Licenses and Achievements

The security industry plays a vital role in maintaining law and order across the United States. Security guards are employed by businesses, government agencies, and individuals to protect people and property from theft, vandalism, and other threats. To work as a security guard in Texas, one must obtain a license from the Texas Department of Public Safety (DPS) Regulatory Services Division.

The DPS regulates private security companies, individual security officers, and investigators in Texas. According to state law, anyone who works as an unarmed or armed security officer is required to have a valid license issued by the DPS’s Private Security Bureau. Applicants must meet specific qualifications that include completing an approved training course before taking the state’s licensing exam.

To qualify for a Texas security guard license applicants must be at least 18 years old with no past convictions for certain crimes such as murder or assault.

In the United States, becoming a security guard requires obtaining a license from the state where you plan to work. In Texas, for instance, applicants must pass a criminal background check and complete an eight-hour training course before they can apply for their license. Once licensed, security guards are required to renew their licenses every two years.

In addition to obtaining their license, many security guards choose to join professional organizations such as the Associated Security Services and Investigators of the State of Texas (ASSIST). This association provides members with access to continuing education courses, networking opportunities with other professionals in the industry, and updates on changes in laws and regulations that may affect their work.