How to get a security guard license in Oregon

Oregon licenses unarmed security guards individually. The credential is the Unarmed Private Security Professional certification (also an Event and Entertainment professional certification for event staff), issued by the Oregon Department of Public Safety Standards and Training (DPSST), Private Security Program.

Licensing agencyOregon Department of Public Safety Standards and Training (DPSST), Private Security Program official source
Credential for unarmed guardsUnarmed Private Security Professional certification (also an Event and Entertainment professional certification for event staff) official source
Credential for armed guardsArmed Private Security Professional certification (Armed/Unarmed Professional) official source
Minimum age, unarmed18, with a high school diploma, GED or a two- or four-year degree (DPSST new certification page) official source
Minimum age, armed21, same education requirement official source
Training, unarmed14-hour Unarmed Basic Classroom/Assessment/Exam from a certified private security instructor; 4-hour Unarmed Renewal Course and Exam for renewal official source
Training, armed24-hour Firearm Basic Course in addition to the 14-hour unarmed basic; annual firearms marksmanship qualification and a 4-hour Armed Refresher Course official source
Background checkYes: fingerprints (DPSST supplies FBI cards or Fieldprint electronic prints), moral fitness review under OAR 259-060-0310 (unarmed) and 0320 (armed) official source
State feeUSD 152 new / USD 104 renewing or add (Unarmed Professional certification (DPSST training and fee requirements page)); USD 169 new / USD 121 renewing or add / USD 28 reinstatement (Armed/Unarmed Professional certification); USD 139 new / USD 94 renewing (Event and Entertainment Professional); USD 48 (background check fee for all new applicants, or when renewing a certification expired more than four years); USD 40 (late fee if the application is received after the expiration date) official source
Renewal2 years (certifications are renewed every two years with the 4-hour refresher; DPSST renew page) official source
Working while the application is pendingYes if already employed: Form PS-20 (Private Security Services Provider Temporary Work Permit) is submitted with the application (DPSST new certification page); the exact length of the temporary permit was not read official source

Official Oregon application page

Checked against official Oregon sources on Oct 18, 2026. Rules change: confirm with the licensing agency before you apply. This page lists only facts we could confirm on an official page.

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