Armed Professional Resources
Firearms Qualification Requirements by State: Complete Guide for Armed Professionals (2026)
Everything law enforcement officers, armed security guards, and pursuit professionals need to know about annual firearms qualification standards, training hours, and passing scores in all 50 states.
Firearms qualification requirements vary significantly by state and profession. Most states require annual qualification for law enforcement (70-80% minimum score on 50-round course), while armed security officers typically need 8-47 hours of initial training plus annual re-qualification. Below you’ll find a complete state-by-state breakdown for every armed profession.
📑 Table of Contents
What is Firearms Qualification?
Firearms qualification is the standardized process by which armed professionals demonstrate their proficiency with their duty weapons. Whether you’re a police officer, armed security guard, or bail enforcement agent, maintaining current firearms qualification is essential to legally carry a weapon in the performance of your duties.
The qualification process typically involves completing a prescribed course of fire that tests accuracy at multiple distances, shooting speed, weapon manipulation skills including reloads and malfunction clearing, and often low-light or stress shooting scenarios. Each state’s Peace Officer Standards and Training (POST) commission or equivalent regulatory body establishes the specific requirements for their jurisdiction.
For most armed professionals, qualification is not a one-time event. Annual or semi-annual re-qualification ensures that officers and guards maintain the skills necessary to safely and effectively use their weapons. Failure to maintain current qualification status can result in loss of authorization to carry firearms on duty, and in some cases, suspension or revocation of professional certification.
Who Needs to Complete Firearms Qualification?
Firearms qualification requirements apply to a wide range of armed professionals. Understanding whether you fall under these requirements—and which specific standards apply to your role—is the first step in maintaining compliance.
If you carry a firearm as part of your job duties, you almost certainly need to maintain qualification. Even off-duty carry for law enforcement may require additional qualification with personal weapons. When in doubt, check with your state’s regulatory body or your employer’s training coordinator.
Law enforcement officers including municipal police, county sheriff deputies, state troopers, and federal agents all must qualify with their duty weapons. Most states require qualification with every weapon an officer is authorized to carry, including backup weapons and long guns.
Armed security professionals face requirements that vary significantly by state. In states like New York and California, armed guards must complete extensive initial training (47 hours and 16 hours respectively) and maintain annual qualifications. Other states have minimal or no specific requirements for private security firearms training.
Pursuit and recovery professionals such as bail enforcement agents, bounty hunters, and fugitive recovery agents face a patchwork of state regulations. Some states treat these professionals as armed security and apply the same training requirements, while others have specific bail enforcement training mandates or no requirements at all.
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Law Enforcement Firearms Qualification Standards
Law enforcement officers across the United States must meet rigorous firearms qualification standards established by their state’s POST commission or equivalent authority. While specific requirements vary by state, several common elements exist across jurisdictions.
Common Course of Fire Elements
Most law enforcement qualification courses share similar characteristics designed to test practical shooting skills. The standard course typically involves 50 rounds fired at distances ranging from 3 to 25 yards. Officers must demonstrate proficiency in drawing from a secured holster, engaging targets with both one-handed and two-handed grips, performing tactical reloads under time pressure, and transitioning between multiple targets.
Passing scores range from 70% to 80% depending on the state. Pennsylvania, for example, requires a minimum score of 75% on their standardized 50-round course. Massachusetts has set their minimum at 80% for handguns and 90% for patrol rifles. Some states use graduated scoring systems where hits in the center mass score higher than peripheral hits.
State-by-State Law Enforcement Requirements
| State | Min. Score | Rounds | Frequency | Authority |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| California | Varies by agency | 50+ | Quarterly | CA POST |
| Texas | 70% | 50 | Annual | TCOLE |
| Florida | 80% | 48 | Annual | FDLE CJSTC |
| New York | 75% | 50 | Semi-Annual | DCJS |
| Pennsylvania | 75% | 50 | Annual | MPOETC |
| Illinois | 70% | 30 | Annual | ILETSB |
| New Jersey | 80% | 50 | Semi-Annual | PTC |
| Massachusetts | 80% | 50 | Annual | MPTC |
| Arizona | 70% | 50 | Annual | AZPOST |
| Kansas | 70% | 50 | Annual | KS·CPOST |
Additional Weapon Qualifications
Beyond duty handguns, many officers must also qualify with additional weapons systems. As of January 2026, Pennsylvania’s MPOETC now requires mandatory qualification courses for patrol rifles and shotguns for any officer authorized to carry those weapons. Similar requirements exist in most states for officers assigned specialized weapons.
