How to Become an Armed Guard in Texas

Armed guards are trained in traditional security techniques as well as in current technologies and telecommunications.

Armed guards, also known as armed security guards, work in both public and private institutions and venues, preventing criminal activity, enforcing property rules and regulations and communicating with the public and any emergency service providers. In the state of Texas, all armed guards must be sufficiently trained and then licensed to work as a security guard and also carry a firearm while on duty.

Things You'll Need

• Training certificate
• Background check
• Fingerprinting
• Driver's license
• Drug test

Instructions

1. Complete the thirty-hour armed security guard training at a state-certified training facility. To find a certified training school near you, input your city and zip code in the Training School Search engine located on the website for the Texas Department of Public Safety.

2. Pass a written exam at the completion of your training program. Officials at the training facility will organize the final testing portion of your training program for you. If you pass the written exam, you can proceed with job and license applications.

3. Submit to a background check and fingerprinting from L-1 Identity Solutions, which is the company that works specifically with the State of Texas. For a list of locations where you can submit to these tests, consult the L-1 Identity Solutions website.

4. Apply for an armed guard position in the state. You should apply for the job before you have your license because the company will help you apply for your license and in order to get your license, you must have a photograph taken wearing your uniform for your license file.

5. Submit all required information to your employer so that the employer can apply for the license for you. You will need to provide the documents of your completed training program and successful written exam, a background check and fingerprinting information. You will also need to prove that you are a U.S. citizen or a legal alien and successfully pass a drug test. If you are applying for a job that requires you to drive, you will also need a valid Texas driver's license.

6. Wait for the license card to be issued in the state. A temporary card will be issued within two weeks and the permanent card should be issued within six weeks. Always renew your license sixty days before it is set to expire.

References

• Bureau of Labor Statistics: Security Guards and Gaming Surveillance Officers
• Texas Department of Public Safety: Private Security Bureau
• Security Guard Exchange: Texas Armed Security Guard Licensing Requirements