Become a Licensed Security Officer Instructor

Instructors play an important role in preparing Louisiana’s security professionals. Review the qualifications, instructor license types, required documentation, fees, and application steps to learn what you need to become licensed through LSBPSE. The Instructor License has two parts; who you can teach and what content you can teach (i.e. classroom, firearms, or baton).


Requirements may vary by license classification and instructor category. All instructor applicants must meet LSBPSE eligibility requirements and complete the instructor licensing process. Additional documentation, insurance, affiliation, curriculum, certification, and fee requirements may apply depending on whether you are applying as an In-House, Outside, or Outside Limited instructor and whether you will teach classroom, firearms, or baton training.

Which Instructor License Is Right for You?

In-House Instructor

Licensed to train employees of the affiliated security company.

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Outside Instructor

Licensed to independently provide approved security officer training.

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Outside Limited Instructor

Licensed to train students of a specific training academy or educational institution

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What Type of Training(s) Will You Teach?

Classroom

Board-required classroom instruction, including S.O.S.T. 1101 and S.O.S.T. 1102, or other Board-approved training.

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Firearms

Board-approved firearms instruction, including required training and qualification for armed security officers.

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Baton

Board-approved baton instruction, including required training in the proper use of a baton by security officers.

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Prepare Before You Apply

What You'll Need

Application requirements vary depending on the license type and the training category.

Standard application documentation may include:

  • Current government-issued photo identification
  • Social Security number
  • Digital passport-quality photograph
  • Résumé with verifiable employment dates
  • Fingerprint and background check documentation
  • Proof of qualifying education, experience, or instructor certification
  • General liability insurance documentation


Additional documentation may apply to:

  • Firearms instructor applicants
  • Baton instructor applicants
  • Applicants using military experience or credentials
  • Applicants covered under an employer’s liability insurance policy


Additional certification is required for Firearms and Baton Instructor applicants.

LICENSING & REGISTRATION PORTAL

Application Process

Follow these steps to prepare and submit your instructor license application.

Choose Your License Type & Training Category
Select In-House, Outside, or Outside Limited, then choose Classroom, Firearms, and/or Baton.

  • Confirm Eligibility: Email the Licensing & Registration Team  to confirm you meet the requirements.
  • Access the Application: Once confirmed, the appropriate application will be made available in the portal.
  • Submit Your Application: Complete the application and upload all required documents.
  • Complete Fingerprints & Background Check: Submit fingerprints and any required background-check information.
  • Pay Fees & Complete the Instructor Exam: Pay applicable fees and complete the required instructor examination.
  • Board Review & Approval: LSBPSE will review the completed application for compliance with licensing requirements. The instructor license will be issued upon Board approval.

Licensing Fees

Review the current instructor licensing fees below, including initial license, renewal, and examination fees.

Licensing Fees
Classroom Instructor / Renewal $110
Baton Instructor / Renewal $130
Firearms Instructor / Renewal $160
Instructor Examination $60

Before You Pay

  • Confirm your instructor license type and training category
  • Make sure all required documents and certifications have been uploaded
  • Review your application for accuracy and completeness
  • Confirm you have submitted any required curriculum or training materials
  • Verify the applicable license and examination fees before submitting payment

Fees are non-refundable. Additional third-party fingerprinting or examination-proctoring charges may apply.

VIEW FEE SCHEDULE

Frequently Asked Questions

Find answers to common questions about instructor licensing

  • What are the basic qualifications to become a licensed instructor?

    Applicants must meet at least one of the qualifying education, certification, or supervisory-experience pathways established by Louisiana law. These include qualifying supervisory experience, a degree in administration of justice or equivalent, P.O.S.T. instructor certification, or a qualifying teaching certificate combined with supervisory security experience.

  • What types of instructor licenses are available?

    LSBPSE licenses instructors as In-House, Outside, or Outside Limited. In-House instructors teach employees of their affiliated security company, Outside instructors may train individuals statewide, and Outside Limited instructors teach students of a specific training academy or educational institution.

  • What types of training can I be licensed to teach?

    Instructor licensing includes Classroom, Firearms, and Baton training categories. Applicants should apply for the category or combination of categories they are qualified to teach.

  • Do firearms instructors have additional requirements?

    Yes. Firearms instructor applicants must meet the general instructor qualifications and hold an accepted firearms instructor certification, such as an eligible P.O.S.T., NRA Security or Police, Department of Energy, or U.S. military firearms instructor certification.

  • How do I apply for an instructor license?

    Begin by determining your instructor license type and training category. Contact the Company & Instructor Licensing Team to confirm the applicable requirements and obtain access to the appropriate application in the Licensing & Registration Portal.

  • Is there an examination for instructor applicants? What score is required to pass?

    Yes. All applicants for an instructor license must pass a written examination administered by LSBPSE. A minimum score of 70% is required to pass.

  • What is covered on the instructor examination?

    The instructor examination is based on the Louisiana laws and rules governing the private security industry. Applicants should review the applicable statutes and administrative rules before taking the exam

  • When can I take the instructor examination?

    LSBPSE’s current guidance states that applicants are contacted to schedule the examination after the application has been completed and the required payment has been submitted.

  • How long is an instructor license valid?

    Instructor licenses are issued for one year and must be renewed to remain active.

  • Can I teach anywhere in Louisiana once I am licensed?

    It depends on your license type. Outside instructors may train individuals statewide. In-House instructors are limited to employees of their affiliated security company, while Outside Limited instructors are limited to students of the applicable academy or educational institution.

Need More Information?

Explore our complete Instructor FAQs for answers to additional registration, training, renewal, and application questions.

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