Armed Security Guard / Rhode Island
2026 data Rhode Island board official source

Rhode Island Armed Security Guard License Requirements

Compiled from official public sources by the publisher.

Official regulator records behind the requirements, fees, and renewal cycle for this license.

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Provides security services with authorization to carry a firearm.

What the Rhode Island data shows for Armed Security Guards

Rhode Island's path to armed security guard licensure runs through 62 hours of approved instruction with no mandatory state exam, plus a criminal history screening before applicants younger than 18 can be licensed. Rhode Island folds the credential into its broader occupational licensing statute, which classifies the training track as "Security Guard Training".

Upfront cost is $192, with renewal running $117 on a 2-year cycle. Renewal isn't the end of the cost: 8 hours of continuing education are due every 2-year cycle, a recurring time commitment worth planning for.

On reciprocity, armed security guards should know: Not typically reciprocal.

Licensing Ease Score

C+
Licensing Ease Score
62/100
Armed Security Guard · Rhode Island

A higher score means this specific license is LESS burdensome to obtain and maintain here than the national requirement corpus, based on education hours, fees, continuing education, and experience requirements, not an overall judgment of the profession or the state.

Education & Training B
62 hours
Documented education/training hours required
Initial Fee F
$192
One-time application/license fee
Renewal Burden D
$59/yr
$117 every 2 years
Continuing Education B+
4.0 hrs/yr
8 hours every 2 years
Experience Required A+
None required
Supervised work experience required before licensure

Licensing Requirements in Rhode Island

Education / Training Hours
Security Guard Training
62 hours
Exam Requirement
Not Required
Initial License Fee
$192
Renewal Fee
$117
Renewal Cycle
Every 2 years
Continuing Education
8 hrs/cycle
Criminal History Check
Required
Minimum Age
18 years

Compare & Explore

Compare all states for Armed Security Guard All Rhode Island licenses
Data sources: NCSL Occupational Licensing Database, Institute for Justice, state licensing boards. Verify current requirements with Rhode Island licensing authorities before making career decisions.

Frequently Asked Questions

What license do I need for Armed Security Guard in Rhode Island? ▼
Rhode Island requires 62 education/training hours, and an initial fee of $192. A criminal background check is also required.
How do I get certified as an Armed Security Guard in Rhode Island? ▼
Certification as an armed security guard in Rhode Island means clearing the state's checklist: 62 hours of education. The Rhode Island licensing board can confirm the current details.
Can I transfer my Armed Security Guard license to Rhode Island from another state? ▼
For armed security guards, the reciprocity landscape looks like this: Not typically reciprocal. Many professions are also covered by interstate licensing compacts that facilitate portability between states. Contact the Rhode Island licensing board to confirm how it applies to your specific credential.
Does Rhode Island require a background check for Armed Security Guard licensing? ▼
Yes, Rhode Island requires a criminal background check as part of the armed security guard licensing process. Disqualifying offenses and review criteria are determined by the state licensing board.
What are the continuing education requirements for Armed Security Guard in Rhode Island? ▼
To stay licensed as an armed security guard in Rhode Island, plan on 8 hours of continuing education per 2-year renewal cycle; renewal itself runs $117.

Related Guides

What to do with this armed security guard license

Armed Security Guard in Rhode Island, with a documented reciprocity path, is one requirement row in an armed security guard-wide, 50-state comparison.

  • See how Rhode Island's armed security guard requirements compare to every other state before relocating. Armed Security Guard in every state
  • Confirm whether your out-of-state armed security guard license transfers under an interstate compact before starting a new application. Reciprocity guide
  • See how Rhode Island's overall licensing burden compares to other states, not just this one profession. Rhode Island overview

Requirements shown are compiled from NCSL and Institute for Justice research; verify current rules with the Rhode Island licensing board before making career decisions.

Source: NCSL Occupational Licensing Database, Institute for Justice License to Work (3rd Ed.), state licensing board websites

According to the National Conference of State Legislatures and the Institute for Justice, the PlainCredential comparison corpus (current as of May 15, 2026) maps 4,947 state licensing requirement records; see the methodology.

Read our methodology - how this data is sourced, computed, and verified.