Train to Aim offers a 20-hour Government Certified Private Investigator training course that is comprehensive and covers essential topics such as surveillance, lie detection, cameras, criminal/civil liability, and more. Your Private Investigator license and certification with Maryland State Police, including the required sponsorship from our agency, will be filed for during the course in addition to a handgun permit at a discount if desired for carrying on the job.

Whether you are seeking a new career in private investigation, part-time work for extra income, or you just have an interest in investigation, our course will teach you what you need to know to excel in your field. Our instructors include former police, FBI, and DEA agents with decades of experience as well as a regular rotation of guest specialists in the fields of law, polygraph operation, skiptracing, and financial fraud.

The class is offered once a month on weeknights Monday to Friday from 6pm - 10pm.

You may schedule a class and reserve your seat with a minimum deposit, but the total course cost will be due before you take the class. A Wear and Carry permit for PIs can be included at a reduced price when purchased together. Additional MSP fees / fingerprinting NOT included.

Call (301) 262 - 6800 to find out about availability and register for a class, or visit our FAQ section for more information.

Train to Aim offers classes and licensing in Maryland for Security Guards with or without Handgun Permits, Personal Protection Handgun Permits, Business Owner Handgun Permits, and HQL courses.

There is no such thing as a Concealed Carry Permit in Maryland. There is only a Wear and Carry Permit. Eligibility for this permit is restricted to:

• Security Guards and Private Detectives (Requires sponsorship from an approved agency, which we provide as part of our courses)
• Business Owners (Requires documentation showing Articles of Incorporation, 3 months of bank statements, 6 deposits, and 10 recent receipts)
• Personal Protection (Requires documentation showing active threat such as a filed Police Report or Court Order)
• Retired Police Officers (Known as 'Assumed Risk')
• Retired Correctional Officers (Assumed Risk)

If you are licensed through us and have not let your permits expire yet, you are elligible for renewal. Once your permits expire, you must apply for an original permit.

Maryland State laws require 16 hours of training from our certified instructors for all students seeking original Wear and Carry permits. For new/original permits, the first day will be all classroom and the second day will be at the range. Classroom days are always on Tuesdays and Thursdays. Range days are on Wednesdays and Saturdays. Renewals require only the 8 hours of range training, meaning you will only need to show up for a Wednesday or Saturday appointment. The handgun permit course includes 2 days of class, rangetime, rental weapon and ammunition, package assistance, and photos. MSP Fees and fingerprinting are NOT included. For more information on eligibility and what to bring with you before class, visit our FAQ page

If you already have your Wear & Carry permit through us you can apply for the HQL here: https://emdsp.mdsp.org/egov/Login.aspx
If you need assistance please call the MSP Handgun Qualification Dept. at 410-653-4577

If you are just seeking to own and/or purchase a firearm in Maryland, the permit you need is the HQL (Handgun Qualification License). There are less restrictions on eligibility, but you cannot wear or carry the firearm outside your home. The HQL is included at no extra charge with any Wear and Carry permit class. Only one day of training is required, and is available six days a week. The HQL certification course includes classtime, rangetime, rental weapon & ammunition, and package assistance. For more information on eligibility and what to bring with you before class, visit our FAQ page

In order to work as a Security Guard in Maryland, a certificate known as the Security Clearance Card (commonly referred to as a Guard Card) is required. Guard Clearance Certification is offered simultaneously with our Wear and Carry permit classes, but can be completed on its own if desired. If you have been a licensed Maryland Security Guard in the past, your Guard Clearance Card must be renewed. Our Security Guard Certification course includes Handcuff, OC, and Baton certifications can be combined with a wear and carry permit for an additional cost. For more information on eligibility and what to bring with you before class, visit our FAQ page

Instructor Bios

Frank Panessa

Federal Drug Enforcement Agent (DEA) for 28 years, numerous undercover roles in the United States, Europe, Asia, and Central America. Infiltrated the Sicilian Mafia in the infamous “Pizza Connection” case that resulted in the conviction of high level Sicilian wholesale distributors of Heroin. Served in a Diplomatic position at the United States Embassy in Rome as the U.S. Government’s Chief liaison to the Italian Police Agencies. Was the chief advisor to the Ambassador to the U.S and the Italian Police agencies on Narcotics and Organized Crime. He was a licensed Private Detective in Maryland from 1998 to 2010.

