Security professionals are on the front lines of defense for people and property across Texas. From corporate campuses to retail stores, trained security guards protect what matters most.
The Texas Department of Public Safety (DPS) maintains rigorous licensing and regulations for security professionals to ensure every security guard in the Lone Star State is qualified for their responsibilities. This guide explains everything you need to know to get your guard card in Texas.
Types of Security Guards in Texas
Texas recognizes three levels of professional security licensing, each with specific training requirements. To start your security guard career in Texas, you must achieve one of these levels.
Level II: Non-Commissioned Security Officer
Level II represents the entry point for security professionals in Texas. There is no Level I. Level II qualifies you to work as a non-commissioned security officer and requires completing a state-approved six-hour training program and passing a written exam.
A non-commissioned security officer is an unarmed officer, mainly providing observation and reporting functions in lower-risk environments like schools, apartment complexes, and retail stores. Their responsibilities include:
- Deterring crime by maintaining a visible presence
- Access control protocols, like checking authorization or signing in visitors
- Conducting perimeter checks
- Intervening in emergencies
- Documenting suspicious activities for law enforcement response
Level III: Commissioned Security Officer
Level III licensing allows security guards to carry firearms while on duty. This qualifies you as a commissioned security officer, which requires more extensive training.
Candidates must complete the Level II fundamentals program, plus 45-50 hours of specialized instruction covering firearms safety, legal use of force principles, defensive tactics, and advanced emergency response protocols. They must also successfully pass a written exam and live-fire firearms proficiency test with a licensed instructor.
Commissioned security officers can work in higher-risk environments like financial institutions, government facilities, and corporate security details.
Level IV: Personal Protection Officer
Level IV is the highest security certification level in Texas, qualifying you to work as an executive protection specialist or bodyguard. This elite designation requires completion of Level II and Level III training, plus 15 hours of specialized personal protection instruction. A Minnesota Multiphasic Personality Inventory psychological exam is also required.
These professionals provide close protection services for corporate executives and public figures with enhanced security needs.
Who Is Eligible to Be a Security Guard in Texas?
To get your security guard card in Texas, you must meet these basic qualifications:
- Be at least 18 years old for Level II or 21 years old and a personal protection officer for Level III.
- Have legal authorization to work in the United States.
- Hold a high school diploma or GED equivalent.
- Show English language proficiency.
- Maintain the necessary physical fitness for your security duties.
Security guard card applicants must also pass FBI fingerprint-based criminal history reviews. The Texas DPS checks complete criminal records, not just convictions.
Who Is Disqualified From Being a Security Guard in Texas?
Several criteria can disqualify someone, permanently or for periods of 5-20 years, from working as a licensed security guard in Texas. These include felony convictions, class A misdemeanors and dishonorable discharge from the military. A federal firearm prohibition can disqualify a person from being an armed security guard in Texas.
For detailed information on disqualifications, you can check:
- The Texas DPS Private Security Bureau website for current application requirements.
- Texas Occupations Code, Chapter 1702 for the main legislation governing security guard jobs.
- Texas Administrative Code, Title 37, Part 1, Chapter 35, §35.4 for detailed disqualification guidelines.
5 Steps to Getting Your Texas Security Guard Card
If you are eligible and want to pursue a rewarding career as a security guard, follow these five steps.
1. Secure Employment
Your journey starts by getting a job at a DPS-licensed security company. You need an employer to sponsor your application, so start by applying for security roles and let the employer know you want to get security guard training and certification.
Many companies hire candidates without licenses, planning to train them into security roles. During interviews, emphasize skills that transfer to the roles and responsibilities of security guards, like:
- Reliability
- Observation
- Physical fitness
- Customer service
- Conflict resolution
2. Submit Your Fingerprints and Application
The DPS requires fingerprint results to process your application. Fingerprinting must happen before or immediately after training. Your employer will help you schedule fingerprinting with IdentoGO and submit your application package through the Texas Online Private Security portal using their business license number.
3. Complete Required Training
Your employer will direct you to a state-approved training program. For unarmed positions, this is a six-hour course for Level II certification covering legal aspects, observation, report writing, and emergency response protocols. For armed or personal protection officer positions, you will complete the additional learning and training hours for Level III or IV licensing. Your company may have preferred training providers or in-house programs.
4. Start Work
In Texas, unarmed security officer applicants may begin working after submitting a substantially complete application, provided at least 48 hours have passed and the employer completes required background checks. This allows new hires to gain experience while their registration is finalized. Armed and personal protection officer applicants must wait until full licensure.
5. Receive Your Guard Card
Once DPS approves your application, you will receive your official pocket card by mail. Carry it whenever you are on duty as proof of your qualification. Remember to renew your license every two years and keep up with the continuing education requirements for your level.
How Long Does It Take to Get a Security Guard License in Texas?
Depending on the training program you join and your schedule, you could finish your security guard training within a few days for Level II or a couple of weeks for Level III. Level III also requires you to schedule firearms training hours, and Level IV involves an additional processing period after completing Level III. The DPS typically takes four to six weeks to approve applications, but turnaround time can vary.
In total, you could get your Level II security guard card within two months, while getting your Level III or IV license will take longer.
How to Advance Your Security Guard Career in Texas
Getting your guard card is just the beginning. You can continue your development with further training and certifications, such as:
- Advanced handcuffing and defensive tactics
- First-aid training
- Crisis intervention training
- Executive protection driving courses
- Surveillance techniques
- Fire safety and prevention certification
- Management and supervision training for security leadership roles
Why Trust Us
At The Guard Alliance, we have been serving Texas communities since 2010. Our clients trust us as a leading provider of experienced security guards. As such, we do not currently offer training for newcomers to the industry. Folks with their guard cards (Level II or higher) are encouraged to apply today!
We are a fully licensed, bonded, and insured security company operating at dozens of jobsites in the Lone Star State. As one of Texas’ most established security providers operating in Houston, Dallas, Austin, and San Antonio, we have helped thousands of professionals find worthy deployments.
Over 200 organizations nationwide trust our security services, including major clients like United Airlines and T-Mobile. We have built our reputation by recruiting and developing exceptional security guards, including the many Texas security guards we have guided through their professional development.
Advance Your Security Guard Career With The Guard Alliance
Once you’ve earned your security guard card in Texas, you’ll be unlocking a rewarding career protecting people and property. By joining the right team, you can develop your skills, work with a broad range of clients, and help make Texas a safer place. Top employers will support your ongoing professional growth and help you find the best opportunities to put your qualifications into practice.
Since 2010, The Guard Alliance has delivered quality security services, employing unarmed security guards, armed guards, fire watch guards, and on-site patrol vehicles for our clients. When you join The Guard Alliance with your Level II, III, or IV certification, we’ll get you working immediately and help you grow in your career over time.
Apply online now to discover security guard career opportunities in Texas.
