I signed up for the Exposed Firearms Course at Sacramento Security Training Center expecting a long day of safety briefings, legal terminology, and enough PowerPoint slides to test my will to live. Then I met Instructor Willis. Let me put it this way: if confidence, competence, and firearm knowledge were a controlled substance, Willis would require a prescription. The man knows his stuff. Every question the class threw at him was answered with the kind of experience and expertise that makes you sit up a little straighter in your chair. Whether it was firearms safety, security procedures, legal considerations, or practical advice from the field, he delivered information with precision and clarity. What really set the class apart was his sense of humor. Somehow Willis managed to keep an entire room engaged for hours. One minute you're learning critical safety concepts, the next minute you're laughing hard enough to forget you're in a training course. By the end of the class, I walked away with new skills, greater confidence, and a growing suspicion that Willis could probably teach tax law, forklift certification, or underwater basket weaving and still have the room completely captivated. Sacramento Security Training Center runs a fantastic program, and Willis is an absolute asset. Professional, knowledgeable, hilarious, and dangerously charismatic. Five stars. I'd take another class from Willis faster than a Glock disappears from the rental counter on range day. read more

5 stars. Would give 10 if I had the option. I've worked long 12 hour midnight shifts before, and this course reinforced how important focus and discipline are in the security field. If you want to work in security, armed or unarmed, you need to be able to stay attentive, professional, and mentally engaged throughout training. Ian was an excellent instructor and showed strong leadership throughout the course. Looking back on my previous security experience, this class really helped me better understand what good security professionalism looks like. The other instructor was also extremely respectful and helpful. I also want to mention the security staff on site. Everyone I spoke with was friendly and professional, especially one of the security guards, "Saavedra Sia" sorry if I misspelled the name. I appreciated talking with him and learning a little more about the industry. For anyone attending: show up on time. I drove about 35 minutes and still got stuck in traffic, so plan ahead. I also enjoyed meeting a few of our classmates. Overall, I enjoyed the course and appreciate everything the instructors and staff did for us. Thank you again Ian! read more

Been here for years doing requals ever since they split from another company in the area that shut down. Lessons are taught so people can understand and relate to what is being told. Come here to get a refreshing education from ex police officers, who did private security as well. Which are two entirely different things. Every time it is a little bit different. And if it's the same it's because it's the best example possible to remind you to be cautious at work. Believe they have loyalty thing here too for exposed requals that gets to the test price free if all requal shooting are done with them. Note. Inflation and prices change due to new law. Plan accordingly, read more

Really enjoyed Scott, he keeps you interested while educating you. Thank you. I received a great message today from the BSIS.

You won't find a more knowledgeable, passionate, and dedicated security training company. The instructor genuinely cares about helping people learn the right way. He takes the time to answer questions, run you through real world scenarios, and makes sure everyone leaves with a solid understanding of the skills and responsibilities involved, or requires them to retake the class. I cannot recommend these guys enough, you will absolutely leave with more knowledge than you had before you came. Everyone at this facility is amazing and Michael's kid makes the BEST chocolate chip cookies. I'll be back for sure. Thank you guys for being the best read more

The Australian instructor behaved in a completely unprofessional manner, making inappropriate and offensive personal remarks that were entirely uncalled for. He called me a gay porn star and a Call of Duty player. This is not trying to break a person, this is harassment. Avoid this place -- it's completely unprofessional. And trust me, there's a lot more than that... but I'll let those who don't listen to the bad reviews experience it firsthand. read more

So now after taking both the Firearms class, as well as the week-long guard card class, I now have a more full and complete understanding of what this school, and the instructors are about. As both prior military and law enforcement, I understand what it takes to do this job, and that is the fact that we will regularly be berated and disrespected. The instructors do a great job of prodding students, and not even that badly, to find out if they are capable of withstanding what they are going to face in this career. If you see that as anything other than them doing you a favor, then it is all the more likely, that you are not ready to do this job. I've taken dozens of classes, in dozens of locations, and as long as I live in Sacramento, I will not take a class from anyone else, or from anywhere else. read more

Absolutely the best security teachers and training for security u can have. Very professional and hands on they make sure u get the lesson and learn the actual duty u are applying for. I guarantee u won't be disappointed and u will have a great time taking the class I promise. read more

