Mark A. Schneider – Professional Biography
Mark A. Schneider, 40, is a dedicated father, Training Counselor, 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 5,000 employees, overseeing firearms training, defensive tactics, de-escalation instruction, and licensing compliance for armed and unarmed personnel.
As an NRA Training Counselor, Mark is authorized to train and certify new NRA instructors and was recognized as “Top Gun” of NRA Training Counselor Class 202605. He 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)
- NRA Training Counselor – Class 202605 – Top Gun
- 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
- ASIS Essentials Of Executive Protection
- Licensed Colorado Insurance Producer (#295905)
- Amateur Radio Operator – KD0WYN
Firearms, Defensive Tactics & Less-Lethal Instruction
Firearms Instructor Certifications
- NRA Instructor & Training Counselor Ratings: Pistol, Rifle, Shotgun, CCW, Personal Protection Inside the Home, Personal Protection Outside the Home, Refuse To Be A Victim, Chief Range Safety Officer (CRSO), and NRA Training Counselor authorized to train and certify NRA Instructor Candidates.
- 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)
Legal, Behavioral & Professional Development
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
