Real-World Training for a Career in Armed Security

The Oregon DPSST Armed Security Certification course is an essential program for those looking to become certified Armed Security Professionals in Oregon. The course is designed to ensure that individuals are fully equipped with the necessary skills, knowledge, and legal understanding to handle the responsibilities of this role. Taught by certified Oregon Department of Public Safety Standards and Training (DPSST) instructors, the course spans 24 hours, broken down into three intensive 8-hour days. The curriculum provides a balanced combination of classroom instruction and hands-on training, ensuring that students are prepared to meet the demands of the profession.

Course Requirements and Prerequisites
Before enrolling in the Oregon DPSST Armed Security Certification course, students must have completed the DPSST Unarmed Security Certification course or hold current certification as an Unarmed Security Professional. This prerequisite ensures that participants already possess foundational knowledge and skills related to security work. Individuals already certified as Private Security Professionals must renew their certification 180 days before it expires, ensuring that professionals stay current with all state requirements.

Once certified, the DPSST Armed Security Certification is valid for two years upon application acceptance. However, it is crucial to note that an annual refresher and qualification are mandatory to maintain certification each year.

Course Breakdown: What to Expect
Day 1 & 2: Classroom Instruction and Written Test

The first two days of the course focus on in-depth classroom instruction, covering the key principles and responsibilities of an Armed Security Professional. Topics include:

• Firearm safety
• Handgun nomenclature
• Ammunition types and selection
• Weapons maintenance
• Gear considerations
• Officer responsibilities
• Legal definitions and proper decision-making
• Use of force guidelines
• Interacting with law enforcement
• Post-shooting procedures
• Decision-making scenarios

At the end of the second day, students are required to complete a 30-question closed-book test to assess their understanding of the material. Successful completion of the test is mandatory for progression to the third day of training, which involves practical firearms exercises at the range.

Day 3: Practical Range Training
The third day of the course transitions from the classroom to the range, where students will engage in practical, hands-on firearms training. The day begins with a safety briefing, emphasizing the mindset and philosophies related to the defensive use of handguns. Students will participate in both dry-fire and live-fire drills to develop and refine their shooting skills.

Dry Fire Manipulations Include:

• Proper placement of gear
• Loading/unloading and press checking
• Drawing and holstering techniques
• After-action response
• Ready positions
• Moving with a firearm in ready positions
• Emergency reloads and tactical reloads
• Clearing malfunctions
• Fundamentals of marksmanship
• DPSST safe gun handling assessment
  

Live Fire Manipulations Include:

• Two-handed sighted slow fire (accuracy analysis)
• Single-handed shooting with both dominant and non-dominant hands
• Shooting from kneeling positions
• Controlled pairs
• Close-quarters unsighted fire drills
• Focused accuracy drills
• Shooting from behind cover

The course culminates in the Oregon DPSST PQC-1 Handgun Qualification Course. Each student has three attempts to pass the qualification test. If a student does not pass after three attempts, they must schedule a time to return for additional attempts.

Important Course Information
Upon completion of the course, each student will receive the required paperwork to submit to the DPSST’s Private Security Division. This includes forms such as the PS-1 Application for Licensure or Certification of Private Security Services Provider, an FD-258 Fingerprint Card, and the PS-27 Code of Ethics. All required documents must be submitted within 180 days of completing the course.

For those applying for both the Unarmed and Armed Security certifications simultaneously, additional forms and a non-refundable state license fee of $124.25 must be submitted. If an applicant is already certified as an Unarmed Security Professional and is adding the Armed Certification, they must submit a $25.00 fee.

Required Gear for the Course
To participate in the course, students must bring the following gear:

• Valid government-issued photo ID
• A semi-automatic duty-sized handgun (.380 ACP, 9mm, .40 S&W, .45 Auto) with at least two magazines
• Holster and magazine pouch
• 250 rounds of handgun ammunition
• Belt and suitable clothing for outdoor range activities
• Eye and ear protection
• Sunscreen, hat, and other weather-appropriate gear

Rental equipment is available for an additional fee, but it must be arranged in advance. Firearms and ammunition should not be brought to the classroom portion of the training and must remain in a case or holster until instructed otherwise on range day.

Advance Your Security Career with Expert Training

The Oregon DPSST Armed Security Certification course provides comprehensive training for individuals seeking to advance their careers as Armed Security Professionals. With a focus on safety, legal responsibilities, and practical skills, this course equips students with the tools needed to succeed in a demanding profession. Through rigorous classroom instruction and hands-on firearms training, participants will develop the confidence and competence necessary to protect and serve their communities. If you are ready to take the next step in your security career, contact Defensive Firearms Instruction today to learn more about the course and how to enroll.