Meet the Requirements

The Oregon DPSST Armed Security Certification Course is designed for individuals who seek to become certified as Armed Security Professionals in the state of Oregon. This comprehensive 24-hour training course spans three days and covers both classroom instruction and practical range experience, ensuring that students receive thorough preparation for their roles. This training is taught by certified instructors through the Oregon Department of Public Safety Standards and Training (DPSST), and meets all state requirements for certification.

Prerequisite: Unarmed Security Certification
Before enrolling in the Armed Security Certification course, students must first complete the Oregon DPSST Unarmed Security Certification or hold a current certification as an Unarmed Security Professional. Certification as an Armed Security Professional is valid for two years upon application approval, but students must also undergo an annual refresher and qualification to maintain their armed status.

Days 1 & 2: Classroom Instruction and Written Examination
The first two days of the course consist of detailed classroom-based lectures. These two days are designed to provide students with a strong foundation in firearm safety and the legal responsibilities of an Armed Security Professional. At the end of the second day, students are required to take a closed-book, 30-question test. Passing the test is mandatory before students can move on to the range component of the course.

 Course Topics Include:

• Firearm safety – Ensuring the safe handling and operation of firearms.
• Handgun nomenclature – Understanding the different parts of a firearm.
• Ammunition types and selection – Choosing the correct ammunition for specific situations.
• Weapons maintenance – Proper care and maintenance of firearms.
• Officer responsibilities – Legal and ethical duties while armed on duty.
• Use of force – When and how to apply force in self-defense.
• Interacting with Law Enforcement – Best practices for cooperation during incidents.
• Post-shooting procedures – Steps to follow after the use of a firearm.

The lecture portion of the course also includes decision-making scenarios to help students develop a clear understanding of the conditions under which force can be justified. These topics are essential to ensuring that security professionals can safely and responsibly carry a firearm in their line of work.

Day 3: Practical Range Training
Day 3 of the certification course is focused on live range training. The day begins with a safety briefing and an overview of the philosophies behind the defensive use of handguns. Following this, students will engage in dry fire exercises, which allow them to practice firearm handling without live ammunition.

 Dry Fire Manipulations Include:

• Proper gear placement and press checking
• Drawing and holstering the firearm
• Loading and unloading techniques
• Tactical and emergency reloads
• Clearing malfunctions
• Ready positions and after-action responses

After completing the dry fire portion, students will participate in live fire exercises. These exercises cover various firing techniques, including single-handed shooting with both dominant and non-dominant hands, firing from kneeling positions, and close-quarters un-sighted fire drills. 

The course culminates with the Oregon DPSST PQC-1 Handgun Qualification Course, where students must successfully pass to receive certification. Each student is given three attempts to pass the qualification, and if needed, additional attempts can be rescheduled.

Required Application Process and Documents
Upon successful completion of the course, students must submit their application packet to DPSST’s Private Security Division within 180 days. If submitting applications for both the Unarmed and Armed Certifications at the same time, students will need to submit the following:

• PS-1 Application for Licensure or Certification of Private Security Services Provider
• A completed FD-258 Fingerprint Card (completed on-site)
• PS-6 Affidavit of Instructor and Private Security Provider Testing Results
• PS-27 Code of Ethics
• A nonrefundable state license fee of $124.25, payable to DPSST.

For those already certified as Unarmed Security Professionals, the application process differs slightly and only requires a $25.00 fee.

Required Gear for Training
To participate in the range training, students are required to bring the following:

• Semi-automatic handgun chambered in .380 ACP, 9mm, .40 S&W, or .45 Auto
• At least two magazines (three if capacity is less than six rounds)
• Holster and magazine pouch
• 250 rounds of handgun ammunition
• Eye and ear protection

Rental equipment, including firearms and ammunition, is available for an additional fee with advance notice.

Why Choose the Oregon DPSST Armed Security Certification Course?
By taking the Oregon DPSST Armed Security Certification course with Defensive Firearms Instruction, students gain the knowledge, skills, and certification needed to pursue a career as an Armed Security Professional in Oregon. The combination of classroom instruction and hands-on range training ensures that graduates of the program are fully prepared to handle the responsibilities and challenges they may face on the job.

Whether you're new to armed security or looking to expand your qualifications, this course is designed to help you succeed while meeting all state regulatory requirements. For more information or to sign up for the next course, reach out to Defensive Firearms Instruction today!