1. What is a private security services instructor?
   A person certified by DCJS to provide mandated instruction in private security subjects for a certified private security services training school.
   
   
2. What type of license/registration/certification must I have?
   You must possess a valid certification as an instructor. Your instructor certification will state which courses you are certified to teach.
   
   
3. For information on how to apply, please see the "apply and renew" section.
   View the Apply and Renew page for Instructors.
   
   
4. For information on how to renew, please see the "apply and renew" section.
   View the Apply and Renew page for Instructors.
   
   
5. What are the entry-level training requirements for a private security services instructor?
   13E General Instructor Development (40 hours)
   
   
6. What are the in-service training requirements for a private security services instructor?
   13I General Instructor In-service (4 Hours)
   
   
7. What are the entry-level training requirements for a firearms instructor?
   14E Firearms Instructor (40 hours)
   
   
8. What are the in-service training requirements for a firearms instructor?
   14I Firearms Instructor In-service (4 hours)
   
   
9. Do I have to have a certification before I can work?
   Yes. You must have a certification as an instructor and work for a certified private security services school in order to instruct private security subjects.
   
   
10. Do I have to be trained before I can work?
    Yes. You must have completed training prior to applying for certification as an instructor. For more information, please View the Apply and Renew page for Instructors.
    
    
11. Do I have to take the DCJS course to be an instructor?
    No. View the training alternatives website for a list of schools that offer entry-level and/or in-service instructor training accepted by DCJS.
    
    
12. How long is an instructor certification valid?
    Certifications are valid for 24 months.
    
    
13. I am already an instructor through DCJS for law enforcement. How do I become an instructor for private security services?
    Most likely you will not have to take our general instructor development entry-level class. You will need to submit a partial training exemption application (PSS WA) and fee in order for us to evaluate and credit your law enforcement instructor training. You will also need to show official documentation of ongoing in-service training or experience conducting training if your entry-level training was completed more than 24 months prior to applying. After you have been notified of receiving credit for your training, you will need to submit the PSS IA initial instructor application, nonrefundable fee, and documentation of experience and/or training in the categories in which you are seeking certification to instruct.
    
    
14. How can I add additional categories to my current instructor certification?
    Submit a written request to the attention of the Training Unit to include any additional documentation to verify eligibility to teach in the requested subjects. You must have training and/or experience in the specific category in order to be eligible for instructor certification. For more information, please refer to the following portion of the Regulations Relating to Private Security: 6 VAC 20-171-100. Initial instructor application. Please note that Firearms Instructors have additional requirements. Please see question #15 below.
    
    
15. I only want to teach firearms; do I have to be certified as a private security services instructor?
    Yes. All instructors must first be certified as private security instructors before they can be certified as firearms instructors.
    
    
16. What type of experience must I possess to become an instructor?
    
    • Have a high school diploma or equivalent (GED).
    • Minimum of 3 years management or supervisory experience with a private security services business or with any federal, military police, state, county or municipal law enforcement agency, or in a related field; OR
    • Have 5 years general experience in a private security services business, with a federal, state, or local law enforcement agency, or in a related field; OR
    • Have a minimum of one-year experience as an instructor or teacher at an accredited educational institution or agency in the subject matter for which certification is requested, or in a related field.
    • Additionally, you must submit official documentation of training and/or experience in the category you wish to become certified to instruct. For more information, please refer to the following portion of the Regulations Relating to Private Security: 6 VAC 20-171-100. Initial instructor application.
    
    
    
17. What type of training must I have to become an instructor?
    
    • Successful completion of an instructor development program, which meets or exceeds standards established by the department within three years immediately preceding the date of the application; OR
    • Successful completion of an instructor development program longer than 3 years prior to the date of application and have provided instruction during the 3 years immediately preceding, OR
    • Has provided instruction in a related field at an institution of higher learning. OR
    • Complete the DCJS general instructor (13E) development entry-level course (PSS_GE).
    
    
    
18. What type of documentation should I provide with my initial instructor application?
    Official documentation verifying previous instructor experience, training, work experience and education for those subjects in which certification is requested.
    
    
19. Are there additional requirements for becoming a certified private security firearms instructor?
    Yes. In order to be certified as a firearms instructor, you must first become certified as a private security services instructor. See next question for details.
    
    
20. What are the requirements for becoming a firearms instructor?
    
    • Must first be certified with the DCJS as a general instructor.
    • Successful completion of a firearm instructor development program, which meets or exceeds standards established by the department within three years immediately preceding the date of the application; OR
    • Successful completion of a firearm instructor development program longer than 3 years prior to the date of application and has provided instruction during the 3 years immediately preceding, or has provided instruction in a related field at an institution of higher learning. OR
    • Complete the DCJS firearms instructor development entry-level course (PSS_FE).
    • Official documentation that the applicant has successfully qualified with a minimum firearm range qualification of 85% in each of the following: revolver, semi-automatic handgun; and shotgun.
    
    
    
21. When must I complete in-service training?
    You must complete the in-service training within 12 months immediately preceding the expiration date of your instructor certification.
    
    
22. What happens if an instructor's certification is not renewed prior to its expiration or reinstated within 60 days following its expiration date?
    The individual must complete all initial requirements including training.
    
    

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