OPOTA Training Center

ORC Section 4749.10 mandates specific training for private security personnel. This includes a 20-hour firearms qualification course and a 4-hour requalification course. Participants must demonstrate proficiency in handling and using firearms safely, understanding Ohio’s CHL laws, and interacting with law enforcement.

What are the private security firearm training requirements?

Private security firearm training requirements include completing a 20-hour firearms qualification course. Students must bring their own handgun, 250 rounds of ammunition, two magazines, a duty belt with a holster, eye and ear protection, and a valid state ID. The course covers safe firearm handling, marksmanship, and range safety.

What are the OPOTA training academy requirements?

The OPOTA training academy requires perfect attendance. Students must attend all scheduled classes and are not allowed to miss more than 14 minutes of any session. They must also be U.S. citizens, at least 21 years old, and meet specific legal and mental health criteria.

What are the OPOTA firearms instructor requirements?

OPOTA firearms instructors must be certified by the Ohio Police Officers Training Commission (OPOTC). They should have extensive experience in law enforcement and firearm handling. Instructors must also comply with OPOTA’s standards for providing quality education and ensuring student safety.

What do I need to bring to the 20-hour OPOTA course?

Attendees must bring the following to the 20-hour OPOTA course:

Handgun (semi-auto or revolver)
250 rounds of ammunition (no steel-cased ammo)
Two ammunition magazines
Duty belt with a firearm holster
Magazine holster
Ear and eye protection
State ID

What do I need to bring to the 4-hour OPOTA certification class?

For the 4-hour OPOTA certification class, attendees must bring:

Handgun (semi-auto or revolver)
100 rounds of ammunition
Two ammunition magazines
Duty belt with a firearm holster
Magazine holster
Ear and eye protection
State ID
Copy of their current OPOTA firearm certificate

Snacks and refreshments are allowed, and a refrigerator and microwave are available.

What is the dress code for OPOTA training?

Attendees must wear pants with belt loops, a belt, and non-slip shoes. Open-toe shoes are not allowed. Proper attire ensures safety and compliance with training standards.

What disqualifies someone from taking an OPOTA course?

Disqualifications include having felony convictions, misdemeanor domestic violence convictions, being a fugitive from justice, drug dependency, mental incompetence adjudications, dishonorable discharge from the armed forces, renouncing U.S. citizenship, and more. Full details are provided during course registration.

What should I do if I have a loaded firearm?

Do not bring loaded firearms into the training academy. Ammunition should be locked in your vehicle. Only bring your secured, unloaded handgun into the classroom.

What will I receive upon completing the 20-hour OPOTA course?

Upon successful completion of the 20-hour OPOTA course, participants will receive a signed Certificate of Completion from an OPOTC Certified Instructor at Bee-Safe®. This certificate fulfills the requirements for private security firearm training in Ohio.

What will I receive upon completing the 4-hour OPOTA certification class?

After completing the 4-hour OPOTA certification class, participants will receive a signed Certificate of Completion from an OPOTC Certified Instructor at Bee-Safe®. This certificate is necessary for requalification as a private security firearm handler.

Directions to OPOTA Training

Traveling from Columbus, OH to OPOTA Training in New Riegel, OH?

Traveling from Columbus, OH to New Riegel, OH for your OPOTA Training is straightforward.
Start by taking I-71 N from Columbus. Merge onto US-23 N via exit 131 toward Delaware. Continue on US-23 N and take the OH-53 N exit toward Tiffin. Follow OH-53 N and then take OH-587 N to New Riegel. The trip is approximately 2 hours. If you are still deciding between opota training locations please feel free to contact us with any questions.

20-Hour Opota Training Requirements & Disqualifications Guide

Traveling from Cleveland, OH to OPOTA Training in New Riegel, OH?

Welcome Cleveland OPOTA Training Candidates!

