Texas DPS Private Security Board — Level II / III / IV

Security Guard Training in Texas

State-approved online training to earn your Texas security officer license. Learn the law, procedures, and skills required by the Texas Department of Licensing and Regulation — entirely online.

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Format

Online

Level II Hours

6 Hours

Certification

DPS Private Security Board Required

Enrollment

Rolling Basis

About This Program

Become a Licensed Security Officer in Texas

Emerald Shield Academy provides Texas Department of Public Safety (DPS) xe2x80x94 Private Security Board-aligned training for individuals seeking employment as licensed security officers. Whether you are entering the security field for the first time or upgrading your existing license level, our online courses prepare you to pass your state exam and begin working immediately.

Texas law requires all non-commissioned (Level II) and commissioned (Level III/IV) security officers to complete approved training hours before receiving a license. Our curriculum covers every required topic — from legal authority to emergency procedures — in a flexible online format that fits around your schedule.

100% Online — Study at Your Own Pace

License Levels

Level II — Non-Commissioned
6 required hours. Unarmed security officer. Entry-level license required for most security positions in Texas.
Level III — Commissioned (Armed)
30 required hours + firearms qualification. Authorizes carry of a firearm while on duty.
Level IV — Personal Protection Officer
Advanced executive protection training. Bodyguard and personal protection services.

Curriculum

What You Will Learn

Our DPS Private Security Board-aligned curriculum covers all required topics for Texas security officer licensing, delivered through interactive online modules.

Legal Authority & Powers

Texas security law, arrest authority, use of force guidelines, and civil liability as a licensed security officer.

Report Writing

Documentation standards, incident report formats, evidence preservation, and chain of custody procedures.

Emergency Procedures

First aid basics, fire response, medical emergency protocol, and communication with law enforcement and EMS.

Patrol & Surveillance

Access control, patrol techniques, surveillance best practices, and deterrence strategies for various environments.

Crowd & Conflict Management

De-escalation techniques, crowd dynamics, verbal communication strategies, and handling difficult situations safely.

Professional Standards

Ethics, appearance standards, client relations, Texas Administrative Code requirements, and license maintenance.

Requirements

Eligibility & Requirements

Must be at least 18 years of age
High school diploma or GED required
Must pass a DPS Private Security Board criminal history background check
Must be a U.S. citizen or legally authorized to work
No felony convictions (certain misdemeanors may disqualify)

After completing your training: Submit your security officer license application, pay the state application fee, complete fingerprinting, and pass the required exam. Emerald Shield Academy prepares you for every educational step — DPS Private Security Board issues the final license.

Questions about eligibility? Contact our admissions team for a free consultation.

Start Your Security Career Today

Enrollment is open. Apply online and begin your DPS Private Security Board-required training immediately from any device.

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Career Opportunities in Texas Security

A Texas security officer license opens doors to careers across diverse industries throughout the state.

🏢 Corporate Security

Guard and oversee security operations at office buildings, corporate campuses, and business facilities.

🏥 Healthcare Security

Provide security services at hospitals, medical centers, and healthcare facilities requiring specialized protocols.

🏬 Retail & Loss Prevention

Protect merchandise, reduce shrinkage, and maintain order in retail environments.

🏗️ Construction Site Security

Secure active construction sites, equipment, and materials during evenings, weekends, and off-hours.

🎤 Events & Venue Security

Manage access control, crowd management, and safety at concerts, sporting events, and public venues.

🏠 Residential & HOA Security

Provide security patrols and access control for residential communities, apartment complexes, and gated communities.

Texas Security Officer Licensing — What You Need to Know

The Texas Department of Public Safety (DPS) xe2x80x94 Private Security Board oversees security officer licensing in Texas. Here are the key requirements.

Level II (Unarmed)

30 hours of classroom training minimum. Background check required. Must be 18+. Valid government ID required.

Level III (Armed)

Must first hold a Level II license. Additional firearms training required. Range qualification mandatory.

Level IV (Personal Protection)

Personal protection officer training for executive and VIP protection assignments. Requires prior Level III.

Renewal Requirements

Texas security licenses expire every two years. Continuing education hours are required for renewal.

Frequently Asked Questions — Security Training

How long does the Level II security training take?

The Level II (unarmed security officer) course requires a minimum of 30 hours of training as mandated by DPS Private Security Board. At ESA, our self-paced online program allows you to complete this training on your schedule, typically over 1–3 weeks depending on how much time you dedicate each day.

Can I take my security training completely online?

ESA delivers the classroom-required portion of your security training 100% online. Certain components, such as firearms qualification for Level III licensing, require in-person range time at an authorized facility. Our staff can help you locate an approved range near you.

Do I need a background check to get a Texas security license?

Yes. DPS Private Security Board requires a criminal background check for all security officer applicants. Certain criminal convictions may disqualify applicants from licensure. Review DPS Private Security Board's eligibility requirements at txdps.state.tx.us or contact our admissions team for guidance.

What is the difference between a security officer and a peace officer in Texas?

Security officers are privately employed professionals licensed through DPS Private Security Board. They have authority to protect private property and individuals under their employer's contract. Peace officers (law enforcement) are government-employed with broader legal authority. Security officers cannot exercise the same powers as law enforcement.

Does ESA training prepare me to apply for a DPS Private Security Board security license?

Yes. Our curriculum is designed to align with DPS Private Security Board's training requirements for Level II, III, and IV security officers. After completing your training, you will apply for your license directly through DPS Private Security Board at txdps.state.tx.us. ESA will provide a training completion certificate to submit with your application.

Can veterans and military personnel receive credit toward security training?

Yes. Texas law allows veterans with relevant military occupational specialties (MOS) to potentially receive partial credit toward licensing requirements. Contact our admissions team with your DD-214 for a military experience review before enrolling.