Ready to upgrade and become armed?
We will walk you through everything, step by step. From training and range arrangements to the required assessment, Live Scan and BSIS application, we will help you understand what to do and what comes next.
Security professionals interested in becoming armed and seeking information about the training process.
Your armed upgrade cost breakdown.
| Item | Cost | Details |
|---|---|---|
| Civilian Protection Services training | $150.00–$180.00 | Depends on your firearm experience |
| Range time | Usually $25.00 per hour, per individual | Varies by range location and experience; total hours confirmed before booking |
| Firearm rental, if you do not have a firearm | $10.00–$30.00 | Depends on the range |
| Ammunition | $10.00–$25.00 | Depends on the range |
| PSI firearms assessment | $69.00 | Paid to PSI |
| BSIS initial firearms permit application | $110.00 | Paid to BSIS |
| Live Scan government processing | $87.00 | DOJ $32 + FBI $17 + firearms eligibility $38 |
| Live Scan operator service fee | Varies | Paid to the Live Scan operator |
Training, assessment, application and government Live Scan fees total $416.00–$446.00, plus range time, any firearm rental and ammunition, and the Live Scan operator’s fee. This is a planning subtotal, not a fixed package quote. Confirm equipment, ammunition and any other range charges before booking.
1. Plan your training — $150.00–$180.00.
Civilian Protection Services bases your training price on your firearm experience. Tell us whether you are a beginner or have previous training so we can confirm your price and preparation.
Required firearms training includes a written examination and range qualification. Range scheduling and total time depend on the location and your individual experience. Individual range time is usually $25.00 per hour; confirm the selected range’s rate with us.
If you do not have a firearm, rental is $10.00–$30.00 depending on the range. Ammunition is $10.00–$25.00 depending on the range.
Your actual costs may be lower.
Training and equipment costs may be reduced based on several factors, including available leftover supplies or donated equipment. We will discuss what is available and confirm your actual costs before booking. BSIS, PSI and government Live Scan fees are set separately.
2. Complete the required PSI assessment — $69.00.
Security guards applying for an initial firearms permit must demonstrate appropriate judgment, restraint and self-control through PSI’s 16pf assessment. It is separate from classroom testing and range qualification. Pass it before submitting the initial application, within the preceding six months. Pay PSI directly.
3. Submit your BSIS application — $110.00.
After completing the required training and assessment, submit the initial firearms permit application and fee to BSIS. Use BreEZe or the state’s paper application instructions. BSIS determines eligibility and issues the permit.
4. Complete firearms Live Scan — $87.00 plus operator fee.
Submit your firearms application before completing the firearms background check. Use the BSIS Security Guard w/Firearm Live Scan form. Bring identification and keep the completed receipt with your ATI number.
Government charges are DOJ $32.00, FBI $17.00 and firearms eligibility $38.00, totaling $87.00. The operator adds its own service fee. Prior guard-card fingerprints do not replace the firearms permit fingerprint requirement.
Before you enroll.
Have your guard registration, previous training records and experience details ready. Confirm equipment and the range location with us before attending. Review the BSIS eligibility and training requirements.
Request your armed upgrade training.
Request Armed Training ↗We will confirm your training price, range arrangements and next steps.
State and assessment fees checked October 12, 2026. View current BSIS fees.