Education • Training • Certification

Level 4 Security Training Texas

Personal Protection Officer (Bodyguard) Course – Austin

The Level IV Personal Protection Officer (PPO) course is required by the Texas Department of Public Safety for individuals seeking to work as bodyguards or executive protection agents.

This certification allows qualified individuals to operate in plain clothes and carry concealed while performing personal protection duties in Texas.

Advanced Training for Serious Professionals

This is an advanced-level course designed for individuals who have already completed Level III Commission training and are seeking to move into higher-level security roles.

Our program includes over 20 hours of instruction, combining classroom training with practical application.

Training includes:

  • Live-fire exercises
  • Weaponless defense
  • Scenario-based training
  • Force-on-force exercises
  • Physical activity and participation

OFFICIAL TEXAS STATE BODYGUARD COURSE:    Only $199.00!! 

In-Person Training Requirement:

This course is conducted in person. Due to the nature of the training and Texas DPS requirements, Level IV Personal Protection Officer instruction is not designed to be completed through online-only formats. Any school offering 100% Texas online Level-4 PPO Bodyguard courses with TX DPS state exams and certificates is not operating legitimately- they are hoping their students don’t know that. Our course is all 100% done in person. 

“I highly recommend TCTA’s training classes. I don’t think anybody enjoys sitting in long classes, but the staff did a great job of not only teaching the class but also making it interesting. Throughout the class it became obvious that Glen had a tremendous amount of insight and experience. He went well beyond the mandated material which to me, not only made the class interesting, but also helped prepare the entire class for real life situations. ”                      -Brad McKellop

 

What This Course Provides

The Level IV course provides:

  • Required certification for PPO licensing in Texas
  • A foundational understanding of executive protection operations
  • Exposure to real-world expectations and responsibilities

This course is not intended to fully develop a professional bodyguard in a short period of time. It provides the required certification and a foundation that must be built upon through continued training and experience.

Training That Goes Beyond the Minimum

While Texas DPS establishes minimum training requirements, TCTA expands on those standards to provide a more complete training experience.

Our program includes:

  • Practical instruction beyond classroom lecture
  • Additional range time and applied training
  • Real-world operational considerations

We do not rely on lecture-only formats. Students are expected to actively participate in all areas of training.

Professional Standards and Expectations

This course is designed for individuals who are serious about working in the personal protection field. Students should understand that:

  • This is not entry-level security work
  • The role carries increased responsibility and risk
  • Professional conduct and competency are essential

Our goal is to produce capable, prepared individuals who can operate at a higher level within the industry.

“I learned so much and feel like I will be a better asset to my company after taking his course. Glenn’s passion not only in security, but how the industry should be trained impressed me and gained mine and many other classmates respect. He truly cares about people leaving his courses informed, and takes his role very seriously. The positive attitude and excitement he has for what he does creates the perfect environment for learning and feeling comfortable. I have always believed in putting your money where you will get the most bang for your buck, and in TCTA’s class you will most definitely leave informed and confident in the skills you learned which is more than I can say for other classes I have taken. A passionate instructor is hard to find and is what makes his classes different than the rest.”-Daniel Lambert

 

Certification

Students who successfully complete all course requirements will receive their Level IV training certificate.

This certificate is required for submission to the Texas Department of Public Safety for Personal Protection Officer licensing.

A Higher Standard of Training

TCTA is not a certificate-based training provider.

We maintain higher standards for instruction, participation, and performance. Students are expected to meet those standards in order to successfully complete the course.

Get Started

If you are ready to move into advanced security and personal protection roles, this course provides the required certification and a strong foundation to build on. Go ahead and fill out our enrollment form so we can get you going.

Any expert will tell you not to waste your money on schools that offer no weapons training for an advanced skill such as bodyguard/executive protection. Due to the fact Texas DPS-RSD does not require additional weapons training as part of their Level-4 class outline, many schools have elected not to offer it as they are not being forced to (and saves them operating costs). We believe additional firearms training should be included in this course, as such we exceed the state’s standards and provide it.

 

Please note: This is not an “Operator” course, and/or paramilitary tactical course, nor do we attempt to play it or this school off that way. This is a “Basic Intro to Bodyguard 101 course” (as we like to call it), which provides a wealth of information for the newcomers, to include fulfills the State’s requirements for licensing. We must advise all students looking for an Teir 1 Operator Class, State Department Training, Police Training, Tactical Operations, Blackwater, S.W.A.T.T., and overseas deployment courses that this is NOT the class to take for you.  (Those courses begin at $3,500.00 all the way up to $25,000.00 per student btw a big difference from $200.00 right?)

OUR COURSE POINTS:

  •   Classroom/Seminar
  •   Checklists
  •   Pre-Planning & Threat Assessments
  •   Client Contact/Interaction
  •   Force Options
  •   Exterior/Interior Procedures
  •   Response to Incidents & Threats
  •   Advanced Handgun Course
  •   Firing Range
  •   Weaponless Defensive Tactics
  •   Overt & Covert Protection
  •   Escalation/De-escalation of Force
  •   Protection at a Location
  •   Protection on the Move
  •   Communication/Reports/Radios/Vehicles
  •   Logistics of Security Detail/Checklists
 

COURSE INCLUDES:

  • Official State Training Course
  • Official State Exam
  • Additional Classroom Handouts
  • PowerPoint Presentation
  • Training Videos
  • Firearms Proficiency Course Included
  • Advanced Handgun Course Included
  • Weapons provided at no cost, If needed
  • Holsters provided at no cost, If needed
  • Hearing Protection Included
  • Eye Protection Included
  • Use of many Training Aids
  • Bodyguard Certificate of Completion (Tx State approved)

RANGE FEES AND AMMUNITION ARE NOT INCLUDED IN ANY COURSE

Important Legal Information

Students are responsible for understanding and complying with applicable Texas laws related to private security work.

OCC §1702.3875 – Impersonating a Security Officer
Impersonating a security officer is a Class A misdemeanor under Texas law.
Texas Occupations Code §1702.3875

This applies to all individuals performing security-related duties, including those working in personal protection roles.


OCC §1702.161 – Security Officer Commission Required
Individuals may not accept employment as an armed security officer without a valid commission issued by the Texas Department of Public Safety.
Texas Occupations Code §1702.161

For Level IV Personal Protection Officer (PPO) licensing, individuals must also hold a valid Level III Commission certification.


Additional Considerations

Federal law restricts firearm possession for certain individuals, which may impact eligibility for commissioned and personal protection roles.

Students are encouraged to review all applicable requirements to ensure compliance prior to enrollment and employment.

 DPS-RSD statement: Please be advised under the Private Security Act (Occ. Code Chapter 1702) and Administrative Rule 35.4 (37 Tex. Admin. Code 1), a criminal conviction may disqualify you from a registration, commission or license under the Act. You may wish to review Rule 35.4’s list of disqualifying offenses and the related periods of ineligibility, available on the department’s website at http://www.dps.texas.gov/rsd/psb/index.htm (follow the link to Administrative Code).  You also have a right to request from the department a criminal history evaluation letter under Occupations Code Section 53.102

Sign Up for Our Level 4 Bodyguard Course, Visit The Enrollment Page Here

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