CDI
Guard Card Programs

DHS · ICE · FPS · SPO · TWIC
Federal & Contract Officer Training.

A single institute for every credential a contract security professional needs. Programs are structured to meet or exceed the applicable federal, state, and local requirements for the jurisdiction and contract in which each credential is used.

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Federal security officer training at Capital Defense Institute
The Five Credentials

One institute. Every guard-card pathway.

Each program below is delivered under CDI's institutional standards — with the same doctrine of certified instructors, evidence-based curriculum, and QR-verified documentation used across every CDI course.

DHS

DHS-Aligned Officer Training

Department of Homeland Security aligned

Who it's for: Federal contractor officers, PSO candidates, HSPD-12 credentialed positions.

Hours
40 hours
Tuition
from $399
Curriculum
  • Constitutional & statutory authority
  • Use-of-force continuum and reporting
  • Access control, screening, and search
  • Emergency response coordination
  • Report writing and evidentiary chain-of-custody
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ICE

ICE Contract Officer Preparation

Immigration & Customs Enforcement site protection

Who it's for: Officers preparing for ICE contract site assignments (ERO / HSI support facilities).

Hours
40 hours
Tuition
from $449
Curriculum
  • Detention and access-control protocols
  • Legal authority in federal contract settings
  • De-escalation and defensive tactics
  • PPE and biohazard awareness
  • Communication and incident command basics
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FPS

FPS Protective Security Officer

Federal Protective Service — federal-facility PSO

Who it's for: Officers pursuing FPS PSO contract positions guarding federal buildings.

Hours
128-hour equivalent curriculum
Tuition
from $899
Curriculum
  • FPS Directive-aligned modules
  • Weapons of Mass Destruction (WMD) awareness
  • Fire-life-safety and evacuation
  • Vehicle & pedestrian screening protocols
  • Firearms qualification & annual re-qualification
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SPO

Special Police Officer (SPO) — Maryland & DC

Unarmed and Armed SPO in Maryland (DPSCS) and DC (MPD-SOMB)

Who it's for: Officers seeking Special Police Officer commissions in Maryland (DPSCS-aligned) or the District of Columbia (MPD-SOMB).

Hours
24 core + 16 armed
Tuition
from $299
Curriculum
  • Maryland Unarmed SPO — 24-hour DPSCS-aligned curriculum
  • Maryland Armed SPO — MD firearms qualification + arrest authority
  • DC Unarmed SPO — 24-hour MPD-SOMB pre-assignment core
  • DC Armed SPO — 16-hour armed module + live-fire qualification
  • SPO annual requalification (MD · DC)
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TWIC

TWIC — Transportation Worker Identification Credential

Port, maritime & rail credential preparation

Who it's for: Workers requiring TSA TWIC access to secure port, maritime, and transportation facilities.

Hours
Application + credential prep
Tuition
from $199
Curriculum
  • TSA TWIC application walkthrough
  • Live Scan fingerprinting on-site
  • Background check and appeal support
  • Renewal and replacement guidance
  • Employer verification packets
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Pathway

From application to credential — the CDI five-step pathway.

01
Consultation
Advisor call to identify the right credential for your role or contract.
02
Fingerprints
On-site Live Scan — FBI-channeled results routed to your agency.
03
Coursework
Classroom + practical modules delivered by certified instructors.
04
Qualification
Live-fire or written assessment as required by the program.
05
Credential
Digital, QR-verifiable certificate + documentation packet.
Frequently Asked

Common questions from candidates.

Are these DHS, ICE, FPS, SPO, and TWIC programs officially federal certifications?
CDI's programs are private training designed to prepare candidates for the training requirements attached to federal contracts and jurisdictional licensing. Final credentialing is issued by the relevant contracting employer, the licensing board (e.g., MPD-SOMB for DC SPO), or TSA (for TWIC).
Do I need to be a US citizen?
Requirements vary by credential. FPS PSO and most federal contract roles typically require US citizenship; SPO and TWIC have different lawful-status requirements. Our advisor call will clarify what applies to your target role.
Do you offer live-fire qualification on site?
Yes. CDI has partnering ranges within the DMV area for all armed program qualifications. Range fees are included in the listed tuition.
Can my employer purchase group seats?
Yes — CDI offers corporate, church, and school private group training. Reach out via the Contact page for a proposal.
Ready to earn your credential?

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