OREGON DPSST ARMED CERTIFICATION GUIDE
How to Become an Armed Security Professional in Oregon
Understand the two application paths, required unarmed and firearms training, current fees, application forms, annual armed maintenance, and biennial renewal.
Oregon Armed Certification at a Glance
- First-time combined applicant: 14-hour Unarmed Basic course plus 24-hour Firearm Basic course
- Existing unarmed professional upgrading: 24-hour Firearm Basic course, with more than six months remaining on the unarmed certification
- New armed/unarmed DPSST fee: $155
- Upgrade fee: $45
- Renewal/add fee: $110
- Annual armed maintenance: Armed refresher, firearms marksmanship qualification, and safe-gun-handling test documented on PS-6
- Biennial renewal: Separate certification renewal process every two years
Requirements and fees were verified against Oregon DPSST on July 21, 2026. Always confirm the current state instructions before enrolling or applying.
What Does Oregon Armed Certification Cover?
Oregon DPSST certifies private security professionals who carry a firearm while providing private-security services. Armed certification is not a general concealed-handgun license and does not authorize firearm possession or use outside the scope of the applicable laws, employer policies, assignment, and certification rules.
An armed professional must also satisfy the unarmed-professional foundation. That creates two common routes: complete both unarmed and armed requirements as a first-time applicant, or upgrade an active unarmed certification.
Choose the Correct Certification Path
Path A: First-Time Armed/Unarmed Applicant
Complete both the 14-hour Unarmed Basic classroom, assessment, and exam and the 24-hour Firearm Basic course. Submit the new combined armed/unarmed application packet, fingerprints, background-check requirements, forms, and fee.
Current DPSST fee: $155, plus the fingerprint vendor’s separate charge and instructor tuition.
Path B: Upgrade an Active Unarmed Certification
Complete the 24-hour Firearm Basic course and submit the upgrade materials. DPSST states that you must have more than six months remaining on the unarmed certification to use the upgrade path.
Current DPSST upgrade fee: $45, plus instructor tuition.
If your unarmed certification has six months or less remaining, ask DPSST and your instructor whether you should renew first or use another application path. Do not assume the $45 upgrade applies.
Step 1: Confirm Eligibility
An armed applicant must meet the general private-security standards, including age, education, training, and moral fitness. Armed applicants must also be legally eligible to purchase, own, and possess a firearm.
DPSST’s application information identifies firearm-related disqualifiers, including certain mental-health orders, qualifying restraining orders under federal law, and any state or federal prohibition on purchasing, owning, or possessing a firearm. This is not a complete legal analysis. Review DPSST’s current rules and seek qualified legal advice if eligibility is uncertain.
Step 2: Complete the Required Training
Unarmed Foundation
A first-time combined applicant completes the 14-hour Unarmed Basic classroom, assessment, and exam. An applicant upgrading an active unarmed certification has already met this foundation, subject to the remaining-validity rule.
24-Hour Firearm Basic Course
The armed requirement is a minimum 24-hour Firearm Basic course delivered by a DPSST-certified firearms instructor. The course includes the required instruction and exam, marksmanship qualification, and safe-gun-handling evaluation documented by the instructor.
Instructor tuition, range arrangements, ammunition, equipment, prerequisites, and retest policies vary. Ask for the complete price and equipment list before registering.
Step 3: Submit the Correct Application Materials
Forms depend on whether you are a new combined applicant or upgrading an existing credential. The core documents commonly include:
- PS-1: Application for Licensure or Certification of Private Security Services Provider.
- PS-6: The instructor-completed training affidavit documenting successful completion of the required training, exam, marksmanship qualification, and safe-gun-handling test.
- Fingerprints: Required for a new applicant, using the method accepted by DPSST. They generally are not required merely to add or upgrade a certification unless another rule applies.
- PS-20: Temporary work-permit form when applicable to a currently employed applicant and completed under DPSST requirements.
- Required fee: Based on the specific application path.
Your certified instructor completes the PS-6. DPSST’s forms page notes that the PS-6 is available upon completion of a private-security course. Keep a copy and verify that every required section is complete before submitting the packet.
Oregon Armed Certification Fees
| Application type | Current DPSST fee | Training |
|---|---|---|
| New Armed/Unarmed Professional | $155 | 14-hour Unarmed Basic plus 24-hour Firearm Basic |
| Upgrade from active unarmed certification | $45 | 24-hour Firearm Basic; more than six months must remain on unarmed certification |
| Renewing or adding Armed/Unarmed Professional | $110 | Requirements depend on renewal/add path and current compliance |
| Reinstatement administrative fee | $25 | Training depends on timing and DPSST requirements |
Training-provider tuition, range fees, ammunition, equipment, and fingerprint-vendor charges are separate from DPSST fees. A late fee may apply when renewal materials arrive after expiration.
Critical: Armed Certification Requires Annual Maintenance
An armed professional must successfully complete and submit the required annual firearms marksmanship qualification, armed refresher course, and safe-gun-handling test. The current PS-6 identifies the annual Armed Professional Refresher Course and Exam as a minimum four-hour requirement.
DPSST determines the annual due date from the last day of the month one year after the most recent accepted basic firearms course or accepted annual qualification and refresher. The completed training must be documented on PS-6, submitted, and accepted by DPSST by the due date.
Missing the annual requirement can subject the armed certification to emergency suspension. Annual compliance maintains the armed credential; it does not replace the separate two-year renewal.
Biennial Renewal
Armed/unarmed professional certification also has a two-year renewal cycle. Renewal applicants use Form PS-21, submit Form PS-6 documenting the required training, pay the renewal fee, and remain compliant with annual armed training.
The unarmed component requires the four-hour Unarmed Renewal course and exam. Armed professionals must also be current on every annual armed refresher and firearms qualification obligation. DPSST allows renewal to begin up to six months before expiration.
Before Accepting an Armed Security Job
- Verify that your armed and unarmed certification statuses are active in DPSST records.
- Confirm that annual training has been accepted and note the next due date.
- Review the employer’s firearm, ammunition, holster, uniform, transport, storage, and qualification policies.
- Understand the post orders, authorized duties, use-of-force policy, reporting requirements, and insurance coverage.
- Never assume a personal firearm license substitutes for DPSST armed-professional certification.
Continue Your Oregon Security Career
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need unarmed certification before armed certification?
You must satisfy the unarmed-professional foundation. A first-time applicant can complete the unarmed and firearm basic courses for a combined application. An existing unarmed professional can use the upgrade path if more than six months remain on the unarmed certification.
How long is the Oregon firearms course?
The Firearm Basic course is a minimum of 24 hours and must be completed through a DPSST-certified firearms instructor.
How much does the upgrade cost?
DPSST currently lists a $45 upgrade fee. Instructor tuition and other course expenses are separate, and more than six months must remain on the unarmed certification.
Is annual firearm qualification the same as renewal?
No. Annual armed training and qualification maintain armed compliance. The professional certification also has a separate two-year renewal process.
What happens if I miss annual armed training?
DPSST states that failure to complete, submit, and obtain acceptance of the annual requirement by the due date can subject the armed certification to emergency suspension.
Does a concealed-handgun license replace DPSST armed certification?
No. A personal firearm license does not replace the certification required to provide armed private-security services in Oregon.
Official Sources
- DPSST: Armed/Unarmed Private Security Professionals
- DPSST: Training and Fee Requirements
- DPSST: New Certification or License
- DPSST: Renewal Instructions
- DPSST: Private Security Forms
Oregon Security Guide is an independent informational resource and is not affiliated with Oregon DPSST. This guide is general information, not legal or firearms advice. DPSST and applicable law control.