Entry Level Training Requirements

Obtaining a Virginia Department of Criminal Justice Services Private Security Registration Card requires taking and passing mandatory training. Obtaining a Registration Card with the Locksmith Category listed requires Locksmith Entry-Level Training (25E)---- OR ---- you can obtain an exemption waiver for training if you have prior experience.

DCJS lists the exemption qualifications at their website:
www.dcjs.virginia.gov/pss/faq/catView.cfm?category=Locksmith#625

For your convenience I have listed the requirement below from the Frequently Asked Questions on the DCJS website:
 
#12 Will there be any exemption of training standards for current locksmith personnel?

FULL EXEMPTION. The amended Code allows for a total exemption of entry-level training for those individuals who can document having been actively and continuously providing locksmith services immediately prior to October 1, 2008, for at least two years.The following supplemental form to verify experience must be submitted: www.dcjs.virginia.gov/forms/privatesecurity/pss_ltw.pdf

PARTIAL EXEMPTION. The Code already allows partial training exemptions to be granted for required training courses. The partial exemption is for individuals who have already had training within the past 12 months that meets or exceeds the training requirements, or for individuals who have five (5) or more years of experience as a locksmith that has not ended longer than five (5) years prior to application. The application required to receive partial exemption can be found here: www.dcjs.virginia.gov/forms/privatesecurity/pss_wa_entryLevel.pdf

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25E - Locksmith Entry-Level

In-Service Training Requirements

A Registered Person is required to take In-Service training or equivalent every 24 months in order to be able to renew the Registration Card. In-Service or equivalent must be completed for every category listed on the card. In-Service courses are job related training and require no testing.

25I - Locksmith In-Service

Additional Categories

A Registered Person who wishes to add an Electronic Security Category to an already existing Locksmith Registration Card can take the desired Electronic Security Entry-Level course listed on this website at: http://www.nsta.com/course_list.html

You will find the Additional Category Application on the DCJS website at: www.dcjs.virginia.gov/forms/privatesecurity/pss_arc.pdf

You must be employed by a company that is properly licensed with DCJS to provide Electronic Security Services in Virginia.