Instructor
There are two types of instructor certifications:
Private Security Services Instructor: one who instructs in at least one category of private security subjects for a certified training school.
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
Eligibility Requirements
- Must be 18 years of age or older.
- Must be United States citizen or legal resident alien of the United States.
- Must have a high school diploma or equivalent (GED).
- Complete of one of the following:
- 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
- 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; OR
- 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.
- 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
Training Requirements
0–40 Hours, consisting of one of the following:
- Successful completion of an instructor development program, which meets or exceeds standards established by DCJS within 3 years immediately preceding the date of application; OR
- 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; OR
- Complete the DCJS General Instructor Development Entry-Level Course - 40 Hours.
- 13E - General Instructor Entry-Level (40 hours) - If Applicable
Experience
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 DCJS
- Online Initial Instructor Application at www.dcjs.virginia.gov/online and pay applicable non-refundable fees.
NOTE: Criminal History Processing is part of the online initial application. There is a separate processing fee that will be reflected on your invoice.
- Schedule an appointment for fingerprints. Schedule an appointment at www.fieldprintvirginia.com or call 877-614-4364. DCJS will automatically be notified once you have been fingerprinted.
- Official documentation of eligibility, training, and experience. For more information, view the Official Documentation page.
Additional Forms
Criminal History Supplemental Form: The form must be uploaded with your online application 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.
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Initial Firearms Instructor Certification
The requirements can be found in 6VAC20-173-90 of the Regulations. Instructor certifications are issued for 24 months.
Eligibility
Individual must first be certified with DCJS as a Private Security Services Instructor.
Training
0-40 hours consisting of one of the following:
- 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; OR
- 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; OR
- Successful completion of an approved Firearms Instructor Development Entry-Level Course alternative. To enroll in one of the pre-approved courses, contact the school directly. List of approved providers.
- Official documentation that the applicant has successfully qualified, with a minimum range qualification of 85%, with each of the following: revolver, semi-automatic handgun, and shotgun. For more information, view the Official Documentation page.
Additional Forms
- Partial Training Exemption Form
- Criminal History Supplemental Form: The form must be uploaded with your online application 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.
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 DCJS
- Submit the online Renewal Instructor Application at www.dcjs.virginia.gov/online and pay applicable non-refundable fees.
- Completion of appropriate in-service training:
- General instructor in-service training enrollment application and applicable non-refundable fee to enroll in training conducted by DCJS.
- Firearms instructor in-service training enrollment application and applicable non-refundable fee to enroll in training conducted by DCJS.
- Waiver application and applicable non-refundable fee, if completed in-service instructor training elsewhere. For more information, view the Training Exemptions page.
- Passing Range Scores – renewing Firearms instructors must also submit recent (within one year of renewal) passing range scores of at least 85% for revolver, semi-automatic, and shotgun.
- General instructor in-service training enrollment application and applicable non-refundable fee to enroll in training conducted by DCJS.
Training Requirements
4-8 Hours, consisting of:
- 13I - General Instructor In-Service (4 hours)
- 14I - Firearms Instructor In-Service (4 hours) - If applicable
Training Requirements
- General Instructor In-Service Training Enrollment
- Firearms Instructor In-Service Training Enrollment
- Partial Training Exemption Application - In-Service
Criminal History Supplemental Form: The form must be uploaded with the Renewal Instructor Certification if you have 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 since your last certification or currently under protective orders.