GI Bill® Approved CESS Program – Certified Executive Security Specialist

GI Bill® is a registered trademark of the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs (VA)

Have a Question about Our Certified Executive Security Specialist Program? Call (818) 906-3753

Get the training needed to be successful in Executive Protection from Hollywood’s prestige, relevant and experienced executive protection agents following Israeli Tactics doctrine. It is time to incorporate your military experiences into the beginning of a successful civilian career. Our objective at Pacific West Academy is to aid U.S. Military veterans in their transition from military service to the field of high-end security and executive protection.

Certified Executive Security Specialist (CESS) Course - PWA.edu


Start Dates for our Certified Executive Security Specialist Course:

  • January 2nd to February 22nd, 2024
  • February 5th to March 28th, 2024
  • March 11th to May 16th, 2024
  • April 15th to June 20th, 2024
  • May 20th to July 11th, 2024
  • June 24th to August 29th, 2024
  • July 29th to October 3rd, 2024
  • September 3rd to November 7th, 2024
  • October 7th to December 13th, 2024

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.

Begin a new career as a Certified Executive Security Specialist (CESS) at Pacific West Academy today!

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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.

Executive Protection, Advanced (EP 3, 4, 5, 6, 7)

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 Exposed Firearms Permit (FA 1, 2)

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.

Firearms Course, Advanced (FA 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9)

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 1, 2)

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 (Beh 1, 2, 3)

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 (OSS 1, 2, 3)

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 1, 2, 3, 4)

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).

Krash Combatives ( KC )

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.

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

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.

CPR AHA

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.

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.

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.

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.

Duration: 348 hours

Course Cost: $15,800.00

This Certified Executive Security Specialist course is in collaboration with:

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  • Cost includes all supplies, fingerprinting and application fees.
  • Mandatory applications and background checks are processed by the state to determine certification approval. Before signing up for the 39-day course, applicants should call to see if they meet the state’s requirements.
  • For the EVOC class participants are required to have a valid drivers license.

Course Schedule & School Calendar – Los Angeles

Contact Us

GI Bill® is a registered trademark of the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs (VA). More information about education benefits offered by VA is available at the official U.S. government Web site at the VA Website.