1. (1) Only an armed security guard/officer who holds a valid armed security guard/officer registration card with an enhanced armed guard certification may provide security guard services while using a shotgun and/or rifle. An armed security guard/officer who holds an enhanced armed guard certification may only use a rifle or shotgun that the individual has qualified to carry.

2. (2) An individual who applies for an enhanced armed guard certification must complete an approved training that is no less than sixteen (16) hours in length, and shall include training covering the following subjects:

   1. (a) Scenario-based training on when a rifle-caliber weapon and/or shotgun may be deployed in an offensive or defensive posture;
   2. (b) Training on the secure storage of a rifle-caliber weapon and/or shotgun when the weapon is not deployed, in compliance with § 62-35-144(c)(1)(B);
   3. (c) A written exam of at least twenty-five (25) questions that covers appropriate nomenclature and safety procedures. An individual must score at least a seventy-five (75%) percent correct score on this examination; and

   4. (d) A course of fire that includes the following items integrated into different drills:

      1. 1. Firing from a mix of standing and supported positions;
      2. 2. Firing from a mix of standing and moving positions;
      3. 3. Scenario-based drills that include moving through different locations; and
      4. 4. Scenario-based drills involving reloading the firearm or changing magazines.
      5. 5. For a rifle-caliber course:
   5. (i) Firing at least ninety (90) total rounds of live ammunition and scoring at least seventy (70%) accuracy across all distances; and
   6. (ii) Firing from distances of at least seven (7) yards, fifteen (15) yards, twenty- five (25) yards, and fifty (50) yards.

   7. (iii) The course of fire shall use IPSC/USPSA paper silhouettes with A/B/C scoring zones or any other target/silhouettes approved by the Commissioner.

      1. 6. For a shotgun course:
   8. (i) Firing at least twenty (20) total rounds of live ammunition, including both buckshot and slugs, and scoring at least seventy (70%) percent accuracy across all distances; and
   9. (ii) Firing from distances of at least seven (7) yards, twelve (12) yards, and twenty (20) yards.

   10. (iii) The course of fire shall use IPSC/USPSA paper silhouettes with A/B/C scoring zones or any other target/silhouettes approved by the Commissioner.

       1. 7. An approved certified trainer or other individual who has been approved to provide the enhanced armed guard training shall have the discretion to determine how drills will be set during the training; however, the trainer must ensure that the entire course of fire includes the elements listed above.
   11. (e) Nothing shall prohibit an approved certified trainer or other individual who has been approved to provide the enhanced armed guard training from requiring passing scores on the written exam or course of fire that are higher than the percentages listed above. Nothing shall prohibit an approved certified trainer or other individual who has been approved to provide the enhanced armed guard training from failing an individual taking the training or requiring remediation related to any observed or noted safety concerns or violations committed by the individual completing the training.
3. (3) An individual who is disqualified from a registration card pursuant to § 62-35-117 will be ineligible for an enhanced armed guard certification as long as the disqualification is in effect.
4. (4) An individual who has resigned or retired in lieu of termination is not considered to have retired or separated in good standing, pursuant to § 62-35-144.
5. (5) The Commissioner will only accept training for an enhanced armed guard certification that has been completed within one (1) calendar year of the date of the application for the certification.
6. (6) An individual who has qualified for a firearm under an enhanced armed guard certification must requalify with the firearm in order to renew the certification, pursuant to this rule and § 62-35-122(d), on a course of fire and with a written examination consistent with the requirements of this rule.

Authority: T.C.A. §§ 62-35-122, 62-35-123, 62-35-126, and 62-35-129. Administrative History: Original rule filed November 17, 1987; effective January 1, 1988. Amendment filed October 21, 1988; effective December 5, 1988. Amendment filed February 28, 2001; effective May 14, 2001. Emergency rules filed December 26, 2025; effective through June 24, 2026. New rules filed March 17, 2026; effective June 15, 2026.