How to get an Unarmed Private Security Professional certification in Oregon
Oregon licenses security guards statewide through the Department of Public Safety Standards and Training (DPSST).1 For the Unarmed Private Security Professional certification you need 14 clock hours2 of education, a passing score on the Unarmed basic course closed-book written examination and assessments2 and a criminal background check1. The board lists $104 for the initial license2. You renew every 2 years1.
Who issues it
Department of Public Safety Standards and Training (DPSST)
Training and experience
Training: 14 clock hours2
Exam
Unarmed basic course closed-book written examination and assessments2
Renewal
Every 2 years1
On this page
- Oregon security guard licenses
- Applies to every license level
- Who needs an Unarmed Private Security Professional certification
- How to apply
- Renewal and continuing education
- Event and Entertainment Private Security Professional certification
- Armed Private Security Professional certification
- Executive Manager License
- Supervisory Manager License
- Private Security Entity License
- Check a license or report a problem
- Laws and rules
- Rule changes since January 2024
- Common questions
- Security guard licenses in other states
Oregon security guard licenses
Oregon issues 6 security guard credentials. Each has its own section below; the table shows what each one covers and its headline requirements.
| License | What it covers | Training or experience | Exam | Application or license fee |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Event and Entertainment Private Security Professional certification | Certified to provide private security services only for event or entertainment businesses or venues (bars, clubs, restaurants, arenas, theatres, fairs, festivals, parades).2 | – | Yes2 | $1042 |
| Unarmed Private Security Professional certification | Certified to provide private security services without possessing or having access to a firearm while working.2 | Training 14 clock hours2 | Yes2 | $1042 |
| Armed Private Security Professional certification | Certified to provide private security services and may possess or have access to a firearm at any time while working.2 | Training 14 clock hours2 | Yes2 | $1212 |
| Executive Manager License | Acts for a security business in licensing matters, hires and fires, manages certified professionals and is finally responsible for the business's compliance; may contract with businesses as an executive manager.2 | Training 14 clock hours2 | Yes2 | $4402 |
| Supervisory Manager License | Supervises certified private security professionals as a primary responsibility, under an executive manager; may not contract independently unless also an executive manager.2 | Training 14 clock hours2 | Yes2 | $1322 |
| Private Security Entity License | Business that, for pay, recruits, supplies or employs private security providers to perform security services for another person (including subcontractors). Required since House Bill 2527 (effective 1/1/2024).1 | – | Yes4 | $1,0304 |
Applies to every license level
These rules are the same for several of the Oregon security guard licenses on this page, so they are shown once here, with the licenses they apply to. Each license's own section lists only what differs.
1. Every license level (all 6)
Fees
| Fee | Amount | Paid to | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Duplicate or replacement license | $2724 | DPSST | Not refundable. Effective September 1, 2026 |
The board's pages we cite do not list the exam fee.
2. Every license level except Private Security Entity License
Requirements
- High school diploma or GED
- Required2
- Also required
- English: all training is delivered in English and exams are taken in English without assistance.2
Fees
| Fee | Amount | Paid to | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Fingerprint and state background check | $483 | DPSST | New applicants, or certification/license expired more than four years. Not refundable |
How to apply
- Get fingerprinted: Fieldprint electronic prints (code FPPSCertificationDPSST, include the confirmation page), a Live Scan card, or an ink card from DPSST.5
- Send DPSST the packet: Form PS-1, fingerprints, proof of training (Form PS-6 or DPSST certificate) and the nonrefundable fees, before doing any security work.2 Form (PDF, oregon.gov)6
- Fix any Notice of Deficiency within 21 days or the application is administratively terminated.2
- Application form
- Form (PDF, oregon.gov)6
Renewal
- How often
- Every 2 years1
- When it expires
- Expires two years after issue (or on the assigned renewal date); renewal documents may be filed up to 180 days before expiry.2
- Late renewal
- Late renewal fee: $402 (renewal received after expiration)
- If it expires
- Late fee applies to renewals after expiration; more than four years after expiration you must file a new application (with fingerprints) and redo the full basic training.2
- Renew online
- oregon.gov7
From another state
- Route
- Temporary license or permit
- What the board says
- An Oregon executive manager may assign an out-of-state certified/licensed guard employed in another state to work in Oregon for up to 90 days if that state's standards meet or exceed Oregon's; request on Form PS-9, one per 24 months without approval. There is no transfer of an out-of-state license into an Oregon certification — Oregon basic training is needed for full certification.2
- Conditions
- The person is employed in another state and holds that state's private security certification or license.1