I was kicked out of the firearms security training class after 1.5 hours. Why? The instructor spent these beginning 1.5 hours of the class making conservative political points about gun control and that we should all be members of the NRA (Paraphrasing: "If you are not a member of the NRA, you're cowards"). I got bored, so I briefly dozed off (maybe for three seconds), and he threatened to tase me in the balls the next time I fell asleep. I asked him if he couldn't instead just hit me on the head, and he said no. Then, I said something to the effect that to be honest, I wish he would get to subject of the course. To this he asked me if I knew what the Dunning Kruger effect was. I said yes, and then was kicked out. Let me point out that the effect is that people overestimate how smart they are, but I was not claiming to be an expert in firearms, but rather objecting to an hour and a half of political commentary. I wish I would have pointed that out to him so that he could better understand what he was talking about (how ironic is it that he demonstrated his own stupidity in how he misused the Dunning Kruger effect in trying to put me down!). The only upside is that I didn't have to pay anything for this very sad experience. It was also ironic that much of his point was how most people should not be using firearms, which in a way justified all the liberal gun control regulations that he was objecting to! read more

I initially signed up for the OC pepper spray class for 05/06/2026 8:30am-1pm. On their website and the confirmation email that I received was a 4Hr class. On the board, instructors name stated Ian Willis. Apparently this was a part of a 40 Hr guard class, which is fine. Small businesses should use any means to make things work and cut the cost. I always support small businesses, but providing false information and advertising wrong schedule on their website, and to top that they treat you very poorly and disrespectfully is not acceptable. The whole time the instructor talked about the security guard content. When it was around 12, I politely asked him when the OC course is to start and how late are we supposed to be here because I work at 0230. He was disrespectful and rude. His response was that it will start whenever it starts and not to disrupt his class and if I don't like the way it is, I can leave. I drove 35 minutes each way and wasted 4.5 hrs in a security guard class and ended up leaving. He didn't hesitate to be racist, rude, inappropriate, and very uncomfortable. I don't understand how he is certified and trained to be an instructor talking about p*rn while being racist and sexist. read more

Sacramento Security Training Center - Firearm Training Near Me - Sacramento, California

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Sac security training center is a great place for all your security licensing needs. Both Scot and Ian are great at what they do. They enjoy teaching and love sharing their life experiences with students. Ian is passionate about security and protection industry and makes learning fun and exciting while going above and beyond in preparing students for the real world. He is great conversationalist; engaging and lively. His life experience is invaluable. There is never a dull moment in this class. He also goes the extra step in helping those with minimal English language skills. Takes extra time to explain things in relatable easy terms. Ian cares about each students success. It was a pleasure learning from 2 very skilled instructors. read more

Hands down, the best School-Training center. After two classes and will be continuing! I highly recommend Sacsecuritytraining!

Instructors are cool, prepared me for a job. Still need a few more certificates. Hopefully Sacramento Security Training Center offers a conducted energy weapons class soon. read more

It's hard to believe how poor my experience was here. I signed up for their 16 hour CCW course and arrived on time. The instructor Ian (I presume that's his name as it was on the white board and he never introduced himself) let us all in. Within minutes of us arriving, the instructor began berating and insulting students as he took roll. After his initial chest-puffing intro he immediately stepped up on his political soapbox and spent the next half-hour lecturing the class about pro-gun politics and how nobody there is doing anything to protect their rights (except for the three of us who raised our hands when he asked who is an NRA member). I gave up around the point where he was mimicking licking his finger and inserting it into his anus to describe how we're all being sodomized by the government and decided to leave. If you're looking for professional training of any kind, this is not your place. read more