Tim Colmus

Private Detective, Navy veteran, Commercial Pilot, Former Flight Instructor, Hydraulic Designer and teacher, TV & Film Actor, Independent Contractor working with various government agencies since 1984. Has testified many times before the Maryland legislature in support of our 2nd Amendment rights & Guest columnist in the Maryland Gazette.

Jim Marcum

Senior Instructor, Less Lethal Weapons and Tactics. Extensive experience in healthcare safety & security, emergency management and disaster recovery for a privately owned, Maryland hospital. Prior experience conducting executive, asset and facility protection details throughout Maryland, DC and Virginia. Nine years of experience providing OC, Handcuff and Baton instruction to a diverse clientele.

Victor Brown

Victor is an NRA Cerified Pistol Instructor and a fully certified Maryland Qualified Handgun Instructor. Victor has over 25 years of experience in Transportation including Operation and Management and has instructed classes for Commercial Driver Licenses. He is a Maryland Licensed Private Detective (armed) and Certified Security Guard. Victor has his handgun permits and qualifications for Maryland as well as Arizona and Florida.

• What is covered in the price of every course?
• State Certified Instructor time both in classroom and at the range
• Complete walkthrough of the application process including package assembly when necessary
• All necessary rental weapons, ammunition, and eyes/ears protection for the range
• Photograph Printing for all required permits

• What is NOT covered in the price of any course?
• Fees paid to Maryland State Police in the form of check or Money Order are required by the applicant and not included in the course price. See Below for a list of these fees.
• Several permit applications are required by Maryland State Police to include live fingerprint scans. The cost of obtaining fingerprints is not included in our course price and is not offered by Train To Aim. Ask your instructor in person or over the phone for recommendations nearest you.

• How long do the permits last before they need to be renewed?
• Wear and Carry - 2 years
• Security Guard Clearance Card - 2 years
• Private Investigator License - 2 years
• HQL - 10 years
• HC/OC/Baton - 3 years

• What do I need to bring with me before class?

On your first day, bring information for 3 references (name, phone number, address, employment) which is required for the Maryland State Police application. Bring payment in the form of cash or credit card. Your employment history over the past 5 years (including company names, phone and addresses) will also be asked about in the application. Also bring your Driver's License, if you have served in the military please bring your DD214, and if you were born overeas you will need your green card or naturalization papers.

Bring your Driver's License or other ID, wear closed-toe shoes and clothing that does not leave any skin exposed (bullet casings can be very hot and land anywhere). We provide all necessary firearms, ammunition, and eye/ear protection.

• What do I need to bring with me before the range?

Bring your Driver's License or other ID, wear closed-toe shoes and clothing that does not leave any skin exposed (bullet casings can be very hot and land anywhere). We provide all necessary firearms, ammunition, and eye/ear protection.

• What are the full eligibility requirements of a Wear and Carry permit?

Please consult the Maryland State Police website for the full requirements.

• What are the full eligibility requirements of a Security Guard Clearance Card?

Please consult the Maryland State Police website for the full requirements.

• What are the full eligibility requirements of the HQL?

Please consult the Maryland State Police website for the full requirements.

• What should I expect for the OC, Handcuff, and Baton class? Will I be sprayed?

We do not spray our students for the OC Spray certification course, however you will have the option of having a small amount applied to your skin in order to be familiarised with the scent. Baton use will be demonstrated and practiced on dummy targets only, but you will be handcuffed briefly during the Handcuff course.

• What are the restrictions for when I can or can not carry with a permit?