Military service members, veterans and spouses: Documented military training or experience that DPSST finds substantially equivalent satisfies the training requirement; military police/Master-at-Arms with 2+ years may use the prior-law-enforcement exemption.2
3. Every license level except Armed Private Security Professional certification and Private Security Entity License
How to apply
- If already employed, have your employing manager complete a Form PS-20 temporary work permit (120 days) so you can work while DPSST processes the application.2
- Temporary or provisional license
- An employing licensed manager may issue a Form PS-20 temporary work permit (valid 120 days, employer-specific) once all application requirements are done; not available for armed professionals or instructors.2
4. Every license level except Event and Entertainment Private Security Professional certification and Private Security Entity License
Requirements
- Education or training
- 14 clock hours2
Unarmed basic course: 14 hours of classroom instruction, exam and assessments, taught by a DPSST-certified private security instructor.2
Who may teach it: Taught and tested by a DPSST-certified private security instructor (instructor list on DPSST site), in English; training must reach DPSST within 180 days.2
Alternative: Applicants with 2+ years of law enforcement experience (left within the last 4 years, no misconduct actions) can skip basic training and take only the renewal course; one attempt only.2
Alternative: Documented military training or experience that DPSST finds substantially equivalent satisfies the training requirement; military police/Master-at-Arms with 2+ years may use the prior-law-enforcement exemption.2
5. Unarmed Private Security Professional certification, Event and Entertainment Private Security Professional certification and Supervisory Manager License
Requirements
- Minimum age
- 18 years old2
6. Unarmed Private Security Professional certification and Event and Entertainment Private Security Professional certification
Fees
| Fee | Amount | Paid to | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Initial license fee | $1042 | DPSST | Not refundable. Effective September 1, 2026 |
Renewal
- Renewal fee
- $1042
7. Armed Private Security Professional certification and Executive Manager License
Requirements
- Minimum age
- 21 years old2
8. Executive Manager License and Supervisory Manager License
Requirements
- Education or training
- DPSST manager course, exam and assessments (live virtual or on-demand module + exam), in addition to the 14-hour unarmed basic course (or 12-hour alarm monitor basic course for alarm monitor managers).2
Who may teach it: Delivered by DPSST.2 - Exam
- DPSST manager course final exam8
Given by: DPSST (online, Workday)8
Passing score: 100 percent on all examinations and assessments, with remediation.2 - Also required
- A manager license does not by itself allow doing security work; a manager who performs security services must also hold the professional certification (unarmed refresher every two years).2
Renewal
Who needs an Unarmed Private Security Professional certification
Certified to provide private security services without possessing or having access to a firearm while working.2
Work that does not need this license:
- Crowd management/guest services staff (ticket takers, ushers, parking attendants, event staff) are exempt only if unarmed, not confrontational, not hired for enforcement, and at least one certified/licensed person is on site per 10 uncertified staff.1
- OLCC service-permit holders doing age checks/door control for their licensee employer are exempt if unarmed, non-confrontational and not hired for enforcement (not at doors to minors-prohibited areas).1
- Bank Protection Act security officers of a financial institution, volunteers/de minimis helpers at nonprofit events, police and federal officers, and people protecting their own property are exempt.1
Other rules on who may do this work:
- There is no general in-house/proprietary exemption — the definition covers anyone whose primary paid responsibility is security, full- or part-time.1
How to apply
More rules for this license are shared with other levels: group 1, group 2, group 3, group 4, group 5 and group 6 under Applies to every license level.
- Take the 14-hour unarmed basic course and exam from a DPSST-certified instructor and get Form PS-6.10
Renewal and continuing education
- Required topics
- Four-hour unarmed renewal course and exam (DPSST curriculum).2
- Approved courses
- Taught by a DPSST-certified private security instructor; proof on Form PS-6.9
Renewal planner
Enter the expiration date printed on your Oregon Unarmed Private Security Professional certification. The count is worked out on your device from today's date; nothing is sent anywhere.
Event and Entertainment Private Security Professional certification
Certified to provide private security services only for event or entertainment businesses or venues (bars, clubs, restaurants, arenas, theatres, fairs, festivals, parades).2
Requirements
How to apply
- Complete the DPSST online Event and Entertainment course and exam in Workday and print both certificates of completion.11
Renewal
- Required topics
- Online Event and Entertainment refresher course and final exam (100% with remediation).2
- Approved courses
- DPSST online.2
More rules for this license are shared with other levels: group 1, group 2, group 3, group 5 and group 6 under Applies to every license level.