I took the 16-hour CCW course with instructor Ian Willis around the last week of June of '24. This is not a beginner course. When you enter this course, you should be familiar with your firearm and safe firearm handling. If you have any doubts, please take the beginner firearms training course before this! You must know your firearm safety rules if you have a gun in your hands (regardless of whether you are in the classroom). Know them by heart: treat all firearms as if loaded, keep your finger off the trigger, keep your gun pointed in a safe direction, and be sure of your target and what is beyond it. The expectations on the first day are your positive attitude (receptive to learning) and memorizing the aforementioned firearm safety rules. Your firearm must be cased, locked, and unloaded, and you must have no ammunition with you at all. Your case must be hard (not soft) and withstand a stab from a screwdriver. If the case has two holes for padlocks, make sure you have two padlocks. -Under no circumstances should you have ammunition with you. Your case should contain your firearms and locking mechanism(s) only. For shooting qualification day, you bring (instructor specified) number of unloaded magazines with no ammunition. I'd also recommend a notepad and something to write with. Take copious notes! With that, please bring a positive attitude! Ian is an instructor with high expectations and will get you there. Ian understands that we all have different backgrounds in firearms training. For good reason, he proceeds with caution, and firearm safety is the utmost priority. **Be receptive to learning; do not take stuff personally when incorrect.** You give him your money, and in return, you receive knowledge. **It's okay not to know the answer to something; just be prepared to learn it when it is taught.** Once I have some more scratch, I'll be coming back for one-on-one training with Ian. Ian Willis is one of the top shooters in the world. --He is not bluffing.--So, when he gives you a pointer, follow it. read more

Ian, Very strict on safety but very fair which he should be in this environment. Encouraging and direct feedback made me a much more confident shooter in very little time. Might have also converted me to the Glock family I'll get back to you on that part. Thank you for your help sir and I will be back for every re-qualify and seek some private lessons once I decide on the new firearm. I appreciate your help sir! -The tractor rider with one eye. read more

Sacramento Security Training Center - BSIS exposed firearm course completion certificate. - Firearm Training Near Me - Sacramento, California

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We discovered Sac Security Training through Groupon. My sister and I have always wanted to have this kind training in the event of an emergency where our kids may be choking, a family member needs CPR, or to be a good samaratin where we could possibly save a life! Groupon gave this facility's training great reviews especially with the instructor, Sean Campbell. Although, we had a rough start at the beginning of the class, he managed to pull it together providing a lot of knowledge, examples, hands on demos including us performing on the dummy's with some quirky entertainment to make this 3 hour scheduled course go along quickly & smoothly. His sound effects were so funny too. Lol, on point. After this training, I left feeling extremely confident I'd be able to assist if an infant, child, or adult were to choke. In my past experiences, I've seen this more often than not! Knowing how to perform CPR is even better! The training taught was very thorough along with the explanation as to the "why". I hope I never have to use what I've learned tonight, but I'm glad I am prepared to do so. Thank you Sean for making this training so fun & interactive! read more

I've had an amazing experience with classes I've taken here I've done exposed firearms with instructor Ian Willis and Took the Baton class with instructor Sean Campbell and each class is well structured, fun, and filled with techniques and the knowledge that help you improve quickly while building confidence. Sean Campbell has a unique way of breaking down complex moves into easy, manageable steps, making learning feel effortless. Highly recommended taking any class here!! read more

I spent 8 years in the Marine Corps, 3 years as a range coach and the Exposed Carry and Concealed Carry class was the best I've taken. Mr. Ian Willis is EXTREAMLY knowledgeable about EVERYTHING (it seemed). He's highly trained and very passionate about what he does. I recommend any of SSTC's training/certifying classes read more

Sacramento Security Training Center - Firearm Training Near Me - Sacramento, California

Amazing hands down one of the best experiences I have had with a training instructor. Ian Willis will not hold back and that's for good reason. Ian is also very knowledgeable of firearms and firearms safety. All of this was passed down to the class and everyone learned something new regarding firearms and firearms safety. read more

It far exceeded my expectations. The price was very affordable, the cheapest in the state. The firearm instructor was extremely helpful and has had 30 years of experience teaching police, military, and security. The two instructors were the nicest most honorable guys you could ever meet and I loved the honesty and transparency of what to expect in your career field. Hands down 10/10, you will want to keep coming back for the other classes they offer. read more

Ian is a class A instructor. His advice could quite literally save your life. Although he is very strict, it's for a very good reason. A very humbling experience without a doubt. read more

I certified and re-certified for CPR/AED with Sean. He is a fantastic instructor who keeps the content fun but challenging. He also has a lot of practical experience to draw from that he deftly weaves in the course work to help teach specific points. Thank you for all of your help! read more

Phenomenal experience. Detailed, accurate and professional training. Ian Willis is extremely knowledgeable and engaging. I would absolutely recommend this business for anyone pursuing a career as a Security Guard or getting their firearms permits. The training and information is unmatched. I will definitely be back for any and all future trainings. read more

