State-Approved Private Security Academy

Training School License #F31037201

Guard Company License #B31072001

Student Login

Level IV Personal Protection Officer (PPO) Training

The Level IV Personal Protection Officer (PPO) course is the advanced certification required for individuals working in executive protection, plain-clothes bodyguard roles, and high-risk personal protection environments in Texas. A Level IV license represents the highest tier of individual field registration under the Texas DPS Private Security Program.
When affiliated with an approved security company in TOPS, a licensed Level IV PPO is authorized to work in plain clothes and carry a concealed firearm while performing personal protection duties.

Schedule Level IV In-Person Training

Prerequisites

Level II and Level III certifications must both be completed and active before enrolling in Level IV. The TOPS application for a Level IV PPO license requires all three training certificates: Level II, Level III, and Level IV.

  • Level II Non-Commissioned Security Officer -- required
  • Level III Commissioned Security Officer (active license) -- required

Course Overview

Total Required Hours

15 Hours Minimum

Format

In-Person Classroom and Practical Instruction

Location

Dallas-Fort Worth Metroplex

Training Duration

Delivered over 2 days

Authorization Upon Licensing

Plain-clothes operations and concealed carry while on duty

Minimum Age

21 years old

Enrollment Pricing

Guardian 6 Protection offers the Level IV in-person training for $450. Contact us to confirm current scheduling and availability.

In-Person Training: $449

This 15-hour, 2-day in-person course is the complete Level IV Personal Protection Officer certification, covering close-protection principles, threat assessment, protective movement, and plain-clothes operational protocols at a DFW-area venue. Guardian 6 Protection instructors deliver the full program in person, with no online coursework required.
Send Me The Next Training Dates

What the Course Covers

15-Hr · 2-Day In-Person Instruction

Pursuant to TAC 35.141, the Level IV Training Course (minimum 15 hours) and test is required for all personal protection officers. This training must be administered by a licensed Level IV Training School and taught by a licensed Level IV Instructor.
*Certain Peace Officers may be exempt per TAC 35.141(b).
The Level IV curriculum builds directly on Level III training and focuses on the skills required for professional close-protection operations:
  • Close-protection principles, strategy, and operational planning
  • Advance work and route planning
  • Threat and risk assessment
  • Protective movement and tactical positioning
  • Crowd control and event security management
  • Defensive tactics at the PPO level
  • Verbal de-escalation in high-stakes environments
  • Non-lethal force options and use-of-force decision-making
  • Plain-clothes operational protocols and concealed carry procedures
  • Legal scope and limitations of PPO authority under Texas law
  • Incident response and emergency procedures

Additional State Requirements for Level IV

Minimum Age: 21 years old

Active Level III Commission: A valid, active Level III Commissioned Security Officer license is required before enrolling in Level IV

MMPI Psychological Evaluation: Required for all PPO applicants. The evaluation satisfies the state’s required psychological health declaration (Form PSP-13) and must be administered by a licensed psychologist and submitted to the Texas DPS alongside your training certificate.

IdentoGO Fingerprints: FBI-based background check required if not previously submitted for Level III

After You Complete Level IV

Upon completion of the Level IV course, you will receive your official training certificate. To activate your Level IV PPO license through TOPS, all three training certificates must be submitted:

  • Level II certificate of completion
  • Level III certificate of completion
  • Level IV certificate of completion
  • MMPI psychological evaluation and IdentoGO results (if not previously submitted for Level III)
  • Company affiliation with a licensed security company in TOPS
A Level IV PPO license must be affiliated with a licensed security company in TOPS before it is active. Guardian 6 Protection provides guidance through the TOPS submission process.

Frequently Asked Questions

Clear, direct answers to common training and licensing questions.

A Level III Commissioned Security Officer license authorizes uniformed armed security work. A Level IV Personal Protection Officer license authorizes plain-clothes work and carrying a concealed firearm while performing personal protection duties such as executive protection, corporate safeguarding, and private escort. Level IV requires an active Level III commission as a prerequisite.

Yes. All Level IV PPO applicants must complete an MMPI (Minnesota Multiphasic Personality Inventory) psychological evaluation administered by a licensed psychologist. This evaluation satisfies the state’s required psychological health declaration (Form PSP-13) and must be submitted to the Texas DPS alongside your training certificate.

Yes. A licensed Level IV Personal Protection Officer is authorized to perform protection duties in plain clothes, which distinguishes the PPO role from the uniformed requirements that apply to Level III commissioned officers.

Yes. A licensed Level IV PPO affiliated with an approved security company is authorized to carry a concealed firearm while performing protection duties under their license. A personal License to Carry (LTC) is not sufficient for this purpose; an active Level IV license affiliated through TOPS is required.

Texas private security licenses, including Level IV, must be renewed every two years. For renewal, PPOs must complete six hours of DPS-approved continuing education — either the Level III CE course or the Level IV CE course. Note that the Level IV CE course does not include firearms content. Regardless of which CE course you complete, a separate live-fire range requalification is required. The firearms proficiency certificate must be submitted to TOPS within 90 days of the renewal application date.

No. An active Level III commission is required to qualify for Level IV training. If your Level III license has lapsed, you will need to complete the renewal process before enrolling in Level IV. Contact us for guidance.