Get a Security Guard License in

To get a security guard license in Oklahoma, apply through CLEET’s online portal, complete Phase I & II training (40 hours), pass the state exams, submit fingerprints via IdentoGO, and provide a letter of employment or bond/insurance. Unarmed licenses cost $50 and renew every three years with 8 CE hours.

Requirements last verified: 2026-09-29

How to get a security guard license in Oklahoma (step-by-step)

1. Set eligibility. Confirm you meet age and character requirements (18 unarmed; 21 armed) and are free of disqualifying offenses. OAC 390:35-7-8.
2. Complete required training. Take CLEET-approved Phase I & II (40 hours) for unarmed; add Phase IV (32 hours) and MMPI for armed. CLEET Training & Testing.
3. Pass the exams. Schedule CareerTech exams (Phases I–II and, if armed, Phase IV). Each exam costs $50; 50 questions; 70% to pass. CareerTech CLEET Exams; Testing Manual.
4. Get fingerprinted. Complete fingerprints at IdentoGO within 30 days of submitting your application (service code 2B7Q6Z). CLEET Security Guard.
5. Prepare documents. Gather passport-style photo, court records (or letters of no record) for any arrests/charges, and a Letter of Employment or proof of bond/insurance. CLEET Security Guard.
6. Apply online. Submit the New License Application through CLEET’s Thentia portal and pay the license fee ($50 unarmed; $100 armed). CLEET Portal Links & Forms.
7. Receive your license. After CLEET review, your unarmed or armed license is issued for three years from the date of issuance. CLEET Security Guard.
8. Maintain and renew. Complete 8 hours of CE per 3‑year cycle (guards). Armed licensees must also requalify annually on CLEET’s approved course of fire. Renew before expiration to avoid late fees or reapplication. CE Rules; Course of Fire.

Oklahoma security guard license requirements explained

Training curriculum: Phases I–IV

Oklahoma splits private security training into phases. Unarmed guards complete Phase I (20 hours) and Phase II (20 hours). Armed guards add Phase IV (32 hours) plus the MMPI psychological screening. CLEET also requires and administers state exams aligned to those phases. See CLEET’s training/testing chart.

State exams and where to test

You’ll take the written exams at Oklahoma CareerTech testing centers statewide. Expect a $50 fee per exam, 50 questions, a 70% passing score, and up to three attempts with short wait periods. Details are in the CareerTech Testing Manual.

Age, fingerprints, and background

Applicants must be at least 18 (unarmed) or 21 (armed). Fingerprints must be submitted through IdentoGO within 30 days of your online application using service code 2B7Q6Z. Source: OAC 390:35-7-8 and CLEET Security Guard.

Employment or bond/insurance

To be licensed, provide a Letter of Employment from a licensed security agency or show proof of your bond/insurance. CLEET lists this in the new application checklist on the Security Guard page.

Fees you’ll pay

Current CLEET license fees are $50 (unarmed) and $100 (armed). Renewals are the same, and a $25 late fee applies if you miss your date. Exams cost $50 each through CareerTech. See CLEET Security Guard and CareerTech CLEET Exams. For a deeper cost breakdown, review our guide to Oklahoma security guard license costs.

Renewal and continuing education

Your CLEET security guard license is valid for three years. To renew, submit the online renewal application, proof of 8 CE hours, and employment notice or bond/insurance. Armed licensees must complete annual firearms requalification under OAC 390:35-13-3; see CLEET’s Course of Fire. Sources: CLEET Security Guard; Training & Testing.

Which Oklahoma security license should you choose?

Start unarmed if you’re new, then upgrade to armed after Phase IV and MMPI; CLEET charges $50 to upgrade and retains your original expiration date. See the upgrade table on CLEET’s Security Guard page. If you’re weighing PI work as well, compare dual licensing paths in our Oklahoma Private Investigator License guide and the broader Private Security License Requirements in Oklahoma (2026 Guide).

Frequently Asked Questions

How long does it take to get an Oklahoma security guard license?

Time varies by training provider and background processing. The minimum training for unarmed is 40 hours (Phases I–II), plus scheduling and passing the state exams, fingerprinting within 30 days, and CLEET review. License terms start on the issue date and run three years. Sources: CLEET Training & Testing; CLEET Security Guard.

Can I work while my Oklahoma guard license is pending?

CLEET may issue conditional status after you apply, but you must follow your employer’s and CLEET’s directives. You still need to complete fingerprints, required exams, and meet all disqualifier rules. Verify status and employer authorization in the CLEET portals and your agency’s Notice of Employment.

What continuing education is required to renew?

Security guards must complete at least 8 hours of CE each 3‑year license period; private investigators need 16 hours. Armed licensees must also complete annual firearms requalification on a CLEET‑approved course of fire. Sources: CLEET CE rules; Course of Fire.

What are the total costs to become licensed?

Expect $50 for the unarmed license ($100 armed), $50 per state exam (Phases I–II and, if armed, Phase IV), plus any school tuition, fingerprints, and photos. Late renewals add $25. Fees are listed on CLEET’s Security Guard page and CareerTech CLEET Exams. For budgeting tips, see our Oklahoma license cost guide.

Do I need insurance to get licensed?

If you’re employed by a licensed security agency, submit a Letter of Employment. If you are not employed at application, CLEET requires proof of bond/insurance. See the application checklist on the CLEET Security Guard page.

Ready to move forward? License Navigator can walk you through every Oklahoma step—from training selection to fingerprints and renewal reminders—so you earn and keep your license on time.