Chapter 109:2-3 | Private Basic Course Training Program

Rule 109:2-3-01 | Definitions.

• Effective: January 1, 2001
• Promulgated Under: 119.03

When used in this chapter:

(A) The term "commission" means the Ohio peace officer training commission;

(B) The term "commander" means the individual, appointed or employed by a training institution and certified by the executive director, as chief administrator of a private security training program;

(C) The term "executive director" means the executive director of the Ohio peace officer training commission;

(D) The term "course" means any private security training program as certified by the executive director of the Ohio peace officer training commission;

(E) The term "private security academic training course" means the training prescribed in this chapter conducted by a private security commander who has been approved and certified in accordance with the rules of this chapter;

(F) The term "private security basic firearms certification course" means the training prescribed in this chapter intended to satisfy the requirements of division (B)(1) of section 109.78 and Chapter 4749. of the Revised Code;

(G) The term "private security firearms requalification course" means the training prescribed in this chapter intended to meet the requirements of division (B)(2) of section 109.78 and Chapter 4749 of the Revised Code;

(H) The term "private security officer" means a person in any position as listed in section 109.78 of the Revised Code which includes persons employed and compensated by a private organization for the purposes of enforcing the ordinances and laws they are empowered to enforce, or to enforce the rules as outlined by said employer on private property or on the property of another who has entered into a formal agreement with the employer to provide such services;

(I) The term "management-level" means a position at a level, within a business or governmental entity, with responsibility for control and direction of personnel and programs, in which the individual is vested with discretionary powers of direction and decision making.

(J) The terms "school" and "training facility" mean the physical site used to conduct training.

Supplemental Information

Authorized By: –
Amplifies: –
Five Year Review Date:
Prior Effective Dates: 5/1/1970, 2/27/1987, 10/1/1993

Rule 109:2-3-02 | Statements of purpose.

• Effective: January 1, 2001
• Promulgated Under: 119.03

(A) Private security academic training course

(1) The purpose of this voluntary course is to provide a certified training curriculum approved by the commission for those seeking employment in the private security field. This curriculum and its student performance objectives are the minimum academic standards for completion of the course.

(2) Nothing in these rules shall limit or be construed as limiting the commander from establishing additional training objectives or success criteria above those established by the commission. Where a conflict may arise, commission rules or standards will supersede those of the commander.

(3) Instruction in company, department or agency rules, local ordinances, or school rules may be given upon local initiative. No portion of the instructional time devoted to this part of the training shall be credited toward the hours of instruction and topics required for completion of the certification course.

(B) Private security basic firearms training and requalification courses

(1) The private security basic firearms training and requalification courses are designed to meet the requirements for such training and requalification as established in section 109.78 and Chapter 4749. of the Revised Code.

(2) These courses are designed to prepare students to perform armed functions while on security duty. Nothing in these rules shall be construed as limiting the employing authority or agency from enacting rules and regulations which establish higher standards of training or qualification than those of the commission.

(3) No instruction other than the commission-approved training shall be credited toward the hours or objectives required for basic firearms certification or requalification.

Supplemental Information

Authorized By: –
Amplifies: –
Five Year Review Date:
Prior Effective Dates: 5/1/1970, 2/27/1987, 10/1/1993

Rule 109:2-3-03 | Approval of training facilities.

• Effective: January 1, 2001
• Promulgated Under: 119.03

(A) Each facility shall have available the following:

(1) A classroom with adequate heating, lighting and ventilation, that is relatively free from external distractions;

(2) A chalkboard or other marking board with chalk or equivalent;

(3) Tables and chairs or seats with arms for writing for each student;

(4) Audio-visual equipment, including but not limited to overhead projector and videocassette player or other comparable viewing apparatus;

(5) A lectern, stand or table for the instructor's use;

(6) A gymnasium or large indoor area for teaching unarmed self-defense, first aid, and other physical skills topics, supplied with appropriate safety and training equipment;

(7) Access to a commission-approved firearms range, if applicable;

(8) Restrooms that will accommodate all students; and

(9) Any other equipment or facilities as required by the executive director.

(B) Basic firearms certification or requalification courses will not require audio-visual equipment or a gymnasium or other large indoor area.

(C) Denial or revocation of approval of a training facility.

