West Virginia Security Officer Licensing Requirements
What the state requires to work as a security officer in West Virginia, who regulates it, and how ATPS supports officers on our West Virginia contracts. ATPS does not currently operate a licensed training school in West Virginia — our training programs are delivered in Maryland and the District of Columbia.
State requirements
- Individual security guard license — West Virginia Secretary of State, Licensing Division — No state-mandated training-hour figure. Eligibility requires one year of verified full-time employment (at least 32 hours per week for 50 weeks), 30 semester hours in investigative or law-enforcement studies, a documented combination, or qualifying military training. — Two-year license term; renew to continue licensed work — WV Secretary of State, “Additional Eligibility Requirements for Licensing” and “Applying for an Individual Security Guard License”
A West Virginia security guard license does not itself authorize armed carry. Separate firearm laws and any applicable employer or client requirements still apply.
Requirements verified 28 August 2026 against West Virginia Secretary of State, Licensing Division. Requirements change — confirm with the regulator before relying on this page.
Frequently asked questions
What satisfies West Virginia's security guard eligibility route?
Applicants may qualify through one year of verified full-time employment of at least 32 hours per week for 50 weeks, 30 semester hours in investigative or law-enforcement studies, a documented combination, or qualifying military training.
Does a West Virginia security guard license authorize armed carry?
No. The security guard license does not itself authorize armed carry. Separate firearm laws and applicable employer or client requirements still apply.
How ATPS supports officers here
We verify credentials before assignment, track expiries, and pay for required renewals on our West Virginia contracts. This support does not make ATPS a West Virginia training school.