Texas Security Officer Licensing Requirements
What the state requires to work as a security officer in Texas, who regulates it, and how ATPS supports officers on our Texas contracts. ATPS does not currently operate a licensed training school in Texas — our training programs are delivered in Maryland and the District of Columbia.
State requirements
- Level II noncommissioned officer — Texas Department of Public Safety, Private Security — Every security officer applicant must complete the DPS-prescribed Level II course and a written examination. DPS materials describe a curriculum of about 6 hours, but the rule does not set a codified minimum-hour floor. — Confirm with DPS — 37 TAC §35.141; DPS Training and Continuing Education
- Level III commissioned officer — Texas Department of Public Safety, Private Security — 45-hour minimum; Level II is a prerequisite — Confirm with DPS — 37 TAC §35.141; DPS Training and Continuing Education
- Level IV personal protection officer — Texas Department of Public Safety, Private Security — 15 hours; Levels II and III are prerequisites — Confirm with DPS — 37 TAC §35.141; DPS Training and Continuing Education
Requirements verified 28 August 2026 against Texas Department of Public Safety, Private Security. Requirements change — confirm with the regulator before relying on this page.
Frequently asked questions
What does Texas require for a Level II applicant?
Every security officer applicant must complete the DPS-prescribed Level II course and a written examination. The curriculum is described as about 6 hours, but that is not a codified legal minimum-hour floor.
What is Texas's Level III minimum?
Texas DPS states a 45-hour minimum for Level III commissioned officers.
How ATPS supports officers here
We verify credentials before assignment, track expiries, and pay for required renewals on our Texas contracts. This support does not make ATPS a Texas training school.