TRAINING & CERTIFICATION 

Our Aim: “To Train, Prepare, and Empower Through Education!”

At United States Protective Services, we believe that knowledge and preparation are the foundation of excellence in security. Our training programs are designed to equip officers with the skills, certifications, and confidence needed to perform at the highest level.

Whether you’re advancing your career or starting fresh, our academy offers comprehensive courses that meet industry standards and prepare you for real-world challenges.

Security Training Academy

Our Security Officer Training Academy Offers The Most Affordable Training in North Texas.

“POSSIBLe Job Placement Assistance if You Train With Us!”

Becoming a Security Officer in Texas is a smart career move for professionals seeking excitement, stability, and competitive pay. According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), employment for security officers is projected to grow by 15% from 2020 to 2030—faster than the average for most occupations. This growing demand creates a wide range of opportunities for individuals who meet the strict requirements set by the State of Texas.
Whether you plan to become a Personal Protection Officer or obtain a Concealed Weapons Permit, your training and certifications are essential for building the skills and confidence needed to be a safe, professional, and successful security officer.

Texas Level II Training Course Overview:

Who Must Complete It?
All applicants for:

• Non-Commissioned Security Officer registration (unarmed)

• Commissioned Security Officer license (armed)

• Personal Protection Officer license
  Certain peace officers may be exempt per TAC §35.141(b).

1. Purpose:
   To ensure security professionals understand Texas laws, ethics, and basic security practices before licensure.

   Key Requirements

   • Course Content:
     Prepared or approved by the Texas Department of Public Safety (DPS). Topics include:

     • Roles and responsibilities of security officers

     • Applicable state laws and administrative rules

     • Professional conduct and ethics

     • Observation, reporting, and emergency response

     • Conflict resolution and communication skills

     • Use of force guidelines and legal limitations

   • Duration:
     Typically 6 hours for Level II (basic, unarmed) training.

   • Administration:

     • Must be taught by a licensed Level III or Level IV Instructor at a licensed training school, OR

     • May be administered by a licensed guard company and taught by its representative or designee. [dps.texas.gov]

   • Testing:
     Completion certificate and passing the DPS-approved exam are required for application submission.

     After training, applicants must apply through TOPS (Texas Online Private Security), pay licensing fees, and complete fingerprinting for background checks.

   • No high school diploma or GED is required by DPS, but some employers may prefer it.

ARMED SECURITY OFFICER COURSE OVERVIEW (Level III)

Course Objective:
Prepare students to meet Texas Department of Public Safety (DPS) requirements for a Commissioned Security Officer License (armed) and provide advanced skills for carrying and using firearms responsibly.

“Primary Issued Handgun 25 yards-50 Round Qualification Course of Fire”

✅ Course of Fire Breakdown

• Distance:
  Shooting is conducted at 25 yards (and often includes closer distances like 3, 7, and 15 yards as part of the full qualification).

• Rounds:
  A total of 50 rounds fired during the qualification process.

• Purpose:
  To demonstrate proficiency with the primary issued handgun (the firearm you will carry on duty).

• Scoring:
  Usually based on accuracy within a designated target area. Texas DPS standards often require a minimum passing score (e.g., 70% or higher).

• This course is NOT primarily designed for revolvers, shooters using revolvers will reload when empty.

• Weapons with 17 round magazines will start the course with a handgun loaded with 16 rounds. Weapons with 12 round magazines will start the course with 12 rounds. No additional round in the chamber for this course of fire.

• Shooters will perform emergency reloads where required.

Each shooter will have adequate space on either side to account for movement.

Stage I: 3-yard line-12 rounds fired in the following sequence:

• From the holstered position, on command, draw, and fire 3 shots while moving one step right, weapon hand only. (Time limit: 3 seconds)

  Transition the weapon to the support hand.

• From the ready position, on command, draw, and fire 3 shots while moving one step left, support hand only.

  Re-holster on command. (Time limit: 3 seconds)

• From the holstered position, on command, draw, and fire 3 shots while moving one step right, two-handed grip.

  Re-holster on command. (Time limit: 3 seconds)

• From the holstered position, on command, draw, and fire 3 shots while moving one step left, two-handed grip.

  Re-holster on command. (Time limit: 3 seconds)

Stage II: 7-yard line-12 rounds fired in the following sequence:

• Un-holster, transition the weapon to the support hand.

  From the ready position, on command, fire 2 shots support hand with two-handed grip. (Time limit: 3 seconds) Transition the weapon to the weapon hand. Re-holster on command.

• From the holstered position, command, draw, fire 2 shots, two-handed grip. Re-holster on command. (Time limit: 3 seconds)

• From a holstered position, on command, draw, fire 4 shots, take one step right, and then fire 4 additional shots, two-handed grip. Re-holster on command. (Time limit: 15 seconds)

At the conclusion of this course of fire, only shooters with a 12 round magazine will administratively remove the magazine and add one round.

