Frequently Asked Questions

Frequently Asked Questions

Where is your training facility located?
Our office is located at 4114 Legato Road, Suite 380 Fairfax, VA 22033.
How can I contact Shields Point Training Academy to discuss my training needs?

Please visit our Contact Us page and we will be happy to assist you with any questions you may have.

Are you Metro accessible?
The nearest Metro Station is the Vienna Metro Station (7 miles from the Shields Point Training Academy). From the Metro Station, you would be required to ride the Fairfax Connector Metro Bus to the nearest bus stop to our office (Fairlakes PW@Legato). Please contact Metro at 202-637-1328 to find the Metro/Bus Stops and Times.
What are your hours of operation?

Monday – Friday, 9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m, Eastern. Please contact us to schedule an appointment.

What forms of payment do you accept?

We accept credit and debit cards. We will not accept cash, money orders or personal checks. Note: In order to reserve a seat in our training, we require payment prior to the beginning of class.

Do we get a lunch break during training?

Yes, every class offers a 10-minute break every 50 minutes and a lunch break. We offer a refrigerator and microwave for student use.

Are state fees included in the course's cost?
No, Shields Point Training Academy course fees are for training only. Students are responsible for all fees that are paid directly to the state.
Will we receive our license/registration after taking the training?
No, upon completion of any Shields Point course you will receive a certificate of completion. It will be your responsibility to apply directly to the state and provide your training certificate.
Is ammunition included in the armed training fees?

No. Every student is responsible for providing his or her own ammunition, which must be brass only. Training fees include eye and ear protection, and range rental.

Are the Baton, OC and Handcuff training included in the Armed course?
No. Baton, OC and handcuff training is a separate course that covers the use of intermediate weapons.
Do you offer in class in-service training?
For our students’ convenience, we offer some in-service courses online. Please visit our Training raining tab for further details. Note: All firearm training must be taken in class and requires a passing range qualification score.
What if I have something on my background, will my application be denied?

Approval or denial of a registrant’s application is entirely up to the state issuing credentials. Shields Point recommends that any individual with a felony or misdemeanor on their record contact the state directly. Please see below:
– Virginia Department of Criminal Justice Services: 804-786-4700
– Maryland State Police: 410-653-4623
– District of Columbia SOMB: 202-671-0500

Who is eligible to take security training in Virginia?

To become a Security Officer in the Commonwealth of Virginia, applicants must be at least 18 years old, be a United States citizen or legal resident alien of the US and have a good moral character.

What are training requirements for Virginia DCJS courses?

Unarmed Security Officer:
– 01E Security Officer Core Subjects – 18 Hours

Armed Security Officer:
– 01E Security Officer Core Subjects (prerequisite) – 18 Hours
– 05E Arrest Authority – 8 Hours
– 075E Entry Level Handgun – 24 Hours + Range Qualification

Private Investigator (Unarmed):
– 02E Private Investigator – 60 Hours

Armed Private Investigator:
– 02E Private Investigator – 60 Hours
– 07E or 075E Handgun Training – Class Hours + Range Qualification

Personal Protection Specialist (Unarmed):
– 32E Personal Protection Specialist – 60 Hours
– Armed Personal Protection Specialist:
– 32E Personal Protection Specialist – 60 Hours
– 07E or 075E Handgun Training (prerequisite) – Class Hours + Range Qualification
– 09E Advanced Handgun – 14 Hours + Range Qualification

General Instructor:
– DCJS approved alternative General Instructor training – 40 Hours

Firearms Instructor:
– DCJS approved alternative General Instructor training (prerequisite) – 40 Hours
– DCJS approved alternative Firearms Instructor training – 40 Hours + Range Qualification

Does Shields Point offer job placement?

Unfortunately, we do not offer job placement. Shields Point trains more than 100 students every month making it impossible to guarantee job placement for every individual.

I have a specific question that was not listed here. What should I do?

Please visit our Contact Us page and we will be happy to assist you with any questions you may have.

Ready To Get Started?

Shields Point Training Academy offers the tools and expertise to take your security team to the next level. Contact our staff to learn more about what a partnership with our experts can mean for your team, staff, and business. We look forward to exploring a partnership that leverages years of experience in the security industry.

View Course