(1) The executive director may deny a request for approval of a training facility for failure to meet minimum requirements as set forth in this chapter.

(2) The executive director may revoke the approval of a training facility for failure to maintain minimum requirements as set forth in this chapter.

(3) Should the executive director deny or revoke, approval of a training facility, the executive director shall comply with rule 109:2-3-13 of the Administrative Code.

Supplemental Information

Authorized By: –
Amplifies: –
Five Year Review Date:
Prior Effective Dates: 5/1/1970, 2/27/1987, 10/1/1993

Rule 109:2-3-04 | Certification of commanders.

• Effective: July 1, 2017
• Promulgated Under: 119.03

(A) Each commander is required to obtain certification from the executive director in order to conduct private security training courses. Such certification will be based upon the submission of a typewritten statement of qualifications, on a form prescribed by the executive director, by the person seeking certification as a commander. The commander shall conform to the minimum qualifications as set forth in this chapter and must be associated with an approved training facility. Substantiating documentation of qualifications shall accompany the application at the time of submission.

(B) Minimum qualifications for certification as a private security academic training course commander shall be as follows:

(1) High school graduate or possession of a "General Education Development" certificate; and

(2) Three years full time experience in the private security field, a security-related field or the equivalent, as determined by the executive director. Law enforcement experience does not automatically qualify as security-related experience. The determination of applicability will be based upon the functions performed as a law enforcement officer; and

(3) Two years full time experience in a management-level position or completion of ninety quarter hours or sixty semester hours at an accredited college or university; and

(4) Three professional references from individuals currently employed in the security or a security-related field in a management-level position, who have known the individual for at least three years; and

(5) No conviction for a felony, crime of moral turpitude, offense of violence, or sexually oriented or child-victim oriented offenses. Evidence of a current criminal records check through the bureau of criminal identification and investigation must be submitted with the application.

(6) For applicants applying to be commanders on or after the date of this amendment, completion of a commander training program approved by the executive director.

(C) Joint vocational school private security commanders may be exempted from requirements of paragraph (B)(2) of rule 109:2-3-04 of the Administrative Code by the executive director. This certificate will be specific for those commanders conducting commission-approved courses in joint vocational schools only.

(D) Minimum qualifications for certification as a basic firearms commander or requalification commander.

(1) High school graduate or possession of a "General Education Development" certification; and

(2) Five years full time experience in the private security field, a security-related field or equivalent as determined by the executive director. Law enforcement experience does not automatically qualify as security-related experience. The determination of applicability will be based upon the functions performed as a law enforcement officer; and

(3) Three professional references from individuals currently employed in the security or a security-related field in a management-level position, who have known the individual for at least three years; and

(4) No convictions for a felony, crime of moral turpitude, offense of violence, or sexually oriented or child-victim oriented offense. Evidence of a current criminal record check through the bureau of criminal identification and investigation must be submitted with the application.

(5) For applicants applying to be commanders on or after the date of this amendment, completion of a commander training program approved by the executive director.

(E) Once the application is approved by the executive director, a commander orientation will be conducted by commission staff prior to a commander certificate being issued.

(F) Renewal requirements

(1) Certification shall be renewed every five years. At least sixty days and no more than ninety days prior to expiration of the certificate, the individual shall submit, on a form prescribed by the executive director, an application for renewal.

(2) Renewal requirements shall be as follows:

(a) The applicant must conduct at least two courses within the five year period;

(b) If offered, the applicant must attend at least one commander conference conducted by the commission or commission staff;

(c) The applicant shall complete at least twenty-four hours of training relevant to conducting and overseeing a basic training academy.

(3) Renewal shall be effective for five years.

(G) Denial of issuance or renewal of commander certification, or suspension or revocation of certification.

(1) The executive director shall revoke or refuse to issue or renew certification of an individual for the following reasons:

(a) Failure to meet the minimum qualifications for certification as a commander listed in paragraphs (B) and (D) of this rule;

(b) Failure to meet renewal criteria;

(c) Failure to meet renewal deadline;

(d) Failure to maintain satisfactory ratings on commander evaluations;

(e) Submission of falsified records or renewal documentation;

(f) Violations of the rules of this chapter;

(g) Conviction for a felony, crime of moral turpitude, offense of violence, or sexually oriented or child-victim oriented offense; and

(h) Any other good cause shown.

