Phoenix Security Academy

All of the following must be completed (in no specific order) in order of the state to process and approve your security license:

1. You must complete the required training class(es) for the license(s) you are wanting to obtain.
2. Submit copies of your training certificate(s) to your company and upload them onto the TOPS website.
3. You must be employed by, or get hired on with a security company that is licensed in Texas.
4. You must get electronically fingerprinted specifically for a security license.
5. You must complete the application and pay the licensing fee to the state via the TOPS website.
6. Provide any additional documents the state may require for a specific license or individual.

The class you need depends on the license you are trying to obtain:
Unarmed Security License – Level 2 Class
Armed Security License – Level 2 & 3 Classes
PPO/Bodyguard License – Levels 2, 3 & 4
Renewal of Armed or PPO – Firearm Proficiency

You must be a minimum of 18 years in order to work as a non-commissioned (unarmed) or commissioned (armed) security officer in Texas.
To be a Personal Protection Officer/ Bodyguard (Level 4) you must be at least 21 years old.
There is no maximum age to obtain a security license. Our oldest student, to date, was in his early 80’s.

Your qualification depends on, the offense or charges for which you were convicted. Was it a misdemeanor or felony? If it was a misdemeanor, then what class? How long ago? Did you received probation, or parole?

As a general guide:
Class C Misdemeanors – Don’t disqualify you.
Class B Misdemeanors – Disqualify you for 2 years from the date you were convicted.
Class A Misdemeanors – Disqualify you for 5 years from the date you were convicted.
Felonies – Disqualify you for 10 years from the date you were convicted.

For more information: https://e-class.phoenix-securityacademy.com/disqualifying_offenses/

If the pending charges would disqualify you from obtaining a license then you cannot take the class until the case has been dismissed, or you were found not guilty.

Yes, please see the list below regarding other things that MAY disqualify/prevent you from obtaining a security license:

• open warrants (ex: for unpaid tickets, failure to appear etc.)
• dishonorable or other than honorable discharge from the military
• unpaid or overdue back-taxes (disregard IF you have set up a payment plan with the governing authority)
• unpaid or overdue child support (disregard IF you have set up a payment plan with the governing authority)
• are currently or previously under psychiatric care or been institutionalized in a mental hospital

  You can always contact us or the Private Security Bureau if you have specific questions regarding other disqualifications.

Yes, unless you are a full-time, paid Peace Officer, you must take the required classes.

Unfortunately, you cannot transfer any out of state licenses. In Texas, we do not have reciprocity with any other state. You must take all of the required classes, find employment with a Security Company that is licensed in Texas, submit electronic fingerprints and complete the necessary applications on the TOPS website

Yes, you still have to take the required training classes for security officers. The CHL/LTC license is of personal/civilian use. The Commission License is specifically for working in a security capacity and it allows you to carry your pistol to and from work and while on duty. You must be in uniform and it must be in plain view (on your holster).

No, we are strictly a training academy, and are licensed as such. By law we cannot act as your license holder. Only you or your employer can apply for your license.

We accept cash, credit or debit. (Sorry no personal checks).

We sincerely appreciate your service, but we do not offer any discounts. We try to keep out prices as low as possible for everyone.

No, our schedule is set and we only offer daytime classes. We offer our most of our classes on a regular (weekly) basis, please see our calendar page for more information.

We currently offer the Level 2  class online.
We are working toward offering part of the Level 3 class online.  We cannot offer the entire Level 3 Class Online as much of the Level 3 requires hands-on training as well as the firearm qualification which must be completed in-person.

Yes, we can.  You will need to contact us by phone or e-mail to ensure you come on the correct days to receive the training you need, as the in-person defensive tactics and firearm qualification cannot be done online.

You will need to bring the certificate that was issued to you by the other academy so that we can fill in the appropriate information.

Level 2 Certificates – expire 364 days from Date of Completion

Level 3 Certificates – expire 90 days from date of completion, but can be renewed with a Firearm Proficiency Class so long as it has been less than 364 days from the original date of completion. After 364 days the certificate is no longer valid and cannot be renewed.

Level 4 Certificates – expire 90 days from date of completion, but can be renewed with a Firearm Proficiency Class so long as it has been less than 364 days from the original date of completion. After 364 days the certificate is no longer valid and cannot be renewed.

Firearm Proficiency Certificates – expire 90 days from date of completion.

You may send us with an e-mail, requesting a copy of your certificate. Please include your full name, the last 6 digits of your SSN and the date or approximate date when you attended the class. Please note, if your certificate is more than a year old then it is no longer valid (see 1702.302 OC).
Please Note: It is the responsibility of the student to keep track of his/her own records/certifications, as such a $10.00 fee per certificate will be charged for copies/records.