Many departments allow officers to use practice ammunition for qualification if it matches the bullet weight and manufacturer of their duty ammunition. This can significantly reduce costs while maintaining training validity. Check with your firearms instructor about your department’s specific ammunition policy.
Armed Security Guard Qualification Requirements
Armed security officer training and qualification requirements vary dramatically from state to state. Some states mandate extensive training programs rivaling those of law enforcement, while others have minimal or no specific firearms training requirements for private security personnel.
States with Comprehensive Requirements
New York has among the most rigorous requirements in the nation. Armed guards must complete a 47-hour firearms training course through a DCJS-approved school, maintain a valid NYS pistol permit, and complete 8 hours of annual in-service firearms training. Guards must qualify with each weapon they’re authorized to carry on duty, achieving at least 70% on a 50-round qualification course.
California requires completion of a 16-hour firearms course (8 classroom, 6 range hours, plus assessment) through a BSIS-approved instructor. Since 2018, applicants must also pass a psychological assessment evaluating judgment, restraint, and self-control. Annual re-qualification includes 8 hours of continuing education with 2 hours specifically covering use-of-force review.
Texas uses a tiered licensing system. Level III (armed) security officers must complete 45 hours of training covering bomb threats, terrorist response, use of force concepts, and extensive firearms training. Qualification must be demonstrated within 90 days of application, with ongoing proficiency maintenance required.
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Shop All Badges →Armed Security Training Hours by State
| State | Initial Training | Annual Renewal | Regulatory Body |
|---|---|---|---|
| New York | 47 hours firearms | 8 hours | DCJS |
| California | 16 hours + assessment | 8 hours | BSIS |
| Texas | 45 hours (Level III) | Ongoing | TDPS |
| Florida | 28 hours firearms | 4 hours | DOACS |
| Illinois | 20 hours firearms | 8 hours | IDFPR |
| New Jersey | 24 hours | 8 hours biennial | NJSP |
| Connecticut | 8 hours + qual | Annual qual | DESPP |
| Colorado | 80 hours (some cities) | Annual | Local |
- 72% of states with armed security requirements mandate annual re-qualification
- 8-47 hours range of initial firearms training requirements
- $500-$1,000 typical cost for armed security firearms course
Pursuit & Recovery Professional Requirements
Fugitive recovery agents, bail enforcement agents, and bounty hunters face a complex regulatory landscape that varies significantly by state. Unlike law enforcement and security guards, these professionals may operate under entirely different statutory frameworks depending on their jurisdiction.
Some states, like Texas and North Carolina, have established specific licensing requirements for bail enforcement that include firearms training components. Other states simply require bail enforcement professionals to meet the same standards as armed security guards. A handful of states have banned commercial bail altogether, eliminating the need for bail enforcement licensing.
Bail enforcement regulations change frequently, and some states have recently enacted restrictions on bounty hunting activities. Always verify current requirements with your state’s Department of Insurance or equivalent regulatory body before assuming you can operate across state lines. What’s legal in one state may be prohibited in another.
For pursuit professionals operating in multiple states, understanding reciprocity agreements (or lack thereof) is critical. Most states do not recognize out-of-state bail enforcement licenses, meaning professionals must obtain separate credentials for each state where they intend to operate.
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How to Prepare for Firearms Qualification
Successful firearms qualification doesn’t happen by accident. Whether you’re a veteran officer or preparing for your first armed security qualification, a structured preparation approach will significantly increase your chances of passing on the first attempt.
