I met Joseph in 2008 and he introduced me to the security industry which intrigued me. I began taking classes in 2008 and have taken all my new/In-service classes with Joseph. Joseph is a excellent teacher and has a true passion in all he does. I HIGHLY recommend Joseph/A Security Training Academy for all you entry-level and in-service security needs.

I took my training with Joseph to get my concealed Carry Permit and he made sure I was equipped with the knowledge I needed. He is very entertaining in his training method which makes you pay attention. Great instructor and when its time to renew I will be going back

I took a CPR class. Scheduling for the class and location were perfect. Josephs delivery style was conducted in an informative, practical, and professional manner. I highly recommend taking CPR classes at A Security Training Academy, Inc.

I have been going to Joseph for security training for 10+ years. He has always taken care of me and i definitely enjoy his classes. Thanks again Joseph

I have been training with Joseph for several years. He is extremely knowledgeable and is able to effortlessly and effectively communicate his knowledge to his students. I highly recommend A Security Training Academy, Inc.

All the years I’ve been using this training academy it only gets better in my opinion you will not find a more knowledgeable instructor that is so passionate about his role and getting officers prepared for duty anywhere thanks again

Very professional and thorough, covers all aspects of training. Great school, great instructors! Highly recommend!!

Both my associate and I have taken our training and recertification courses here with great experiences. The courses are straightforward, reasonably priced, and Joe is always responsive and helpful.

Joseph Bonacci & his Academy staff are the main reason for choosing your training in security. He is former Army & NYPD & his education of not just the law, but safety is #1 & what is instilled in his students. The courses you can take are endless & will allow you to go into the field confidently.

I highly recommend this private security school. Outstanding security training academy for my initial DCJS training and in-service training. I have gone back for my in-service for the past 2 yrs. Mr. Bonaci and his staff are former LEOs and military professionals. They are all NRA & DCJS veteran firearms instructors and take the time necessary with each student to do it the right way. They are all about safe & proper training. Quality training and professionalism is what they represent.

I took multiple courses with ASTAI a few months ago, the training I received at this academy was worth every penny. My instructor Mr. Bonacci gave me detailed descriptions and knowledge from his experience of all job duties/expectations and what I was/wasn’t allowed to do per state law. He was by far the most knowledgeable individual that I have received training from. He stands behind his work and ASTAI. I have recommended him and this academy to multiple people since graduating from his facility. I would highly encourage people in the Northern VA area to take a course with with Mr. Bonacci and the ASTAI team.

I renewed my annual firearms qualification with Joseph a while back and remembered why I sought him out after being away for several years- he is professional, attentive, safe, and reliable.For anyone looking to renew their LEOSA (HR-218) qualification, be sure to check out Joseph at Security Training Academy. Definitely going back when it’s time to re-qualify.Great prices, great service, and easy to schedule.

A security academy is a respectable business with professional staff and the best pricing.- shamari mapp

When trying to understand something as it pertains to learning a skill particularly skills which will saved your life one day or because of your lack of training may take your life you must understand this is not a game and when you need to be taught these type of skills it must be taught by someone who understands fully the consequences of not teaching it correctly now I will not name any names but there are a lot of places out there that will train you and you wont learn anything and when theyre done a couple months down the road quite possibly depending upon the training you took you can end up in jail or worse deceased remember you have to understand the training that you are taking is in no way a game if you get it wrong you can die its that plain and that simple so the reason why I felt it necessary to write about this Academy is that the person that taught me Joseph bonacci is without a doubt they fantastic tutor not only did he know the subjects that we were talking about he waited until we got it right he didnt rush us he let us move at our speed and I actually felt at home in his Academy being prior military it just felt like home and I was able to learn And I didnt feel uncomfortable now the things that I liked about my instructor is that for one were all grown men here and we tell it like it is and if you cant handle that then I dont actually think youre in the right business I dont think you need to be in this type of security services work What Im trying to say is if you want it easy you dont care about the rules you dont care about how its taught you just want the piece of paper that says youre certified fine go somewhere else and get that done its not a problem but Im telling you you need to come here and learn it the way that he teaches it because you need to understand what can go wrong so that you can handle it if it does and a lot of people I find are lacking when they teach they they want to tell you the sun is Golden but they dont want to tell you the pitfalls and thats what I liked about this Academy they wanted to make sure that you most of all dont end up in jail because you didnt pay attention or you didnt understand what was being said in class or worse deceased or dead....Ill go as far to even stake my reputation on it Ill put Joe up against any of these other instructors any day and he will beat them as far as teaching hands down all day long when I left there i felt prepared And I believe that is the way you should be when you go out on the road after taking these classes you should be most of all prepared for any eventuality that you may encounter.