(2) The executive director may suspend the certification of any commander that is found to be under indictment for any felony, crime of moral turpitude, offense of violence, or sexually oriented or child-victim oriented offense.

(3) Should the executive director refuse to issue or renew a certificate, or choose to suspend or revoke an individual's certification, the executive director shall comply with rule 109:2-3-13 of the Administrative Code.

Supplemental Information

Authorized By: R.C. 109.74
Amplifies: R.C. 109.73, R.C. 109.75, R.C. 109.78
Five Year Review Date: 4/2/2026
Prior Effective Dates: 10/1/1993, 1/1/2001

Rule 109:2-3-05 | Certification of instructors.

• Effective: January 1, 2018
• Promulgated Under: 119.03

(A) All instructors are required to be certified by the executive director to teach in the private security training program by the executive director. All persons requesting approval as an instructor shall submit a application on a form prescribed by the executive director indicating each topic or unit of topics for which the person is seeking approval. Supporting documentation of qualifications shall accompany the application at the time of submission.

(B) Minimum qualifications for certification as a unit instructor shall be as follows:

(1) High school graduate or possession of a "General Education Development" certificate; and

(2) Five years of full time experience in private security or a related field, as determined by the executive director. Law enforcement experience does not automatically qualify as security-related experience. The determination of applicability will be based upon the functions performed as a law enforcement officer; and

(3) Completion of a course of instruction approved by the executive director designed to prepare the individual to teach. Such courses shall include instruction in the theories of learning, teaching techniques, behavioral objectives, use of audio-visual aids, and an exercise in practice teaching. Credit for this requirement may be granted by the executive director for equivalent training or experience; and

(4) Completion of an instructor-level training program approved by the executive director which will allow a person to learn specific knowledge and skills in a unit for which certification is requested; and

(5) Persons seeking approval as a firearms instructor shall meet the requirements of this section and also provide documentation of three years full time experience as an armed security officer with the weapon for which certification is sought; and

(6) No conviction for a felony, crime of moral turpitude, offense of violence, or sexually oriented or child-victim oriented offense. Evidence of a current criminal record check through the bureau of criminal identification and investigation must be submitted with the application.

(C) Topic instructors will be certified only to teach topics within a unit or units of the curriculum, not to exceed five topics. Topic instructors shall not be eligible for approval for the firearms units. Minimum qualifications for certification as a topic instructor shall be as follows:

(1) High school diploma or "general education development" certificate; and

(a) Persons licensed, degreed, or professionally certified in particular disciplines such as medical doctors, attorneys, nurses, counselors, protection professionals and teachers of specialized subjects related to the private security training course may qualify. Persons licensed, degreed or certified in a particular discipline may be eligible to teach all topics within their area of expertise; or

(b) Persons formally recognized for their professional competency in the security, health, fire safety or other related areas must have a minimum of two years of experience; and

(2) No conviction for a felony, crime of moral turpitude, offense of violence, or sexually oriented or child-victim oriented offense. Evidence of a current criminal record check through the bureau of criminal identification and investigation must be submitted with the application.

(D) Renewal of certification

(1) Unit instructors shall renew their certification every three years. At least sixty days and no more than ninety days prior to expiration of the certificate, the instructor shall file, on a form prescribed by the executive director, the following:

(a) Written evidence from the commander(s) that the instructor has taught in at least two commission-approved courses during the most recent certification period; and

(b) Must attend, during the most recent certification period, at least fifteen clock hours of professional development or continuing education relative to at least one of the areas for which the individual is certified. Documentation of attendance or completion from the training agency or institution must be submitted.

(2) Topic instructors shall renew their certification every three years. At least sixty days and no more than ninety days prior to expiration of the certificate, the instructor shall file, on a form prescribed by the executive director, the following:

(a) Written evidence from the commander(s) that the instructor has taught in at least two commission-approved private security courses during the most recent certification period; and

(b) Proof that certification or license submitted as basis for original certification or most recent renewal is still valid, or has been renewed and is in good standing with the issuing body, or present documentation that they are still actively involved in the participation or practice of the topic area or areas for which certification was granted.

