Prove what you’ve learned — in the real world.
The Field Training Exercise (FTX) is the culminating practical assessment of Pacific West Academy’s executive protection curriculum. Across 16 hours of live, unscripted field operations, students step out of the classroom and into real environments — airports, malls, hotels, and public streets — running genuine executive protection details under the watchful eye of instructors. There is no simulation here. This is as close to real as training gets.
Everything students have learned at Pacific West Academy — protective formations, advance work, vehicle operations, behavioral awareness, professional demeanor, and tactical response — comes together in the FTX. This is where skills are tested not against a written exam, but against the unpredictability of real environments and real people.
FTX 1 is based out of Burbank Airport. Students organize into two- and three-agent details and execute a full airport drop-off and pickup sequence with a live VIP principal. The detail must navigate real airport traffic, manage actual members of the public, and operate with the professionalism and situational awareness expected of working agents. Upon completion, the VIP is returned to the PWA classroom for a full debrief.
FTX 2 raises the stakes. Based out of Van Nuys, students escort their VIP to a mall, coffee shop, and hotel — environments filled with role players placed by instructors to test student awareness and response. The day concludes with the VIP delivering a speech at the PWA classroom, requiring students to manage venue security and close-protection protocols from start to finish.
A 100% practical passing standard is required for FTX completion, reflecting the reality that in the field, there is no partial credit.
FTX — Field Training Exercise (FTX 1, 2) — Students Will Learn:
- Live airport drop-off and pickup detail operations.
- Close protection in malls, hotels, and public venues.
- Team coordination in two- and three-agent details.
- Real-time response to role-player-initiated scenarios.
- VIP escort protocols and venue security management.
- Professional conduct and situational awareness in public environments.
Requirements: Must be at least 18 years of age. Valid identification required.
LOCATION
Van Nuys
DURATION
16 Hours
PRICE
$21,900
QUESTIONS? CALL US
(818) 906-3753
CERTIFIED EXECUTIVE SECURITY SPECIALIST PROGRAM
Program Start Dates
January 5 – March, 2026
February 2 – April 8, 2026
March 16 – May 20, 2026
April 13 – June 17, 2026
May 26 – July 29, 2026
June 22 – August 26, 2026
August 3 – October 7, 2026
August 31 – November 4, 2026
October 12 – December 16, 2026
The Certified Executive Security Specialist (CESS) Course is Pacific West Academy’s flagship program which has been approved for post 9-11 VA Benefits.
The CESS program offers classroom and physical training geared toward employment in high-end security positions such as Executive Protection, Residential Protection, Executive Driving, Technical Surveillance Countermeasures, etc.
Our staff is comprised of American and Israeli Military Veterans who work to guide our students toward success in high-end security.
It is our goal to assist our students in finding not only job attainment, but gainful employment. Students will participate in a training program that provides hands-on instruction from veterans of U.S. and Israeli Special Forces and Secret Service Operators.
Our team of instructors has adapted their elite military training to provide Executive Protection for high-profile Hollywood celebrities.
YOUR FUTURE
Begin Your New Career
Send PWA your information and we’ll contact you about how we can help you take aim at a career in the EP security industry or hone your existing skill set.
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CERTIFIED EXECUTIVE SECURITY SPECIALIST PROGRAM
Classes Included in the CESS Program
Executive Protection Fundamentals (EP 1, 2)
This course provides students fundamental security training and a first-hand, detailed understanding of executive protection. Students experience a hands-on approach of high-end, VIP and celebrity protection in the day-to-day civilian environment.
Advanced Executive Protection
The course will cover surveillance and counter surveillance techniques, contractor operations, advancing locations that are frequented by clients and armed reaction drills while protecting a client in high threat situations.
CA BSIS Guard Card
This security training course is the first step in working in a security career. The course is certified through California’s Bureau of Security and Investigative Services (BSIS) and is California Assembly Bill-compliant, meeting the standards for registered security guards. Upon completion, a student receives state certification as a security officer.
Arrest and Control / OC Spray
An introductory course into arrest and control. This course covers the basics of conflict management, handcuffing, and controlling a suspect while in the performance of duties as a security guard.
CA BSIS Exposed Firearms Permit
Students may earn a State Certification for an exposed firearm permit. Even if licensed or registered in the security field, a person may not carry a gun on duty whether loaded or unloaded ,unless they have issued an exposed firearm permit by the California Department of Consumer Affairs. Permits must be kept on one’s person at all times while on duty. Training provided by Advanced Security Concepts Inc. BSIS TFF #1305 and #1498
Advanced Firearms
The Advanced Handgun Shooting Tactics Course is designed to test and reinforce the fundamental tools necessary for scenarios that security personnel are most likely to encounter. The skills learned are tied together with stress-based scenario-training utilizing airsoft, UTM and live munitions. The course is instructed following Israeli Tactics doctrines.
Emergency Vehicle Operation Course (EVOC)
This course provides students with both in-class instruction and practical application in vehicle operation. Students will drive and practice high-speed maneuvers and techniques relevant in both law enforcement and executive protection scenarios.
Behavioral Analysis
Students learn about human behavior and aggression. Students will study how to analyze behavior patterns and techniques that contribute to improving human relations that help prevent aggression at the earliest levels. Students will also learn pre event indicators to possible attacks based on human behavior patterns.
Operational & Supervisory Skills
Students learn both fundamental and advanced skills utilized by executive protection supervisors to plan and execute security details. Students gain first-hand knowledge by planning an entire security detail based on real-time information and destinations from a mock client provided to them.
Tactical Emergency Casualty Care (TECC)
This course introduces evidence-based, how-to-respond-to and how-to-care-for procedures for patients in a civilian tactical environment. It is designed to decrease preventable deaths in a tactical situation. The course presents the three phases of tactical care. Our instructors are certified by the National Association of Emergency Medical Technicians (NAEMT).
Taser
A security training course that teaches the student how to utilize a Taser as a non-lethal method of self-defense. Curriculum is broken into three sections: lecture, demonstration and scenario method.
Combatives
This course is an introduction to hand-to-hand combat techniques. The course is tailored toward techniques and tactics that an executive protection agent can use should the occasion arise. This program is a conglomeration of multiple fighting disciplines including Krav Maga, Jiu Jitsu, Judo, Boxing and additional redirection drills. This course will be spread throughout the training program.
AHA CPR / AED / First Aid
Learn the skills and abilities to effectively administer life-saving Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation (CPR) techniques as a first responder. During the course, an American Heart Association Instructor works with each student to complete their first aid training, CPR and Automated External Defibrillator (AED) skills practice and testing.
Job Placement / Résumé Writing
Upon completion of this course, students graduate with a completed and revised professional résumé and are then able to walk into an interview confidently. The course uses hands-on practice through mock interviews in addition to physical résumé writing in an interactive and productive setting.
Professional Behavior and Sexual Harassment
This course covers Federal and California Laws regarding the prevention of sexual harassment, discrimination and retaliation in employment.
Chemical Agents
Get certified for OC (Oleoresin capsicum) pepper spray. Student learns the skills to effectively carry a chemical agent and receives et hands-on training and experience with chemical agents.
Course Schedule & School Calendar
LOS ANGELES LOCATION
PROGRAM SUMMARY
Certified Executive Security Specialist (CESS)
Program Duration: 348 hours
Program Cost: $21,900.00
Lodging Assistance Available on Request
Or call today (818) 906-3753
View Our Other Programs: Certified Protection Specialist (CPS) |Comprehensive Security Training