Initial Private Security Services Instructor Certification | Initial Firearms Instructor Certification | Renewal Certifications

There are two types of instructor certifications:

1. Private Security Services Instructor: one who instructs in at least one category of private security subjects for a certified training school.
2. Firearms Instructor: one who instructs in at least one category of private security firearm subjects for a certified training school. Firearms Instructors MUST first be certified as a Private Security Services Instructor.

Initial Private Security Services Instructor Certification

The requirements can be found in 6 VAC 20-171-100 of the Regulations. Instructor certifications are issued for 24 months.

Eligibility

1. Be a United States citizen or legal resident alien.
2. Have a high school diploma or equivalent (GED).
3. Complete one of the following:
   1. 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.
   2. Minimum of 5 years general experience in a private security services business, with a federal, state, or local law enforcement agency, or in a related field.
   3. Minimum of 1 year of 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.

Training

1. 0 - 40 Hours, consisting of one of the following:

   1. Successful completion of an instructor development program, which meets or exceeds standards established by DCJS within 3 years immediately preceding the date of application.
   2. Successful completion of an 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.
   3. Complete the DCJS General Instructor Development Entry-Level Course - 40 Hours. To enroll in this course, an individual must submit the General Instructor Entry-Level Training Enrollment form (PSS_GE).
      • 13E - General Instructor Entry-Level (40 hours) - If Applicable

Experience

1. Official documentation verifying previous instructor experience, training, work experience and education for those subjects in which certification is requested to include the use and handling of a firearm in the performance of duties for Firearms Instructor categories.

Submit to the Department

1. If not already submitted to DCJS within the last 12 months, submit a fingerprint card, fingerprint processing application (PSS_FP) and applicable non-refundable fee. For more information, view the Fingerprints page.
2. Initial instructor application (PSS_IA) and application non-refundable fee.
3. Official documentation of eligibility, training and experience. For more information, view the Official Documentation page.

Required Forms

• PSS_IA - Initial Instructor Application (.pdf, 3 pages)
• This form can be completed online using Watson, the Private Security Online Information System.
• PSS_FP - Fingerprint Processing Application (.pdf, 2 pages)
• The form must be submitted if you have not submitted fingerprints to DCJS within the last ninety (90) days.
• List of acceptable documents to verify legal presence (.pdf, 1 page)
• This form can be completed online using Watson, the Private Security Online Information System.

Additional Forms

• PSS_GE - General Instructor Entry-Level Training Enrollment (.pdf, 1 page)
• This form can be completed online using Watson, the Private Security Online Information System.
• PSS_CHS - Criminal History Supplemental Form (.pdf, 1 page)
• The form must be submitted with the PSS_FP form if you have ever been convicted or found guilty of a felony or misdemeanor (not to include minor traffic violations) in Virginia or any other jurisdiction to include military court martial or currently under protective orders.

Initial Firearms Instructor Certification

The requirements can be found in 6 VAC 20-171-100 of the Regulations. Instructor certifications are issued for 24 months.

Eligibility

1. Individual must first be certified with DCJS as a Private Security Services Instructor.

Training

1. 0 - 40 hours consisting of one of the following:
   1. Successful completion of a firearm instructor development program, which meets or exceeds standards established by DCJS within 3 years immediately preceding the date of the application.
   2. Successful completion of a firearms 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.
   3. Complete an approved Firearms Instructor Development Entry-Level Course alternative. To enroll in one of the pre-approved courses, contact the school directly. Click here for a list of approved providers.
   4. Once completed, a partial training exemption application (PSS_WA) must be submitted along with a copy of the certificate of completion and a signed, dated range sheets with scores as outlined below.

Additional requirements for Firearms Instructors:

1. Official documenation that the applicant has succesfully qualified, with a minimum range qualification of 85%, with each of the following:
   1. a revolver
   2. a semi-automatic handgun
   3. a shotgun
   For more information, view the Official Documentation page.

Required Form

• PSS_IA - Initial Instructor Application (.pdf, 3 pages)
  • This form can be completed online using Watson, the Private Security Online Information System.
• PSS_FP - Fingerprint Processing Application (.pdf, 2 pages)
  • The form must be submitted if you have not submitted fingerprints to DCJS within the last twelve (12) months.
  • List of acceptable documents to verify legal presence (.pdf, 1 page)
  • This form can be completed online using Watson, the Private Security Online Information System.

Additional Forms

• PSS_WA Partial Training Exemption Form (.pdf, 1 page)
• PSS_CHS - Criminal History Supplemental Form (.pdf, 1 page)
  • The form must be submitted with the PSS_FP form if you have ever been convicted or found guilty of a felony or misdemeanor (not to include minor traffic violations) in Virginia or any other jurisdiction to include military court martial or currently under protective orders.

Renewal Certifications

The requirements can be found in 6 VAC 20-171-110 of the Regulations. Instructor certifications are issued for 24 months.

Applications should be received by DCJS at least 30 days prior to expiration.
Training should be completed at least 30 days prior to expiration.

Submit to the Department

1. Instructor renewal application (PSS_IR) and applicable non-refundable fee.
2. Completion of appropriate in-service training:
   1. General instructor in-service training enrollment application (PSS_GI) and applicable non-refundable fee to enroll in training conducted by DCJS.
   2. Firearms instructor in-service training enrollment application (PSS_FI) and applicable non-refundable fee to enroll in training conducted by DCJS.
   3. Waiver application (PSS_WA) and applicable non-refundable fee, if completed in-service instructor training elsewhere. For more information, view the Training Exemptions page.

Training Requirements

4- 8 Hours, Consisting of:

• 13I - General Instructor In-Service (4 hours)
  • Training Outline (.htm)
• 14I - Firearms Instructor In-Service (4 hours) - If Applicable
  • Training Outline (.htm)

Required Forms

• PSS_IR - Renewal Instructor Certification Application (.pdf, 2 pages)
  • This form can be completed online using Watson, the Private Security Online Information System.

Additional Forms

• PSS_GI - General Instructor In-Service Training Enrollment (.pdf, 2 pages)
  • This form can be completed online using Watson, the Private Security Online Information System.
• PSS_FI - Firearms Instructor In-Service Training Enrollment (.pdf, 2 pages)
  • This form can be completed online using Watson, the Private Security Online Information System.
• PSS_WA - Partial Training Exemption Application - In-Service (.pdf, 2 pages)
• PSS_CHS - Criminal History Supplemental Form (.pdf, 1 page)
  • The form must be submitted with the PSS_FP form if you have ever been convicted or found guilty of a felony or misdemeanor (not to include minor traffic violations) in Virginia or any other jurisdiction to include military court martial or currently under protective orders.

Return to the Apply & Renew page.