Tennessee Security Officer Licensing Requirements
What the state requires to work as a security officer in Tennessee, who regulates it, and how ATPS supports officers on our Tennessee contracts. ATPS does not currently operate a licensed training school in Tennessee — our training programs are delivered in Maryland and the District of Columbia.
State requirements
- Unarmed registration — Tennessee Department of Commerce and Insurance, Private Protective Services — At least 4 hours of general training by a certified trainer and a passing examination — Confirm renewal requirements with the regulator — Tenn. Code §62-35-118
- Armed registration — Tennessee Department of Commerce and Insurance, Private Protective Services — The 4-hour unarmed requirement, plus 8 classroom hours of firearms training and examination and 4 hours of marksmanship, within 60 days of employment — Confirm renewal requirements with the regulator — Tenn. Code §62-35-118
- Armed officer at a school — Tennessee Department of Commerce and Insurance, Private Protective Services — At least 8 hours of active-shooter training before working armed at a public, charter, private, or church-related school — Before applicable school assignment — Tenn. Code §62-35-118
Requirements verified 28 August 2026 against Tennessee Department of Commerce and Insurance, Private Protective Services. Requirements change — confirm with the regulator before relying on this page.
Frequently asked questions
What is the Tennessee armed security requirement?
The armed requirement adds 8 hours of firearms classroom training and examination plus 4 hours of marksmanship to the 4-hour unarmed requirement; it must be completed within 60 days of employment.
What applies to armed officers at Tennessee schools?
Before an armed officer works at a public, charter, private, or church-related school, Tennessee requires at least 8 hours of active-shooter training.
How ATPS supports officers here
We verify credentials before assignment, track expiries, and pay for required renewals on our Tennessee contracts. This support does not make ATPS a Tennessee training school.