Train For The Real World.
Florida Class D, Class G and professional firearms training led by experienced instructors who understand what the job actually demands. Build the knowledge, confidence and readiness to step into Florida’s private security industry prepared.
More Than
A Certificate.
Critical Awareness & Protection Education is built around practical preparation. Our instructors bring decades of real-world experience in security, firearms instruction and public safety into the classroom.
Whether you’re beginning a new career as a Florida security officer or advancing your qualifications, our goal is to give you the knowledge, confidence and skills you need to perform professionally.
Find Your Course →Courses
Professional Florida security officer and firearms training led by experienced, state-certified instructors.
Class D Course
- Monday–Thursday
- 8:00 AM – 7:00 PM
- 42-hour Florida security officer academy
- Starts every Monday
Class G Armed
- Friday & Saturday: 8:00 AM – 8:00 PM
- Sunday range day: 7:45 AM – 12 Noon
- 3-day state-certified course
- Walk-ins welcome
Class G 8-Hour Range Training
- Every other Saturday
- Saturday training: 4:00 PM – 8:00 PM
- Generally a 4–6 hour class
- Sunday qualification begins at 8:00 AM
G Requalification Shoot
- Every other Sunday
- 7:45 AM – 12:00 PM
- Bring your own duty handgun & ammunition
- Bring eye & hearing protection
Rifle Course
- Every other Sunday following Class G qualification
- 12:00 PM – 4:00 PM
- Limited to 10 students
- Advanced rifle training
Class D Course
- 42-hour Florida security officer academy
- Monday through Thursday
- Course begins Monday at 8:00 AM sharp
- New course starts every Monday
Being tardy on any day of instruction will require you to attend the remainder of the course during the following scheduled week.
Walk-ins are welcome. Pay online, or pay in person by cash or card unless agency sponsored.
Class G Armed
- Friday & Saturday: 8:00 AM – 8:00 PM
- Sunday range day: 7:45 AM – 12 Noon
- 3-day state-certified armed security course
Meet at the intersection of 103rd St. and Approach Road, across from Amazon, at 7:45 AM sharp.
↗ Get Directions in Google MapsGoogle Maps will let you enter your starting location. Check that the destination is the 103rd St. and Approach Road intersection, not the Amazon entrance.
Students may bring their own duty firearm or use a firearm supplied by Critical Awareness at no additional cost for the in-session course. Ammunition is generally provided for qualification. For up to date information confirm with your instructor prior to range day.
Walk-ins are welcome. Pay online, or pay in person by cash or card unless agency sponsored.
Class G 8-Hour Range Training
- Held every other Saturday
- Saturday training begins at 4:00 PM
- Sunday qualification generally lasts 4–6 hours
- Sunday qualification begins at 8:00 AM and continues until complete
- Register for the course and bring a copy of your 20-hour certificate.
- Wear trousers or pants with belt loops.
- Wear a sturdy standard belt, preferably leather. Duty belts are not permitted.
The range course begins with safe handgun handling and cleaning. Qualification follows on Sunday starting at 8:00 AM and continues until everyone is finished, generally 4–6 hours.
G Requalification Shoot
- Your own duty handgun
- Your own ammunition
- Eye protection
- Hearing protection
Meet at the intersection of 103rd St. and Approach Road, across from Amazon, at 7:45 AM sharp.
↗ Get Directions in Google MapsGoogle Maps will let you enter your starting location. Check that the destination is the 103rd St. and Approach Road intersection, not the Amazon entrance.
Critical Awareness does not provide handguns for requalification other than for current in-session students.
Critical Awareness does not provide ammunition for requalification.
Rifle Course
- Every other Sunday following Class G qualification
- 12:00 PM – 4:00 PM
- One-day course held every two weeks
- Limited to 10 students
Meet at the intersection of 103rd St. and Approach Road, across from Amazon, at 7:45 AM sharp.
↗ Get Directions in Google MapsGoogle Maps will let you enter your starting location. Check that the destination is the 103rd St. and Approach Road intersection, not the Amazon entrance.
Advanced rifle training designed to build and enhance practical firearm skills in a focused small-group environment.
What Our
Students Say.
Professional training is about more than completing a course. It’s about leaving better prepared, more knowledgeable and more confident than when you walked in.
“Excellent class! Great information coupled with real life experiences.”
“Very entertaining, while still providing the best security training I’ve gotten anywhere. I highly recommend this school and qualification range.”
“Outstanding instructor with a great curriculum! I highly recommend Critical Awareness to anyone looking to get their security license.”
“Thanks to Frank Piper over at Critical Awareness for the awesome Security Class G course this past weekend!”
Frank Piper.
Frank L. Piper has worked in the security and firearms training industry since 1987 following honorable service in the United States Marine Corps. His experience spans operations, management, instruction and executive leadership, bringing decades of real-world perspective directly into the classroom.
Training Matters.
So Does Legal Protection.
CAWARE recommends that security professionals understand the legal risks that can follow a self-defense incident. Learn about Right To Bear membership options designed for responsible firearm owners and security professionals.
Get What
You Need.
Training Courses
Compare CAWARE courses, review student briefings and register for the training you need.
Important Links
Florida licensing resources, applications and professional security information.
Contact CAWARE
Questions about a course, qualification or schedule? Reach the training center directly.
Need Help?
Contact Frank.
Jacksonville, FL 32218
Jacksonville, FL 32218
Ready Is A Decision.
Start your Florida security career or take the next step in your professional training with experienced instructors who prepare students for more than a test.
Choose Your Course →