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?
Yes, in Texas, you need a license to work as a security guard. The Texas Department of Public Safety (TDPS) issues licenses for security guards, and it's a requirement for anyone who wishes to work in this capacity within the state. The license is commonly referred to as a “pocket card” by the DPS.
What Qualifications Are Needed to Be a Security Guard in Texas?
To obtain a security guard license in Texas, individuals typically need to meet certain criteria, which include the following:
- Applicants must be at least 18 years old.
- Applicants must undergo a background check, and certain criminal convictions may disqualify them from obtaining a license.
- Completion of a state-approved security guard training course is mandatory. The training covers various topics, including legal aspects of security, basic security procedures, and communication skills.
- Applicants are often required to submit fingerprints for a background check.
Levels of Texas Security Guards
Texas security guards can be categorized into three basic levels.
Level II (Non-Commissioned Security Guard)
Level II is the basic 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.
Learn more: Armed vs. Unarmed Security Guards: What’s The Difference?
Level III (Commissioned Security Guard)
Level III security guards are armed and have completed additional training beyond the Level II requirements. They undergo an additional 30 hours of training, including firearm training and legal aspects of using a firearm.
Level IV (Personal Protection Officer)
Also known as a bodyguard, a Level IV PPO is licensed to provide personal protection services. They must complete 15 hours of training, which includes topics related to personal protection.
How to Get a Security Guard License in TX
Ready to get your security guard license in Texas? Follow the steps below.
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. Why? You can’t apply for your Texas Security Guard License if you’re not employed by a security company.
2. Complete the Required Security Guard Training
Complete the required training specific to the security guard level you want to become. For the Level II Non-Commissioned Security Officer License, you must complete a minimum of six hours training from a licensed training school. Level II training is required for all security guard licenses.
For Level III Commissioned Security Officer, you'll need to undergo 45 hours of training, which includes firearm training. The course typically covers bomb threats, terrorist response, field note-taking, report writing, use of force concepts, firearm training, and more. Demonstrating firearm proficiency is required within 90 days from the date of application.
Level IV PPO requires a minimum of 15 hours of specific training for personal protection services. These training courses typically include bodyguarding strategies, unarmed defensive tactics, the force continuum, and more.
For all levels of training, prospective applicants will also need to pass an exam before moving on in the application process.
3. Get Fingerprinted
As part of the licensing process, you'll need to submit your fingerprints for a background check. This is required for all levels of security guards. You’ll need to schedule an appointment with IdentoGO, the approved fingerprint vendor for Texas.
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 be a fairly swift process, taking a few weeks at the fastest or a few months at the slowest. It all depends on how quickly you can complete your training.
The training course you choose can influence how long the licensing process might take. In-person training courses can last anywhere from a single day (for Level II training) to a few weeks (Level III training) depending on the facility you choose. In contrast, many security guard training academies offer online courses that can be done on-demand, drastically reducing the time to become fully trained.
Once your training is complete and your 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 average salaries for each security guard category.
Non-Commissioned (Unarmed) Security Guard Salary
On average, unarmed security guards in Texas can earn between $12 to $16 per hour. Annual salaries for full-time unarmed guards typically range from $25,000 to $35,000.
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 $21 to $24 per hour, with annual salaries ranging from $40,000 to $45,000.
Personal Protection Officer Salary
PPOs tend to receive slightly higher salaries than armed and unarmed security guards in Texas, though job opportunities might be more scarce. The average salary for a personal protection officer in Texas is around $48,000, which comes out to around $25.50 per hour.
What Disqualifies You From Becoming a Texas Security Guard?
Several factors can disqualify an individual from becoming a security guard in Texas, including the failure to complete the required training or pass the state exam. The specific disqualifications may vary based on the level of security guard license sought. Here are some common disqualifying factors.
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.
Start Your Career Today
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 the Texas Private Security State Exam Prep course from NITA →
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