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.
      • 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 and applicable non-refundable fee. For more information, view the Fingerprints page.
2. Initial instructor application and application non-refundable fee.
3. Official documentation of eligibility, training and experience. For more information, view the Official Documentation page.

Required Forms

• Initial Instructor Application (.pdf, 2 pages)
• 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)

Additional Forms

• General Instructor Entry-Level Training Enrollment (.pdf, 1 page)
• Criminal History Supplemental Form (.pdf, 1 page)
  • The form must be submitted with the Fingerprint 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.