Armor Plate Training Academy — Houston, TX

We offer a full range of security training courses:

• Level 2 Unarmed — Entry-level non-commissioned security officer
• Level 3 Armed — Commissioned armed security officer with firearms training
• Level 2 & 3 Combined — Complete both certifications in one weekend
• Level 4 PPO — Personal Protection Officer, executive protection
• Levels 2, 3 & 4 Combined — Complete career package
• CPR First Aid AED — American Heart Association aligned
• LTC License to Carry — Texas handgun license course
• Basic Firearms — Beginner-friendly firearm safety
• Advanced Firearms — Tactical and defensive shooting
• Defensive Tactics — Non-lethal control and restraint

Security services (bodyguard, patrol, overnight) are quote-based. Request a quote for pricing.

We have two convenient training locations in Houston:

Primary Training Facility: 6464 Savoy Dr, Suite 777, Houston, TX 77036 — Classroom instruction, Level 2-4 certification exams, CPR/First Aid, and defensive tactics training.

Firearms Range Partner — Top Gun Range: 5901 Beverly Hill St, Houston, TX 77057 — All live-fire training including Basic/Advanced Firearms, LTC qualification, and Level 3/4 firearms qualification.

To get your Level 3 security guard license in Houston, you must complete a state-approved training course that covers ethics, legal powers, de-escalation, and emergency response. Armor Plate Protection Services offers DPS-certified Level 3 training. After completing the course and passing the exam, you can apply for your Texas DPS security officer license.

Level 2 (Unarmed): Entry-level non-commissioned security officer certification. Covers basic security procedures, ethics, and Texas state requirements.

Level 3 (Armed): Commissioned armed security officer certification. Includes firearms training, use of force laws, and advanced protocols.

Level 4 (PPO): Personal Protection Officer certification for executive protection, bodyguard services, and high-risk security details. Combined packages are available covering Levels 2+3 or all three levels together.

Yes! Our Basic Firearms course is designed for complete beginners, while Advanced Firearms helps experienced shooters refine their skills. We also offer the LTC License to Carry course which covers Texas state laws, firearm safety, and the shooting proficiency test. All live-fire training takes place at Top Gun Range (5901 Beverly Hill St, Houston, TX 77057).

To become a security guard in Texas, you must be at least 18 years old, have a high school diploma or GED, pass a criminal background check, complete Level 2 and/or Level 3 security officer training, and apply for your Texas DPS security officer license. Armor Plate can help guide you through the entire process — contact us to get started.

Level 2 training can be completed in as little as 1 day. Level 3 is completed over a weekend. Our combined Level 2 & 3 package can be finished in a single weekend. After completing training, the DPS application processing time usually takes 2-4 weeks. We help expedite the process by making sure your paperwork is submitted correctly the first time.

According to recent data, security guards in Houston earn an average of $15-$18/hour for unarmed positions and $18-$30/hour for armed security. Personal Protection Officers (Level 4) and bodyguards can earn $30-$75/hour depending on the client and assignment. Getting your Level 3 and Level 4 certifications through our academy significantly increases your earning potential.

We offer fast-track training where you can complete your Level 2 certification in a single day. Level 3 courses are typically completed over a weekend. Upon finishing your training, you receive a certificate of completion the same day. The official DPS license takes 2-4 weeks to process, but your training certificate allows you to apply for security positions immediately while your state license is being processed.

Yes! Many of our students bundle their LTC (License to Carry) with their Level 3 Armed certification. While the LTC is for personal concealed or open carry, the Level 3 allows you to carry a firearm as a working security officer. Taking both together saves time and ensures you're fully trained in Texas firearm laws. We recommend adding the LTC to any Level 3 package.

No, you do not need to own a firearm. Our firearms training partner, Top Gun Range (5901 Beverly Hill St, Houston, TX 77057), offers rental firearms available for your qualification. We recommend training with the firearm you plan to carry on duty, but if you don't own one yet, rentals are available at an additional cost through the range.

Texas security officer licenses must be renewed every 2 years through the Texas DPS Private Security Bureau. The renewal process requires continuing education credits and a renewal fee paid to the state. Armor Plate Protection Services offers renewal courses and can walk you through the entire renewal application to keep your credentials active without interruption. Don't let your license lapse — contact us before your expiration date.

Yes! We offer group discounts for businesses, security firms, and organizations that need to train multiple employees. Group rates are available for groups of 5 or more, and we can conduct training at your location or at our facility. We also offer recurring training contracts for security companies that need ongoing certification for their new hires. Contact us for custom group pricing.

Yes. Armor Plate Protection Services is a fully licensed and DPS-approved security training academy. Our Training License #F22994901 and Security License #B18879601 are issued by the Texas Department of Public Safety Private Security Bureau. All courses meet or exceed state requirements, and our instructors are certified by the DPS, NRA, and other recognized organizations.