Requirements for Security Licensing in Texas
Thinking of becoming a security officer and not sure exactly what steps are required? Would you like to know what the entire security licensing process in the state of Texas is? We’ve got you covered! Starting a new career can be challenging, so we definitely want to create an easy path to assist you along your journey.
If you are brand new to the security industry in the state of Texas, you will have to enroll in a Level-2 Non-Commission course. After completing the Level-2 Non-Commission course, you must take your course certificate of completion to your new employer, whereas your employer (security company) must sign off (authorize or sponsor) your official state paperwork and send your packet along with a fee, to the state for approval.
DPS will not process your license without a licensed security company first signing or sponsoring your packet; this is to eliminate freelancers – which is illegal. You must work for a licensed security company, and that company must process your paperwork; it is a controlled environment and process.
Texas security licensing requirements
It may take DPS a few weeks to as long as 45 days to process your paperwork and conduct a background check on you. As long as your employer has submitted the paperwork to DPS for a Non-commission license, you are allowed to work unarmed only while waiting for your license or a rejection letter. Once the license is approved by the state it will be mailed to your company (not you) and your company will then hand it over to you. 
Please note: Once you have been approved by DPS, you do not need to keep submitting additional sets of fingerprints and fingerprint fees to them for each additional license. You may elect to take the Level-3 Commission course or the Level-4 Bodyguard course, for details on those classes, click here.
Steps to obtain security license in Texas
Exactly like the Level-2, your employer must sign and sponsor your paperwork (additional fees included), then submit it to DPS for each additional license you wish to have. After passing the above named courses and submitting the proper proof of training, they will review your documents and either approve or reject it. If approved, as previously stated, those licenses will be mailed to your company to be handed over to you.
Caution: You CANNOT work as an armed/commissioned officer or bodyguard until you have the actual state issued pocket cards in your hands. Texas Certified Training Academy will walk you through the process and go through all the forms you will need during our classes.
To receive more information about Texas security officer training and licensing, visit TCTA.