In this Region, you will not find a more professional and progressive training team. The integrity of their training rivals the regulatory training standards. This just might be the company to make a grassroots effort to establish more training proficiencies for security personnel. These instructors are highly skilled and are active in the field so their experience relatability is everything. Competence, safety and discipline. T.Horn read more

First time Gun Owner, limited time at range compared to most and came here for my exposed carry. Let me just say, I HIGHLY recommend this place to anyone for ANY CLASS. Many thanks to Ian Willis for his knowledge and training. I will never go anywhere else for anything from now on. This is real world shit right here, don't waste your time or money anywhere else. read more

I loved it here! Very informative class. Walking into this class I had no prior knowledge and I left with more confidence than coming in as well as a great experience. They are very hands on which is helpful. I now know things I did not before. I appreciate the staff here!! I wish them an abundance of success and great fortune!! Continuing to inform/ train our community. read more

Just did my initial CCW course with Ian Willis and I couldn't be happier with the class. He definitely knows what he's talking about and makes sure you know your stuff before leaving. He made sure I understood the material and even on the range. Can't wait to take a personal class with him. Recommend taking Ian's class to everyone. read more

I am glad I went to Sacramento security training center for my cfl training course. The staff is well organized, very professional, knowledgeable, and most importantly, safe. The class was engaging and covered a wide range of scenarios and information pertinent to my permit application. I felt I was able to get much more in than the 16 hours I was in there. The instructor, Ian Willis, was able to give me a few pointers to help with my shooting as well. Great facility and company if you're serious about firearms. You have a customer for life! -CN read more

I had an awesome experience at Sacramento Security Training Center. I came in to do my 8 hour baton training with Sean as my instructor. Sean provided an extremely thorough learning experience, while also making the 8 hours a pleasurably fun time. He answered every question that was asked without fail. Sean is a really down to earth guy who has a wealth of knowledge. I highly recommend using this company for any training you need that they provide. 5/5 for the company. 6/5 for Sean. read more

Ian is a special man. I'll give him some slack just because he is from Australia and sometimes the accent gets thick. He is aware of this and seemingly knows when to repeat what he said. Probably from the blank stares from his audience... Maybe it's this little difference that makes you pay attention, or maybe it's because he might ninja slap his massive key ring off his belt in the general direction of your head. He kinda gives off that confidence to make you think he could. Either way, Ian is very talented in his method of teaching. This is some of the most important lessons you will ever learn. Re-thinking, it could very well be the most important lesson you can learn as the reasons to be here are to possess a license to carry an object that can easily remove a life! It's serious, life and death serious. Ian teaches his class like that first paragraph, a little humor and Bam you're into some serious shit! The class is engaged and participating. There's no reading page by page of some boring manual, you get to read that at home. It's all cool information pertaining to Ian's confessed style of, "I'll teach you the formula". Once you understand the formula you will be able to apply the infinite scenarios of life and will be able to make a better decision to act or not to act and how to act. I'm going to give you a heads up, learn these word for word because it will be expected of you! Elements of using force Human Life; yours or another Is in real and immediate jeopardy All other force options have been considered No innocent life will be endangered by my actions It is the last resort. Permissible force Only that force necessary, reasonable and proportionate given the totality of the circumstances. In closing, I would recommend Ian for his skills in the classroom as well as his skills on the range. He has the patience and commitment to assists the low skill individuals and the knowledge and attention to detail for the advanced shooters. Don't let the price fool you, it's quality training at their own lead free range. It's not too many lanes so they try to keep classes small which is a huge benefit to us the clients. They provide the ammo for one gun and charge a reasonable price for additional. You'll be satisfied! read more

Hands down this was the best two days of training one could ever imagine. I learned so much about myself and who I could be in certain situations. Ian Willis the instructor has awakened something inside of me that I had allowed to lie dormant for so long and I am eternally grateful for his wisdom and patience. Sean was amazing as well!! read more