1. On school property (CR 4-102)
2. Within 1,000 feet of a demonstration in a public place (CR 4-208)
3. In legislative buildings (SG 2-1702)
4. Aboard aircraft (TR 5-1008)
5. In lodging establishments where the innkeeper reasonably believes individuals possess property that may be dangerous to other individuals, such as firearms or explosives (BR 15-203)
6. On dredge boats, other than two 10 gauge shotguns (NR 4-1013)
7. In or around State-owned public buildings and grounds (COMAR 04.05.01.03)
8. On Chesapeake Forest Lands (COMAR 08.01.07.14)
9. In State Forests (COMAR 08.07.01.04)
10. In State Parks (COMAR 08.07.06.04)
11. In State Highway Rest Areas, unless properly secured within vehicle (COMAR 11.04.07.12)
12. In lodging establishments where the innkeeper reasonably believes individuals possess property that may be dangerous to other individuals, such as firearms or explosives (BR 15-203)
13. In community adult rehabilitation centers (COMAR 12.02.03.10)
14. In child care centers, except for small centers located in residences (COMAR 13A.16.10.04)

• How long will it take to recieve my permits?

Once your paperwork is submitted, your waiting time is entirely dependent on the Licensing Division of Maryland State police. There is nothing Train to Aim can do to speed up the process or inquire about how much longer your wait will be. Typical waiting times can range from 4 to 6 weeks in our experience, and the official time frame advised by MSP is up to 90 days after your Interview.

• What are the additional fees to Maryland State Police?

Check or Money Order payments made out to Maryland State Police are required in your application for the following amounts per permit:

• Wear and Carry permit - Original/Initial $75.00 fee, renewals and subsequents $50.00 fee
• Security Guard Certification - Original $15.00 fee, renewal $10.00 fee
• Private Investigator - Original $15.00 fee, renewal $10.00 fee
• HQL - No money order required, online payment available. $50.00 for Original, $20.00 for Renewal

• How do I get a Fingerprint scan?

Fingerprint Scans must be obtained separately from any local third-party fingerprinting company you choose. We recommend 1A Fingerprinting in Halethorpe MD for those nearby. Ask your instructor during class for recommendations in other areas.

• Will I be guaranteed employment?

Train to Aim does not guarantee employment with any of our permits or courses. Our sponsorship is intended to be temporary, as many employers desire their students to have their permits ahead of time despite the fact that a sponsoring employer is required for the application itself. When we receive notification of available contracts, the information is dispersed out to all students equally with the expectation that you will be putting in your own effort to reach out and make contact with prospective employers.

• Do I need to be a United States Citizen?

No, but you must bring with you documentation that proves you are here legally such as your naturalization papers, passport, work visa, or green card in order to fill out your permit applications.

With many years of service in educating, training, and sponsoring both new and experienced professionals, Train to Aim is prepared with a vast network of potential employees for prospective employers.

As a training academy for new and experienced private investigators, we have assembled a network of hundreds of highly qualified, expertly trained operatives with a wide range of specialties in order to meet the needs of any case. We have worked with professionals from a wide variety of areas and backgrounds with many going on to be sponsored by other elite agencies which provides us with access to experts in all fields related to investigation.

After many years of service and instruction, we have amassed a network of thousands of Security Guards in an around the Maryland area that are available for hire. We offer express fulfillment of any armed and unarmed contracts your organization may require. Contact us over the phone or through email anytime and we will match you with guards that fit your location and training requrements.

If you own a business, you are eligible for a Business Owner's Wear and Carry permit which due to recent legislation offers you the least restrictions on when you can carry in comparison with all other permits. Wear and carry 24/7 and protect your assets at all times with Train to Aim's Business Owner Handgun Permit course.

We only accept credit cards and debit cards. Often we ask for a deposit for the service you are requesting. Please contact us for any further questions. Finger print cost and maryland state processing fees are not included with any course. These types of payemnts must be made directly to Maryland state from you.

We book by appointment only. To obtain any of our services please call us 301 262 6800 and talk to a staff member.

NOTE: All Services are non-refundable. If you cannot make your scheduled date but already paid, call (301) 262 - 6800 to have your class rescheduled.