Tennessee Security Guard 2-Hour License Renewal Course
On-Demand CourseCourse Overview
Tennessee Unarmed Security Guard Refresher Course (2-Hour Renewal) Renew your Tennessee unarmed security guard license with Security Compliance Academy's state-approved 2-hour refresher course. Required every two years by the Tennessee Department of Commerce & Insurance, Private Protective Services, this unarmed guard renewal training is the fastest, most affordable way to keep your TN security officer registration active and compliant. What You'll Learn in This TN Unarmed Guard Refresher Training: Our Tennessee unarmed security officer refresher course meets every requirement under Rule 0780-05-02 and includes: Legal powers and limitations of a Tennessee security guard Use of force continuum and de-escalation techniques Emergency procedures and general duties Tennessee Code Annotated Title 39 (Criminal Offenses) and Title 40 (Criminal Procedure) Civil and criminal liability for security personnel The course concludes with a multiple-choice final exam — a minimum score of 70% is required to receive your Tennessee unarmed guard renewal certificate.
What's Included
- • 2 hours of comprehensive training
- • Professional certification upon completion
- • Access to course materials
Learning Objectives
- • By the end of this Tennessee Unarmed Security Guard Refresher Course, students will be able to: Apply the legal powers and limitations granted to unarmed security officers under Tennessee law
- • Identify the appropriate level of force for any given encounter using the use of force continuum
- • Apply de-escalation techniques to safely resolve confrontations without physical intervention
- • Recognize key offenses and procedures under Tennessee Code Annotated Title 39 and Title 40
- • Identify the most common civil and criminal liabilities facing security officers and the practices that reduce that exposure
- • Comply with Rule 0780-05-02 professional conduct standards required by the Tennessee Department of Commerce & Insurance
- • Pass the state-required final examination with a minimum score of 70% to qualify for license renewal
Course Content
Course Outline — Tennessee Unarmed Security Guard Refresher Course (2-Hour)This state-approved Tennessee unarmed guard refresher training is structured into four instructional modules followed by a 40-question final examination. Each module satisfies a specific component of the Tennessee Department of Commerce & Insurance, Private Protective Services biennial renewal requirement under TCA § 62-35-118.
- • Module 1 — Orientation and Legal Updates
- • A regulatory and professional foundation, refreshed for current Tennessee law. Welcome and course overview (TCA § 62-35-118 compliance)
- • The role of an unarmed security guard in Tennessee
- • Regulatory oversight by the Tennessee Department of Commerce & Insurance, Private Protective Services
- • The Tennessee Private Protective Services Regulatory Framework
- • Scope of authority — primary duties, limits of power, and consequences of exceeding authority
- • Dallas's Law: requirements for guards working at alcohol-serving venues
- • Proprietary security organizations vs. contract security companies
- • Weapon restrictions for unarmed guards under Dallas's Law
- • Professional conduct and legal standards
- • Integrity in daily operations and the prohibition against criminal impersonation
- • Respect for rights, diversity, and fair rule enforcement
- • Continuous improvement and personal responsibility for licensed officers
- • Module 2 — Legal Powers and Limitations A focused refresher on the statutory authority — and statutory limits — that govern every Tennessee unarmed guard.
- • Authority to detain or arrest under Tennessee's citizen's arrest law (TCA § 40-7-109)
- • Authority to detain or arrest under Tennessee's citizen's arrest law (TCA § 40-7-109)
- • The three circumstances permitting a lawful citizen's arrest in Tennessee
- • Practical application of arrest authority on the job
- • Proper procedure after making a citizen's arrest
- • Proper procedure after making a citizen's arrest
- • Critical limitations and risks for private security officers
- • What unarmed guards cannot do: impersonate police, conduct unauthorized searches, use excessive force, or carry firearms
- • Tennessee search and seizure limitations for private security
- • Evidence preservation and crime scene management
- • Proper incident reporting and legal liability exposure
- • Detailed logs and reports as legal documentation
- • Detailed logs and reports as legal documentation
- • Active crime response and law enforcement coordination
- • Building effective working relationships with police
- • When to act and when to wait — trained vs. untrained responder roles
- • Systematic evacuation management
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Module 3 — Emergency Procedures and Response Practical, scenario-based instruction on the emergencies Tennessee unarmed guards are most likely to encounter.
- • Responding to medical emergencies
- • First aid and CPR — legal requirements and employer expectations
- • Tennessee's Good Samaritan Law and its protections
- • Cardiac emergencies and AED use
- • Serious injury response (broken bones, severe cuts, head injuries)
- • Drug and alcohol overdose recognition and response
- • Documentation and reporting after a medical incident
- • Fire response priorities, alarm activation, and evacuation
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Module 4 — Daily Duties and Professional Conduct A refresher on the day-to-day standards that define a professional Tennessee security officer.
- • Patrol and observation skills under the Tennessee Private Protective Services Act
- • The "Observe and Report" foundation of private security work
- • Effective patrol techniques and avoiding predictability
- • Falsifying logs or reports — the integrity standard
- • Customer service for security professionals
- • Visitor and contractor management
- • Visitor logs and access control records
- • Developing a personal code of ethics
- • Building positive relationships with law enforcement, clients, and the public
- • Chain of command and proper communication channels
Module 5 — Final Examination
- • A 40-question multiple-choice and true/false examination covering all four instructional modules. A minimum score of 70% is required to receive your Tennessee unarmed guard refresher training certificate, in accordance with state Private Protective Services renewal requirements.
