Armed Security Guard Training Requirements in Virginia

The state of Virginia requires individuals to be licensed and must have a firearms training before they can become an armed security officer. As outlined in the guidelines of the Private Security Services Code of Virginia; the Department of Criminal Justice Services in the state of Virginia, requirements must be met in order to become a part of the security sector of this state.  

Pursuant to the codes of the armed security guard which is included in 9.1-138 through 9.1-150 the information needed are personal information, job description and training requirements will be collected. Personal information such as home address, fingerprints, age, tax information and proof of ability to work in the United States must be provided by the applicant. Other sections of this code will explain in detail the requirements needed to complete such as the number of hours and the requirements needed to carry a firearm.

The following are the requirements needed to meet by all applicants:

• At least 21 years of age
• Must have a high school diploma or must have taken any equivalency examination
• Must not be convicted of any felony or any crime involving weapons
• Must have a valid driver’s license
• Must not be convicted with acts of fraud
• Must be a legal citizen or a resident alien of the United States
• Must be in good physical condition
• Must submit fingerprint cards
• Must have a background check FBI style
• Must not be convicted of any felonies
• Must successfully complete the 18 hours required training
• Must have firearms endorsement

All applicants are required to train under as stated in the codes for both the 05E and 07E training at a certified facility approved by the state of Virginia. They must apply for their permit within 90 days after being hired as an armed security guard. A basic security guard training will be given before the license is approved.

Training must be given by a board-approved instructor and must include the following:   

• Detaining criminals
• Alarm system operation
• Report writing
• Fire arms training, marksmanship and target training
• Legal issues
• Crisis management
• Emergency medical service in first aid and CPR

Additional class hours and training will also be added for applicants in which the following will be covered:

• Orientation – 2 hours which includes Code of Ethics, Role and Responsibilities and Laws and Regulations
• Law – 4 hours
• Security Patrol, Access Control, and Communications – 2 hours
• Writing reports – 4 hours
• Emergency Procedures – 4 hours
• Confrontation Management – 2 hours

All requirements must be completed by the applicant in order to become an armed guard. A permanent armed guard license will be given to upon successfully completing all requirements. This license must be renewed every 2 years in order to be an active member in the security sector.