State-Approved Private Security Academy
Training School License #F31037201
Guard Company License #B31072001
State-Approved Private Security Academy
Training School License #F31037201
Guard Company License #B31072001
The Level III Commissioned Security Officer course is the state-required certification for all armed security officers in Texas. When affiliated with a licensed security company in TOPS, an active Level III Commissioned Security Officer license authorizes an officer to carry a firearm on duty and perform armed security work.
Upon successful completion of the course and examination, your training certificate is generated and delivered automatically through the Guardian 6 Protection student platform. You will also receive a Next Steps guide covering the state licensing process:
10 Hours (DFW area, mandatory under HB 3424)
Hybrid — Online Classroom + In-Person Range and Tactics
18 years old
Guardian 6 Protection offers the 35-hour Level III classroom online for $99. This fee covers the online portion only — it does not include the state-required 10-hour in-person training, which is offered separately and must be requested.
Complete the 35-hour Level III online curriculum at your own pace for $99. This price does not include the required 10-hour in-person training, that session is scheduled separately and must be requested after enrollment.
This includes online course only. Does not include the required 10 Hour in-person training.
All Level III candidates must complete 10 hours of in-person training, regardless of where you did your online coursework. This session is not scheduled automatically, contact us to request your defensive tactics and live-fire qualification date.
This includes in-person training only. Does not include the required 35-hour classroom hours.
Pursuant to TAC 35.141, the Level III Training Course (minimum 45 hours) and test, including the course of fire, is required for all commissioned security officers and personal protection officers. This training must be administered by a licensed Level III Training School and taught by a licensed Level III Instructor.
*Certain Peace Officers may be exempt per TAC 35.141(b).
The 35-hour online classroom curriculum covers:
Note: Completion of Level II Non-Commissioned training is a required prerequisite and must be submitted alongside Level III upon application through TOPS.
Effective January 1, 2024, Texas House Bill 3424 mandates that all Level III armed security candidates complete a minimum of 10 hours of in-person instruction with a state-approved instructor. This requirement cannot be satisfied through online coursework.
The 10-hour practical module covers:
The firearms proficiency certificate must be submitted to the TOPS database within 90 days of the application date.
Minimum Age: 21 years old for all armed (commissioned) security positions
MMPI Psychological Evaluation: Required for all armed applicants under Texas DPS rules (Form PSP-13). The evaluation must be administered by a licensed psychologist and submitted to the state as the required psychological health declaration. Guardian 6 Protection can assist with coordinating this requirement.
IdentoGO Fingerprints: FBI-based fingerprint background check required as part of the TOPS application
Upon completion of the online coursework, your training certificate is automatically generated and delivered through the student platform. After completing your in-person qualification, you will receive your firearms proficiency certificate as well.
To activate your Level III commission, the following must be submitted through TOPS:
Guardian 6 Protection assists with this process and can contact the appropriate DPS agencies on your behalf as needed.
Clear, direct answers to common training and licensing questions.
Yes. Level II Non-Commissioned Security Officer training is a mandatory prerequisite for Level III. The TOPS portal requires both your Level II and Level III certificates to be submitted together when you apply for your armed security officer license. Texas DPS requires training to be completed in sequential order.
Under Texas House Bill 3424, effective January 1, 2024, all Level III candidates must complete a minimum of 10 hours of in-person instruction with a state-approved instructor. This includes live weaponless defensive tactics and a graded live-fire firearms qualification with a 9mm or .38 caliber handgun. These requirements cannot be completed online and must be conducted at a DPS-approved venue in the DFW area.
No. Under Texas Occupations Code Section 1702.113, a personal License to Carry does not authorize the performance of private security duties. To work as an armed security officer, you must hold an active Level III Commissioned Security Officer license affiliated with a licensed security company through TOPS.
Yes. Guardian 6 Protection offers a standalone in-person qualification option for Level III candidates who have already completed their online coursework through another DPS-approved provider. Contact us for scheduling and pricing.
The firearms proficiency certificate must be submitted to the TOPS database within 90 days of your application date. If you miss this window, the qualification is void and you must reschedule and retest before your application can move forward.
Yes. All Level III armed applicants are required to 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. Guardian 6 Protection can assist with coordinating this requirement.
Yes, provided your Level III license is active. Level IV Personal Protection Officer certification requires all three levels of training — Level II, Level III, and Level IV — to be completed and submitted through TOPS. If your Level III license is active and your Level II certificate is on file, you are eligible to enroll in the Level IV program.