Your Instructor
Catherine Flowers
The course is taught by Catherine Flowers, a retired Raleigh Police Officer, U.S. Army Military Police Corps veteran, and licensed private investigator with more than 27 years of field experience. Catherine is a state-approved guard trainer in Tennessee, North Carolina, Georgia, Alabama, Florida, and Colorado, and was featured as the cover author of PI Magazine (May/June 2024).
Frequently Asked Questions
Is this course approved by the State of Tennessee?
Yes. Security Compliance Academy is approved by the Tennessee Department of Commerce & Insurance, Private Protective Services to deliver the 2-Hour Unarmed Security Guard Refresher Course. Our TN Trainer ID is #932738.
What does the Tennessee unarmed guard refresher course cover?
Our refresher curriculum is organized into four instructional modules: (1) Orientation and Legal Updates, including Dallas's Law and Tennessee Private Protective Services regulations; (2) Legal Powers and Limitations, including Tennessee's citizen's arrest law (TCA § 40-7-109) and use of force standards; (3) Emergency Procedures and Response, including medical emergencies, fire, active shooter response, and Tennessee's Good Samaritan Law; and (4) Daily Duties and Professional Conduct, including patrol and observation, documentation, and ethics. The course concludes with a 40-question final examination.
Do I have to complete the course in one sitting?
No. The course is fully on-demand. You can pause, save your progress, and return at any time on any device.
How often do I need to renew my Tennessee unarmed security guard license? A
Every two (2) years. Tennessee requires you to complete a 2-hour refresher training course and pass the final examination before each biennial renewal.
What if my Tennessee unarmed guard license has been expired for more than 90 days?
If your TN unarmed guard license has been expired for more than 90 days, the state requires you to retake the full 4-Hour General Training course and apply as a new applicant. The 2-hour refresher course is only available to currently licensed officers and those within the 90-day late renewal grace period.
Can I work as a security guard with an expired license?
No. Tennessee law prohibits working as a security officer while your registration is expired, even during the 90-day grace period. You must complete your refresher training, pay the renewal fee, and have an active registration to work legally.
Is there a late fee for renewing during the grace period?
Yes. Tennessee charges a $20-per-month late fee during the 90-day late renewal window. Verify current state fees on the Tennessee Department of Commerce & Insurance website at the time of renewal.
Do I need to pass a test?
Yes. The course concludes with a 40-question final examination covering material from all four instructional modules. A minimum score of 70% is required to pass and receive your training certificate.
What happens if I don't pass the final exam?
Students who do not achieve 70% on the first attempt will have an opportunity to review the course material and retake the exam. Specific retake policies are explained inside the course. Contact your instructor if you need additional support.
Is the final exam multiple choice?
Yes. The 40-question final exam consists of multiple-choice and true/false questions drawn directly from the four instructional modules.
Certificate and State Submission?
Yes. Upon successful completion of the course and final exam, you will receive a digital training certificate. This certificate documents the training required for your Tennessee unarmed guard registration renewal.
Does this course submit my renewal to the State of Tennessee for me?
No. The state requires you to submit your renewal application, training certificate, and applicable fees through the Tennessee CORE portal directly. We provide your training certificate; you submit it to the Department of Commerce & Insurance.
What is Form IN-1144?
Form IN-1144 is the Tennessee guard training certificate form used to document training for unarmed and armed security registration submissions. Your refresher training certificate from Security Compliance Academy serves the equivalent documentation purpose for renewal applications.
How long do I have to complete the course after I enroll?
Students have ample time to complete the course at their own pace. Specific access duration is provided at the time of enrollment.
Can I fast-forward through the course?
No. Tennessee mandates that you view the entire 2 hours of instructional content. Skipping or manipulating playback violates the state's Standard of Conduct and will void your completion.
Why choose Security Compliance Academy for my Tennessee refresher training?
Our training combines real-world law enforcement, military police, and private investigation experience with a state-approved curriculum. Our students benefit from 146+ five-star Google reviews, on-demand mobile access, instructor-led course design (not generic stock content), and a curriculum that addresses Tennessee-specific topics, including Dallas's Law in depth.
Does this course cover armed security officer renewal?
No. Armed security officers in Tennessee are required to complete a 4-Hour Armed Refresher Course plus marksmanship requalification (minimum 70% on a commissioner-approved silhouette target course). Contact us about our Armed Security Officer Refresher Course.
Will my Tennessee guard license transfer to another state?
Tennessee does not currently have full reciprocity agreements with other states for security guard registration. If you are licensed in another state and need Tennessee licensure, contact us about the appropriate course for your situation.
Do I need fingerprinting for my Tennessee unarmed guard renewal?
Renewal applicants follow the requirements set by the Tennessee Department of Commerce & Insurance through the CORE portal. Verify current fingerprinting requirements directly with TN DCI at the time of your renewal application.
Does this course submit my renewal to the State of Tennessee for me?
The state requires you to submit your renewal application, training certificate, and applicable fees through the Tennessee CORE portal directly. We provide your training certificate; you submit it to the Department of Commerce & Insurance.
Does this course cover armed security officer renewal?
No. Armed security officers in Tennessee are required to complete a 4-Hour Armed Refresher Course plus marksmanship requalification (minimum 70% on a commissioner-approved silhouette target course). Contact us about our Armed Security Officer Refresher Course.