Guarding and Security Services in Norway

How to Become a Licensed Security Guard in Norway

In Norway, operating a security services business requires a permit from the police, and a separate police permit is required to provide training for security personnel. Security officers must be at least 18 years old, have a satisfactory record of conduct and complete a 157-hour national basic training program.

Authority: Politiet (the Norwegian Police). Rules: Act of 5 January 2001 No. 1 on Security Services (vaktvirksomhetsloven), as later amended, including Lovvedtak 62 (2022 to 2023) adopted on 23 May 2023, and Regulation of 28 March 2011 No. 337 on Security Services. politiet.no

Requirements

• Personnel covered by the Act must be at least 18 years old. Apprentices in the security officer trade may be employed and carry out security assignments before turning 18 (2023 amendment to the Act).
• Personnel must have a satisfactory record of conduct. A comprehensive and extended police certificate may be required.
• The national basic training for security officers totals 157 hours: a 112-hour theory course (at least 37 hours in the classroom) and a 45-hour practical course, plus 6 hours for the exam.
• The theory part must be completed before employment, and the practical part before working independently. Practical training is led by an approved practical training supervisor who is present at all times.
• Door supervisors (ordensvakter) have their own basic training requirements.

Application Steps

1. Complete the 112-hour theory course of the national basic training for security officers.
2. Get hired by a company that holds a police permit. The company may require a comprehensive and extended police certificate.
3. Complete the 45-hour practical course under supervision.
4. Pass the exam.
5. Receive a security officer identification card under police rules.
6. Pass the reauthorization test within four years, and every four years after that.

Agency Licensing

A police permit is required to operate a security services business. A separate police permit is required to provide training for security officers and door supervisors, and for supplementary training in cash-in-transit and escort assignments. The police publish a list of approved security companies, a separate fee schedule and reporting requirements with deadlines and forms.

The sources reviewed contain no rules on firearms. A commentary from the Ministry of Justice on the regulation (from around 2011) states that the regulation provides no exemption permitting the use of batons, that handcuffs may be used only for self-protection and no longer to secure an arrest, and that dogs may be used only for self-protection.

Security officers must pass a reauthorization test within four years of their previous exam or reauthorization, with a module estimated at 30 clock hours. A candidate who does not pass within the deadline must retake the entire basic training.

Sources

• Security services (Vaktvirksomhet), Politiet
• Curriculum: national basic training for security officers, version 3, Norwegian Police (Politiet)
• Lovvedtak 62 (2022 to 2023), amendment to the Security Services Act, Storting (Stortinget)
• Ministry of Justice commentary on the security services regulation, Norwegian Police (Politiet)

Requirements change. Confirm current rules with the official authority before applying. This summary is general information, not legal advice. Last reviewed November 2026.