About Alliance Training & Testing

The Security School of Choice in Tennessee

Security Guard License Training & Certification Classes Nashville, Tennessee — Unarmed | Armed | Dallas Law

Benefits

The Security School of Choice in Tennessee

Alliance Training and Testing offers the most comprehensive security guard training in Tennessee. Our instructors bring more than 100 years of combined experience across military, law enforcement, and corporate security. We maintain exemplary standards through active participation in professional security associations and state-approved curriculum.

Specific Examples

Online Training

100% self-paced courses accessible from any device — ideal for students in rural areas across Tennessee who need flexible scheduling without sacrificing quality.

Classroom Training

Traditional in-person instruction at our Nashville training location for students who prefer hands-on learning with certified instructors.

Hybrid Training

Combine online coursework with classroom sessions — a time-saving approach especially popular for armed guard certification paths.

Convenient & Affordable

Reasonable fees, group discounts for employers, and bundled online course packages make licensure accessible for individuals and organizations.

State Approved Accredited Instructors and Training Curriculum

We are a Tennessee Private Protective Services Board-approved training provider. Every instructor is state-certified, and all curricula meet or exceed regulatory requirements.

Our History

  1. 2012

    We Began

    Founded in March 2012, Alliance Training and Testing started as a small training company offering unarmed security licenses for Tennessee, criminal background checks, and fingerprinting services.

  2. 2014

    Building A Team

    We partnered with Warren Smith to offer armed security license training, upgrade training, and renewal training. By 2015, we became the most popular trainers in Tennessee.

  3. 2017

    Range Partnership

    Partnership with Royal Range USA — three indoor ranges including a 15-yard Pistol range, 20-yard Tactical range, 57-yard Rifle range, and a 15,000 sq ft Scenario House.

  4. 2018

    Expanding The Team

    Bo Smith joined the instructor team. Alliance Training and Testing was recognized as Best Trade School in Nashville for 2019 and 2020.

  5. 2020

    Online Launch

    Launched the first 100% online unarmed security guard course approved for Tennessee licensure.

  6. 2022

    Dallas Law Launch

    Introduced the first online Dallas Law certification course in Tennessee — developed in response to the death of DJ Barrett. Governor Bill Lee signed the legislation in June 2022.

  7. 2023

    Renewal Launch

    Released the first 100% online 2-hour unarmed security guard license renewal course for Tennessee.

Meet the Instructor

Alliance Training and Testing

Combat Veteran-Owned Business

Alliance Training and Testing is a veteran-led organization widely recognized and trusted as the premier security guard license training provider in Tennessee.

Combat Veteran-Owned Business
Angel Rodriguez CPP, Owner

Owner

Angel Rodriguez CPP

Angel has over 30 years of experience in security and military operations, including contract security, proprietary security, corporate security, and facility management. He began his career in the United States Army as an Infantryman and served in the Gulf War with the 101st Airborne Division in Desert Shield and Desert Storm, where he was honored with the Bronze Star. Angel is a member of the American Society of Industrial Security (ASIS) and holds the Certified Protection Professional (CPP) designation, recognized internationally as the top professional certification for security practitioners. He is also certified as a facility management professional, physical security professional, and protection officer, and he is FEMA-certified in emergency management. In addition, Angel is a Red Cross CPR/First Aid/AED instructor and is a Tennessee licensed security officer trainer. He has served on the State of Tennessee Private Protective Services Committee and played a crucial role in developing the (4) Hour General Training Curriculum and Dallas Law Classification Curriculum.

Warren Smith, Firearms Instructor

Firearms Instructor

Warren Smith

Warren began his career in training with the United States Marine Corps. He spent two years at the Enlisted Instructor Company in Quantico, Virginia, teaching weapons and tactics to 2nd Lieutenants. Following this, he served in Vietnam for 13 months. Upon his discharge in 1969, he joined the Tennessee Highway Patrol Recruit Academy and successfully graduated in September 1971. His final assignment with the THP was in the Training Division, where he instructed and provided in-service training for Troopers across the state. After retiring from the Highway Patrol, he was senior vice president of corporate security at Bank of America, where he had national responsibilities. Warren is passionate about teaching and values the enduring friendships he forms with his students. He is married with two daughters and one son and is the proud grandfather of seven grandchildren, all residing in middle Tennessee.

Bo Smith, Firearms Instructor

Firearms Instructor

Bo Smith

A Nashville native and a 25-year veteran of the Metro Nashville Police Department, Bo Smith is a weapons and tactics instructor. His passion for firearms began at a young age, influenced by his father, who was a firearms instructor with the Marine Corps and the Tennessee Highway Patrol. Bo served 13 years in the patrol division and 12 years as a school resource officer before retiring in 2020. He holds several certifications, including state-certified armed/unarmed security guard trainer, state-certified handgun carry permit instructor, state of Tennessee POST-certified LEOSA instructor, and NRA Range Safety Officer. Bo and his wife have three children and four grandchildren. During his free time, he enjoys hunting and fishing.