Know Your Course of Fire
Every state’s qualification course is different. Before you begin practicing, obtain a copy of your state’s official course of fire documentation. This will tell you the exact distances, number of rounds, time limits, and scoring zones you’ll encounter. Many officers fail not because of poor shooting skills, but because they weren’t prepared for the specific requirements of their course.
Pay particular attention to timed stages. If your course includes a 3-yard, 2-round engagement in 3 seconds from a secured holster, that specific drill should become part of your regular practice routine. Practicing at distances and times different from your qualification course may build general skills but won’t prepare you for the specific challenges you’ll face.
Equipment Preparation
Your duty weapon should be clean, properly lubricated, and functioning reliably well before qualification day. Test fire your weapon at least a week before your scheduled qualification to identify any potential issues. Verify that your holster provides proper retention while allowing a clean draw stroke. If you’ve recently changed holsters, spend time practicing draws until the new equipment feels natural.
Confirm that your magazines feed reliably and that you have the correct ammunition. Some states specify that qualification must be completed with duty ammunition or ammunition matching the bullet weight and manufacturer of your carry rounds.
What Happens If You Fail?
Failing to qualify is not the end of your career, but it does have consequences. Most states allow for immediate remedial training followed by a re-test, sometimes on the same day. If you fail the re-test, you may be temporarily suspended from armed duty status until you successfully complete qualification.
The key is to work closely with your firearms instructor to identify the specific deficiencies in your shooting. Whether it’s trigger control at distance, drawing speed, or reload efficiency, targeted practice on your weak areas will prepare you for successful re-qualification.
Frequently Asked Questions
How often do law enforcement officers need to qualify with their firearms?
Most states require annual firearms qualification for law enforcement officers, though some states like New York and New Jersey mandate semi-annual qualification. Officers must typically qualify with every weapon they’re authorized to carry on duty, including backup weapons and long guns. California and some other states may require quarterly qualification for certain agencies.
What is the minimum passing score for firearms qualification?
Minimum passing scores vary by state and typically range from 70% to 80%. Most states require 70% for law enforcement handgun qualification, while Massachusetts and New Jersey require 80%. Patrol rifle qualification often requires higher scores, with Massachusetts mandating 90% for rifle qualification. Check your state’s POST commission for specific requirements.
How many hours of training do armed security guards need?
Armed security guard training requirements vary dramatically by state. New York requires 47 hours of initial firearms training, while California requires 16 hours (8 classroom, 6 range, plus psychological assessment). Texas Level III armed guards need 45 hours. Some states have minimal requirements or leave training to employer discretion. Annual continuing education typically ranges from 4-8 hours.
Do retired law enforcement officers need to maintain firearms qualification?
Under the Law Enforcement Officers Safety Act (LEOSA/HR-218), qualified retired law enforcement officers may carry concealed firearms nationwide if they meet annual qualification standards. This typically requires qualifying with the same standards as active officers in their state. Some states offer specific retired officer qualification programs. If working as armed security, retired officers may need to complete additional training depending on how long they’ve been separated from service.
What happens if I fail firearms qualification?
If you fail initial qualification, most states allow remedial training followed by a re-test, sometimes the same day. The number of allowed attempts varies by state and agency policy. If you fail to qualify after remediation, you’ll typically be suspended from armed duty status until successful qualification. For law enforcement, continued failure to qualify can be grounds for certification revocation. Work with your firearms instructor to identify and address specific deficiencies.
Can I use practice ammunition for qualification?
Ammunition policies vary by state and agency. Pennsylvania and some other states now allow practice ammunition for qualification if it matches the same bullet weight and manufacturer as your duty ammunition. Some agencies require duty ammunition for at least one phase of qualification. Always verify your specific agency’s policy with your firearms instructor before qualification day.
- Firearms qualification is mandatory for all armed professionals—law enforcement, security, and pursuit
- Requirements vary significantly by state: research YOUR specific state’s POST commission or licensing board
- Most states require annual re-qualification with 70-80% minimum passing scores
- Armed security training ranges from 8-47 hours initial training depending on state
- Proper preparation—knowing your course of fire and maintaining equipment—is key to success
- Failure to maintain qualification results in loss of armed duty authorization
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Last Updated: January 2026