A firearm training certification demonstrates that guards wanting to obtain a firearm endorsement(PDF, 338KB) have been properly trained in handling firearms and have an acceptable range proficiency score of at least 80%.
Applicants for a new firearm endorsement must complete at least five hours of classroom instruction and three hours of live-fire practice, including a weapons qualification course. Training must be provided by a certified POST or NRA instructor. There is no time frame during which this training must have been completed.
Applicants wanting to renew or obtain a new firearm endorsement must also have obtained a qualifying range proficiency of at least 80% within the last six months.
All firearm endorsement requests will be treated as "new" requests until they are approved at which point they are eligible to be renewed annually. No exceptions will be made for merchant guards holding armed status.
Proof of training and range qualification is provided by having the POST or NRA instructor who oversaw training complete a firearm training certification(PDF, 941KB) form.