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New Private Security Certification or License

The Private Security Program offers several certification and licensure types to meet the needs of the security industry in Oregon. Each certification or license type offered is listed below and provides a brief overview of the minimum standards, forms and fees required for each type of certification or license type. Please note, an individual may be approved for one certification type but denied other certification or license types if the individual does not meet the minimum standards for the specific certification or license type applied for. Prior to application, please review the minimum standards for the type of certification or license you would like to apply for. Minimum Standard requirements are listed on the Background Information page by type and are also available in Oregon Administrative Rule.

Certification and Licensure Fees

Links to Forms, Training, Background Check Information and Frequently Asked Questions can also be found on the navigation menu on the left or in the menu drop-down if you are on a mobile or tablet. 

The program accepts Cashier's Checks, Money Orders, Business Checks and Credit Card Authorization Form (Visa or MasterCard only). We do not accept cash or personal checks. Payments can be addressed to DPSST.

Certification and Licensure Types:

What are the minimum standards for Private Security certification?

Private security providers must be:

  • At least 18 years of age; and

Must have earned one of the following:

  • A high school ​diploma; a General Education Development (GED) certificate; or a two or four-year, post-secondary degree issued by an accredited degree-granting college or university.

​Be of good moral fitness as determined by a background check, department investigation or other reliable sources. A lack of good moral fitness includes, but is not limited to, mandatory and discretionary disqualifying misconduct as described in OAR 259-060-0300​.

Please review the Background Check Information page​ to review mandatory and discretionary disqualifiers prior to applying for certification or licensure.​


What is the process for becoming an Alarm Monitor Private Security Professional?

All applicants for certification or licensure must complete an application packet containing:

  1. Form PS-1 (Application for Licensure or Certification of Private Security Services Provider);

  2. A completed fingerprint card. The Department will supply pre-printed FBI fingerprint cards upon request. Proof of completing Fieldprint electronic fingerprints is also acceptable. For more information, see our F​ingerprint Requirements​​ page​.

  3. Form PS-6 (Affidavit of Instructor and Private Security Provider Testing Results) completed as prescribed by OAR 259-060-0060​; documenting completion of the training required.

  4. If currently employed, Form PS-20 (Private Security Services Provider Temporary Work Permit).

  5. Nonrefundable certification or licensure fees​​.​​​​

What are the minimum standards for an Armed Private Security professional?

Private security providers must be:

  • At least 21 years of age; and

Must have earned one of the following:

  • A high school ​diploma; a General Education Development (GED) certificate; or a two or ​ four-year, post-secondary degree issued by an accredited degree-granting college or university.

​Be of good moral fitness as determined by a background check, department investigation or other reliable sources. A lack of good moral fitness includes, but is not limited to, mandatory and discretionary disqualifying misconduct as described in OAR 259-060-0320.

Please review the Backgro​und Check Information page​ to review mandatory and discretionary disqualifiers prior to applying for certification or licensure.​

An app​licant for certification as an armed private security professional or firearms instructor must not:

  • Have been committed to the Mental Health and Development Disability Services Division under ORS 426.130, or similar order in another jurisdiction;
  • Have been found to be mentally ill and subject to an order under ORS 426.130 prohibiting the person from purchasing or possessing a firearm as a result of that mental illness;
  • Be prohibited under US Code Title 18, Section 922(g)(8) (relating to civil restraining orders including stalking or harassment) from possessing a firearm in interstate commerce; or
  • Be prohibited under any law of this state or any federal law from purchasing, owning or possessing a firearm.


What forms do I need to submit for an Armed Private Security certification?

Applicants must complete an application packet containing:

  1. Form PS-1 (Application for Licensure or Certification of Private Security Services Provider);

  2. A completed fingerprint card. The Department will supply pre-printed FBI fingerprint cards upon request.  Proof of completing Fieldprint electronic fingerprints is also acceptable. For more information, see our Fing​erprint Requirements​ page​.

  3. Form PS-6 (Affidavit of Instructor and Private Security Provider Testing Results) completed as prescribed by OAR 259-060-0060; documenting completion of the required training.

  4. Nonrefundable certification or licensure fees.

​

What are the minimum standards for Event and Entertainment Private Security certification?

Private security providers must be:

  • At least 18 years of age; and

Must have earned one of the following:

  • A high school ​diploma; a General Education Development (GED) certificate; or a two or ​four-year, post-secondary degree issued by an accredited degree-granting college or university.

