Resources for Launching Your Texas Career
Emerald Shield Academy is dedicated to equipping you with the skills, knowledge, and resources to succeed in your chosen Texas profession. Everything you need to start — right here.
Career Planning & Exploration Tools
Start here to research your career path, understand licensing requirements, and plan your training journey.
Texas Occupational Guides
Detailed information on Texas security, PI, and process server professions — job descriptions, salary ranges, licensing requirements, and employment outlook. Use these guides to confirm your career direction before investing in training.
Career Planning Checklist
Step-by-step checklist from "choosing your profession" to "receiving your first paycheck." Includes research, training enrollment, state license application, exam prep, job search, and ongoing CE requirements.
Your Path to Certification — Online
All ESA training programs are available fully online. Choose your program, enroll, and complete your required education on your schedule.
Security Guard Training
Level II, III, and IV security officer licensing programs. Online, DPS Private Security Board-aligned, rolling enrollment.
View Program →Private Investigator Training
Online PI training aligned with TDLR requirements. Surveillance, skip tracing, evidence collection, and Texas PI law.
View Program →Process Server Training
TDLR-aligned online training for Texas process server certification. Civil procedure, service methods, and professional standards.
View Program →Firearms Training & LTC
Online classroom education for Texas License to Carry (LTC) and Level III armed security officer licensing.
View Program →Skip Tracing
Professional skip tracing certification available online. For PIs, process servers, bondsmen, and collections professionals.
View Program →Continuing Education
State-accepted CE courses for license renewal. Security (DPS PSB), PI, and process server (TDLR) CE credits available online.
View CE Courses →Texas Licensing Authorities
After completing your training, you'll apply for your license through the appropriate Texas state agency. Bookmark these resources.
Texas TDLR
The Texas Department of Licensing and Regulation oversees private investigators, process servers, and dozens of other licensed professions. Apply for and renew PI or process server licenses here.
Visit TDLR.Texas.gov →Texas DPS — LTC & Private Security
The Texas Department of Public Safety issues License to Carry (LTC) permits and — through the DPS Private Security Board — licenses security officers (Level II/III/IV). Submit your security officer or LTC application directly to DPS.
Visit DPS Private Security Board →Texas Secretary of State
Register your security or PI business entity with the Texas SOS. Required before operating as a licensed security services company in Texas.
Visit SOS.Texas.gov →Join the ESA Community
- Industry Associations
Connect with professional associations in your field for networking, continuing education, and career development. - Job Boards & Employment
Access security and investigative job postings. Many employers in Texas require or prefer state-licensed candidates (TDLR or DPS Private Security Board). - Heralds & Scrolls Blog
Industry news, regulatory updates, career tips, and student success stories from the ESA community.
Have questions about which program is right for your career goals? Our academic advisors are here to help. Contact us today and we will help you build the right training plan for your next step.
Your Texas Career Starts Here
Investing in your career starts with the right education. Explore our programs and apply online today.