Have taken class from this institute before. The online sessions are pretty straight forward but received pretty quick responses to the inquiries and the class completion was sent to the DCJS quickly. Recommend.

Mr. Joseph Bonacci is one of The Best Security Training out in market. I have been in his training classes since 2012. Mr. Bonaccis study material, hands on experience and training program are impeccable. I do wish him the best.

This is my second time I have trained with Security Training Academy, Inc. The first time was two years ago. That training was extensive with 16 classroom hours and 2 hours of range testing. Each phase was thorough and comprehensive. You want to learn safe and effective firearms training, then attend Security Training Academy.

I just had a 2 day training in this wonderful academy. My instructor was Mr. Joseph Bonacci and he is a very intelligent, profession individual. I definitely recommend this place for anyone who is interested in anything in the security field. It was a great experience! Thanks so much!Sabri A. Gouda

My initial training and subsequent renewals were at A Security Training Academy Inc.Instructors and Staff are professional & concise during the student’s preparation for required tests.Numerous classes offered at convenient Annandale, VA location in comfortable classrooms.Highly satisfied and recommended.

I highly recommend this company to those seeking security training. Lead instructor brought real world knowledge and experience to the class, drawing from his previous careers in the US military and law enforcement.

I have been going to Joseph for over ten years. I would not go to another School, nor would I send my Officers to another School. His experience and knowledge in Law Enforcement and with DCJS requirements, makes him stand above any other school I have checked into, before signing up for his classes. His prices are fair and the training is great!

Great training school! Ive taken several courses with them over the past 10 years and Ive always had a great experience. Knowledgable instructors that teach beyond whats required for licensing.

DONT WAIST YOUR TIME AND MONEY!!!I had the displeasure of attempting to have a professional conversation with the Owner/Trainer. I found it to be a complete waste of my time. I tried calling this individual to ask about specific training dates and times. This mental midget immediately went into a tirade, yelling if I had bothered to check the schedule. I told him that I wasnt going to deal with has attitude and hung up the phone. Had this guy been professional enough to listen to my question he may have found out that I had in fact checked the schedule but I was trying to ascertain whether classes could be taken on different days/weeks and not back to back as he had provided in his schedule. I wasnt even trying to find out this info for myself but for several other people. Im a former instructor who was attempting to send business his way. Thankfully I chose a more professional and reputable training academy. I find it ironic that people have to give reviews and explain this individuals nasty demeanor as normal because of what hes been through. There are numerous security trainers that dont have to demean and bark at people to attempt to get their point across. Its called being professional. If the owner/instructor cant even be tactful with potential customers its rather obvious he will only act worse when training you. No one deserves to be instructed this way. Its best to move on and be properly trained in a relaxing easy to learn atmosphere...

I was there today to get my 01I training to renew my DCJS. Amazing company. Joseph was professional. Thank you

Mr. Bonacci is very knowledgeable about the Private Security World, his courses are broken down so they are easy to understand and remember. I am taking another course with him, and I highly recommend to anyone looking for training.

I have done most of my DCJS training and re-certification with Joseph. I think he was first with the online courses and does a great job. Classes are no nonsense and professional. Handgun training is top notch.Prices are fair and they have been very helpful with last minute needs. All in all a very good place for DCJS training.

The online class was very easy to use. Information was presented very well. The online class & exam was at a fair price.

Online class was simple, quick, and to the point. Very user friendly. Range instruction was clear, accurate, and by the book.