Be of good moral fitness as determined by a background check, department investigation or other reliable sources. A lack of good moral fitness includes, but is not limited to, mandatory and discretionary disqualifying misconduct as described in OAR 259-060-0310.

Please review the Background Check Information​ page​ to review mandatory and discretionary disqualifiers prior to applying for certification or licensure.

​What training do I need to complete for Event and Entertainment Professional certification?

Please review the information on the Event and Entertainment Online Training Information​ page. 

What forms do I need to submit for an Event and Entertainment Private Security certification?

Applicants must complete an application packet containing:

  1. Form PS-1 (Application for Licensure or Certification of Private Security Services Provider);

  2. A completed fingerprint card. The Department will supply pre-printed FBI fingerprint cards.  Proof of completing Fieldprint electronic fingerprints is also acceptable. For more information, see our Fingerprint Requirements page.

  3. Copies of Certificates of Completion of the Event and Entertainment course and exam.

  4. If currently employed, a completed Form PS-20 (Private Security Services Provider Temporary Work Permit)

  5. Nonrefundable certification or licensure fees​​

What are the minimum standards for Private Security certification?

Private security providers must be:

  • At least 18 years of age; and

Must have earned one of the following:

  • A high school ​diploma; a General Education Development (GED) certificate; or a two or ​four-year, post-secondary degree issued by an accredited degree-granting college or university.

​Be of good moral fitness as determined by a background check, department investigation or other reliable sources. A lack of good moral fitness includes, but is not limited to, mandatory and discretionary disqualifying misconduct as described in OAR 259-060-0310​.

Please review the Background Check In​formation​ page​ to review mandatory and discretionary disqualifiers prior to applying for certification or licensure.​

What forms do I need to submit for an Unarmed Private Security certification?

Applicants must complete an application packet containing:

  1. Form PS-1 (Application for Licensure or Certification of Private Security Services Provider);

  2. A completed fingerprint card. The Department will supply pre-printed FBI fingerprint cards upon request.  Proof of completing Fieldprint electronic fingerprints is also acceptable. For more information, see our Fingerprint Requirements page.

  3. Form PS-6 (Affidavit of Instructor and Private Security Provider Testing Results) documenting completion of the 14 hour unarmed basic course.​​

  4. If currently employed, a completed Form PS-20 (Private Security Services Provider Temporary Work Permit).

  5. Nonrefundable certification or licensure fees​​

What are the minimum standards for Private Security certification?

Private security providers must be:

  • At least 18 years of age; and

Must have earned one of the following:

  • A high school ​diploma; a General Education Development (GED) certificate; or a two or ​four-year, post-secondary degree issued by an accredited degree-granting college or university.

​Be of good moral fitness as determined by a background check, department investigation or other reliable sources. A lack of good moral fitness includes, but is not limited to, mandatory and discretionary disqualifying misconduct as described in OAR 259-060-0320.

Please review the Background Check Informat​ion page​ to review mandatory and discretionary disqualifiers prior to applying for certification or licensure.​


How do I apply for a Supervisory Manager license?

Application packets must be completed in their entirety and must include:

  1. Form PS-1;

  2. A completed fingerprint card. The Department will supply pre-printed FBI fingerprint cards upon request. Proof of completing Fieldprint electronic fingerprints is also acceptable. For more information, see our Finger​print Requirements​ page​.

  3. Form PS-6​ showing successful completion of the 14 hour unarmed basic course.

  4. Completion of the private security manager course provided by the Private Security Program* 

  5. If currently employed, a completed Form PS-20​ (you may sign for both Manager and Applicant yourself); and

  6. Nonrefundable certification or licensure fees​.

*DPSST offers the manager course via a live virtual course and exam or an on-demand course module and exam. Please review course options on the manager page​​.

Please note: Taking a manager course will not fulfill the requirements for the unarmed professional certification. If you are providing security services, you will need to attend an unarmed refresher class every two years.

What are the minimum standards for an Executive Manager License?

Be at least 21 years of age; and

Must have earned one of the following:

  • A high school ​diploma; a General Education Development (GED) certificate; or a two or ​four-year, post-secondary degree issued by an accredited degree-granting college or university.

Be of good moral fitness as determined by a background check, department investigation or other reliable sources. A lack of good moral fitness includes, but is not limited to, mandatory and discretionary disqualifying misconduct as described in OAR 259-060-0320​.

