Instructor Schneider

Mark A. Schneider – Professional Biography

Mark A. Schneider, 39, is a dedicated father and seasoned firearms instructor with 19 years of training experience and more than a decade working in the private security industry. He serves as a Lieutenant and Training/Compliance Manager for a nationwide security company with over 7,000 employees, overseeing firearms training, defensive tactics, de-escalation instruction, and licensing compliance for armed and unarmed personnel.

Mark holds Armed Security Guard Licenses with both the City & County of Denver and the City of Glendale, and his training programs meet licensing requirements across Denver, Glendale, Colorado Springs, and Pueblo. He also provides use-of-force consulting and expert testimony, specializing in CCW cases, negligent discharges, and security-related self-defense incidents.

Mark is a Certified Colorado Concealed Handgun Training Instructor under CRS 18-12-207.7, Certification #2024005(Denver), valid through October 3, 2034. He also holds a Paralegal Diploma from Ashworth College, strengthening his academic foundation in law, investigations, and criminal justice.


Core Credentials & Certifications

  • Colorado Concealed Handgun Instructor – CRS 18-12-207.7 (#2024005)
  • Certified Firearms Instructor – NRA & USCCA
  • Authorized Denver Security Guard Trainer (#253)
  • Licensed Armed Security Guard – Denver & Glendale
  • Paralegal Career Diploma – Ashworth College
  • Force Science Certified Specialist
  • Force Science – De-Escalation Instructor
  • Verbal Judo – 8 Hour Certification
  • Taser & OC Certified Instructor
  • Certified Glock Armorer
  • Licensed Colorado Insurance Producer (#295905)
  • Amateur Radio Operator – KD0WYN

Firearms, Defensive Tactics & Less-Lethal Instruction

Firearms Instructor Certifications

  • NRA Instructor Ratings: Pistol, Rifle, Shotgun, CCW, Inside the Home Protection, Outside the Home Protection, Refuse To Be A Victim, Chief Range Safety Officer
  • USCCA (CCHDF) Instructor: Legal Use of Force, Situational Awareness, Defensive Shooting Fundamentals, Concealed Carry Lifestyle, Home Defense Planning, Accuracy & Use of Cover
  • Advanced Schools & Training:
    • Sig Sauer Academy – Handgun 103 & 104
    • Massad Ayoob MAG40
    • Ragnar Tactical – Level 1 Pistol
    • Mantis Certifications: Basic, Advanced, Elite, Combat
    • NRA Student Certifications: Pistol, CCW, ITHPP, OTHPP, Rifle, Shotgun
    • USCCA Student: Concealed Carry & Home Defense Fundamentals

Defensive Tactics & Less-Lethal Instruction

  • PPCT / TPR Defensive Tactics Instructor
  • Tactical Handcuffing & Control
  • Pressure Points & Counterstrikes
  • Impact Weapons & Restraint Systems
  • Firearm Retention & Disarming
  • Axon Certified Taser Instructor
  • OC/Pepper Spray Instructor (Security, Police, Civilian)

Law & Criminal Justice

  • Paralegal Career Diploma – Ashworth College
  • Law of Self Defense – Instructor Program
  • Introduction to American Law – University of Pennsylvania
  • Hot Topics in Criminal Justice – Vanderbilt University

De-Escalation, Behavioral Science & Human Performance

  • Force Science Certified Specialist
  • Dave Grossman Programs: On Combat, On Killing, The Bulletproof Mind
  • Introduction to Psychology – Yale University
  • Understand Violence – Emory University
  • Crisis Intervention – COPS Training Portal
  • Stress & Human Performance – University of Toronto
  • Force Science – De-Escalation Instructor
  • Force Science – De-Escalation for Security Professionals
  • Verbal Judo – 8 Hour Course


Mark Schneider HAM Radio License