Arkansas Security Guard License Costs

In Arkansas, the security guard license cost (Private Security Officer credential) is $40, plus background checks: $22 Arkansas name-based and, when required/authorized, $13 FBI fingerprint. Armed Commissioned Security Officers also complete Phase II firearms training. Credentials expire every two years and renew for $40. Phase I; Phase II; fees; state check; term.

Requirements last verified: 2026-07-30

Requirement	Details
Licensing agency	Division of Arkansas State Police (Regulatory Services Division) — Private Investigators/Security Companies. Official program page: ASP Regulatory Services.
Application/credential fee (PSO)	$40 initial; $40 renewal (biennial). Set by A.C.A. § 17-40-302. Fee schedule.
Background checks	Arkansas State Police name-based check: $22 per request via the official online system. Pricing. FBI/national fingerprint check (when authorized/required): $13. ASP FAQ (fees).
Exam	PSO exam required; minimum 70 questions on Phase I topics; 70% passing. Re-exam fee $50 if administered by ASP. 17 CAR § 350-1017.
Training	PSO: Phase I, minimum 8 hours. 17 CAR § 350-1004. CSO (armed): add Phase II firearms, 16 hours (8 classroom + 8 range). 17 CAR § 350-1005.
Minimum age	PSO: 18 years; CSO: 21 years. A.C.A. § 17-40-306; Act 393 § 17-40-337.
Insurance/Bond	No separate bond/insurance for individual PSOs; licensed agencies must carry required liability insurance. A.C.A. § 17-40-308.
Renewal cycle	Credentials expire two (2) years from issuance; renewal allowed within 90 days before expiration; PSO renewal training minimum 6 hours. Act 393 (term); ASP Rules (renewal process); 17 CAR § 350-1011.

How to calculate your total security guard license cost in Arkansas

1. Confirm your role (PSO vs. CSO). PSO = unarmed credential; CSO = armed commission added to PSO. See PSO rule and CSO Phase II.
2. Add the credential fee. $40 initial PSO credential (and $40 at renewal). Statutory fees.
3. Include background checks. Count $22 for the Arkansas online check and, when applicable, $13 for an FBI fingerprint check. Online state check pricing; FBI fee reference.
4. Plan training costs. PSO Phase I (8 hours) and, if armed, CSO Phase II (16 hours). Training provider prices vary; the hour minimums are fixed in rule. Phase I; Phase II.
5. Account for the exam. Expect a PSO exam; if you fail an ASP-administered exam, a $50 re-exam fee applies. Exam rule.
6. Budget renewal costs. Every two years: $40 renewal + required renewal training (PSO: 6 hours minimum). Term; PSO renewal training.

Security guard license cost in Arkansas: what you’ll actually pay

For an unarmed PSO starting from scratch, most candidates spend $40 for the credential plus $22 for the Arkansas criminal background check. If your employer or role requires a national check, add $13 for the FBI fee. Training and passport photo costs vary by provider. These figures come directly from the Arkansas State Police online criminal background system and the statute that sets license fees. ASP online check pricing; ASP background FAQs; A.C.A. § 17-40-302.

Arkansas security guard license requirements (PSO and CSO)

Training hours and exams

PSO applicants must complete Phase I training (minimum 8 hours) and pass a proctored exam. CSO applicants must also complete Phase II firearms training (16 hours, half classroom/half range). Phase I rule; Phase II rule; Exam rule.

Age, background, and renewal

Minimum ages: PSO 18; CSO 21. All applicants undergo criminal history checks; renewals occur every two years and PSOs must complete at least 6 hours of renewal training. A.C.A. § 17-40-306; Act 393 (two-year term); PSO renewal training.

Insurance and who must carry it

Individual PSOs do not file separate bonds/insurance with ASP. Licensed agencies (e.g., security services contractors) must maintain liability insurance per statute. A.C.A. § 17-40-308.

Step-by-step: How to get a security guard license in Arkansas

1. Verify eligibility. Confirm minimum age (18 PSO; 21 CSO) and disqualifiers in law. Statute.
2. Complete required training. Take Phase I (8 hours) for PSO; add Phase II (16 hours) if you’ll be armed. Phase I; Phase II.
3. Pass the exam. Expect PSO questions drawn from Phase I; score 70%+ to pass. Exam rule.
4. Submit background checks. Request the Arkansas online check ($22) and, if your role/employer requires and you’re authorized, the FBI check ($13). Online check; FBI fee.
5. Apply to ASP Regulatory Services. File the PSO application with $40 fee; CSO applicants also document Phase II and eligibility. Fees in law; Program page.
6. Renew on time (every two years). Complete required renewal training (PSO: 6 hours minimum), then renew within 90 days before expiration for $40. Renewal training; Two-year term; Renewal process.

Costs compared: Arkansas vs. nearby licensing programs

If you’re weighing multi-state work, compare Arkansas to other states. For example, see our breakdown of the exact security guard license cost in Arizona and how fees, training, and background checks stack up.

When a security guard needs more than a PSO credential

Starting a firm or moving into investigations changes the math. Agency licenses add insurance and higher fees under A.C.A. § 17-40-302 and § 17-40-308. For a broader roadmap, see our guide to navigating private security and investigative agency licensing. If you’re crossing over into investigative work, our Arkansas PI guides outline separate credential costs and steps: PI Arkansas license, fees, steps.

Related License Navigator guides: Security guard license cost in Georgia: 2026 prices · Security guard license cost in Illinois: exact 2026 fees · Security guard license cost in Arizona: exact 2026 fees

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the total out-of-pocket cost to get an Arkansas PSO credential?

Most first-time PSO applicants pay $40 for the credential plus $22 for the Arkansas criminal background check. If your role/employer requires a national check, add $13 for the FBI submission. Training provider prices vary. Sources: A.C.A. § 17-40-302; ASP online check pricing; ASP background FAQ.

How often do I renew my Arkansas security guard license?

Your credential expires two years from the issue date. Renew within 90 days before expiration, complete required renewal training (PSO: at least 6 hours), and pay the $40 renewal fee. Sources: Act 393 (two‑year term); ASP renewal process; PSO renewal training.

Do individual Arkansas guards need insurance or a bond?

No separate bond/insurance is filed by individual PSOs. Licensed agencies must maintain required liability insurance under A.C.A. § 17-40-308. Source: A.C.A. § 17-40-308.

What are the minimum training hours to qualify?

PSO: Phase I at least 8 hours. CSO (armed): Phase I plus Phase II at least 16 hours (8 classroom, 8 range). Source: 17 CAR § 350‑1004; § 350‑1005.

Is the security guard exam hard and is there a separate fee?

The PSO exam covers Phase I topics and requires a 70% score to pass. If ASP administers your exam and you need to retake it, the re-exam fee is $50. Source: 17 CAR § 350‑1017.

Need a precise, personalized cost worksheet for your role and timeline? License Navigator can map every Arkansas requirement and fee into a step-by-step plan so you don’t overpay or miss a deadline.