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Security guard training in Virginia

21 security guard programs with costs, results and funding that can make them free

3 schools offer these security guard programs, and Virginia has approved every one for workforce funding. Each shows its price if you pay yourself and how past students did. One school runs 11 of these 21 programs, so the typical figures lean heavily on its prices and results.

Security guards protect property from illegal activity. Most states require a license, which usually means being 18 or older, passing a background check and completing training; most guards learn the job in a few weeks. Armed guards need weapons training and usually a separate license.1

In Virginia, 11 of the 21 programs take students without a high school diploma, 9 ask for a diploma or equivalent and 1 asks for earlier courses first.

By kind, the 21 programs here are armed security and firearms course (9 programs), short add-on course (9 programs), executive protection and bodyguard course (2 programs) and security guard license course (1 program).

See the 21 programs

How much does security guard training cost in Virginia?

$150 to $275 is what most security guard programs in Virginia cost if you pay yourself

That is the middle half of the 11 programs with a price. All of them: $100 to $1,800

In the typical program

Finished the program
Not reported
None of the 21 programs report it
Working 6 months later
Not reported
None of the 21 programs report it
Earned a year, estimated
Not reported
None of the 21 programs report it
Length
1 week

Source: US Department of Labor, program year 2024 (July 2024 to June 2025). Only programs approved for workforce funding are listed; other schools in Virginia may also offer security guard training. How these figures are made

Is there free security guard training in Virginia?

Who qualifies, and other ways to pay: financial aid, grants and the GI Bill

All 21 security guard programs in Virginia approved for WIOA funding

Filters
What you need to enroll
Kind of program
How it's taught
How to show the list

21 programs

  • Security guard license courseIn personHigh school diploma or equivalent

    01E-Security Officer Core Subjects

    Commonwealth Criminal Justice Academy (CCJA)

    Fredericksburg

    High school diploma or equivalent

    Commonwealth Criminal Justice Academy (CCJA), FredericksburgSecurity guard license courseIn person · High school diploma or equivalent

    Earned a year, estimatedNot reported
    Price if you pay yourself$100
    More details about 01E-Security Officer Core Subjects at Commonwealth Criminal Justice Academy (CCJA)
    Finished
    Not reported
    Working at 6 months
    Not reported
    Earned in a quarter
    Not reported
    Length
    1 week, 18 hours a week
    Cost of supplies
    $109
    Students counted
    Not reported
    Earned a year, estimated
    Not reported
    Price if you pay yourself
    $100

  • Armed security and firearms courseIn personHigh school diploma or equivalent

    05E-Armed Security Officer Arrest Authority

    Commonwealth Criminal Justice Academy (CCJA)

    Fredericksburg

    High school diploma or equivalent

    Commonwealth Criminal Justice Academy (CCJA), FredericksburgArmed security and firearms courseIn person · High school diploma or equivalent

    Earned a year, estimatedNot reported
    Price if you pay yourself$100
    More details about 05E-Armed Security Officer Arrest Authority at Commonwealth Criminal Justice Academy (CCJA)
    Finished
    Not reported
    Working at 6 months
    Not reported
    Earned in a quarter
    Not reported
    Length
    1 week, 8 hours a week
    Cost of supplies
    None listed
    Students counted
    Not reported
    Earned a year, estimated
    Not reported
    Price if you pay yourself
    $100

  • Short add-on courseIn personNo diploma needed

    Armored Car Personnel (03E)

    A Security Training Academy

    Annandale

    No diploma needed

    A Security Training Academy, AnnandaleShort add-on courseIn person · No diploma needed

    Earned a year, estimatedNot reported
    Price if you pay yourself$100
    More details about Armored Car Personnel (03E) at A Security Training Academy
    Finished
    Not reported
    Working at 6 months
    Not reported
    Earned in a quarter
    Not reported
    Length
    1 week, 12 hours a week
    Cost of supplies
    None listed
    Students counted
    Not reported
    Earned a year, estimated
    Not reported
    Price if you pay yourself
    $100

  • Armed security and firearms courseIn personNo diploma needed

    07E- Entry Level Handgun

    Commonwealth Criminal Justice Academy (CCJA)

