Which schools offer WIOA-approved security guard training?

73 schools offer these programs, and each state on this page approved its programs for workforce funding. Pick a state on the map or compare them belowCompare the states below, then open one to see each program with its price and how past students did.

What does a security guard do, and how do you become one?

Security guards protect property from illegal activity. Most states require a license, which usually means being 18 or older, passing a background check and completing training; most guards learn the job in a few weeks. Armed guards need weapons training and usually a separate license.¹

Approved programsup to 12 to 34 to 3more than 3

How much does security guard training cost?

Most security guard programs approved for WIOA funding cost $285 to $2,100 if you pay yourself. Prices also differ by state: most cost $150 to $275 in Virginia and $420 to $2,450 in California.

That is the price of the whole program as the school reports it. If you qualify, WIOA funding can pay part or all of it, depending on local limits (who qualifies). The figures cover only programs approved for WIOA funding; other schools and programs may cost more or less.

Compare security guard training by state: cost, pay and results

Security guard training by state
State	Programs	Most cost	Earned a year, estimated	Working 6 months later	Finished
California	40	$420 to $2,450	about $32,800	74%	98%
Connecticut	3	Too few figures to show
Delaware	1	Too few figures to show
Florida	3	Too few figures to show
Hawaii	1	Too few figures to show
Kentucky	1	No figures reported
Maryland	2	Too few figures to show
Minnesota	1	Too few figures to show
Nevada	3	Too few figures to show
New Jersey	1	Too few figures to show
New Mexico	3	Too few figures to show
New York	17	$400 to $500	Not enough data	Not enough data	Not enough data
Ohio	10	$300 to $2,475	Not reported	Not reported	Not enough data
Oklahoma	6	$358 to $823	Not enough data	Left out	Not enough data
Tennessee	1	Too few figures to show
Texas	1	Too few figures to show
Virginia	21	$150 to $275	Not reported	Not reported	Not reported
Washington	1	Too few figures to show
Wisconsin	3	Too few figures to show

Each figure is the middle program in that state. Yearly earnings are the reported quarter times four, an estimate. Only programs approved for workforce funding are counted; other schools may offer security guard training too. Source: US Department of Labor, program year 2024 (July 2024 to June 2025).How these figures are made

Guard card classes and security guard license courses: what the 119 programs are

By kind, the 119 programs approved for WIOA funding are security guard license course (67 programs), armed security and firearms course (25 programs), short add-on course (12 programs), security program or diploma (5 programs), and 10 more of 3 other kinds.

Across the US, 64 of the 119 programs take students without a high school diploma, 42 ask for a diploma or equivalent and 13 ask for earlier courses first.

Is there free security guard training in the US?

Yes, if you qualify. WIOA (public workforce funding) can pay for any program counted on this page, in full or in part, depending on local limits.²³⁴
Ask an American Job Center whether you qualify, or call 1-877-872-5627.⁵ Before funding training, the center goes through an assessment and a career plan with you.⁴
Or pay yourself. Without funding, prices differ by state: most security guard programs cost $150 to $275 in Virginia and $420 to $2,450 in California. Each state's page lists every program with its price.

Does WIOA pay for job training? Who qualifies and how to apply

Other training by state

Approved programs per field across every state. Each opens that field's comparison by state.

Where the security guard program numbers by state come from

Which security guard programs are counted?

Programs each state approved for WIOA funding (public workforce funding under the Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act), from the US Department of Labor's file for program year 2024 (July 2024 to June 2025), covering programs approved as of June 30, 2025. Each state keeps its approved programs on an eligible training provider list (ETPL).⁶ Schools that never applied for approval are missing.

What the figures for each state mean

Each figure is the middle program among those that report it: half did better, half did worse. Prices are what most programs cost if you pay yourself (the middle half). Earnings are for the second quarter after students left, times four. Where a figure is missing, the table says why: "Not reported", "Left out" or "Not enough data" (what each means).

Sources for the facts about security guard training

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Security guard training by state