Develop elite-level firearm proficiency for the executive protection professional.
The Advanced Firearms course is Pacific West Academy’s most intensive weapons training program, spanning 76 hours of hands-on instruction across seven progressive sessions. Designed for executive protection agents and armed security professionals, this course takes students from the fundamentals of semi-automatic pistol operation all the way through advanced force-on-force scenarios in a live shoot house environment.
This course is for professionals who have completed their BSIS Exposed Firearms Permit and are ready to develop genuine shooting proficiency. It is not a licensing course — it is a performance course. Students are expected to arrive with basic familiarity and leave with elite-level capability.
The program is structured across seven days of firearms training, each building on the last. Early sessions focus on reinforcing core technique: sight alignment, trigger control, malfunction drills, magazine changes, single-hand movement, and the use of cover and concealment through pieing and limited penetration. Students progress through a series of named drills — including the Robin Hood Drill, Mozambique Drill, and Target Recognition Drill — all performed under live-fire conditions.
Mid-program sessions introduce movement-based shooting: engaging targets while moving forward, backward, and laterally. Students experience car EP drills, the Windshield Drill, and the King of the Hill distance drill. A dedicated shoot house rotation brings these skills together in realistic environments with multiple threats and confined spaces.
The final sessions incorporate UTM (Ultimate Training Munitions) force-on-force exercises at the farm, placing students in live, reactive scenarios against opposing role players. This is where classroom technique meets real-world pressure. Students are coached, debriefed, and prepared through final test prep sessions before a practical examination requiring proficiency across 15 sequential actions in a single integrated scenario.
All live-fire sessions take place at MB Tactical in Piru, CA.
Advanced Firearms (FA 3-9) — Students Will Learn:
- Operations and components of a semi-automatic pistol.
- Shooting accuracy, sight alignment, and trigger control.
- Magazine changes, malfunctions, and pieing techniques.
- Movement-based shooting and positional drills.
- Car EP and shoot house tactics.
- Force-on-force scenarios using UTM training munitions.
- Active shooter response and tactical decision-making.
Requirements: Must be at least 18 years of age to enroll; 21 to carry. Valid ID required. CA BSIS Guard Card training must be completed. Must be a U.S. citizen or permanent legal resident. Must not be prohibited from firearm possession under state or federal law.
LOCATION
Van Nuys
DURATION
76 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.
ADMISSIONS STEPS:
How Enrollment Works
1. Apply online (use the form below)
2. Admissions contacts you with details, upcoming start dates, and next steps
3. Confirm enrollment and prepare for training (orientation and travel planning)
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.
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