This 16-hour BSIS exposed firearms permit course is required for all prospective armed security professionals.

Successful completion of this course allows otherwise legally qualified and licensed security officers, private investigators, private patrol operators, alarm company operators, alarm agents, and qualified managers (PI, PPO, and Alarm Companies) to obtain an exposed firearms permit and to carry an exposed firearm in the course and scope of their employment.

Prerequisites for the class:

1. Be a United States citizen or permanent resident.
   • Proof of citizenship or permanent residency is required. See acceptable documents list HERE Link to list of acceptable documents.
2. Students must possess or are 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)

To complete this course, students must:

1. Be present for the entire course.
2. Pass a written exam with a score of 86% or higher.
3. Pass a course of fire with a score of 80% or higher with each caliber on the permit.

BSIS allows the following calibers on the permit:

9mm, .380, .38, .357, .40, .45, 10mm

It’s recommended that you qualify with all calibers you believe you might need for your employment. Adding a caliber after your permit is issued requires an 8-hour class, qualification, and written exam. Note: federal security contracts require a .40 caliber.

The course fee includes:

• Range fee
• Targets
• Qualification with 1 caliber.

The course fee does not include:

• Ammunition – prices vary, see course registration form for current prices.
• Firearm rentals – $15 each
• Additional calibers – $10 each

Note: When renting a firearm, you must purchase ammunition from Basic Firearms Training or purchase factory new, brass cased ammunition from the range during the check in process for the qualification. No outside ammunition is allowed in firearm rentals. You will need 50 rounds of ammunition per caliber. If you want to fire a practice round before the qualification, you will need 100 rounds.

What you need to bring to class:

• Valid Driver License or State issued ID card
• Proof of United States citizenship or permanent residency.
• Firearm(s) you are qualifying with and at least 2 magazines or speed loaders per firearm (unless renting firearm)
• Duty belt (if you already possess one)
• Duty holster and magazine or speed loader pouch (if you already possess them)
  • No Serpa type holsters
  • No inside the waistband (IWB) holsters (exposed holsters only)
  • No shoulder holsters
  • No cross draw holsters
  • No holsters that do not cover the trigger
  • Instructors may inspect any holster in class to determine if it’s safe to use
• 50 rounds of ammunition per caliber or 100 rounds if you want to shoot the course of fire for practice before the qualification.
• Eye & ear protection
• Note taking material
• Safe and positive attitude and an open mind
• Snacks / beverages / lunch

Note:  A BSIS Exposed Firearms Permit does not allow a security officer to carry a concealed firearm on duty. To carry a concealed firearm, the officer must possess both a valid exposed firearms permit and a valid concealed weapons permit (CCW).