(E) The executive director may deny, suspend, revoke, or refuse to renew certification of an individual for the following reasons:

(1) Failure to meet the minimum qualifications for instructor certification listed in paragraphs (B) and (C) of this rule;

(2) Failure to meet renewal criteria;

(3) Failure to meet renewal deadline;

(4) Submission of falsified records or renewal documentation; or

(5) Unacceptable performance evaluations;

(6) Conviction for a felony, crime of moral turpitude, offense of violence, or sexually oriented or child-victim oriented offense; or

(7) Any other good cause shown.

(F) Should the executive director refuse to issue or renew a certificate, or choose to suspend or revoke an individual's certification, the executive director will comply with rule 109:2-3-13 of the Administrative Code.

Supplemental Information

Authorized By: R.C 109.74
Amplifies: R.C 109.73, R.C. 109.78, R.C. 109.75
Five Year Review Date: 4/2/2026
Prior Effective Dates: 1/16/2016

Rule 109:2-3-06 | Approval of courses.

• Effective: January 1, 2001
• Promulgated Under: 119.03

(A) Commanders of any private security training course must be in compliance with rules 109:2-3-03, 109:2-3-04, and 109:2-3-05 of the Administrative Code prior to the submission of an application to conduct a course.

(B) Application requirements for the academic training course.

(1) On a form prescribed by the executive director, the commander shall submit an application and appropriate application fee to the executive director to conduct an academic training course no later than twenty-one days prior to the first day of the course. Included with those items shall be a proposed training calendar, which shall list the following:

(a) Commission topics to be taught;

(b) Instructors' full names, commission-issued certification numbers, and expiration dates of certificates;

(c) Dates of instruction for each topic;

(d) Clock time of instruction for each topic; and

(e) Any other information as may be required by the executive director.

(C) Minimum of six commission-certified instructors must be scheduled to teach in the private security academic training courses.

(D) The commander must have prior written approval from the executive director to conduct the academic training course. This approval shall be valid only for the proposed dates indicated on the application form.

(E) Denial of an application or revocation of course approval.

(1) Courses which are not in compliance with the rules of this chapter will be denied.

(2) Approved courses which are found to be in violation of the rules of this chapter may have their approval revoked by the executive director.

(3) Should the executive director deny an application or revoke approval to conduct a course, the executive director shall comply with rule 109:2-3-13 of the Administrative Code.

(F) Within three calendar days after the course has begun, the commander shall forward to the executive director, on forms prescribed by the executive director, a student enrollment list and an enrollment package, for each student.

(G) Upon completion of the course, the commander shall forward to the executive director all required records, as prescribed by the executive director.

(H) Application requirements for the basic firearms and requalification courses.

(1) On a form prescribed by the executive director, the commander shall submit an application and appropriate application fee to the executive director to conduct a basic firearms or requalification course no later than twenty-one days prior to the first day of the course. Included with those items shall be a proposed training calendar, which shall list the following:

(a) Dates of training for classroom and firing range;

(b) Instructors' full names, commission-issued certification numbers, and expiration dates of certificates;

(c) Clock time of instruction; and

(d) Any other information as may be required by the executive director.

(2) The commander must have prior written approval from the executive director to conduct the basic firearms or requalification course. This approval shall be valid only for the proposed dates indicated on the application form.

(3) Denial of an application or revocation of course approval.

(a) Courses which are not in compliance with the rules of this chapter will be denied.

(b) Approved courses which are found to be in violation of the rules of this chapter may have their approval revoked by the executive director.

(c) Should the executive director deny an application or revoke approval to conduct a course, the executive director shall comply with rule 109:2-3-13 of the Administrative Code.

(4) Upon completion of the course, the commander shall forward to the executive director all required records, as prescribed by the executive director.

Supplemental Information

Authorized By: –
Amplifies: –
Five Year Review Date:
Prior Effective Dates: 5/1/1970, 2/27/1987, 10/1/1993

Rule 109:2-3-07 | Attendance requirements.

• Effective: January 1, 2001
• Promulgated Under: 119.03

(A) Private security academic training course

(1) Attendance is required at all sessions of the course.

(a) Absence of ten percent or less.

