Firearms Safety Instructor and Training Organization Qualifications for Armed Security Guard Training

The new Security Guard administrative rules took effect July 10, 2006 (R13-6-101 through R13-6-704). Significant changes occurred related to Firearms Safety Instructors for armed guards. Submit firearms instructor applications to Karen Riordan, administrative assistant at the Licensing Unit.

Link to the new administrative rules for Security Guards 

Only an individual who meets the following qualifications is eligible to be certified by the Department under A.R.S. § 32-2632 as a firearms-safety instructor (R13-6-701):

1. Is a resident of this state or a United States citizen;

2. Is at least 21 years old;

3. Is not under indictment for and has not been convicted in any jurisdiction of a felony;

4. Does not suffer from mental illness and has not been adjudicated mentally incompetent or committed to a mental institution;

5. Is not unlawfully present in the United States;

6. Is not a prohibited possessor; and

7. Possesses current evidence of completing one of the following firearms-safety training instructor programs:

a. Arizona Basic Police Firearms Instructor training provided by the Arizona Peace Officers Standards and Training Board;

b. Police Firearms Instructor Development School provided by the National Rifle Association;

c. Law Enforcement Security Firearms Instructor Development School provided by the National Rifle Association;

d. Training provided by the National Rifle Association that results in rating as one of the following:

i. Pistol Instructor and Personal Protection Instructor,

ii. Law Enforcement Tactical Handgun Instructor, or

iii. Law Enforcement Handgun or Shotgun Instructor; or

e. Firearms Instructor Training Program provided by a federal law enforcement agency.

8. If teaching a shotgun or rifle course for security guards, submit AZ POST or NRA documentation that shows the instructor is certified in the applicable competency.

To be certified as a firearms-safety instructor, an individual shall provide the following to the Department:

1. An approved application form with the information listed in R13-6-702(A)(1)

2. A properly completed fingerprint card with classifiable fingerprints, unless the individual is currently registered as a CCW firearms-safety instructor under A.R.S. § 13-3112;

3. The current evidence of completion referenced in R13-6-701(7); and

4. The fees required under R13-6-103 ($50 for the certificate, $24 for fingerprinting

For Renewal of a Firearms Safety Instructor Certificate:

A certified firearms-safety instructor shall renew the instructor’s certification every two years by providing the following to the Department:

1. A completed application form with the information listed in R13-6-702(A)(1)

2. A properly completed fingerprint card with classifiable fingerprints unless currently registered as a firearms-safety instructor under A.R.S. § 13-3112;

3. The current evidence of completion referenced in R13-6-701(7); and

4. The renewal fee required under R13-6-103 ($50 for the certificate, $24 for fingerprinting

Once approval is completed, the Licensing Unit will issue an approval letter and add the instructor or school to the approved firearms training list. A copy of the curriculum and tests will then be furnished to the approved instructor or training facility.  

*New* Security Guard Firearm Safety Instructor Application

Revised Lesson Plans for Security Guard Training

Arizona Department of Public Safety

Licensing Unit

PO Box 6328 MD 1160

Phoenix, AZ 85005

Phone: (602) 223-2361

Fax: (602) 223-2938