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Frequently
Asked 
Questions

We supplied you with the most frequently asked questions students / clients ask us on what to do after the class. Take a look below; if you cannot find an answer to your question, feel free to contact us and we will promptly get back to you with an answer!

 

Mahalo!

  • Why do you need a Guard Card?
    Starting from July 1, 2013, individuals seeking employment as security guards are required to register with the State of Hawaii, Department of Commerce and Consumer Affairs, Board of Private Detectives and Guards (Board). This registration process leads to the issuance of a Guard Employee (GDE) license, commonly known as a "guard card." Upon receiving the GDE license (guard card), you gain eligibility to work as a security guard employee for any entity seeking to hire your services. This includes opportunities with licensed guard agencies, as well as proprietary employers such as retail stores, hotels, residential properties, and individuals. However, it's important to note that holding a GDE license does not permit you to act as the Principal for a Guard Agency, as this requires a distinct license. Additionally, working as an independent contractor or sub-contractor is not allowed. If your intention is to work as an armed guard, it's crucial to be aware that there are additional requirements and qualifications beyond the GDE license that must be fulfilled.
  • How to get a Guard Card?
    STAGE 1: COMPLETE THE North Tier Security Solutions 8-HOUR CLASSROOM INSTRUCTION Begin your journey with North Tier Security Solutions comprehensive 8-hour classroom instruction, a requirement for all applicants seeking a GDE license. Our online classes, conducted via Zoom, offer flexibility and accessibility, allowing you to participate from any location with an internet connection. Upon successful completion of the online classroom instruction and written test, you will receive a Certificate of Instruction approved by the State of Hawaii, an essential step in obtaining your GDE license, commonly referred to as a "guard card." STAGE 2: FINGERPRINTS BASED CRIMINAL CONVICTION HISTORY CHECK Next, embark on the fingerprint-based criminal conviction background check, facilitated by Fieldprint. To schedule your appointment, visit www.fieldprinthawaii.com. Upon completion, your information will be securely transmitted directly to the State of Hawaii by Fieldprint. STAGE 3: SUBMIT A GUARD EMPLOYEE REGISTRATION APPLICATION & FINAL PAYMENTS The final step involves submitting your Guard Employee Registration application to the Board. Online submission is faster and easier, you can submit your application by mail as well. Ensure accuracy by verifying that all names on accompanying documents match those on the application. Complete the GDE form thoroughly, addressing all questions. If you answer "Yes" to questions #3 and/or #6, include the required information as specified on the form. Alongside the application (or paper form), upload a copy of your North Tier Security Solutions Certificate of Instruction. Additionally, provide any necessary documentation in response to questions #3 and/or #6. Submit the applicable fees as outlined at the time of application. Following successful processing, the Department of Commerce and Consumer Affairs (DCCA) will issue your GDE Registration Number (guard card) within 15-20 business days. Please note the DCCA's updated policy, effective April 18, 2019: successful applicants will no longer receive a paper guard card by mail but will instead receive an email containing their GDE number.
  • What do I need to do after the class to obtain my Guard Card?
    SCHEDULING A FINGERPRINT APPOINTMENT Go to the Fieldprint website https://Fieldprinthawaii.com; click “Schedule an Appointment ” , you will be prompted to create a user account, follow the online instructions to do this. For “Fieldprint Code” enter: HI-DCCA-PDSG (Must include the “dash” between letters). Complete “Personal Information”. You will need to input your social security number. Complete “Demographics”. Including your Place of Birth, City of Birth, and physical description. At “Additional Information”; select Guard Employee (Guard Registration) from the drop-down. At “Employer”. You can leave blank, or enter your employer, or your own name, address, etc. At “eConsent Waiver” – read and answer. At “FBI Privacy Statement and Privacy Notice” – read and answer At “FBI Noncriminal Justice Applicant’s Privacy Rights” – read and answer. At “Release”. For Department/Division enter “DCCA-PVL”; enter Your Name & Date of Birth; For Criminal Conviction information answer, enter your name and date. At “Schedule Your Visit A screen will prompt you to choose the “Location” you want to get your fingerprints done at. Then “Choose A Date”. Then “Choose A Time”. Make Payment. (Credit card or echeck). Once payment is made a “Confirmation” screen appears. Make note of your Appointment Number. If possible, print-out the confirmation page for your records and take it with you to the appointment. Make note of your fingerprint appointment date as you will need to enter that onto the DCCA Guard Employee Registration form. On your appointment date and time go to the collection site to submit your fingerprints. You will need two forms of ID, a government issue picture ID (Driver’s License, etc.) and another ID. North Tier Security Solutions. is not affiliated with Fieldprint and the process could change at any time without notice. Please use this information as a general guide, and follow the instructions provided by the Fieldprint website.