If your license has been expired for more than 365 days then you will need to retake all required classes and submit an application for a brand new license.

If your license has been expired for less than 365 days:
For noncommissioned license – you must be actively employed by a security company and fill out the renewal application on TOPS & pay the renewal fee.

For commissioned & PPO licenses – you must be actively employed by a security company, take the Firearm Proficiency Class, fill out the renewal application on TOPS, submit a copy of your Firearm Proficiency Certificate to the TOPS website (give a cop to your company too) and & pay the renewal fee.

No, we do not hire for any security services, we are strictly a training academy.

No, we do not place or hire. However, if you are actively seeking employment, we regularly have owners and managers of security companies contact us with employment opportunities. We are happy to try and point you in the right direction.

No, we do not. Anyone who guarantees employment is lying to you (unless they are hiring you themselves). There are tons of security jobs in and around the Houston area. If you conduct yourself in a professional manner and are actively searching then you should not have much trouble finding a job.
If you are actively seeking employment we will do our best to point you in the direction of companies who are hiring.

No, we are a stand-alone (family owned) academy. We have built relationships with many security companies over the years, but we are not affiliated or partners with any of them.

You can fill out the application on TOPS, however the PSB will not process or approve your application unless you are employed by a licensed security company.

We do not process the license, that is all done by the Private Security Bureau/TOPS. They should send you an e-mail if additional action is required in order to complete your license application. You can contact them via phone at (512)424-7293 to inquire about the status of your license.

Yes.

No, you must be an employee of a licensed company in order to work.
If you wish to contract yourself out then you would need to start your own licensed company then you could legally work those contracts under your company license.

We do offer private classes, but you must meet our minimum student requirement (varies depending on the class). Please contact us via e-mail to request/schedule any private class(es).

We do not offer any classes specifically designed for fugitive recover. We recommend contacting your local Bail Bonds Company for information in this field.

Here is a basic guide to assist you. There may be additional steps required by the State depending on the license you are trying to obtain.

First you must determine what type of Company License (Class A, B or C) you will need, based on the services you will be providing.  Here is a link to the State’s print-out form so you can see the difference between the licenses and the fees associated with each.  
https://www.dps.texas.gov/rsd/psb/forms/forms/PSP-01.pdf

Please note: it is usually easier to complete the application through TOPS rather than using their print-out forms.

After you’ve completed the application and paid the fees they will send you an e-mail letting you know what other actions/forms are needed to complete the application.

You will need to:
• Submit electronic fingerprints.
• Submit proof of experience in the security industry
• Obtain and submit proof of insurance
• Submit approval for company uniform and patches.
• Submit applications for any/all owners. 
• Submit application for a Company Representative. Every company regulated by the PSB is required to have a representative  This person does not have to be an owner.  They will be required to take a test administered by the State.  The Test covers various laws, rules and regulations found in Chapter 35 of the Texas Administrative Code & 1702 of the Occupations Code.

You can call or e-mail the State if you have additional questions. Their number is 512-424-7293.

If no one answers the phone then we are busy. We may be on the other line, registering students, teaching classes, at the gun range, in meetings… etc. We are sorry we missed you, but please leave a message and we will call you back. You may also contact us via e-mail or text message with any questions you may have. We do our best to respond within 24 hours.
On weekend and most Holidays we are normally closed and will respond on the next business day.

Our in-office schedule differs from day-to-day & week-to-week.
If our door is locked then, we are not in. We may be at the gun range or may be conduction off-site training.
If we do not have a class, or no one shows up for training, then we schedule meetings as well.
Please contact us, via phone, or e-mail if you wish to set up a meeting.
If you want to register for a class, that can be done on the morning the class begins. Just arrive 15 minutes prior to the start of class.

No, you do not keep the equipment used for training. The equipment and training materials are the property of Phoenix Security Academy.

No, we do not sell any equipment or gear. We are strictly a training academy.

For Week-long Level 3 students taking the full class:
You will need to bring your pistol & 50 rounds of ammo (Brass Only, No Steel).  If you do not have the pistol and ammo, for an additional $20.00 Phoenix will provide the use of ours. 

For students completing the 1 day Re-qual Class (Firearm Proficiency):
You will need to bring your pistol & 50 rounds of ammo (Brass Only, No Steel).

Yes:
1.  No Rapid Fire
2.  No Head Shots
3.  Brass Ammo ONLY
4.  Eye and Outer Ear Protection are required (this is supplied at the range).
5.  No Open-toe shoes or sandals