How to become a security guard in Nevada
Here's exactly what Nevada requires, and the official portal to apply. Finish it and you can start getting booked on XGuard.
Nevada Security Guard Work Card (PILB)
mode:agency — must work under a licensed Private Patrol Officer (PPO) agency; NRS 648.060(2) bars employment of an unregistered person.
- 1Confirm eligibilityMust be 18+, a US citizen or lawfully authorized to work, of good moral character, with no felony or moral-turpitude/weapons convictions.
- 2Get fingerprinted and gather ID/photoComplete Live Scan fingerprinting, bring two forms of ID (e.g. driver's license + Social Security card or passport), and a 2x2 inch color passport-style photo.
- 3Pass the written examScore at least 75% on PILB's 30-question exam covering NRS Ch.648 and NAC Ch.648 statutes and regulations.
- 4Submit application and pay the feePay $85 (standard, ~2 weeks) or $129 (expedited, 3-4 business days) through the PILB portal. Work Card is valid 5 years.
Nevada Armed Security Guard Work Card (PILB)
A Nevada CCW permit alone does not authorize armed guard work — PILB armed certification is a separate, mandatory credential.
- 1Hold an unarmed PILB Work Card firstArmed certification builds on the base Work Card; you must already be employed by a Licensed Armed Security Provider (LASP) before enrolling in armed training.
- 2Get employer sign-offYour employer signs a Verification of Employment for Armed Security Referral Form, required to attend the armed course.
- 3Complete the 13-hour armed courseClassroom plus live-fire portion (bring 150 rounds of ball ammunition); must be 21+. Pass the 50-question written exam at ≥75% and the live-fire qualification.
- 4Requalify every 6 monthsMaintain your Armed Work Card by requalifying twice yearly with the identical firearm model and caliber you initially qualified with.
Nevada Private Patrol Officer (PPO) Company License
This is Nevada's sole-trader route: a PPO license lets one person legally operate and register guards under their own security company (NRS Ch.648).
- 1Confirm eligibilityMust be 21+, a US citizen or lawfully authorized to work, and able to clear an FBI and Nevada DPS criminal history background check (applies to each director/officer of a corporate applicant too).
- 2Document your experienceAt least 5 years (10,000 hours) as a private patrol officer or equivalent; an associate's degree in Police Science/Criminal Justice counts as 1,333 hours, a bachelor's as 3,000 hours toward this requirement.
- 3Pass the licensing examScore at least 75% on the PILB private patrol operator licensing exam.
- 4Submit the company application and insuranceApply through the PILB portal; maintain the required licensee liability insurance (≥$200,000 under NRS §648.135) before the Board will grant the license.
Once you're licensed
Create your free XGuard profile now — upload your license the moment you have it, and we'll verify it and start matching you to paid security work near you.
Start your XGuard profileXGuard guides you to the official process; the state issues your license. Figures are sourced from official regulators and verified before publishing, but requirements can change — always confirm on the official portal linked above.