  • How do you Renew a Guard Card?
    The Guard Card Renewal Deadline Is June 30, 2024. If your guard card was issued on or before June 30, 2023, completing the 4-hour Security Guard Continuing Education (SGCE) course is mandatory for renewal. If your card was issued on or after July 01, 2023, completion of the SGCE course is optional. North Tier Security Solutions 4-Hour Continuing Education for Guard Card Renewal has been officially recognized by the State of Hawaii Board of Private Detectives and Guards to establish the topics and standards for the 2024 GDE renewal. RENEWAL PROCESS STEP 1 – ENROLL IN THE 4-HOUR GUARD CARD RENEWAL CLASS Secure your spot in the SGCE class before June 30, 2024. Early registration is recommended as waiting until the last minute may limit availability. The fee for our Security Guard Continuing Education (SGCE) class is $99.00 plus Hawaii GE tax. TO REGISTER FOR A CLASS, VISIT OUR WEBSITE OR CLICK “GUARD CARD RENEWAL CLASS” IN THE TOP NAVIGATION BAR. STEP 2 – SUBMIT YOUR GDE LICENSE RENEWAL APPLICATION TO THE DCCA-PVL After completing the class and becoming eligible for license renewal, monitor the DCCA-PVL for the opening of renewal application submissions, anticipated in early May 2024. Access your MyPVL account or create one as instructed on the MyPVL website. Locate your GDE license number within your account, and if necessary, follow instructions to link your license. Once located or linked, an active "Renew" button will appear next to your license number. Clicking on the button will lead you to the online renewal application. Answer the questions, remit the renewal fee of $105.00 to the DCCA, and submit your application. Upon success your GDE license will be renewed until June 30, 2027. You will have the option to print out or save a digital image of your new wallet card. Keep your Certificate of Instruction from the completed class saved, as the DCCA may conduct random audits, and presenting the Certificate will serve as verification of meeting the requirement. Click here to access the DCCA's MyPVL site. IMPORTANT INFORMATION REGARDING EXPIRED GUARD CARDS! If your guard card (GDE license) expired on or before June 30, 2021, you had one year from the expiration date to restore your license. Restoration of expired licenses is no longer possible; reapplication to the DCCA as a new applicant is required.
  • How do I submit my GDE Application Online?
    Upon completion of the ISGI Class and fingerprinting, the subsequent step involves creating a MYPVL account with the Department of Commerce and Consumer Affairs (DCCA) and submitting your Guard Employee Registration (GDE) application. To initiate the account creation process, visit https://pvl.ehawaii.gov/mypvl/ and follow the provided instructions. Once your account is set up, log in and navigate to "My Applications," then proceed to click on "Apply for New License." Select "Guard Employee Registration" from the drop-down menu. Complete the application details, upload your Certificate of Instruction (in PDF or JPEG format), make the required payment, and submit your GDE application. Upon submission, the DCCA advises a processing time of 15-20 business days for completed applications. However, processing times may vary, with some applications processed sooner or taking longer. You will receive an email notification from the DCCA once your GDE-# (commonly known as a "guard card") has been issued.
  • What are the Rules for the Online Classroom?
    By clicking this link it will take you to our "Classroom Rules" tab found on the homepage or clicking the right corner tab if you're on a mobile device.
  • Does my training certificate expire?
    The Certificate of Instruction awarded by North Tier Security Solutions upon completion of the 8-hour Initial Security Guard Instruction class does not have an expiration date. Should you require a replacement Certificate of Instruction from North Tier Security Solutions, please send an email to info@northtiersecuritysolutions.com, including your name and the date or approximate date of your class attendance. Typically, unless the class was conducted prior to 2024, we can provide you with a replacement certificate. PLEASE NOTE THAT WE ARE ONLY ABLE TO ISSUE REPLACEMENT CERTIFICATES FOR CLASSES TAUGHT BY North Tier Security Solutions. We do not possess records for certificates issued by any other provider.