Armed Private Security Professional certification
Certified to provide private security services and may possess or have access to a firearm at any time while working.2
Requirements
- Education or training
- At least 24 clock hours2
Basic firearms course: at least 24 hours of instruction with an open-book written exam, safe gun handling test and marksmanship qualification, taught by a certified private security firearms instructor (in addition to the 14-hour unarmed course).2
Who may teach it: Firearms courses must be given by a certified private security firearms instructor.2
Alternative: Applicants with 2+ years of law enforcement experience (left within the last 4 years, no misconduct actions) can skip basic training and take only the renewal and armed refresher/qualification course; one attempt only.2 - Exam
- Basic firearms written exam, safe gun handling test and marksmanship qualification2
Passing score: 100 percent on all examinations and assessments, with remediation.2 - Also required
- Carrying a concealed weapon on duty also requires an Oregon concealed handgun license (ORS 166.291).2
Fees
| Fee | Amount | Paid to | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Initial license fee | $1212 | DPSST | Not refundable. Effective September 1, 2026 |
| Upgrade to Armed | $502 | DPSST | Current unarmed professional adding armed within 18 months of unarmed issue; keeps the unarmed 2-year period. Not refundable. Effective September 1, 2026 |
Each line is a separate charge as the board lists it. The board does not publish a combined total, so none is shown here.
How to apply
- Take the 14-hour unarmed basic course and the 24-hour basic firearms course (written exam, safe gun handling, marksmanship) with certified instructors; get Form PS-6.10
- No temporary work permit is available for armed applicants: do not work armed until DPSST issues the certification.2
- Temporary or provisional license
- Not available for armed applicants.2
Renewal
- Renewal fee
- $1212
- Continuing education
- 4 clock hours each renewal period2
- Required topics
- Every year: firearms marksmanship qualification and 4-hour armed refresher course, filed on Form PS-6 by the due date or the armed certification may be emergency-suspended.2
Every two years: the unarmed renewal course.2 - Approved courses
- Firearms training by a certified private security firearms instructor.2
More rules for this license are shared with other levels: group 1, group 2, group 4 and group 7 under Applies to every license level.
Executive Manager License
Acts for a security business in licensing matters, hires and fires, manages certified professionals and is finally responsible for the business's compliance; may contract with businesses as an executive manager.2
Requirements
- Business requirements
- Every employer of private security professionals in Oregon must have at least one licensed executive manager (who need not live in Oregon).12
- Also required
- File Form PS-24 within 48 hours of starting or ending employment/contract as executive manager; may serve up to 10 businesses.2
Fees
| Fee | Amount | Paid to | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Initial license fee | $4402 | DPSST | Not refundable. Effective September 1, 2026 |
How to apply
- Complete the 14-hour unarmed basic course (or 12-hour alarm monitor basic for alarm monitor executive managers) and the DPSST manager course and exam; add Form PS-24.10
Renewal
- Renewal fee
- $4402
More rules for this license are shared with other levels: group 1, group 2, group 3, group 4, group 7 and group 8 under Applies to every license level.
Supervisory Manager License
Supervises certified private security professionals as a primary responsibility, under an executive manager; may not contract independently unless also an executive manager.2
Fees
| Fee | Amount | Paid to | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Initial license fee | $1322 | DPSST | Not refundable. Effective September 1, 2026 |
How to apply
- Complete the 14-hour unarmed basic course (Form PS-6) and the DPSST manager course and exam (two certificates).10
Renewal
- Renewal fee
- $1322
More rules for this license are shared with other levels: group 1, group 2, group 3, group 4, group 5 and group 8 under Applies to every license level.
Private Security Entity License
Business that, for pay, recruits, supplies or employs private security providers to perform security services for another person (including subcontractors). Required since House Bill 2527 (effective 1/1/2024).1
Requirements
- Exam
- Private security entity examination for licensure (workplace sexual assault, harassment and discrimination prevention)4
Given by: DPSST (online)4
Passing score: 80%4
When you can take it: Within 60 days before submitting the application.4 - Surety bond
- $5,0004 (10 or fewer providers; $10,000 for 11-20, $20,000 for 21-50, $30,000 for more than 50)
- Insurance
- General liability insurance naming the entity as primary insured, at least $1,000,000 per occurrence and $2,000,000 aggregate.4
- Business requirements
- Designate an entity representative (principal owner/partner or qualified designee) who takes the exam and signs the application.4
- Business requirements
- Application includes Department of Revenue tax compliance certification (or new-entity statement), list of financially interested persons, and work locations and contracted entities.4
- Business requirements
- Provide the BOLI Professional Workplace Training Course to every provider on paid time.4
- Business requirements
- At least one licensed executive manager.12
Fees
| Fee | Amount | Paid to | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Initial license fee | $1,0304 | DPSST | Not refundable. Effective September 1, 2026 |
How to apply
- Name an entity representative; have them pass the DPSST online entity exam (80%) within 60 days before applying.4
- Get general liability insurance ($1M/$2M) and a wage bond, letter of credit or deposit sized to your headcount; get a DOR tax compliance certificate.4
- Submit the entity licensing application with attachments and the $1,030 fee; DPSST may issue a Temporary Authorization Form while it reviews.4
- Temporary or provisional license
- Temporary Authorization Form after application and fee are received.4
Renewal
- How often
- Every year4
- When it expires
- Licensing year runs July 1 to June 30; renewals accepted from May 1 and due by June 30.4
- Renewal fee
- $1,0304
- Late renewal
- Late renewal fee: $554 (renewal received after June 30)
- If it expires
- Operating with an expired license or Temporary Authorization Form is prohibited.4
From another state
- Route
- No reciprocity
- What the board says
- No physical Oregon office is required, but out-of-state businesses providing security in Oregon must hold the entity license.12
More rules for this license are shared with other levels: group 1 under Applies to every license level.
