The process of becoming certified to use a TASER Conducted Energy Weapon (CEW) is a formal requirement for professionals whose duties involve the use of force. Acquiring this certification ensures the operator is trained in the proper and safe application of the device. This instruction provides comprehensive knowledge of the technology, its medical effects, and the legal framework governing its deployment. Certification establishes a documented standard of proficiency for using this less-lethal force option.
Understanding TASER Certification
TASER certification is a formalized training process that verifies an individual’s competency in the operation, maintenance, and deployment protocols of a specific CEW model. This training follows the manufacturer’s guidelines to ensure the device is used safely and effectively.
There are two distinct levels of certification. Operator Certification (or User Certification) qualifies an individual to carry and deploy the CEW in the field. Instructor Certification is a higher level that authorizes a professional to train, test, and certify other operators within their agency. Instructor status requires a deeper understanding of the curriculum and the ability to safely manage practical training scenarios.
Who Requires TASER Certification
Certification is intended for individuals operating within professional contexts where the use of force is an authorized and regulated component of their duties. This training is generally not available for general civilian personal defense use, as it is a mandatory work requirement tied to the policies and oversight of a governing agency.
Law enforcement and military personnel represent the largest groups requiring this certification. Police officers, sheriff’s deputies, and military police must complete the course to integrate the CEW into their authorized force options, ensuring compliance with departmental policies and state statutes before the device is issued for duty use.
Licensed security professionals also require certification, particularly those in armed or specialized roles. This includes guards in high-risk environments, executive protection, corrections officers, and hospital security staff who manage combative or non-compliant individuals in controlled settings.
Prerequisites and Eligibility Requirements
Specific eligibility criteria must be met before enrolling in a professional TASER certification course, often dictated by the employing agency or state regulatory board. The fundamental requirement is proof of affiliation with an authorized organization, such as a law enforcement agency, military unit, or licensed security company. Independent civilian enrollment is not permitted.
Candidates must undergo a thorough background check, as a clean criminal record is non-negotiable for handling a regulated less-lethal weapon. Minimum age requirements vary by jurisdiction but usually align with the minimum age for carrying a duty weapon (often 18 or 21).
Prospective operators must also be in good physical health and possess full-duty clearance from their organization. This ensures the individual can safely participate in the physical drills and functional tests required by the training curriculum. Instructor status often requires previous experience in public safety and the ability to participate in strenuous physical activity.
Selecting the Right Certification Provider
The quality of the training depends on the provider. The primary and most recognized source is Axon Enterprise, the manufacturer of TASER CEWs, which offers courses through its official training division, Axon Academy. These courses use the most up-to-date curricula and are taught by certified Master Instructors.
Many agencies rely on their own in-house training divisions, using the official manufacturer curriculum delivered by their certified TASER Instructors. These agency-specific courses tailor the training to the organization’s unique policies and operational procedures. Authorized third-party training organizations also exist, but their credentials must be thoroughly verified.
The chosen provider must be recognized by the relevant regulatory bodies overseeing professional standards. For law enforcement and security personnel, verification may involve checking with state police academies, the Peace Officer Standards and Training (POST) commission, or the state’s private security training board.
Core Components of the TASER Training Course
The professional certification course is a comprehensive program designed to instill both theoretical knowledge and practical proficiency in device operation. Successful completion requires passing a written examination and a practical functional test.
Device Operation and Safety
Instruction covers device nomenclature and function, including the mechanism of the electrical current, loading, safe handling, and storage of the CEW. Operators learn to conduct daily function tests and troubleshoot common device issues.
A major focus of the classroom instruction is on medical implications and safety protocols. This includes detailed information on neuromuscular incapacitation (NMI), the intended physiological effect, and potential risks to sensitive populations, such as individuals with low body mass or preexisting medical conditions. Training emphasizes avoiding deployment to high-risk areas, such as the head, neck, or the chest region near the heart.
Tactical and Practical Training
Operators engage in extensive training regarding the use of force continuum and decision-making scenarios. The curriculum stresses tactical considerations, de-escalation techniques, and the appropriate point at which the CEW should be deployed as a less-lethal alternative.
Practical deployment drills are a mandatory component of certification, requiring students to fire multiple live cartridges into a target to demonstrate proficiency in probe placement and aiming from various distances. Many courses incorporate simulated scenarios to test decision-making under stress. While some agencies encourage a voluntary exposure to the CEW, the manufacturer does not require this exposure for certification.
Maintaining and Renewing Your Certification
TASER certification is subject to a mandatory renewal cycle to ensure operators maintain a current understanding of the technology, tactics, and legal standards. The certification period typically lasts between one and three years, though many professional agencies require annual recertification. Allowing certification to lapse means the professional is no longer authorized to carry or use the CEW in their official capacity.
The recertification process is shorter than the initial training but focuses on refresher content and updated information. This involves reviewing manufacturer training bulletins, changes to the CEW model, and new best practices. Updated legal training is a necessary component to ensure the operator is current on changes in case law or agency policy. Recertification culminates in passing a written test and a functional deployment test.
Legal and Liability Considerations for Use
Certification provides the foundational knowledge for safe use, but the operator must also be acutely aware of the real-world legal environment surrounding CEW deployment. The use of the device is always judged by the standard of objective reasonableness, which evaluates the force used based on the facts and circumstances confronting the officer at the time. This legal standard considers the severity of the crime at issue, whether the suspect poses an immediate threat, and whether the suspect is actively resisting or attempting to evade arrest.
The employing agency’s specific policy and operational guidelines are paramount and often establish stricter rules than general law. These policies govern when the CEW can be deployed, such as prohibitions against use on individuals in elevated positions or those in flammable environments. Furthermore, mandatory reporting requirements are triggered immediately after any deployment, requiring the operator to document the circumstances and justification for the use of force.
A major consideration for professional operators is the potential for civil liability, often resulting in lawsuits alleging excessive force or constitutional violations. Misuse, such as deploying the device in a punitive manner or against a compliant subject, can lead to criminal prosecution and significant civil judgments against both the operator and the agency. Proper certification and adherence to policy serve as a necessary defense, demonstrating the operator was trained to use the device responsibly and within established legal parameters.