State-Approved Private Security Academy

Training School License #F31037201

Guard Company License #B31072001

Level III and IV Security License Renewal

Texas private security licenses must be renewed every two years to remain active. For commissioned (armed) officers and personal protection officers, the state requires completing continuing education and a live-fire firearms requalification before the Texas DPS will process a renewal. Renewal can be submitted up to 180 days before your license expires. Guardian 6 Protection's automated system tracks your certification expiration date and sends reminder notifications at 120 and 90 days prior.

Renewal Requirements

Continuing Education

6 hours of DPS-approved online CE (Level III CE or Level IV CE for PPOs)

Written Exam

Pass the CE course written examination

Firearms Requalification

Live-fire qualification with a licensed instructor (in-person, DFW area)

Firearms Certificate Deadline

Firearms proficiency certificate must be submitted to TOPS within 90 days of renewal application date

Renewal Frequency

Every 2 years

Renewal Window

Up to 180 days before expiration; up to 1 year after expiration

Pricing

License Renewal:

From $249

Contact us to confirm current pricing for the full renewal package, including CE and range requalification.

How the Renewal Process Works

01

Complete the 6-hour online continuing education course. Commissioned Security Officers complete the Level III CE course. Personal Protection Officers (PPOs) may complete either the 6-hour Level III CE course or the 6-hour Level IV CE course. Note: the Level IV CE course does not include firearms content, so a separate range requalification is required regardless of which CE course a PPO completes.

02

Pass the written examination included with the CE course.

03

Schedule and complete your live-fire range requalification with a licensed instructor at a DPS-approved venue in the DFW area.

04

Submit your firearms proficiency certificate to TOPS within 90 days of your renewal application date.

05

Guardian 6 Protection provides direct guidance through the TOPS submission process and can contact the appropriate DPS agencies on your behalf as needed.

The 90-Day Firearms Proficiency Deadline

Under Texas administrative rules, your firearms proficiency certificate must be submitted to TOPS within 90 days of your renewal application date. If you miss this window, the certificate is void. You must reschedule and retest before your renewal can be processed. The CE course and written exam you have already completed are not affected; only the range certification must be redone.

 

We recommend beginning the full renewal process well before your expiration date. Renewal can be submitted up to 180 days (six months) before your license expires.

Does Renewal Apply to Both Level III and Level IV?

Yes. Holders of a Level III Commissioned Security Officer license and holders of a Level IV Personal Protection Officer license are both subject to the two-year renewal requirement. If you hold both licenses, contact us to discuss your renewal options.

Guardian 6 Protection Renewal Reminders

Guardian 6 Protection’s automated system tracks enrolled officers’ certification expiration dates and sends reminder notifications at 120 days and again at 90 days before expiration. We also provide direct guidance through the TOPS submission process, helping ensure your renewal documentation is submitted accurately and on time.

Frequently Asked Questions

Clear, direct answers to common training and licensing questions.

Texas private security licenses, including Level III and Level IV, must be renewed every two years. You may submit your renewal application up to 180 days (six months) before your license expires, and up to one year after it expires. We recommend starting the process as early as possible to allow time for CE completion, range scheduling, and TOPS submission.

Commissioned (armed) officers must complete six hours of DPS-approved Level III continuing education. Personal Protection Officers (PPOs) may complete either six hours of Level III CE or six hours of Level IV CE. The CE course covers updates to Texas security statutes, use-of-force law, and professional ethics. Note that the Level IV CE course does not include firearms content; a separate range requalification is required regardless of which CE course a PPO completes.

If your firearms proficiency certificate is not submitted to TOPS within 90 days of your renewal application date, the certificate is void. You must reschedule and complete the live-fire range test again. The CE course and written exam you have already completed are not affected; only the range certification must be redone before your renewal can be processed.

Yes. The 6-hour CE course is available online and can be completed at your own pace. The live-fire range requalification must be completed in person at a DPS-approved venue in the DFW area.

Texas DPS allows renewal for up to one year after a license expires. If your license has been expired for more than one year, renewal is no longer available; you must submit a new original application through TOPS. Contact Guardian 6 Protection as soon as possible if your license is approaching expiration or has already lapsed, as the process and requirements differ depending on how long ago it expired.

Yes. Guardian 6 Protection’s automated system tracks enrolled officers’ certification expiration dates and sends reminder notifications at 120 days and again at 90 days before expiration.

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