Initial Certification | Renewal Certification

For more details about the Private Crime Prevention Practitioner Program, please visit the PCPP Program page. The page includes training announcements and details about the program itself.

Initial Certification

Certifications are issued for 24 months.

Eligibility Requirements

1. Any employee working in the field of private security for a minimum of 12 months, either as an employee, owner or proprietary agent can be certified as a Private Crime Prevention Practitioner.
2. Pass an approved criminal history check in accordance with § 9.1-139J of the Code of Virginia.

Training Requirements

80 Hours, Consisting of:

• 24 hours of a DCJS approved Basic Crime Prevention Training Course. View the PCPP Program page for training opportunities.
• 16 hours of DCJS approved supplemental crime prevention training. View the PCPP Program page for training opportunities.
• 40 hours of basic and advanced crime prevention training.
• Completed a DCJS approved Instructor Development Course - 40 hours. For more information, view the DCJS Instructor page and view the PCPP Program page.

Submit to the Department

1. Private crime prevention Practitioner enrollment application (PSS_JE) and applicable non-refundable fee;
2. Private crime prevention Practitioner certification application (PSS_JC) and applicable non-refundable fee;
3. Fingerprint card, fingerprint processing application (PSS_FP) and applicable non-refundable fee. For more information, view the Fingerprints page.
4. Official documentation verifying eligibility. For more information, view the Official Documentation page.

Before a certification will be issued, individuals must complete all required training.

Required Forms

• PSS_JE - Private Crime Prevention Practictioner Enrollment Application (.pdf, 1 page)
  • This form can be completed online using Watson, the Private Security Online Information System.
• PSS_JC - Private Crime Prevention Practictioner Certification Application (.pdf, 1 page)
  • This form can be completed online using Watson, the Private Security Online Information System.

Additional Forms

• PSS_IA - Initial Instructor Application (.pdf, 3 pages)
  • This form can be completed online using Watson, the Private Security Online Information System.
• 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.

Renewal Certification

Certifications are issued for 24 months.

Submit to the Department

1. A current (no more than 60 days) copy of the applicants VSP-167 criminal history check.
2. Official documentation verifying in-service training completion. For more information, view the Official Documentation page.

Training Requirements

8 Hours, Consisting of:

• Applicants must complete 8 hours of crime prevention in-service training after their initial certification.

Return to the Apply & Renew page.