Virginia Department of Criminal Justice Services (DCJS) Courses
Prerequisites to take DCJS courses and obtain DCJS credentials include: 1) Must have a High School Diploma or equivalent 2) Be a minimum of 18 years of age (Unarmed Officers) 3) Be a minimum of 21 years of age (Armed Officers) 4) Be a United States citizen or legal resident alien of the United States and 5) Must be able to pass a criminal background check
New For 2026, Provided by
Coastal Virginia Training Academy DCJS #88-2188
Entry Level Courses (DCJS)
Course descriptions (by reference code)
01E — Security Officer. 18 hrs., $115.00
This course covers unarmed security core subjects: legal authority and limitations, professional conduct, patrol techniques, incident reporting, emergency response, and basic observational and communication skills. Successful completion qualifies candidates for unarmed security registration.
02E — Private Investigator. 60 hrs., $450.00
The Private Investigator course covers investigative fundamentals to include: surveillance methods, evidence preservation, interview and report writing, legal constraints on investigations, and ethical considerations for PI work.
05E — Armed Security Officer Arrest Authority. 8 hrs., $100.00
The armed security officer arrest authority course covers the following; use of force law, defensive tactics, and integration of firearms safety into arrest procedures for armed security personnel.
06E — Special Conservator of the Peace (SCOP). 24 hrs., $450.00-
This course equips candidates with the legal knowledge, ethical standards, and practical skills necessary to serve as Special Conservators of the Peace, bridging private security and enforcement functions as defined by Judge's definition in Virginia.
07E / 08E / 09E / 10E — Firearms
- 07E Handgun: handgun safety, marksmanship fundamentals, legal use, and range qualification. 16 hrs., $325.00-Coming Soon
- 08E Shotgun: shotgun safety and basic tactical deployment. 3 hrs., $100.00
- 09E Advanced Handgun: scenario based and advanced marksmanship skills. 14 hrs., $300.00
- 10E Patrol Rifle: patrol rifle handling, safety, and deployment techniques. 16 hrs., $275.00
75E Security Officer Handgun. 24 hrs., $200.00
The state‑required 24‑hour “Security Officer Handgun” course is for anyone who will carry or have immediate access to a firearm while working as an armed security officer in Virginia. It covers handgun handling, marksmanship, low‑light and judgmental‑shooting scenarios, and requires a written exam plus live qualification with each handgun/caliber you’ll carry.
What you will need:
1) Range fees-$20 cash for range donation to be paid directly to the range. If the class is moved to an indoor range, the range fee increases to $23 which must be paid via cash or card directly to the range.
2) Ammunition, you must bring 120 rounds of your own ammunition that is appropriate for the firearm you are bringing and qualifying with, no reloads allowed. If the class is moved to an indoor range, the range requires that you purchase ammo directly from the range.
3) Ear protection- we require power headphones for your safety in order for you to be able to hear your instructor while maintaining proper ear protection. If you do not have your own, we have them available for purchase.
4) Eye protection- we recommend ANSI rated eye protection. If you don't have your own, we do have them available for purchase.
5) The firearm and holster that you will be qualifying with
6) A notepad and pen
In-Service Courses (DCJS)
Course descriptions (by reference code)
01I — Security Officer. 4 hrs., $115.00
Covers unarmed security core subjects: legal authority and limitations, professional conduct, patrol techniques, incident reporting, emergency response, and basic observational and communication skills. Successful completion qualifies candidates for unarmed security registration.
02I — Private Investigator. 8 hrs., $125.00
Covers investigative fundamentals: surveillance methods, evidence preservation, interview and report writing, legal constraints on investigations, and ethical considerations for PI work.
06I — Special Conservator of the Peace (SCOP). 4 hrs., $80.00-Coming Soon
Defines courtroom and special security duties, scope of authority, interaction with law enforcement, and responsibilities when appointed by courts.
Firearm Recertification Courses (DCJS)
Course descriptions (by reference code)
07R / 08R / 09R / 10R — Firearms
- 07R Handgun: handgun safety, marksmanship fundamentals, legal use, and range qualification. 4 hrs., $85.00
- 08R Shotgun: shotgun safety and basic tactical deployment. 3 hrs., $80.00-Coming Soon
- 09R Advanced Handgun: scenario based and advanced marksmanship skills. 8 hrs., $170.00-Coming Soon
- 10R Patrol Rifle: patrol rifle handling, safety, and deployment techniques. 4 hrs., $125.00-Coming Soon
Prerequisites to take DCJS courses and obtain DCJS credentials include: 1) Must have a High School Diploma or equivalent 2) Be a minimum of 18 years of age (Unarmed Officers) 3) Be a minimum of 21 years of age (Armed Officers) 4) Be a United States citizen or legal resident alien of the United States and 5) Must be able to pass a criminal background check