When a student is absent for ten percent or less of the non-mandatory commission-required hours of the training course in which the student is enrolled, the school commander may excuse the absence, if in the commander's judgment, the absences were for valid reasons, including but not limited to illness of either the student or the student's immediate family or an emergency employment situation. The student shall provide the commander with written documentation listing the reasons for the absence. The commander may require the student to make up the missed hours of training.

(b) Absence of more than ten percent of the non-mandatory commission-required hours.

If a student misses more than ten percent of the non-mandatory commission-required hours of the course, the student will not be eligible to take the final examination and will fail the course.

(B) One hundred per cent attendance shall be required for the mandatory topics of laws of arrest, search and seizure, cultural sensitivity, unarmed self-defense, and first aid, any portion of any firearm training course which is conducted and any other topic designated by the Ohio general assembly or the commission.

Supplemental Information

Authorized By: –
Amplifies: –
Five Year Review Date:
Prior Effective Dates: 5/1/1970, 2/27/1987, 10/1/1993

Rule 109:2-3-08 | Notebook.

• Effective: January 1, 2001
• Promulgated Under: 119.03

(A) Each person enrolled in the private security academic training course shall maintain a notebook, as one of the requirements for certification. The notebook shall be periodically reviewed and evaluated as satisfactory or unsatisfactory by the commander. The notebook shall contain appropriate entries of pertinent material covered during the classroom sessions of the training course. Among the factors to be evaluated in the notebook, shall be:

(1) Sufficiency of course content;

(2) Organization;

(3) Appropriateness of material;

(4) Regularity of entries;

(5) Neatness;

(6) Accuracy; and

(7) Legibility.

(B) Notebooks and the grades assigned to them by the commander are subject to review by the executive director at any time.

(C) Any person whose notebook has been evaluated as unsatisfactory by the commander shall not be eligible to take the final examination, and will fail the course.

Supplemental Information

Authorized By: –
Amplifies: –
Five Year Review Date:
Prior Effective Dates: 5/1/1970, 2/27/1987, 10/1/1993

Rule 109:2-3-09 | Examination.

• Effective: July 1, 2017
• Promulgated Under: 119.03

(A) The Ohio peace officer training commission will prepare, conduct and score a final examination for each person successfully completing the private security academic training course. Each student recommended for certification must pass the final examination with a minimum score to be determined by the commission.

(B) No student shall participate in the final examination who has not successfully completed first aid or unarmed self-defense, or has failed to submit a satisfactory student notebook.

(C) No student shall participate in the final examination who has failed to meet the minimum attendance requirements established by the commission.

(D) The results of this examination shall be made known to the commander within five business days of the date administered. Persons failing to achieve the designated minimum score shall be given one retest. This retest shall normally be given within two weeks of the date the commander is notified of the initial examination results. The results of the retest shall be made known to the commander within five business days of the date administered. Students who fail the retest shall not be permitted to take the final examination again until they successfully complete another private security academic training course.

Supplemental Information

Authorized By: R.C. 109.74
Amplifies: R.C. 109.73, R.C. 109.75, R.C. 109.78
Five Year Review Date: 4/2/2026
Prior Effective Dates: 5/1/1970, 10/1/1993, 1/1/2001

Rule 109:2-3-10 | Firearms certification.

• Effective: January 1, 2001
• Promulgated Under: 119.03

(A) Persons holding positions listed in section 109.78 of the Revised Code in which such persons go armed while on duty shall successfully complete a basic firearms training course which includes a minimum of twenty hours of training in each handgun to be used, and, if the shotgun is to be used, a minimum of five hours of training in the use of the shotgun. In order to successfully complete this course of instruction, a student must pass each student performance objective outlined in the commission-approved basic firearms course. Failure to pass any objective results in failure of the course.

(1) Certification shall be valid for a period of eighteen months from the date of completion of the basic firearms training course.

(2) The renewal date for initial requalification shall be established as eighteen months from the date of initial certification. That date shall remain constant each year, until such time as the individual fails to requalify prior to the expiration date of a current certification period. Such failure to act shall void the renewal date and a commission-approved minimum twenty-hour basic firearms training course shall be repeated.