To reach New Riegel, OH for OPOTA Training from Cleveland, OH, take I-90 W and then merge onto OH-2 W. Take the OH-53 exit toward Fremont. Follow OH-53 S and OH-587 S to New Riegel. The journey takes about 2 hours and 15 minutes. If you are still deciding between opota training locations please feel free to contact us with any questions.

20-Hour Opota Training Requirements & Disqualifications Guide

Traveling from Cincinnati, OH to OPOTA Training in New Riegel, OH?

Searching for a Cincinnati OPOTA Training Center? From Cincinnati, OH, head north on I-75 N toward Dayton. Merge onto US-68 N and follow it through Findlay. Take OH-224 E, then turn left onto OH-587 N to New Riegel. The trip to New Riegel for your OPOTA Training is approximately 2 hours and 45 minutes.

20-Hour Opota Training Requirements & Disqualifications Guide

Traveling from Toledo, OH to OPOTA Training in New Riegel, OH?

To travel from Toledo, OH to New Riegel, OH for OPOTA Training, take I-75 S and then exit onto OH-12 E toward Fostoria. Continue on OH-18 E and then turn right onto OH-587 S. Follow OH-587 S to New Riegel. The journey takes around 1 hour and 15 minutes.

20-Hour Opota Training Requirements & Disqualifications Guide

Traveling from Akron, OH to OPOTA Training in New Riegel, OH?

From Akron, OH, take I-76 W to I-71 S. Exit onto US-250 W toward Ashland. Merge onto OH-89 N and then take OH-58 N to OH-162 W. Follow OH-162 W and OH-53 N to OH-587 N, leading you to New Riegel. The travel time is approximately 2 hours and 30 minutes.

20-Hour Opota Training Requirements & Disqualifications Guide

Bee-Safe Security

4.9

Based on 118 reviews

review us on

Heather Sinnes

12:08 07 Jun 24

Very easy to work with and very accommodating to any changes that we made. Cameras we ordered are great quality!

greg mccarty

04:25 06 Nov 23

Professional practices and standards per the State of Ohio for firearms.

William Hartford

02:27 17 Oct 23

Highly recommend Bee Safe for all of your training needs. Jon and the entire team are the definition of professional. I will continue to utilize their training center for all of my future needs.

Kevin Gorsuch

02:05 16 Oct 23

The Team of instructors here are truly the standard in firearms training. I went for OPOTA Private Security Firearms training. My primary instructor was Extremely knowledgeable and passionate about all aspects of Private Security, Firearms safety and Marksmanship training. They took the time to fix some of my bad habits to make sure I was successful in my certification. I would highly recommended this company.

Janelle Schatzinger

13:32 20 Aug 23

I just went through the DH1 class with instructor Jon!! He is an amazing instructor with lots of patience. I went into this class very nervous and unsure whether I would even participate. Jon was able to walk me through every step and give me the confidence that I could do it. I learned so much yesterday and have more confidence handling a gun.I am looking forward to taking more classes with Jon and taking in all his knowledge!!!! Highly recommend taking these classes

Chris Edwards

19:00 19 Aug 23

Just went through their DH1 course. Or was a excellent hands on course with lots of practical techniques and advice. The instructor really knew his stuff. I look forward to taking more courses with them!

Jeff Churchill

15:22 30 Aug 22

Instructors are great, very knowledgeable. They work very hard to get everyone through the class. Lots of personal attention if you need it. First class operation. I wouldn't go anywhere else for any type of firearms training.

Tessi Goldsberry

15:47 04 Apr 22

Went through CPR/First Aid/AED class. Very well taught and organized. Instructor was very thorough on making sure class has clear understanding. Would recommend branching out training to cover what employers need covered such as Blood Bourne Pathogens, then one company can cover training needs for employers.

Gary Brown

22:18 06 Jan 22

The folks that administer the basic concealed carry class were fantastic. They were very patient with the less seasoned students, taking their time to answer questions without condescending tones. They made everyone feel comfortable and really believe in the service they are providing. Lots of fun on the practical course too. Highly recommend.