Firearms Training and DCJS Classes in Greater Richmond
Your Henrico store. Your next step in training. Virginia Tactical Shooting Academy connects local store visitors with concealed carry education, firearm safety classes and professional development through Commonwealth Training & Preparedness.
Whether you are coming from Richmond, Sandston or Short Pump, or planning a visit from Hanover or Mechanicsville, start with a clear goal: safer everyday decisions, the right professional training, or a path toward becoming an instructor.
Retail Gun Store in Henrico, Virginia
VTSA’s Henrico location is your point of contact for store services and staff assistance. Call ahead to confirm current hours and in-store availability, then plan your visit using our address and directions.
Our online collection shows apparel, books and everyday merchandise with published prices and availability. Have a store question or need help finding your next class? Contact our team for a clear answer before you travel.
Concealed Carry (CHP) & Firearm Safety Classes
A concealed carry class should help you understand responsibility as well as documentation. Begin with the current Commonwealth training catalog and choose a class that fits your experience, learning goals and schedule.
Look for a course description that addresses firearm safety, responsible storage and handling, Virginia legal responsibilities, conflict avoidance and de-escalation. For basic marksmanship or a first range class, check whether the session includes live fire and what equipment is required.
Virginia resident concealed handgun permit applicants must demonstrate handgun competence in person through a method allowed by state law. Confirm the class format, instructor qualifications and completion documentation before enrolling. Training completion and permit approval are separate steps.
For a CHP course near Sandston, concealed carry classes accessible from Hanover, or firearm safety education in the Richmond area, use the live catalog to compare the actual class venue and available dates.
Check concealed carry & safety class datesOfficial reference: Virginia resident CHP application and competence requirements.
Virginia DCJS Training & Certification Pathways
Professional security training starts with the correct course code. If you are searching for DCJS security guard classes in Henrico or armed security certification training near Richmond, match the course to your role and existing credentials before booking.
Use these Virginia DCJS course categories to understand your next step:
- 01E — Security OfficerCore entry-level education for security officer pathways, including unarmed security.
- 01I — Security Officer In-serviceContinuing education for the security officer renewal pathway.
- 05E — Armed Security Officer Arrest AuthorityThe arrest-authority component of the armed security officer pathway.
- 75E — Security Officer HandgunThe security officer handgun training component.
- 07R — HandgunThe handgun in-service/requalification category.
- 09R — Advanced HandgunThe advanced handgun in-service/requalification category.
These codes describe training pathways; they do not mean every course is currently scheduled. Check the live DCJS catalog for available classes, prerequisites, the training provider’s approval details and the documents required for your course.
Keep your training records, application requirements and renewal dates together. Completing a course does not by itself grant a DCJS registration, instructor certification or firearms endorsement.
View DCJS dates & registration requirementsOfficial reference: Virginia DCJS course categories and outlines.
Private Security Career Training in Central Virginia
Turn a career goal into a practical training plan. Start by identifying the role you want, the credential it requires and the entry-level or in-service education that applies to you.
Security officer education covers professional conduct, communication, documentation, emergency response and confrontation management. Those responsibilities matter across workplaces, public-facing assignments and other security settings in Central Virginia.
- Security officers and security guardsCompare the 01E entry-level and 01I in-service pathways. Armed roles require additional role-specific training and authorization.
- Private investigatorsReview the separate 02E entry-level and 02I in-service categories when planning a private investigator training path.
- Personal protection specialistsReview 32E entry-level and 32I in-service requirements for this distinct professional category.
Ask about prerequisites before committing to a class. Discuss your experience, intended role and renewal needs with the training team. A well-matched course is a useful step toward professional readiness; employment and licensing decisions are separate.
Find the DCJS pathway for your careerInstructor Training: Become an Instructor in Virginia
Being experienced in a subject and being prepared to teach it are different responsibilities. Instructor development focuses on lesson planning, clear instruction, student assessment, safety management and the legal responsibilities of teaching.
For the Virginia private security sector, explore 13E General Instructor Entry-Level and 14E Firearms Instructor Entry Level. Continuing development categories include 13I and 14I. Review the current DCJS eligibility and application requirements before choosing a course.
DCJS firearms instructors must first be certified as private security services instructors. The state also evaluates the applicant’s qualifications and the subjects they may teach. A class certificate is one part of that process.
Interested in becoming a concealed carry instructor, a private security instructor or a firearms safety educator? Tell the training team which teaching role you are pursuing. Different instructional programs can have different credentials and approval requirements.
Plan your visit. Prepare for your class.
VTSA’s veteran-led roots in Henrico support a straightforward standard: responsible decisions, clear communication and respect for safety.
Professional education starts before the first lesson. Confirm the venue, prerequisites and required documents. Follow the instructor’s safety directions and arrive prepared for the course listed in your registration.
- Choose your goal. Citizen safety education, security career training and instructor development have different pathways.
- Read the current listing. Check the date, location, price, format, equipment list and cancellation policy.
- Confirm your eligibility. Ask the provider about prerequisites and credentials before you book.
- Register through Commonwealth. Use the training or DCJS catalog for current sessions and enrollment.
Questions about Richmond-area training
Where can I find concealed carry classes near Richmond or Henrico?
Use the Commonwealth training catalog to check current concealed carry and firearm safety classes. Compare the actual venue and available dates before you register.
Can I attend from Sandston, Hanover, Mechanicsville or Short Pump?
Start with the published class location and choose the session that suits your travel plans. Our store is based in Henrico; the location of a particular class is shown in its course listing and registration confirmation.
Is a concealed carry class the same as DCJS training?
No. Citizen concealed carry education and professional private security training serve different purposes. Match your registration to the correct catalog and course code.
What is the difference between 01E, 05E and 75E?
01E is core Security Officer education. 05E addresses Armed Security Officer Arrest Authority, and 75E addresses Security Officer Handgun training. Check the combination and prerequisites that apply to your professional category.
Where do I find DCJS renewal or requalification classes?
Open the DCJS catalog and review available in-service and requalification listings. Match the course code to your credential and confirm your renewal requirements.
How do I become a DCJS instructor?
Review the official instructor requirements, then ask the training team about an appropriate development route. Certification depends on state eligibility, training and application requirements.
Where are prices, available seats and upcoming dates?
The live training catalog and DCJS catalog contain current class details. Training registration and payment take place through Commonwealth, separately from the VTSA merchandise shopping bag.
Make your next step a clear one.
Explore the store collection, choose a citizen safety class, or check the professional training path that fits your goal.