(B) Persons holding positions listed in Ohio Revised Code 109.78 in which such persons go armed while on duty shall be required, on an annual basis, to successfully complete a minimum of four hours of a firearms requalification course approved by the Ohio peace officer training commission. In order to requalify, a person must pass each student performance objective outlined in the firearms requalification course. Failure to pass any objective results in failure of the course.

(1) The renewal date for initial requalification shall be established as eighteen months from the completion date of the initial basic firearms training course. That date shall remain constant each year until such time as the individual fails to requalify prior to the expiration date of a current certification period. Such failure to act shall void the renewal date and the basic firearms training course must be repeated.

(2) Requalification shall be valid for a period of twelve months from the date of completion of the firearms requalification course.

(3) Individuals may requalify in one of the following timeframes:

(a) Within ninety days of their expiration date without affecting the renewal date; or

(b) More than ninety days prior to the expiration date which will establish a new renewal date. The new renewal date shall be twelve months from the date of the current requalification course.

(4) Individuals who fail to requalify prior to the expiration date shall repeat a commission-approved minimum twenty-hour basic firearms training course.

Supplemental Information

Authorized By: –
Amplifies: –
Five Year Review Date:
Prior Effective Dates: 5/1/1970, 2/27/1987, 10/1/1993

Rule 109:2-3-11 | Private security academic training course certificate of completion.

• Effective: January 1, 2001
• Promulgated Under: 119.03

(A) Upon satisfactory completion of the academic training course, the commander shall recommend the student for certification, on a form prescribed by the executive director.

(B) A student who successfully completes the academic training course but fails the optional firearms course will receive a certificate for the academic training course only.

(C) A student who successfully completes the optional firearms training portion of the private security academic training course but fails the academic training course will not receive a certificate of completion for the firearms training course.

(D) Receipt of the certificate by the student shall be considered as successful completion of the approved training course.

Supplemental Information

Authorized By: –
Amplifies: –
Five Year Review Date:
Prior Effective Dates: 5/1/1970, 2/27/1987, 10/1/1993

Rule 109:2-3-12 | Description of the private security academic training course.

• Effective: January 1, 2001
• Promulgated Under: 119.03

(A) The course content and curriculum of the private security academic training course shall be established and approved by the commission. It shall be sufficient in content and subject material to provide the student with a basic knowledge of the role, functions, and practices of the private security officer.

(B) The units, topics, hours and student performance objectives for the course shall be approved by the commission, and must be taught in their entirety.

(C) The curriculum shall be comprised of topics that will be contained in the following units:

(1) Administration;

(2) Legal;

(3) Human relations;

(4) Communications;

(5) Loss prevention;

(6) Safety and protective services;

(7) Unarmed self-defense; and

(8) First aid.

(D) Firearms training may also be offered for those students who seek certification in that area. Pursuant to section 2923.21 of the Revised Code, no person under eighteen years of age may participate in any portion of the firearms training.

(E) The units, topics, hours and student performance objectives mandated by the commission are minimum requirements for obtaining certification. Commanders and instructors are encouraged to exceed these minimum requirements.

Supplemental Information

Authorized By: –
Amplifies: –
Five Year Review Date:

Rule 109:2-3-13 | Adjudication hearing procedure.

• Effective: July 1, 2014
• Promulgated Under: 119.03

If a request for certification or renewal of any certification is denied, if certification is suspended or revoked, or school approval is revoked, the executive director shall notify the affected party. Unless the decision was of a ministerial nature, the executive director shall advise the affected party that the affected party may request a hearing before the commission as provided in sections 119.06 and 119.07 of the Revised Code. The commission shall conduct the hearing as required by sections 119.01 to 119.13 of the Revised Code.

Supplemental Information

Authorized By: RC 109.74
Amplifies: RC 109.73, RC 109.75, RC 109.78
Five Year Review Date: 4/2/2026
Prior Effective Dates: 10/10/1993

Rule 109:2-3-14 | Forms.

• Effective: June 15, 2020
• Promulgated Under: 119.03

All forms referenced in this chapter can be found at https://www.ohioattorneygeneral.gov/law-enforcement/ohio-peace-officer-training-academy/opotc-resources or by contacting the Ohio peace officer training academy at [e-mail]

Supplemental Information

Authorized By: 109.74
Amplifies: 109.73, 109.75, 109.78
Five Year Review Date: 3/31/2026