(Account for 24 shots on the target, conduct interim scoring and repair)

Stage III: 15-yard line-14 rounds fired in the following sequence:

• From the holstered position, on command, draw, fire 4 shots, take one step left, and fire 4 additional shots. Re-holster on command. (Time limit 15 seconds)

• From the holstered position, on command, draw, and fire a total of 6 shots. When necessary, the shooter will reload while moving one step to the right, and then fire the remaining round(s). Re-holster on command. (Time limit: 20 Seconds)

At the conclusion of this course of fire, only shooters with a 12 round magazine will administratively remove the magazine and add one round before moving to the 25-yard line.

Stage IV: 25-yard line-12 rounds fired in the following sequence:

• From the holstered position, on command, draw, and fire 6 shots. Move one step right and fire 6 additional shots, standing or kneeling. Re-holster on command. (Time limit: 30 seconds)

(Account for 26 shots on the target, score and add the interim score)

• All courses of fire will be scored on a standard B-27 target must be 24 inches by 45 inches and can be one of four colors: black, blue, red, or green. The target shall be scored utilizing the 5, 4, 3 scoring diagram in the upper left-hand corner.

• Optical enhancers are not allowed. Only live ammunition may be used during training and qualification. Target marking cartridges are not permitted.

• If any malfunctions are encountered, the shooter must work through the problem and finish the course of fire, If rounds are held (not fired within the allotted time), the shots will be scored as misses.

• Instructors are to be attentive with shooters that are shooting with the support hand with a two-handed grip.

• All shooters with a de-cocker on their weapons will de-cock their weapon after each string on fire.

• This course of fire is designed for a semi-automatic weapon with a 17 round or 12 round magazine. All other magazine variations will reload in-between stages to ensure enough rounds to complete the course of fire.

• Administratively removing magazines does not require the weapon to be un-holstered and should be done in a safe manner.

Firearm Proficiency for Commissioned Security Officers

• Requirement:
  Commissioned security officers must submit a firearms proficiency certificate with their renewal application. [dps.texas.gov]

• Continuing Education:

  • 6 hours of continuing education required for both commissioned security officers and personal protection officers. [dps.texas.gov]

  • Training must be administered by a licensed Level III Training School and taught by a licensed Level III Instructor. [dps.texas.gov]

• Timing:
  Firearm proficiency demonstration must be completed within 90 days of the renewal application date. [dps.texas.gov]

• Peace Officer Exemption:
  Certain full-time peace officers certified by TCOLE may be exempt upon submitting a sworn affidavit confirming familiarity with the Act and related rules. [txrules.elaws.us]

Key Points for Your Academy

• You must be a licensed Level III Training School to offer this course.

• Include range qualification as part of the proficiency demonstration.

• Ensure students understand the deadline (90 days) and documentation requirements for renewal.

Lessons in the State of Texas Armed Security Officer Course include:

Deadly Force

Definitions, Events In Which Use of Force May Be Required, Special Considerations, Escalation of Force

Justification for Deadly Force, Potential Disciplinary Actions by The State Board, What Would You Do?

Other Matters of Consideration

The Handgun

Selection of Caliber, Revolvers vs. Semi-Automatics, The Revolver, The Semi-Automatic

Malfunctions

Failure to Feed, Failure to Fire, Failure to Extract, Failure to Eject, Ammunition Malfunctions

Firearm Range Qualifications

Proper Stance, Proper Grip and Draw, Sight Alignment, Sight Picture, and Trigger Control, Firearm Range Safety, Range Procedures and Rules of Conduct, Range Commands for Semi-Automatic Pistol and much more!

Personal Protection (Level IV) PPO:

The Texas Department of Public Safety has set out specific training standards The Level IV Training Course (minimum 15 hours) and test is required for all* personal protection officers. This training course must be administered by a licensed Level IV Training School and administered by a licensed Level IV Instructor.

*Certain Peace Officers may be exempt per TAC 35.141(b)

   License expiration extended for Commissioned Security (CSO) and Personal Protection Officers (PPO)

-- IMPORTANT ANNOUNCEMENT --

Private Security News

“New Look for Private Security License”

October 8, 2025

The Private Security License has a new look.  Along with the updated image, the card will continue to include the following features:

• Made from a durable, tamper resistant polycarbonate material.

• Laser engraving of all personal data including black and white primary and duplicate secondary photo.

• 1D & 2D barcodes for verifying the cardholder identity, as well as protecting against counterfeiting and alteration.

Previously issued cards are still valid until the expiration date listed on the card. When you renew or apply for a new license, you will receive the newly redesigned card.

View more details on the newly re-designed card

Change to Enforcement Procedures for Commissioned Security Officers and Personal Protection Officers

June 6, 2025

If the status of a Commissioned Security Officer or Personal Protection Officer licensee in TOPS is ACTIVE and the licensee is waiting on the pocket card to be produced and received by mail, they may begin working. Until the pocket card is received, the licensee must possess a screen shot or print out from TOPS as proof of their ACTIVE status. This allowance is only provided for the temporary period from the time the license has been approved and delivered to the licensee. Once the pocket card has been delivered, the licensee must have it in their possession when working, as required by administrative rule.