    Fredericksburg

    No diploma needed

    Commonwealth Criminal Justice Academy (CCJA), FredericksburgArmed security and firearms courseIn person · No diploma needed

    Earned a year, estimatedNot reported
    Price if you pay yourself$200
    More details about 07E- Entry Level Handgun at Commonwealth Criminal Justice Academy (CCJA)
    Finished
    Not reported
    Working at 6 months
    Not reported
    Earned in a quarter
    Not reported
    Length
    1 week, 16 hours a week
    Cost of supplies
    $219
    Students counted
    Not reported
    Earned a year, estimated
    Not reported
    Price if you pay yourself
    $200

  • Armed security and firearms courseIn personNo diploma needed

    Advanced Handgun (09E)

    A Security Training Academy

    Annandale

    No diploma needed

    A Security Training Academy, AnnandaleArmed security and firearms courseIn person · No diploma needed

    Earned a year, estimatedNot reported
    Price if you pay yourself$200
    More details about Advanced Handgun (09E) at A Security Training Academy
    Finished
    Not reported
    Working at 6 months
    Not reported
    Earned in a quarter
    Not reported
    Length
    4 weeks, 24 hours a week
    Cost of supplies
    None listed
    Students counted
    Not reported
    Earned a year, estimated
    Not reported
    Price if you pay yourself
    $200

  • Armed security and firearms courseIn personHigh school diploma or equivalent

    09E-Advanced Handgun

    Commonwealth Criminal Justice Academy (CCJA)

    Fredericksburg

    High school diploma or equivalent

    Commonwealth Criminal Justice Academy (CCJA), FredericksburgArmed security and firearms courseIn person · High school diploma or equivalent

    Earned a year, estimatedNot reported
    Price if you pay yourself$250
    More details about 09E-Advanced Handgun at Commonwealth Criminal Justice Academy (CCJA)
    Finished
    Not reported
    Working at 6 months
    Not reported
    Earned in a quarter
    Not reported
    Length
    1 week, 14 hours a week
    Cost of supplies
    $140
    Students counted
    Not reported
    Earned a year, estimated
    Not reported
    Price if you pay yourself
    $250

  • Armed security and firearms courseIn personHigh school diploma or equivalent

    75E-Security Officer Handgun

    Commonwealth Criminal Justice Academy (CCJA)

    Fredericksburg

    High school diploma or equivalent

    Commonwealth Criminal Justice Academy (CCJA), FredericksburgArmed security and firearms courseIn person · High school diploma or equivalent

    Earned a year, estimatedNot reported
    Price if you pay yourself$250
    More details about 75E-Security Officer Handgun at Commonwealth Criminal Justice Academy (CCJA)
    Finished
    Not reported
    Working at 6 months
    Not reported
    Earned in a quarter
    Not reported
    Length
    1 week, 24 hours a week
    Cost of supplies
    $219
    Students counted
    Not reported
    Earned a year, estimated
    Not reported
    Price if you pay yourself
    $250

  • Armed security and firearms courseIn personNo diploma needed

    Patrol Rifle (10E)

    A Security Training Academy

    Annandale

    No diploma needed

    A Security Training Academy, AnnandaleArmed security and firearms courseIn person · No diploma needed

    Earned a year, estimatedNot reported
    Price if you pay yourself$250
    More details about Patrol Rifle (10E) at A Security Training Academy
    Finished
    Not reported
    Working at 6 months
    Not reported
    Earned in a quarter
    Not reported
    Length
    1 week, 16 hours a week
    Cost of supplies
    None listed
    Students counted
    Not reported
    Earned a year, estimated
    Not reported
    Price if you pay yourself
    $250

  • Armed security and firearms courseIn personHigh school diploma or equivalent

    10E-Patrol Rifle

    Commonwealth Criminal Justice Academy (CCJA)

    Fredericksburg

    High school diploma or equivalent

    Commonwealth Criminal Justice Academy (CCJA), FredericksburgArmed security and firearms courseIn person · High school diploma or equivalent