Sean blamed me for him scheduling my exposed firearm requals too far off each date and he also didn't keep a record of my paperwork , so I tried my best to keep mine He had told me that it's gonna be fine and it will work out even if the dates are too far apart. I've been told about instructors just wanting to take your money and hide but I never believed it until I had met Sean And when I had called asking for a refund in a professional manner because my exposed firearm permit had been canceled and the money I had spent with him trusting in his word would help out to start all over and get my exposed firearm permit again , he hides and has his I believe "wife" handle the dispute and she was very aggressive over the phone about it being my fault that I didn't schedule the dates correctly. And when I asked when Sean was gonna be in the class so I can talk to him since he's the owner and I have no reason to talk to his wife which is his receptionist or something like that , she says he's gonna be out for a few weeks due to a vacation Which sounds like Sean was scared and trying to avoid something that wouldn't have even escalated any further than to just understanding that the $200 could help me out or offer me a discount for an exposed permit class. To each their own but I wouldn't ever have someone like Sean be my instructor . Thank God I have an instructor now that also helps me keep everything I have in order and is more helpful than any other instructor I've had. From what I've noticed when attending Sean's class is that he tries to talk to you like you're dumb and has too much to say instead of just getting to the points of the classes This experience was in 2019 and I'm new to writing reviews and I couldn't forget about Sean avoiding me so I decided to write a review I don't ever threaten to take legal action nor do I have a threatening persona , I just wanted to talk to Sean to handle this situation in a professional manner but unfortunately he "went on vacation for awhile" read more

I am sorry to tell you guys that CSTA is no longer in business. I would like to thank all that attended over the years and wish toy all good luck and farewell. I enjoyed working with you in the class and on the range. Many of you are firmly buried in my memory for all kinds of reasons (LOL) In the meantime I will raise not glass and think of you all as I enjoy my retirement. God bless and above all, Behave, don't make me come over there..check out In on Google, just Google Ian Willis, you'll get him. Bye for now Ken Gosling .. read more

I participated in the CCW training this last weekend. I had know idea what to expect. Ian, the facilitator and trainer greeted everyone. He immediately set the tone for the training. He owned the success of ever participant. He is obviously a master trainer. He delivered the truth, reality, and responsibility of being firearms owner as well as a holder of a licence to carry a concealed weapon with the emphasis on safety, safety, safety. Even if you are considering buying a firearm you will want to attend this training. I have been to many training but this training was excellent. I walked away well informed and with knowledge and responsibility of not only a firearms owner but as a citizen of our beautiful county. Thanks Ian and Steve. Was a great weekend and well worth every penny spent. I will talk about your training to everyone. Thank you, Thank you, Thank you!! read more

I did the CCW class here and it was awesome! Very informative and engaging. Instructor Willis has a lot of real world experience that is very practical and does a great job of teaching it to his students. I could not recommend it more! read more

This is a great place to conduct CCW/Exposed Weapon training. Ian Willis is a great instructor. He uses real world events to teach, he doesn't just read the manual. I have taken 3 or 4 training class all over the U.S. and Ian definitely brought a new perspective of carrying concealed weapon. I definitely enjoyed the scenarios and it shows you exactly why you need to practice, practice and practice shooting. I will be going back just to continue shooting and practicing. If you want to knowledge, experience, and real actual tangible skills, go to SST. You will not be disappointed. Thanks guys. read more

Ian the primary instructor and asst (I think his name is Sean please forgive me if get your name wrong) are the real deal. I learned a great deal in this class. If your contemplating which CCW class to take this is the one you should take. I spent 16 hours in this class and not for one minute did feel this is a waste of my hard earned money. It was a AWESOME CLASS! THANKS IAN- MES read more

The whole experience was nothing short of excellence. I live in Yuba County, there are several 8 hour CCW class locations much closer to my house and they are less that half the price. I decided to go to SSTC because of the reviews and the class was 16 hours. After completing my course it's hard to believe that anyone should be able to CCW carry after only an 8 hour course. Honestly I could have gladly sat through another 16 hours because it was so informative. Ian is a true professional and an exceptional instructor. From the moment he opened the door and addressed the class outside before we entered I knew I made the right choice. His no BS approach keeps you engaged and lets you know this is a life changing decision. Safety is his main message and you better listen to him. I will definitely be back for more training and will highly recommend Ian and SSTC to all of my friends and family who are interested in getting this amazing training. One last thing. If you are one of those liberal snowflakes, this is probably not the place for you. read more

Just finished my exposed firearms class here, second time coming to the Sacramento Security Training Center and it was awesome. I would definitely say the instructor Ian Willis goes above and beyond teaching range safety, proper firearms handling and he had the answer for every question. I would definitely recommend anyone interested in obtaining any security training or even a concealed carry permit, to come here. I'll definitely be back here for my re-quals. read more