Have you ever considered a career where you’re responsible for safeguarding others and maintaining order? Becoming a security guard in Texas can be a fulfilling and vital role, ensuring the safety of people and property across the Lone Star State. If you possess a keen eye for detail, strong communication skills, and an unwavering commitment to public welfare, this career might be the perfect fit for you.
In this guide, we will take you through the steps and requirements necessary to become a security guard in Texas. From understanding the different levels of security guard licensing to the critical training you need, we will equip you with the knowledge and insights necessary to take the first steps toward this meaningful career path.
Do you need a license to be a Texas security guard?
To work as a security guard in Texas, you need a license commonly called a “pocket card” from The Texas Department of Public Safety (TDPS). Pocket cards are issued by the TDPS and verify that a security professional has met the minimum requirements and completed the necessary training to safely and lawfully perform security duties in the state of Texas.
What qualifications are needed to be a security guard in Texas?
To become a security guard in Texas, you must first meet the following criteria:
Once you meet these three mandatory requirements, you can apply for your pocket card that licenses you to become a security guard in Texas.
How much does it cost to become a security guard in Texas?
From training to pocket card, it currently costs $170 to become an entry-level security guard with a Level II license in Texas.
Texas security guard levels III and IV will incur additional training fees and a raised license fee of $57.
Levels of Texas security guards
Texas security guards are categorized into three levels of authorized security work. Each level requires a specific number of hours of training relevant to the type of security work.
Level II (Non-Commissioned Security Guard)
Level II is the entry level of a security guard in Texas. Level II security guards are unarmed and have completed the required training, including a minimum of six hours instruction from a licensed training school.
The responsibilities of a non-commissioned security guard include:
Take your Texas Security Level II Training with NITA →
Level III (Commissioned Security Guard)
Level III security guards are armed and have completed additional training beyond the Level II requirements. They undergo a minimum of 45 hours of training, including firearm training, legal aspects of using a firearm, and a demonstration of firearm proficiency.
Commissioned security guards secure roles that require or benefit from armed security, including:
Level IV (Personal Protection Officer)
Also known as a bodyguard, a Level IV PPO is licensed to provide personal protection services. They must complete a minimum of 15 hours of training on topics related to personal protection, including use of force, defensive tactics, and emergency response.
Personal protection officers provide security for multiple individuals, including:
How to get a security guard license in TX
You can start a rewarding career as a security guard in Texas in just four steps: get hired, complete training, get fingerprinted, and apply for your pocket card.
1. Find a job as a security guard
Surprisingly, the first step to becoming a licensed security guard in Texas is to be hired by a private security company. Your application to receive a private security license requires the business license number of your security company employer.
Learn more: Best Security Companies in Houston
2. Complete the required security guard training
Complete the required training specific to the security guard level you want to become.
Level II Non-Commissioned Security Officer requires a minimum of six hours training from a licensed training school. Level II training is required for all security guard licenses, and covers basic security topics like state laws, conflict resolution, and ethics.
Level III Commissioned Security Officer requires 45 hours of training and includes firearm training. The course typically includes topics like bomb threats, terrorist response, field note-taking, report writing, and use of force concepts. Demonstrating firearm proficiency is required within 90 days from the date of application.
Level IV Personal Protection Officer requires a minimum of 15 hours of specialized training for personal protection services. These training courses typically include bodyguarding strategies, unarmed defensive tactics, and the force continuum.
For all levels of training, prospective applicants will also need to pass an exam before moving on in the application process.
Learn more: Armed vs. Unarmed Security Guards: What’s The Difference?
3. Get fingerprinted
Schedule an appointment with IdentoGO, the approved fingerprint vendor for Texas. As part of the licensing process for all levels of security guards, you'll need to submit your fingerprints for a background check.
4. Submit your application
Security guard applications are submitted via the Texas Online Private Security Portal (TOPS). Follow the instructions and answer all questions truthfully to the best of your ability. Along with your application, you’ll need to submit your fingerprints for your background check and pay the application fee.
How long does it take to become a licensed security guard in Texas?
Getting your security guard license in Texas can take 1-3 months, depending on how quickly you can complete your training.
The training course and method you choose can influence how long the licensing process might take. The six hours of Level II training can be completed in a single day, while Level III training can take a few weeks, depending on the class schedule of the facility you choose.
In-person training courses take more time to complete because of the required commute and fixed hours. In contrast, many security guard training academies offer online courses for Level II training that can be completed on-demand, significantly reducing the time to become fully trained. Level III training involves classroom education, defensive tactics, and firearms training, and must be completed in person.
Once your training is complete and your TOPS application has been submitted, it typically takes a few weeks to be approved and receive your security guard license from TDPS.
How much can you make as a security guard in Texas?
The salary of security guards in Texas can vary depending on several factors, including the level of experience, location, employer, and specific job responsibilities. Here are the current average salaries for each security guard category.
Level II Non-Commissioned (unarmed) Security Guard salary
On average, unarmed security guards in Texas can earn between $14 to $17 per hour. Annual salaries for full-time unarmed guards typically range from $29,500 to $35,000.
Level III Commissioned (armed) Security Guard salary
Armed security guards often receive higher pay than their unarmed counterparts due to the additional responsibilities and training required. In Texas, armed security guards can earn an average of $18 to $20 per hour, with annual salaries ranging from $36,000 to $42,390.
Level IV Personal Protection Officer salary
Although the rate may vary significantly by employer, the average salary for a personal protection officer in Texas is currently around $36,900, which comes out to around $18 per hour. Because they are typically privately employed, PPOs have the potential to receive higher salaries than armed and unarmed security guards in Texas, although job opportunities might be more scarce.
How long is a Texas security license good for?
A Texas security license is valid for two years and can be renewed by the Texas Online Private Security Portal (TOPS) for the original license fee. Renewal within 3 months after the expiration date will incur a minor late fee of $15-50, depending on the license level. The late fee is doubled if renewing more than 3 months after the expiration date.
What disqualifies you from becoming a Texas security guard?
From incomplete training to felony convictions, several factors can disqualify an individual from becoming a security guard in Texas. However, the disqualifying factors may vary based on your desired level of security guard license. Here are some common factors that can disqualify you from most security licenses in Texas:
Criminal convictions
Certain criminal convictions, especially for violent crimes, theft, fraud, or crimes involving moral turpitude, can disqualify an individual from becoming a security guard in Texas. The type and severity of the conviction will be considered during the application process.
Felony convictions
In most cases, felony convictions can result in automatic disqualification from obtaining a security guard license. This is particularly true for violent felonies or crimes involving firearms.
Drug use or substance abuse
Recent or ongoing drug use or substance abuse issues may lead to disqualification as security guards are expected to uphold high standards of responsibility and reliability.
False information
Providing false information or omitting relevant details on the application can lead to disqualification. Remember to provide true and honest information on your security guard license application.
Mental health concerns
Certain mental health conditions that could impair the ability to perform security duties safely and responsibly may lead to disqualification. Mental disorders that may result in disqualification include, but are not limited to schizophrenia, bipolar disorder, anti-social personality disorder, and more.
Previous revocation or suspension
If you had a security guard license previously revoked or suspended for any reason, it may impact your eligibility and result in disqualification.
Ready to start your journey as a security guard in Texas?
There’s no time like the present! NITA is here to help with all your training needs. Fully online and on-demand, our training courses can prepare you for a fulfilling career in security and personal protection.
Get ready with our Texas Security Level II Training and Texas Private Security State Exam Prep course from NITA →
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