Solutions-4-Security, LLC
Act 208
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Licensed vs. Certified
One of the most common questions new guards have going into the security industry is understanding the difference between certified and licensed.
Certification: (noun) the action or process of providing someone or something with an official document attesting to a status or level of achievement.
(Example: CPR/First Aid and Forklift certifications demonstrate training in life-saving procedures and safe equipment operation, while a high school diploma signifies the completion of secondary education, often needed for employment or further study.)
License: (noun) a permit from an authority to own or use something, do a particular thing, or carry on a trade.
(Example: A license is a permit from an authority, like the DMV, state boards, or medical boards, allowing individuals to do specific activities or trades in the general public. Examples include a driver's license for driving on public roads, electrician license for working in homes or businesses, and a physician’s license for practicing medicine in clinics or hospitals.)
Before 2013, there were no licensing or certification requirements for the security industry workforce in Hawaii. This changed with the approval of “Act 208”. On May 9, 2013, the Board of Private Detectives and Guards defined “acting as a guard,” “safekeeping,” and “physical presence” to implement HRS section 463-10.5 (Act 208, SLH 2010). Employees who meet these definitions must comply with training and licensing requirements under HRS section 463-10.5 in Hawaii.