  • How can I replace a Lost Certificate?
    If you need a replacement Certificate of Instruction issued by North Tier Security Solutions, email us at EMAIL with your name and date or approximate date you took our class. PLEASE NOTE THAT WE ARE ONLY ABLE TO ISSUE REPLACEMENT CERTIFICATES FOR CLASSES TAUGHT BY North Tier Security Solutions. We do not possess records for certificates issued by any other provider.
  • How to Print your Guard Card?
    North Tier Security Solutions does not issue or replace “guard cards”. They are issued by the State of Hawaii Department of Commerce and Consumer Affairs, Professional and Vocational Licensing Division. (DCCA-PVL) Effective April 18, 2019 the DCCA-PVL no longer mails initial or replacement paper pocket cards for GDE’s or wall certificates for GD/GDA’s Individual Licensee’s can now print out the initial and replacement pocket card at no charge from the DCCA’s website as follows: Go to your MYPVL account (https://pvl.ehawaii.gov/mypvl If you show a linked license Click on the GDE-# Click on Print My Pocket ID (blue box upper right) If the landing page shows “You have 0 linked license” Click on Find My License Enter your GDE-# & continue If you don’t know your GDE-# Click on Inbox – click on Notice of Licensure Make note of the GDE # issued to you & go back to My Licenses Confirm that is your license Enter the last 4 digits of your SSN and confirm linking to your account Your license number will now appear in your account If you need further assistance, call the DCCA-PVL at 808-586-3000.
  • What is the Fieldprint Code?
    The code you use after your scheduled class is: HI-DCCA-PDSG (Must include the “dash” between letters) When your institution asks you to schedule a fingerprint collection appointment, they provide you with a unique Fieldprint code. You are asked for this code after you create a Fieldprint account. This unique Fieldprint code is the key to the fingerprint collection and submission process.
  • What is your Refund Policy / Terms of Service?
    Terms of Service and Refund Policy 1. Enrollment 1.1. By enrolling in our online course, you acknowledge that you have read, understood, and agree to comply with the terms and conditions outlined herein. 1.2. You agree to provide accurate and complete information during the enrollment process, as it would reflect in your entire process of obtaining a guard card. 2. Payment and Refunds 2.1. Payment for the course is due upon enrollment, unless otherwise specified. 2.2. We offer a refund policy under the following circumstances: a) If you are unable to attend a class due to unforeseen circumstances or emergencies, you will be refunded the full amount. b) If you need to be excused from or during a class due to extenuating circumstances, you will be refunded the full amount. 2.3. Refund requests must be submitted in writing to and submitted to info@northtiersecuritysolutions.com no later than 30 days after the scheduled class. 2.4. Refunds will be issued within 1-2 weeks of approval and will be processed using the original method of payment. 3. Rescheduling 3.1. If you are unable to attend a class, you may reschedule for a future session, subject to availability, unless otherwise directed by our team. 3.2. Requests for rescheduling must be submitted in writing to info@northtiersecuritysolutions.com any time after you schedule a class. 4. Course Materials and Intellectual Property 4.1. All course materials provided to you are for personal use only and may not be shared, reproduced, or distributed without our prior written consent. 4.2. You acknowledge that all intellectual property rights in the course materials belong to us and agree not to infringe upon those rights. 5. Code of Conduct 5.1. You agree to conduct yourself in a professional and respectful manner at all times during the course. 5.2. We reserve the right to remove any participant from the course without refund if their behavior is deemed inappropriate or disruptive. 6. Amendments 6.1. We reserve the right to amend these terms and conditions at any time. Any changes will be effective immediately upon posting on our website. 6.2. It is your responsibility to review these terms periodically for updates or changes. 7. Contact Information If you have any questions or concerns regarding these terms and conditions, please contact us at info@northtiersecuritysolutions.com By enrolling in our online course, you acknowledge that you have read, understood, and agree to abide by these terms and conditions.
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