    Earned a year, estimatedNot reported
    Price if you pay yourself$300
    More details about 10E-Patrol Rifle at Commonwealth Criminal Justice Academy (CCJA)
    Finished
    Not reported
    Working at 6 months
    Not reported
    Earned in a quarter
    Not reported
    Length
    1 week, 16 hours a week
    Cost of supplies
    $159
    Students counted
    Not reported
    Earned a year, estimated
    Not reported
    Price if you pay yourself
    $300

  • Executive protection and bodyguard courseIn personNo diploma needed

    Personal Protection Specialist (32E)

    A Security Training Academy

    Annandale

    No diploma needed

    A Security Training Academy, AnnandaleExecutive protection and bodyguard courseIn person · No diploma needed

    Earned a year, estimatedNot reported
    Price if you pay yourself$650
    More details about Personal Protection Specialist (32E) at A Security Training Academy
    Finished
    Not reported
    Working at 6 months
    Not reported
    Earned in a quarter
    Not reported
    Length
    2 weeks, 40 hours a week
    Cost of supplies
    None listed
    Students counted
    Not reported
    Earned a year, estimated
    Not reported
    Price if you pay yourself
    $650

  • Executive protection and bodyguard courseIn personHigh school diploma or equivalent

    32E-Personal Protection Specialist

    Commonwealth Criminal Justice Academy (CCJA)

    Fredericksburg

    High school diploma or equivalent

    Commonwealth Criminal Justice Academy (CCJA), FredericksburgExecutive protection and bodyguard courseIn person · High school diploma or equivalent

    Earned a year, estimatedNot reported
    Price if you pay yourself$1,800
    More details about 32E-Personal Protection Specialist at Commonwealth Criminal Justice Academy (CCJA)
    Finished
    Not reported
    Working at 6 months
    Not reported
    Earned in a quarter
    Not reported
    Length
    2 weeks, 40 hours a week
    Cost of supplies
    $109
    Students counted
    Not reported
    Earned a year, estimated
    Not reported
    Price if you pay yourself
    $1,800

  • Armed security and firearms courseIn personHigh school diploma or equivalent

    08E-Entry Level Shotgun

    Commonwealth Criminal Justice Academy (CCJA)

    Fredericksburg

    High school diploma or equivalent

    Commonwealth Criminal Justice Academy (CCJA), FredericksburgArmed security and firearms courseIn person · High school diploma or equivalent

    Earned a year, estimatedNot reported
    Price if you pay yourselfLeft out
    More details about 08E-Entry Level Shotgun at Commonwealth Criminal Justice Academy (CCJA)
    Finished
    Not reported
    Working at 6 months
    Not reported
    Earned in a quarter
    Not reported
    Length
    1 week, 3 hours a week
    Cost of supplies
    Not reported
    Students counted
    Not reported
    Earned a year, estimated
    Not reported
    Price if you pay yourself
    Left out

  • Short add-on courseIn personNo diploma needed

    Baton Tactics

    A Security Training Academy

    Annandale

    No diploma needed

    A Security Training Academy, AnnandaleShort add-on courseIn person · No diploma needed

    Earned a year, estimatedNot reported
    Price if you pay yourselfLeft out
    More details about Baton Tactics at A Security Training Academy
    Finished
    Not reported
    Working at 6 months
    Not reported
    Earned in a quarter
    Not reported
    Length
    1 week, 4 hours a week
    Cost of supplies
    Not reported
    Students counted
    Not reported
    Earned a year, estimated
    Not reported
    Price if you pay yourself
    Left out

  • Short add-on courseIn personNo diploma needed

    Control & Defense

    A Security Training Academy

    Annandale

    No diploma needed

    A Security Training Academy, AnnandaleShort add-on courseIn person · No diploma needed

    Earned a year, estimatedNot reported
    Price if you pay yourselfLeft out
    More details about Control & Defense at A Security Training Academy
    Finished
    Not reported
    Working at 6 months
    Not reported
    Earned in a quarter
    Not reported
    Length
    1 week, 4 hours a week
    Cost of supplies
    Not reported
    Students counted
    Not reported
    Earned a year, estimated
    Not reported
    Price if you pay yourself
    Left out

  • Armed security and firearms courseIn personEducation and courses

    DOS UPO Basic Training

    Inter-Con Security Systems, Inc.

