How To Get A Security Guard License In Texas

This post will teach you how to get a security guard license in Texas.  We will go over what a security guard is and list some of the typical duties performed by security guards.  If you are interested in a career as a security guard in Texas then this post is for you.  After you are licensed by the State of Texas feel free to check out our Jobs to get to work.

According to Wikipedia: “A security guard (also known as a security inspector, security officer, or protective agent) is a person employed by a government or private party to protect the employing party’s assets (property, people, equipment, money, etc.)”  Security guards are private security officers that are hired by private entities like businesses or people.  The officers protect property and people including customers, employees, property, buildings, etc.

There are different types of security guards in Texas.  Unarmed security guards are not licensed to carry a firearm whereas armed security guards are licensed to carry a firearm while on duty.  Another type of security guard is the Personal Protection Officer (more commonly known as a body guard) which are also licensed to carry a firearm while on duty and may conceal it.

Security guards have many duties.  These include patrol duties, maintaining a professional appearance, work at any times of the day or night, and more.  We will go more detail below.

The primary duty of a security guard is to provide a security presence that can deter crime from happening.  Security guards do this by patrolling either on-foot or in a security patrol vehicle.  While patrolling, security guards observe and report about any criminal situations that may occur.  In addition, they can ensure that doors, entryways, vehicles, etc. are locked and secured.

Part of being a security guard is having a professional appearance.  While providing a security presence that deters crime, they must maintain a professional appearance that will make criminals think twice about committing a crime in their presence.

Security guards are expected to work at any time day or night.  Typically, security guards work at night when crime occurs the most.  Although there are many positions that require a security guard during the day.  Being able to work at any time and on any day including weekends is important if you want to become a security guard.

On our discussion about how to get a security guard license in Texas, the obvious question is if you need a license to be a security guard in the State of Texas.  The answer is yes.  The Texas Department of Public Safety regulates private security in the State of Texas.  TxDPS has decreed that all Security Guards in Texas must be licensed in order to work as a security guard.  The next section will cover how exactly one can get licensed as a security guard in Texas.

Getting licensed as a Security Guard in Texas is a multi-step process.

To be trained you must be eligible to work as a security guard.  In the State of Texas you must be able to pass a criminal background check and possibly obtain a medical exam before you can be licensed.

The first step of the process is to get training.  Since there are different types of security guards there are respective training courses that need to be completed.

Luckily, you do not need to be employed by a security guard company to take the training.

All security guard training in Texas must be in-person classroom training by a certified instructor.  Central Texas Protective Services offers Level III training at a reduced rate to new employees.   To be licensed as a Level III armed security guard in Texas you must also pass a shooting qualification.

Search for a Level III security training course near you and register.

In addition to the training requirement and firearm qualification, you will need to submit fingerprints.

To start the process of getting a security guard license in Texas, you need to submit an application to Texas Department of Public Safety using their Texas Online Private Security application.

To get started browse to https://tops.portal.texas.gov/psp-self-service and click on the red “Start Individual Application” button.  This will walk you through the process of entering in all your information.  It will also show you how to submit your fingerprints and your training completion certificate.

Continuing our discussion on how to get a security guard license in Texas, we will talk about how much it will cost you to become a security guard.

To submit your application to the state you will need to pay a $57 fee.

In addition, you might have to pay for your training but you may get it at a reduced rate if you are hired by a security guard company.  Typically, the training can cost in the range of $50 to $300.

You may also have to pride your own gear.  Companies will usually supply you with a uniform but you might be responsible for other equipment like your own sidearm, baton, etc.  A complete list of equipment is a following section.

Now that we know what it takes to get a security guard license in Texas, we should talk about what can keep you from becoming one.

First, you must have a clear criminal background.

For details we can review the Texas Private Security Statutes & Rules which states:

An individual is not eligible for a security officer commission if the individual:
(1) is disqualified by state or federal law from owning or possessing a firearm;
(2) is incapable of exercising sound judgment in the proper use and storage of
a handgun;
(3) is a fugitive from justice for a felony or a Class A or Class B misdemeanor;
(4) is a chemically dependent person; or
(5) is currently restricted under a court protective order or subject to a
restraining order affecting the spousal relationship, other than a restraining order solely
affecting property interests.

It also talks about criminal disqualifications:

An individual who has been convicted twice in the 10-year period preceding
the date on which the person applies for a security officer commission of an offense of
the grade of Class B misdemeanor or greater that involves the use of alcohol or a
controlled substance as a statutory element of the offense is a chemically dependent
person for purposes of this section and is not qualified to receive a security officer
commission under this subchapter. This subsection does not preclude the
disqualification of an individual for being a chemically dependent person if other
evidence exists to demonstrate that the person is a chemically dependent person.

That concludes our discussion on how to get a security guard license in Texas.

Being a security guard can provide a very rewarding career with the proper training.

Let me know in the comments if you enjoyed this post or if you have any questions.  As always if you liked it then please share it on social media.