Are you looking to kickstart a career as a Texas security guard? This could either be an armed or unarmed security officer, this guide will help you navigate all the necessary training, licensing, and other requirements to be certified as a security guard in Texas. Let’s get started.
Overview of Security Guard Licensing in Texas
In Texas, security guards, private investigators, personal protection officers, and other such occupations are all administered by the Texas Department of Public Safety DPS Private Security Bureau. Private security personnel employed or contracted out by businesses and other organizations are also governed by the DPS. To protect the public, the DPS mandates for each applicant to undergo a fingerprint-based criminal background investigation, and also anyone working in private security, who does not possess an appropriate license could be prosecuted.
What Types of Private Security Jobs Require Licensing in Texas?
The private security business in Texas encompasses a number of jobs, all of which require licensing by the DPS, including:
- Uniformed and plainclothes security personnel
- Bodyguards
- Detectives
- Security system installers and monitors
- Security Courier Services
- Security system installers, locksmiths, and others in electronic access control
Each role requires you to register with the Texas DPS and obtain proper certification. The DPS oversees this process under the Texas Occupations Code, Chapter 1702.
Texas Security Guard License: Training and Certification
In Texas, there primarily two security guard licenses:
- Unarmed (Non-commissioned) Security Guard License: Comprises of the level II Non-Commissioned Officer Training Course, after which a manager takes an exam.
- Armed (Commissioned) Security Guard License: Advanced officer training consists of the completion of Level II Commissioned Officer Training Course as well as Level III before taking the exam.
When performing their duties the “Licensed Holder” will have to have a Pocket Card issued to them by the DPS whenever they are on site.
Approved Training Providers
To fulfill such training needs, you must comply with courses that are rendered by only a school approved or sanctioned by Texas DPS. A list of approved training providers that are located in your area can be found on the Texas Online Private Security Tops.
Applying for your Texas Security Guard license
The first thing you need to understand about this employment is that you cannot seek for security guard either when in Texas a security guard license is at hand or when the security is being sought. A request from the sponsoring company will be forwarded to the Private Security Bureau and all approval and submission will be handled by them. The application fee is $38.
Once your application is submitted, expect to wait 4–6 weeks for your license. However, you can begin working as an unarmed security officer while your license is pending.
Texas Unarmed Security Guard Eligibility Requirements
Before enlisting in a training class, see to it that you meet the following criteria to be able to work as an unarmed security officer in Texas:
- Must be at least 18 years old (21 for armed guards)
- A citizen of the USA or has a work permit
- Must have good moral character and physical fitness
As is with any other job, there are certain underlying factors that may prevent you from becoming a security guard such as:
- Dishonorable military discharge
- Criminal felonies or Class A or Class B misdemeanors
- Sex offender declaration
- Abusing either drugs or alcohol or both regularly
- Determined incompetent by a court of law
Steps to Becoming a Texas Security Guard
If you meet these requirements, the next steps are:
- Apply for available security guard positions.
- Complete the Level II Non-Commissioned Officer Training Course and Test.
- Submit to IdentiGO to take masters fingerprints for an fbi background check $25.
- Receive your Pocket Card and develop your professional life!
Texas Unarmed Security Guard Training: Level II Non-Commissioned Officer
The Level II training program only takes four hours to finish and contains vital areas like fundamental security, law, and report writing. It is the primary step in acquiring a license. It is the first step to getting licensed and is available online for convenience.
Benefits of Online Training with Security Guard School
Security Guard School provides Level II online training in Texas with the approval of the DPS and has various combinations of training that are not hard on the pocket. You can complete the training at your own pace, on any device, without needing to attend in-person classes.
The course includes six engaging modules:
- History, Statutes and Definitions
- The Role of Private Security in the Current Society
- Documentation and Report Writing
- Proper Use of Force in Conflict Resolution
- Power to Effect Arrest and Detention
- Disaster Management and Crisis Management
At the end of the course, you will take a 50-question exam with a requirement of scoring 75% and above to be considered as passing. Once you pass this, you will be sent the signed certificate for your DPS application by email.
Conclusion: Start Your Security Career Today
Earning your security guard license in Texas is straightforward with the right guidance. By completing the required training and certification, you'll be well on your way to a rewarding career in private security. Visit Security Guard School to learn more about their DPS-approved online training options.
For security companies, Security Guard School offers affordable training solutions for your workforce, ensuring your new hires are job-ready faster.
REFERENCE LINKS:
https://securityguardschool.com/collections/texas-security-guard-training
https://tops.portal.texas.gov/psp-self-service/login/auth
TAGS: texas security guard, security guard license, level ii training, unarmed security guard, texas dps security, security guard requirements in Texas