    Alexandria

    Education and courses

    Inter-Con Security Systems, Inc., AlexandriaArmed security and firearms courseIn person · Education and courses

    Earned a year, estimatedNot reported
    Price if you pay yourselfNot reported
    More details about DOS UPO Basic Training at Inter-Con Security Systems, Inc.
    Finished
    Not reported
    Working at 6 months
    Not reported
    Earned in a quarter
    Not reported
    Length
    4 weeks, 40 hours a week
    Cost of supplies
    Not reported
    Students counted
    Not reported
    Earned a year, estimated
    Not reported
    Price if you pay yourself
    Not reported

  • Short add-on courseIn personNo diploma needed

    Larry Smith Handcuffing

    Commonwealth Criminal Justice Academy (CCJA)

    Fredericksburg

    No diploma needed

    Commonwealth Criminal Justice Academy (CCJA), FredericksburgShort add-on courseIn person · No diploma needed

    Earned a year, estimatedNot reported
    Price if you pay yourselfLeft out
    More details about Larry Smith Handcuffing at Commonwealth Criminal Justice Academy (CCJA)
    Finished
    Not reported
    Working at 6 months
    Not reported
    Earned in a quarter
    Not reported
    Length
    1 week, 4 hours a week
    Cost of supplies
    Not reported
    Students counted
    Not reported
    Earned a year, estimated
    Not reported
    Price if you pay yourself
    Left out

  • Short add-on courseIn personHigh school diploma or equivalent

    Larry Smith O.C. Training

    Commonwealth Criminal Justice Academy (CCJA)

    Fredericksburg

    High school diploma or equivalent

    Commonwealth Criminal Justice Academy (CCJA), FredericksburgShort add-on courseIn person · High school diploma or equivalent

    Earned a year, estimatedNot reported
    Price if you pay yourselfLeft out
    More details about Larry Smith O.C. Training at Commonwealth Criminal Justice Academy (CCJA)
    Finished
    Not reported
    Working at 6 months
    Not reported
    Earned in a quarter
    Not reported
    Length
    1 week, 4 hours a week
    Cost of supplies
    Not reported
    Students counted
    Not reported
    Earned a year, estimated
    Not reported
    Price if you pay yourself
    Left out

  • Short add-on courseIn personNo diploma needed

    P.A.T.H Handcuffing

    A Security Training Academy

    Annandale

    No diploma needed

    A Security Training Academy, AnnandaleShort add-on courseIn person · No diploma needed

    Earned a year, estimatedNot reported
    Price if you pay yourselfLeft out
    More details about P.A.T.H Handcuffing at A Security Training Academy
    Finished
    Not reported
    Working at 6 months
    Not reported
    Earned in a quarter
    Not reported
    Length
    1 week, 4 hours a week
    Cost of supplies
    Not reported
    Students counted
    Not reported
    Earned a year, estimated
    Not reported
    Price if you pay yourself
    Left out

  • Short add-on courseIn personNo diploma needed

    Pepper Spray

    A Security Training Academy

    Annandale

    No diploma needed

    A Security Training Academy, AnnandaleShort add-on courseIn person · No diploma needed

    Earned a year, estimatedNot reported
    Price if you pay yourselfLeft out
    More details about Pepper Spray at A Security Training Academy
    Finished
    Not reported
    Working at 6 months
    Not reported
    Earned in a quarter
    Not reported
    Length
    1 week, 4 hours a week
    Cost of supplies
    Not reported
    Students counted
    Not reported
    Earned a year, estimated
    Not reported
    Price if you pay yourself
    Left out

  • Short add-on courseIn personNo diploma needed

    Red Cross

    A Security Training Academy

    Annandale

    No diploma needed

    A Security Training Academy, AnnandaleShort add-on courseIn person · No diploma needed

