BlueRidge Advanced Solutions

BlueRidge Advanced Solutions is a veteran-owned training company based in Tacoma, Washington that focuses on getting people licensed and job-ready in the security industry. They're CJTC-certified (Washington State Criminal Justice Training Commission) and DOL-approved, meaning their certifications actually count toward your state license.

They run two main tracks:

Security Guard Licensing - Unarmed Security Guard Training ($110) - The 8-hour DOL Pre-Assignment course required to apply for your Washington State unarmed security guard license. Covers legal responsibilities, report writing, observation skills, de-escalation, use of force laws, and real-world scenarios. - Armed Security Guard Certification ($250) - CJTC Initial Certification for carrying firearms on duty. Includes firearms safety, use of force laws, and live-fire qualification using the updated shooting standards (dominant hand, support hand, and head-shot sequences). - Armed Guard Renewal ($150) - Annual requalification for currently licensed armed guards. - Add a Firearm ($100) - Qualify with a second firearm for your armed license.

Firearms & Personal Defense - Intro to Handguns ($60) - Beginner-friendly pistol course covering safety, stance, and handling. - Handgun Fundamentals ($75) - Build accuracy, recoil control, and shooting technique. - Concealed Carry Basics ($60) - Legal carry methods, draw techniques, holster use, real-world scenarios. - Advanced Defensive Shooting ($150) - For experienced shooters. Includes movement, accuracy under stress, tactical shooting.

Add-On Certifications - Pepper Spray/OC Certification ($100) - Required by many security employers. Covers legal use, deployment, safety, decontamination. - First Aid/CPR for Security Professionals ($80) - CPR, trauma response, emergency care. Many employers require it. - 1:1 Custom Tactical Training (Price TBD) - Personalized instruction tailored to your goals. Requires a 15-minute consultation call first.

Armed security guards earn $3–$8 more per hour than unarmed guards and are in higher demand across Washington State.

• •Real-world instructors - Taught by people with actual field experience, not just classroom trainers.
• •Job placement guidance - They don't just hand you a certificate. They help with resume tips and connect you with local security companies.
• •Updated standards - Stays current with CJTC requirements (like the new head-shot qualification sequence).
• •Small class sizes - You get personal attention, not a cattle-call classroom.
• •Flexible scheduling - Weekday, weekend, and evening options to fit your life.
• •High pass rate - Students succeed because they're trained thoroughly and supported through testing.
• •Payment plans available - They work with people on cost.

All courses end with a written exam and/or practical test. For firearms courses, you must pass a live-fire qualification to get certified. If you don't pass the first time, they offer remediation and retesting—most students pass because of the prep work.

Bring your photo ID, notebook, pen, and comfortable clothing. For armed courses, you'll need an approved firearm, holster, ammo, and eye/ear protection (or rent from them).

Tacoma, Washington (Pierce County)

Email: [email protected]

They serve Washington State. Some certifications may transfer to other states depending on reciprocity—contact them to confirm.

• •Do I need experience? No. The basic security guard course is for complete beginners.

• •Can I carry a firearm after the course? Not immediately. Completing the course is step one. You still need to pass the state's licensing process and get your official armed endorsement.

• •What if I fail? They help you remediate and retest. Their goal is to get you ready.

• •Do you have firearm rentals? Yes. You can bring your own or rent from them, but it must meet state and safety requirements.

• •How long are the courses? Basic Security Guard is 8 hours. Armed courses vary from 8–16 hours. Pepper spray is 2–4 hours. First Aid/CPR is 4–6 hours.