Security Guard Requirements in Virginia

 

Unarmed Security Officer/Courier

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An unarmed security officer/courier means any person who performs the functions of observation, detection, reporting, or notification of appropriate authorities or designated agents regarding persons or property on the premises that individual is contracted to protect, and who does not carry or have access to a firearm in the performance of their duties.

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Training Requirement (18 hours)

• 01E-Security Officer Core Subjects Entry-level (18 hours)

  • Course Outline

  • Link to Training Schools Offering this Course

 

Registration Steps

1. Apply online at https://www.dcjs.virginia.gov/licensure-and-regulatory-affairs/online-regulatory-licensing, and pay applicable non-refundable fees.
   NOTE: A Criminal History Processing form is part of the on-line initial application. There is a separate processing fee that will be reflected on your invoice.

2. 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.

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Additional On-line Applications

1. Those who will have access to a firearm must complete the requirements for a Firearms Endorsement. For more information: Firearms Endorsement

2. Individuals already registered with DCJS who wish to add categories to his/her current registration must:

• Complete the requirements for an Additional Registration Category. 

• Successfully complete all initial training requirements for each additional registration category.

• The Additional Registration Category list can be found at www.dcjs.virginia.gov/online.

1. Current registered individual who have lost their registration card may apply for a replacement one at www.dcjs.virginia.gov/online, and pay the applicable replacement fee.

2. Individuals 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 must submit a Criminal History Supplemental Form. For more information, view the Criminal History page)

3. Certain training exemptions may be granted for required training courses. Refer to the Regulations related to the area of interest to check the eligibility for a training exemption.

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• Private Security Services

  • Entry Level Training Exemption 6VAC20-174-190

  • In-service Training Exemption 6VAC20-174-200

  • Prior Firearms Training Exemption 6VAC20-174-350

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Armed Security Officer Virginia 

An armed security officer means a natural person employed to safeguard and protect persons and property or deter theft, loss, or concealment of any tangible or intangible personal property on the premises he is contracted to protect, and who carries or has access to a firearm in the performance of his duties.

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Eligibility Requirements

1. Must be 18 years of age or older.

2. Successful completion of all initial training requirements for each registration category, including a firearms endorsement if applicable.

3. Must be United States citizen or legal resident alien of the United States.

Training Requirement (18 hours)

• 01E-Security Officer Core Subjects Entry-level (18 hours)

  • Course Outline

  • Link to Training Schools Offering this Course

• 05E - Armed Security Officer Arrest Authority (8 hours)

  • Course Outline

  • Link to Training Schools Offering this Course

Registration Steps

1. Apply online at https://www.dcjs.virginia.gov/licensure-and-regulatory-affairs/online-regulatory-licensing, and pay applicable non-refundable fees.
   NOTE: A Criminal History Processing form is part of the on-line initial application. There is a separate processing fee that will be reflected on your invoice.

2. 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.

Additional On-line Applications

1. Those who will have access to a firearm must complete the requirements for a Firearms Endorsement. For more information: Firearms Endorsement

2. Individuals already registered with DCJS who wish to add categories to his/her current registration must:

• Complete the requirements for an Additional Registration Category. 

• Successfully complete all initial training requirements for each additional registration category.

• The Additional Registration Category list can be found at www.dcjs.virginia.gov/online.

1. Current registered individual who have lost their registration card may apply for a replacement one at www.dcjs.virginia.gov/online, and pay the applicable replacement fee.

2. Individuals 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 must submit a Criminal History Supplemental Form. For more information, view the Criminal History page)

3. Certain training exemptions may be granted for required training courses. Refer to the Regulations related to the area of interest to check the eligibility for a training exemption.

• Private Security Services

  • Entry Level Training Exemption 6VAC20-174-190

  • In-service Training Exemption 6VAC20-174-200

  • Prior Firearms Training Exemption 6VAC20-174-350

NOTE:  You may be eligible to waive a portion of your entry-level training if you have completed certain private security services training or if you are a qualified law enforcement officer.

• Special Conservators of the Peace

  • Entry Level Training Exemption 6VAC20-230-230

  • In-service Training Exemption 6VAC20-230-240

  • Prior Firearms Training Exemption 6VAC20-230-250
     

• Bail Bondsmen

  • Prior Firearms Training Exemption 6VAC20-250-200
     

• Bail Enforcement Agents

  • Entry Level Training Exemption 6VAC20-260-150

  • In-service Training Exemption 6VAC20-260-160

  • Prior Firearms Training Exemption 6VAC20-260-170
     

• General and Firearm Instructors (the only alternatives for 13I and 14I are pre-approved training locations found here).

Before a registration will be issued, individuals must complete all required training for each category of their registration.