Check a license or report a problem
Before you hire a security guard in Oregon, you can confirm the license is current on the board's own search. Every board we cover in Oregon is on the Oregon license lookup page.
- Look up a license
- oregon.gov7
- File a complaint
- oregon.gov7
Laws and rules
The requirements above come from these laws and board rules.
- ORS 181A.840 to 181A.918 and 181A.995 (Private Security Services Providers Act)
- OAR chapter 259, division 60 (Private Security Services Providers Rules)
- OAR 259-060-0500, amended by DPSST 8-2026, effective 09/01/2026
- OAR chapter 259, division 59 (Private Security Entity Licensing); fees OAR 259-059-0070 amended DPSST 7-2026, effective 09/01/2026
Rule changes since January 2024
- September 1, 2026: OAR 259-060-0500 fee rule amended (DPSST 8-2026, effective 09/01/2026); current fees: unarmed $104, armed $121, event and entertainment $104, supervisory manager $132, executive manager $440.2
- September 1, 2026: OAR 259-059-0070 entity fee rule amended (DPSST 7-2026, effective 09/01/2026): license $1030, late renewal $55.4
Common questions
How long does it take to get an Unarmed Private Security Professional certification in Oregon?
The rules set 14 clock hours2 before you can be licensed. The board does not publish how long it takes to process an application.
Can I transfer my security guard license to Oregon?
DPSST publishes this route for the Unarmed Private Security Professional certification: temporary license or permit2. Conditions and forms.
Security guard licenses in other states
- Alabama
- Alaska
- Arizona
- Arkansas
- California
- Colorado
- Connecticut
- Delaware
- District of Columbia
- Florida
- Georgia
- Hawaii
- Iowa
- Kansas
- Louisiana
- Maine
- Maryland
- Massachusetts
- Michigan
- Minnesota
- Mississippi
- Montana
- Nevada
- New Hampshire
- New Mexico
- New York
- North Carolina
- North Dakota
- Ohio
- Oklahoma
- Pennsylvania
- Rhode Island
- South Carolina
- Tennessee
- Texas
- Utah
- Vermont
- Virginia
- Washington
- West Virginia
- Wisconsin
- Wyoming
Sources
Every number and rule above links to one of these official pages. Select a footnote number to read the board's own words.
- ORS 181A.840-181A.918 Private Security (2025 Edition)Oregon Legislature (Oregon Revised Statutes)Checked November 7, 2026
- OAR Chapter 259 Division 60 Private Security Services Providers RulesOregon Secretary of State, Oregon Administrative Rules DatabaseChecked November 7, 2026
- Certification and Licensing FeesOregon Department of Public Safety Standards and Training (DPSST)Checked November 7, 2026
- OAR Chapter 259 Division 59 Private Security Entity LicensingOregon Secretary of State, Oregon Administrative Rules DatabaseChecked November 7, 2026
- Fingerprint RequirementsOregon Department of Public Safety Standards and Training (DPSST)Checked November 7, 2026
- Private Security FormsOregon Department of Public Safety Standards and Training (DPSST)Checked November 7, 2026
- Oregon Private Security Program InformationOregon Department of Public Safety Standards and Training (DPSST)Checked November 7, 2026
- Executive and Supervisory Manager License InformationOregon Department of Public Safety Standards and Training (DPSST)Checked November 7, 2026
- Renew a Certification or LicenseOregon Department of Public Safety Standards and Training (DPSST)Checked November 7, 2026
- New Private Security Certification or LicenseOregon Department of Public Safety Standards and Training (DPSST)Checked November 7, 2026
- Event and Entertainment CertificationOregon Department of Public Safety Standards and Training (DPSST)Checked November 7, 2026
- Employing Private Security ProfessionalsOregon Department of Public Safety Standards and Training (DPSST)Checked November 7, 2026