    Earned a year, estimatedNot reported
    Price if you pay yourselfLeft out
    More details about Red Cross at A Security Training Academy
    Finished
    Not reported
    Working at 6 months
    Not reported
    Earned in a quarter
    Not reported
    Length
    1 week, 8 hours a week
    Cost of supplies
    Not reported
    Students counted
    Not reported
    Earned a year, estimated
    Not reported
    Price if you pay yourself
    Left out

  • Short add-on courseIn personHigh school diploma or equivalent

    SafariLand Monadnock Expandable Baton M.E.B. Course

    Commonwealth Criminal Justice Academy (CCJA)

    Fredericksburg

    High school diploma or equivalent

    Commonwealth Criminal Justice Academy (CCJA), FredericksburgShort add-on courseIn person · High school diploma or equivalent

    Earned a year, estimatedNot reported
    Price if you pay yourselfLeft out
    More details about SafariLand Monadnock Expandable Baton M.E.B. Course at Commonwealth Criminal Justice Academy (CCJA)
    Finished
    Not reported
    Working at 6 months
    Not reported
    Earned in a quarter
    Not reported
    Length
    1 week, 4 hours a week
    Cost of supplies
    Not reported
    Students counted
    Not reported
    Earned a year, estimated
    Not reported
    Price if you pay yourself
    Left out

How to pay for security guard training in Virginia

WIOA funding can pay for security guard training in Virginia

Every program on this page is approved for it. Whether you qualify, how much your local area pays and how to apply are on our page Does WIOA pay for job training?

Financial aid and grants for security guard training

Most students can get federal student aid for college, career school or trade school. A Federal Pell Grant, unlike a loan, usually doesn't have to be repaid. Ask the school whether its program qualifies.67

GI Bill for security guard training

Veterans, service members and qualified dependents can use GI Bill benefits for non-college training programs.8

The program list does not show which programs accept these. Ask the school.

Quick facts: Security guard training in Virginia

programs with a price cost under $1,000
10 of 11
most security guard programs of any state, after California
2nd

State comparisons use the same figures as the security guard training by state table: the middle program of each state, and only states with three or more schools for prices. Source: US Department of Labor, program year 2024 (July 2024 to June 2025).

Other training in Virginia

How security guard training compares with the rest of public safety: First responder training in Virginia

Where the Virginia security guard program numbers come from

Which Virginia security guard programs are on this list?

These are the security guard programs Virginia approved for WIOA funding (public workforce funding under the Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act), as reported to the US Department of Labor for program year 2024 (July 2024 to June 2025). Each state keeps its approved programs on an eligible training provider list (ETPL).9 The list here covers programs approved as of June 30, 2025. Schools that never applied for approval are missing, so this is a part of what Virginia offers.

How the prices and results of Virginia security guard programs are measured

Prices are tuition and required fees for someone paying without workforce funding, as the school reported them; check the current price with the school. Results describe students who left each program in recent years, so they are no guarantee, and the yearly earnings are the reported quarter times four, an estimate. A program without a "Trained with WIOA funding" line may still take WIOA students. Where a field was left empty or withheld, the page says "Not reported", and "Left out" where a figure was filed but failed one of our checks; nothing is estimated to fill a gap. Where the numbers come from explains each figure in full.

Sources for the facts about security guard training in Virginia

Show the 9 sourcesHide the sources
  1. US Bureau of Labor Statistics, Occupational Outlook Handbook: Security Guards and Gambling Surveillance Officers
  2. US Department of Labor, TrainingProviderResults.gov: About This Site
  3. US Department of Labor: WIOA Adult Program
  4. Code of Federal Regulations, title 20, part 680, sections 680.220, 680.230 and 680.310: career services before training, other grants such as Pell Grants first, and limits on Individual Training Accounts (GovInfo, 2024 edition)
  5. US Department of Labor: American Job Centers
  6. US Department of Education, Federal Student Aid: Eligibility for Federal Student Aid
  7. US Department of Education, Federal Student Aid: Don't Miss Out on Federal Pell Grants
  8. US Department of Veterans Affairs: GI Bill benefits for non-college degree programs
  9. US Department of Labor, Training and Employment Guidance Letter 8-19, Attachment I: Requirements for Training Providers, Program Eligibility, and the State Eligible Training Provider (ETP) List