Courses

BSIS Initial Exposed Firearm Permit Course Overview

This 16-hour course is required for all prospective armed security professionals. Successful completion allows legally qualified and licensed security officers, private investigators, private patrol operators, alarm company operators, alarm agents, and qualified managers to obtain a BSIS Exposed Firearms Permit and carry an exposed firearm in the course and scope of their employment.

Prerequisites

• Must be a U.S. citizen or permanent resident (proof required – see acceptable documents list).

• Must possess or be simultaneously applying for one of the following BSIS licenses:

  • Security Guard Registration (Guard Card)

  • Private Investigator (PI)

  • Private Patrol Operator (PPO)

  • Alarm Company Operator (ACO)

  • Alarm Agent

  • Qualified Manager (PI, PPO, or ACO)

Course Completion Requirements

• Attend the entire 16-hour course

• Pass a written exam with a score of 86% or higher

• Pass a course of fire with a score of 80% or higher for each caliber on the permit

BSIS approved calibers: 9mm, .380, .38, .357, .40, .45, 10mm

• Recommended to qualify with all calibers you may need for employment

• Adding a caliber after the permit has been issued requires another 8-hour class, shooting qualification, and written exam as well as an additional BSIS fee

• Federal security contracts typically require .40 caliber

Course Fees

Included:

• Range fee

• Targets

• Qualification with 1 caliber

Not included:

• Ammunition (Ammunition for firearm rentals must be purchased from Basic Firearms Training at the time of the qualification. You will need a minimum of 50 rounds per caliber. If necessary, please email us for current ammunition prices and availability. Ammunition purchases are cash only.)

• Firearm rentals: $15 each

• Additional calibers: $10 each

Note: Rented firearms require ammunition purchased from Basic Firearms Training or factory new, brass-cased ammo from the range. 50 rounds per caliber are required for qualification; 100 rounds if practicing before qualification.

What to Bring

• Valid driver license or state-issued ID

• Proof of U.S. citizenship or permanent residency

• Firearm(s) to qualify with and at least 2 magazines or speed loaders per firearm (unless renting)

• Duty belt, holster, and magazine pouch if you want to draw from the holster. Drawing from the holster is optional.

  • No Serpa, IWB, shoulder, cross draw, or trigger-exposed holsters

  • Instructors may inspect holsters for safety

• 50 rounds of ammunition per caliber

• Eye and ear protection

• Note-taking materials

• Safe and positive attitude, open mind

• Snacks, beverages, and lunch

Important Note

• A BSIS Exposed Firearms Permit does not allow concealed carry. To carry concealed, officers must have both a valid exposed firearms permit and a valid CCW.