Online registration, class and content were quick and easy. Highly recommend for online re-cert for those individuals with limited time for classroom attendance.

Fantastic training staff!! A wealth of knowledge, both academic as well as real life experience.

Great class and passed the course. The course used all of the technology to teach . The instruction was great he knows the subject and content areas and he demonstrated honesty, loyalty and integrity.

Mr. Bonacci is a very experienced and well-informed instructor. Hes been in this business for a while. I would highly recommend this school for anyone looking to get into Security.

I contacted this outfit (thinking it was something else) to look into getting a DC concealed permit. In my contact, I outlined that I have had a VA concealed permit and therefore training, which may have taken place with this outfit. The reason I thought that is that I found the contact information on a DC website, and the information was linked to Sharp Shooters. I know I had done my initial training near Springfield, and thus the site could have been Shooters (Lorton). In my contact with STA, I asked if there is a work-around the DC training because of my VA permit and my training. My contact person took it mean I was trying to skirt the law. What I was asking, is, if there is some kind of in-place protocol where someone in my position could simply take a written test and demonstrate safe handling of a firearm.

I liked the training process and the Instructor who conducted the training. I learned a lot from them. I recommend you guys to consider this academy.

Joseph is very knowledgeable! Highly recommend and will deff. return for my in-service training!

Disregard all the 5 stars reviews. He sent email to everyone and ask them to write a review in return for 15% discount. Just read all the 1 star reviews or just simply call him and ask him about info on any classes and he will yell and belittle you like he is a drill sergeant

I have been working in the private security industry for 5 years. I have worked several different contracts , Government , music industry ( Personal Protection Officer ) etc.... I have a wide range of training , including being a Army Veteran ( 19 kilo ) and the training in hand to hand / weapons and tactics and with all that training I expect to not learn much BUT I learned a lot from the instructor. Tactics and security procedures I had no idea about. Real world approach style teaching method I enjoyed. I would highly recommend this Training School to anybody wanting real security training and their prices are also better then the other security training facilities in the area by far.

Great location in Annandale. Instructor very knowledgeable and accurate. Price is affordable

An incredible experience, the instructor is very knowledgeable. IF your looking to broaden your horizon and get a better understanding for the security field and other fields in which he teaches you couldnt find a better place. Definitely worth 5 stars and a whole bunch of thumbs-ups.👍👍👍👍👍

Its really not a good place for learning very bad and meaningless

It was an amazing experience and the instructor was super amazing too, cause he will give good information details and the classroom is wonderful.

This is a great career institution. Very lively instructor and very amazing to attend.

I have used A Security Training Academy for numerous years to recertify my DCJS licenses and registrations. The courses are reasonably priced and contain up-to-date material for a long list of specialties. Training with A Security Training Academy was a welcome change from the traditional classroom setting. I enjoyed the self-paced format and the fact that you must maintain a proficient knowledge of your current specialties during testing. I will continue to utilize these guys as long as I am associated with the DCJS.

Dont know about the class but I can say they have the worst customer service I ever saw. I call to ask questions about the class & he act like Im bothering him. He cut me short and was very rude. Website had 2 different prices for P.I. Class & of course when I mentioned it, it was the higher price 😂. I paid in full in July for a September class. Only to find out 3 days before I was suppose to attend the class it was canceled because no one signed up. I told the instructor/owner I signed up, paid & was told even if it was just me in the class the show will still go on. He went on to tell me he knew nothing about it but Im pretty sure you saw that money hit your account. Also told me maybe next month but wasnt sure whens the next class. He went on to say send me proof & hell call me back. I sent proof he never called back. Im a business owner & never seen such poor customer service. So unprofessional to the point I had to write a review because Im that upset. No refund my ass take that up with the bank because Im getting my money back. And from the looks of other reviews Im not alone when I say DONT DO BUSINESS WITH THIS COMPANY. They do not deserve it til they change their attitude. And STOP acting like the customer needs you and not the other way around. If u dont like your job QUITE or shut down shop.