Please review the Background Check Information page to review mandatory and discretionary disqualifiers prior to applying for certification or licensure.​


How do I apply to become an Executive Manager?

Application packets for certification or licensure must be completed in its entirety and must include:

  1. Form PS-1;

  2. A completed fingerprint card. The Department will supply pre-printed FBI fingerprint cards.  Proof of completing Fieldprint electronic fingerprints is also acceptable. For more information, see our Fingerprint Requirements page.

  3. Form PS-6 showing successful completion of the 14 hour unarmed basic course (Private Security Executive Managers) or 12 hour basic Alarm Monitor course (Alarm Monitor Executive Managers);

  4. Completion of the private security manager course provided by the Private Security Program* ​

  5. If currently employed, a completed Form PS-20;

  6. Form PS-24 Executive Manager Information Form; and

  7. Nonrefundable certification or licensure fees​.

*DPSST offers the manager course via a live virtual course and exam or an on-demand course module and exam. Please review course options on the manager page​​​.

Please note:  Taking a manager course will not fulfill the requirements for the unarmed professional certification.  If you are providing security services, you will need to attend an unarmed refresher class every two years.​

What are the minimum standards for an Alarm Monitor Private Security Instructor certification?

Private Security Instructors must be:

  • At least 21 years of age; and

Must have earned one of the following:

A high school ​diploma; a General Education Development (GED) certificate; or a two or ​four-year, post-secondary degree issued by an accredited degree-granting college or university.

​Be of good moral fitness as determined by a background check, department investigation or other reliable sources. A lack of good moral fitness includes, but is not limited to, mandatory and discretionary disqualifying misconduct as described in OAR 259-060-0320​. 

Please review the Background Check Information page to review mandatory and discretionary disqualifiers prior to applying for certification or licensure.​


How do I apply for an Alarm Monitor Instructor Certification?

The application packet must be completed in its entirety and must include;

  1. Form PS-1 (Application for Licensure or Certification of Private Security Services Provider);

  2. A completed fingerprint card. The Department will supply pre-printed FBI fingerprint cards.  Proof of completing Fieldprint electronic fingerprints is also acceptable. For more information, see our Fingerprint Requirements​ page.

  3. Form PS-6 (Affidavit of Instructor and Private Security Provider Testing Results) documenting completion of the required training.

  4. Instructor applicants must submit proof demonstrating they meet the instructor prerequisites of a minimum of three years of work experience within ten years at the time of application for private security services, military police, or law enforcement fields.

  5. Nonrefundable certification or licensure fees 

Once the application packet has been processed by DPSST, you will need to attend a scheduled Instructor class, pass the assessment and the exam, and submit the certificates of completion.​


​

What are the minimum standards for an Unarmed Private Security Instructor certification?

Private Security Instructors must be:

  • At least 21 years of age; and

Must have earned one of the following:

A high school ​diploma; a General Education Development (GED) certificate; or a two or ​four-year, post-secondary degree issued by an accredited degree-granting college or university.

​​Be of good moral fitness as determined by a background check, department investigation or other reliable sources. A lack of good moral fitness includes, but is not limited to, mandatory and discretionary disqualifying misconduct as described in OAR 259-060-0320.


Please review the Background Check Information​ page to review mandatory and discretionary disqualifiers prior to applying for certification or licensure.​


Complete application process, including training and fingerprinting

Provide a resume reflecting experience that equals a minimum of three years of full-time work experience providing private security services within the 10 years prior to application. The Department will also accept experience as a military police officer or a police officer toward satisfying the three years of work experience.


How do I apply to attend the next Unarmed Instructor course?

The application packet must be completed in its entirety and must include;

  1. Form PS-1 (Application for Licensure or Certification of Private Security Services Provider);

  2. A completed fingerprint card. The Department will supply pre-printed FBI fingerprint cards. Proof of completing Fieldprint electronic fingerprints is also acceptable. For more information, see our Fingerprint Requirements page.

  3. Form PS-6 (Affidavit of Instructor and Private Security Provider Testing Results) documenting completion of the required training.

  4. Instructor applicants must submit proof demonstrating they meet the instructor prerequisites of a minimum of three years of work experience within ten years at the time of application for private security services, military police, or law enforcement fields.

