Private Security FAQs

Some courses are accepted. Please see a list of accepted courses on this website. 

Some events are accepted. Please see a list of accepted conferences and seminars on this website. 

There are some alternatives. Please see a list of accepted alternatives on this website. 

Yes, although how much training is determined on a case-by-case basis. You must submit the waiver application (PSS_WA) and fee along with documentation concerning the school, course syllabus, your grade and instructor credentials. 

Yes, although how much training is determined on a case-by-case basis. You must submit the partial training exemption application and fee along with documentation concerning the school, course syllabus, your grade and instructor credentials.

Most likely, yes. If you have previous training and/or experience for the category in which you wish to register, you may qualify for a waiver (partial training exemption). For information on how to apply for a waiver, please see the "how to apply" section. 

Individuals are scheduled in the order that their applications with payment are received. Applications are received every day for scheduling. This website is updated nightly.

No. Individuals are scheduled in the order that their applications with payment are received. We cannot reserve seats in a class. 

No, DCJS cannot accept faxed applications. In order for applications to be processed, they must be filled out correctly and submitted with proper payment and official documentation, if applicable. 

We try to schedule training all over the state. All of our training dates/locations are posted on this website about one year in advance. We try to accommodate everyone, but you will need to take training prior to your expiration date in order to remain current. Sometimes, that means taking training in a location that is farther away than you would like. For other options, please see a list of accepted alternatives on our website. 

Most likely, yes. Individuals are scheduled in the order that their applications with payment are received. If the training you requested was already full, you were scheduled for the next available training date prior to your expiration date. Apply early to reserve the training you wish to attend. If it is prior to your expiration date, we will try to put you in a training that is closer to you. For other options, please see a list of accepted alternatives on our website. 

Individuals are scheduled in the order that their applications with payment are received. If the training you requested was already full, you were scheduled for the next available training date prior to your expiration date

We schedule individuals for training conducted by DCJS such as compliance agent and general instructor development. For all other training in any registered category, you must contact the appropriate school and register for their training directly. 

Yes, DCJS cannot accept training that is more than 12 months old so you will need to start over with entry-level training. 

Partial training exemptions are evaluated on a first-come, first-served basis and are not guaranteed for credit unless pre-approved. Therefore, to ensure that you have ample time to attend additional training if required, you should submit the partial training exemption application at least 90 days prior to your expiration date. However, if you have attended a pre-approved training alternative listed on our website, you should submit your application at least 30 days prior to your expiration date. 

No. Expiration dates are based on application date. You can complete training at any time during the 24 months prior to expiration and your registration will be renewed for 2 years from your current expiration date.

For armed registrations, firearm retraining/requalification will only be credited if completed within the 90 days immediately preceding the expiration date of the endorsement.

You must receive training once during each 24 month period of registration or certification and prior to the expiration date of the credential.

Ffirearms training must be completed annually as firearms endorsements are only issued on a one-year basis.  Firearms retraining/requalification will only be credited if it is completed with the last 90 days prior to the firearm endorsement expiration date.

For training to be credited, an application must be submitted within 12 months of the completion date. 

The training completion form is for your records only. Your employer's compliance agent should keep a copy in your employee file. Do not send it to DCJS. The school will submit a roster to us verifying your training. 

Training is required to be reported to DCJS by the certified training school. Individuals should not send a training completion form to the DCJS. You can verify submission of training through the school you attended. Remember that training is not the only requirement for certification and/or registration. You must also meet all other application requirements prior to your credentials being issued by DCJS. 

View our searchable directory of training schools. You can search by the course you wish to take. 

The current regulation [6 VAC 20-171-120.D] specifies that an individual seeking registration as an unarmed security officer, alarm respondent, central station dispatcher, electronic security sales representative, electronic security technician, or electronic security technician's assistant may be employed for a period not to exceed 90 consecutive days in any categories listed above while completing the compulsory minimum training standards, provided the individual is not employed in excess of 120 days without having been issued a registration form the DCJS.  In essence, you have 90 days to complete the required training and your temporary registration letter will allow you to continue to work, however, you must then be properly registered with a valid Photo ID card in hand, no later than the 120^th day of beginning employment.  

That depends upon which category you wish to work. A central station dispatcher, electronic security sales representative, electronic security technician, electronic security technician's assistant and an unarmed security officer can work for ninety consecutive days while completing the compulsory minimum training requirements provided their fingerprints were submitted on or before their date of hire. All other categories must have completed all required training and have a current registration in order to work in a registered category. 

Please see the individual registration category in the Programs section of our website for details. 

Please see the individual registration category in the Programs section of our website for details.