Convenient location, get the knowledge you need, and get certified. What more could you ask for?

Joseph is a good instructor and he has a wealth of knowledge I recommend this place for those who want take entry class and advance class as security career .

Joseph Bonacci is a real base Training instructor. He brings reality to the classroom and some people cant handle it because theyre not used to getting reality in a classroom setting. At first I had to get used to his training style but once I learn what hes about and his background I understood everything. I did training with him for 3 weeks straight. For those people who are not used to reality based training in a classroom setting this classroom is not for them. He trains us how things are going to be in real life and through personal experience that hes gone through. I hope to go back to him for more training. If you go just to an 8 hour class you really wont get to know him but since I sat through three weeks of his class I kind of got to know him on a professional level only.

Online experience was awesome. DCJS was updated almost automatically.

Great instructor, informative class! I highly recommend A Security Training Academy

Extremely unprofessional and disrespectful...I had a simple question in regards to their training services, and rather than simply answering.... The guy bust into a tirade of slanderous and defacing remarks. Well Im sorry sir, but if you can not simply answer my question, then I do not need you as an instructor, I will look elsewhere!My question was, if I become registered as an armed guard, does that qualify me to work in unarmed positions? Rather than answering my question, he was extremely rude, provocative, and if I had to take a gander... I would venture its safe to say hes quite displeased with his life, as who else would just simply off the bat be so piss-poor rude?Rudeness/crudeness in the presence of friends is one thing... But to address a potential trainee that is asking questions about your training in such a demeanor... I recommend looking elsewhere

Wonderful people who took care of all my self-defense needs. Thank you!!!

Best place too come to get these type of training

This instructor give you training that you really need to do the Job.🤡

It is very convenient to complete my required training online.

Was the best!!! Although he can come off pretty harsh in the beginning if your not use to it but hell I look forward for more classes. I would recommend him if your a cry baby dont bother. His attitude gets you ready for the real world. Yet he is very helpful I enjoyed it alot!

Great class , I rate It A 5 out of a 5 If youre offended easily Just remember you are here to learn not to make friends,So dont be a Snowflake .

I highly recommend this online security school

Instructor was the best let you know what was what no usher coating I plan on going back for more classes soon

Called to ask about a program on the website. Im new in the security field and was seeking info on the proper steps to reach my goal (which classes to take in what order.) The rep, misquoted me three times on a question, then begins to get aggravated (just 25 seconds into the call.) Hot tempered customer service rep that I hope wasnt an instructor. Sounds like he would be though. Unprofessional.

This guys an expert, was very informative.

Very informative and a great educational experience.

Its a better out there then this place...

Wealth of knowledge. Mentor that I commend 💯

Joseph is a good instructor and has a wealth of knowledge. Hes a pioneer in the PSS industry in VA. He might come off strong sometimes, but if you dont have thick skin, the security industry isnt for you.

The state mandated curriculum and material learned are wonderful.However the trainer I learned from had the most unprofessional teaching style I have ever had the misfortune of experiencing. I refrained from asking or answering questions after my first 8 hours with Instructor Bonacci due to his often volatile reactions. I personally witnessed him call classmates ‘idiot’ and he would answer personal calls during active session.Unless they get some different Instructors, don’t go to this academy unless you enjoy unprofessional Instructors.I will heavily research my next training business, and I will never use this company again solely due to my interactions with Instructor Bonacci at A Security Training Academy.

Just Called to ask a question about training and the guy that answered the phone was so rude.

BEST SCHOOL in the( DMV}

Unprofessionals and disrespectful all of them. I wouldnt suggest this place to get training .

They’re so disrespectful and rude. Bad customer service.

He is excellent instructor.

The most dishonest training academy Ive ever seen. I registered online for a class that had already started.The system still let me register.When I called the trainer, he basically told me I can neither do that class,nor get a refund for my money. I had to file a complain at the VA attorney general office to get my refund. I wouldnt recommend this academy to anybody.

If you need to get security guard training, come here. Ignore these but hurt people

Poor staff and instructor worst customer service

Best Academy i love it

Great classes !!!