New Mexico Security Guard License Information (Guard Card)
Sections
- Requirements to Become a Security Guard
- Security Guard Level 1 (Unarmed Security Officer)
- Security Guard Level 2 (Armed Security Officer)
- Security Guard Level 3 (Armored Vehicle Security Officer)
- Less Lethal Endorsements (Armed Security Officer)
- Renewal and Continuing Education Requirements
- Fingerprinting/Background Check
Requirements to Become a Security Guard
The applicant must:
- be at least 18 years of age.
- achieve a passing score of not less than 90% on the board approved jurisprudence examination.
- provide proof of completing a department approved training program.
- provide proof of a high school diploma or its equivalent. (Level 2)
- be at least 21 years of age for Level 2 and 3.
NO Online Training
The RLD has established training requirements for security guard training for level one, two and three applicants. Each of these rules requires that all training to qualify for a registration as level one, two or three security guard, requires "training shall be taught by an in-person instructor." Online training is not accepted.
Security Guard Level 1 (Unarmed Security Officer)
8-hours curriculum is the minimum training required and must be completed within 12-months prior to application for security guard level one registration. The training shall be taught by a department approved instructor that has been recommended by the board and approved by the superintendent. Training shall be taught by an in-person instructor.
- NOTE: The actual license is issued by the State of New Mexico, not the trainer.
Security Guard Level 2 (Armed Security Officer)
Level 2 guards must complete a department approved weapon training program as defined in Subsection D of 16.48.2.18 NMAC for level two security guard training prior to being placed on a guard post for the first time as a level two security guard.
20-hours is the minimum training required and must be completed within twelve months prior to application for security guard level two registration.
- NOTE: A Carry Concealed Weapon (CCW) permit does not qualify a security guard to carry armed.
Security Guard Level 3 (Armored Vehicle Security Officer)
Before an individual can apply for a Level 3 certification, the individual must first pass the Level 2 courses.
Prior to certification as a level three security guard in the state of New Mexico, upon initial licensure only, it shall be necessary for each applicant to be examined by a licensed psychologist regarding the individual's mental suitability to carry a firearm within the individual's scope of duty as a licensed level three security guard. The psychological evaluation shall consist of the Minnesota multi-phasic inventory-2 restructured form or MMPI-2RF.
An additional 16-hours of training is also required.
Less Lethal Endorsements (Armed Security Officer)
An applicant for weapon endorsement must successfully complete training for the specific weapon endorsement. The following endorsement for level two applicants; 8-hours electronic non-lethal device.
Renewal and Continuing Education Requirements
Licenses expire on the last day of the guard's birth month. Renewals can be completed 30-days prior to the expiration of the license or registration.
Pursuant to 16.48.6.8 H. NMAC, Approved sources for continuing education are:
- college level courses;
- in-house training provided by a private patrol company licensed by the department;
- the New Mexico law enforcement academy; or
- any other department-approved educational institution
Security guards must complete a minimum of four (4) hours of continuing education training from an approved source, during the renewal period to maintain their license.
No license or registration shall be renewed without proof of required continuing education credits.
Fingerprinting/Background Check
Pursuant to Section 61-27B-34 of the act, NMSA 1978, all applicants for initial issuance, reinstatement or renewal of a level one security guard registration in New Mexico shall be required to be fingerprinted to establish positive identification for a state and federal criminal history background check.