  5. Nonrefundable certification or licensure fees​ 

Once the application packet has been processed by DPSST, you will need to attend a scheduled Instructor class, pass the assessment and the exam, and submit the certificates of completion.​​


​​

What are the minimum standards for a Firearms Instructor?

Be at least 21 years of age; and


Must have earned one of the following:

  • ​A high school ​diploma; a General Education Development (GED) certificate; or a two or ​four-year, post-secondary degree issued by an accredited degree-granting college or university.
​​Be of good moral fitness as determined by a background check, department investigation or other reliable sources. A lack of good moral fitness includes, but is not limited to, mandatory and discretionary disqualifying misconduct as described in OAR 259-060-0320.

An app​licant for certification as an armed private security professional or firearms instructor must not:

  • Have been committed to the Mental Health and Development Disability Services Division under ORS 426.130, or similar order in another jurisdiction;

  • Have been found to be mentally ill and subject to an order under ORS 426.130 prohibiting the person from purchasing or possessing a firearm as a result of that mental illness;

  • Be prohibited under US Code Title 18, Section 922(g)(8) (relating to civil restraining orders including stalking or harassment) from possessing a firearm in interstate commerce; or

  • Be prohibited under any law of this state or any federal law from purchasing, owning or possessing a firearm.​

Please review the Background Check Information page to review mandatory and discretionary disqualifiers prior to applying for certification or licensure.


Proof of successful completion of a firearms instructor development course that consists of a minimum of 40 hours. The course must have been successfully completed within the five years prior to application. Proof of successful completion is required. Approved sources include:

  • The Handgun Instructor Development Course provided by the Department of Public Safety Standards and Training;

  • The Washington Criminal Justice Training Center;

  • The National Rifle Association Law Enforcement Instructor Development School;

  • The Federal Law Enforcement Training Center;

  • The Federal Bureau of Investigation; or

  • A qualified firearms instructor certification course as determined by the Department.

Certified private security firearms instructors must complete the firearms instructor marksmanship qualification annually. Instructors must qualify on a target authorized by the Department, within three attempts in one day.

How do I apply to attend the Firearms Instructor course?

Applicants must complete an application packet containing:

  1. Form PS-1 (Application for Licensure or Certification of Private Security Services Provider);

  2. Proof of successful completion of a firearms instructor development course that consists of a minimum of 40 hours. The course must have been successfully completed within the five years prior to application.​

  3. Instructor applicants must submit proof demonstrating they meet the instructor prerequisites of a minimum of three years of work experience within ten years at the time of application for private security services, military police, or law enforcement fields.

  4. Form PS-6 (Affidavit of Instructor and Private Security Provider Testing Results) documenting completion of the training is required.​

  5. A completed fingerprint card. The Department will supply pre-printed FBI fingerprint cards. Proof of completing Fieldprint electronic fingerprints is also acceptable. For more information, see our Fingerprint Requirements page.

  6. Nonrefundable certification or licensure fees​​​​

    ​

Fingerprint Options:

Option 1 - Electronic fingerprinting via Fieldprint​


Submit Electronic Fingerprints via Fieldprint, Inc.  Fieldprint provides all aspects of the fingerprinting process from electronic collection to sending the collected fingerprints to OSP/FBI for processing;eliminating the need for submission of a fingerprint card to DPSST.  Fieldprint offers nationwide fingerprinting services within a reasonable distance from any location.  Please visit: www.fieldprintoregon.com for more information and to schedule an appointment.

You will need to use the following Fieldprint code when scheduling your appointment:

FPPSCertificationDPSST

IMPORTANT INFORMATION - PLEASE NOTE:

  • Be Sure to enter the Fieldprint code when scheduling your appointment; and
  • Once you have completed the process of scheduling an appointment with Fieldprint, Inc., you will be provided with a Confirmation Page.  You must include a copy of your Confirmation Page with your application packet upon submission to DPSST.
    ​

Option 2 - Live Scan fingerprinting


Submit a Live Scan printed fingerprint card. Live Scan is an inkless electronic fingerprinting method where fingerprints are scanned and saved as a digital image. When done properly, Live Scan can have a greater success rate than the traditional ink method.  However, Live Scan is not available in all areas and you must submit the physical card.

Option 3 - Traditional ink fingerprinting Submit a completed ink fingerprint card


The Department will supply pre-printed FBI fingerprint cards at no charge. Please contact our office to request one.