Private Security FAQs

The individual must complete all initial requirements including training. 

You must complete the in-service training within 12 months immediately preceding the expiration date of your instructor certification. 

• 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.
• Official documentation of previous training and a minimum of 2 years work experience in the category of firearms requested.
• 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.  If applying for a Patrol Rifle instructor designation a minimum firearm range qualification of 85% is also required.

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. 

Official documentation verifying previous instructor experience, training, work experience and education for those subjects in which certification is requested. 

• 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).

• 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 previous training and a minimum of 2 years work 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.

Yes. All instructors must first be certified as private security instructors before they can be certified as firearms instructors. 

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 the question below. 

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. 

Certifications are valid for 24 months. 

No. View the training alternatives website for a list of schools that offer entry-level and/or in-service instructor training accepted by DCJS.

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. 

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. 

14I Firearms Instructor In-service (4 hours) and requalification on the range with a minimum range score of 85%.

13I General Instructor In-service (4 Hours) 

13E General Instructor Development (40 hours) 

For information on how to apply, please visit the Instructor page.

You must possess a valid certification as an instructor. Your instructor certification will state which courses you are certified to teach. 

A person certified by DCJS to provide mandated instruction in private security subjects for a certified private security services training school.