS
How quickly you respond to requests for additional information
A straightforward, complete application may move through the process faster than one requiring additional review.
Can You Speed Up the Arizona Guard Card Process?
You cannot control how quickly Arizona DPS completes its background investigation and application review, but you can avoid unnecessary delays on your end.
Complete your training promptly, carefully follow the current DPS application instructions, provide accurate information, and complete fingerprinting as directed.
You should also monitor both your Arizona DPS Public Services Portal account and the email address associated with it. DPS may send fingerprinting instructions, application updates, requests for documents, notices about incomplete information, or approval or denial information.
Failing to see or respond to one of these notices can delay your application.
How Does Fingerprinting Affect the Timeline?
Fingerprinting is a required part of the Arizona guard card process because DPS conducts state and federal criminal-history checks.
When applying through the DPS Public Services Portal, applicants receive instructions for completing fingerprinting. The quality of the fingerprints and the results of the background screening can affect processing time.
Applicants should follow the current DPS instructions rather than assuming that fingerprinting procedures are the same as they were for a previous application.
When Will You Receive the Physical Guard Card?
DPS must first complete its review and approve your application.
Once an application is approved, DPS sends the information to a third-party vendor that prints and mails the identification card to the address on file. That mailing step means approval and having the physical card in your possession do not necessarily happen on the same day.
Training Time vs. Licensing Time
Understanding this difference can prevent confusion when comparing Arizona guard card courses.
The required unarmed training takes eight hours. GuardCard.com lets you complete that training 100% online and on your own schedule.
The complete licensing process takes longer because Arizona DPS must process the application, fingerprints, background screening, and supporting documentation before issuing the registration.
No legitimate training provider can guarantee how quickly DPS will approve an application.
Start Your Arizona Guard Card Training Online
If you need an Arizona unarmed guard card for employment, completing your required training promptly allows you to move on to the DPS application process without waiting for a scheduled classroom course.
GuardCard.com offers two options for first-time applicants. The standard Arizona Unarmed Security Guard Certification Course includes the required eight-hour online training and training verification. You then manage the remaining DPS application requirements yourself.
The Arizona Unarmed Guard Card All-in-One Bundle combines the eight-hour online course with fingerprinting, passport photos, DPS application processing and submission, applicable DPS application fees, and step-by-step guidance through the process.
Whichever option you choose, starting the required training now allows you to complete the part of the Arizona guard card process that is within your control and move on to the DPS licensing requirements.