COMMISSIONED / ARMED SECURITY OFFICER TRAINING
Texas Private Security Level III: Commissioned/Armed Security Officer Training
45-hour hybrid DPS training for commissioned/armed security officers in Texas — online academics plus in-person self-defense and firearms qualification.
- Total Training
- 45 Hours Minimum
- Delivery
- Hybrid — Online + Mandatory In-Person
- Completion Schedule
- 4–15 Days
- Written Exam
- 75% minimum
- Firearms Qualification
- 70% minimum
Course code: USSA-TX-L3-301
Overview
The Texas Private Security Level III Commissioned Security Officer Training Course is designed for individuals seeking to work as armed/commissioned private security officers in Texas.
The program combines online academic instruction with mandatory, instructor-led practical training. Under current Texas requirements, handgun proficiency and self-defense training must be completed in person with an on-site, DPS-approved instructor. Self-defense tactics are specifically required as part of Level III training.
The course culminates in the Texas DPS Level III examination, practical skills evaluation, and required firearms proficiency/qualification.
Texas DPS states that the Level III Training Course is a minimum 45-hour course required for commissioned security officers and personal protection officers. It must be administered through a DPS-approved Level III Training School and taught by an approved Level III instructor.
At a glance
- Delivery
- Hybrid — Online Instruction + Mandatory In-Person Practical Training
- Total Required Training
- 45 Hours Minimum
- Completion Schedule
- 4–15 Days
- Firearms Qualification
- 70% minimum on the approved course of fire
- Certificate
- PSP-30 — Basic Security Officer Training Course Level Three Certificate of Completion
What you'll learn
- Understand the role and responsibilities of a Texas commissioned security officer.
- Identify important Texas statutes and administrative rules governing private security.
- Understand legal authority, limitations, use of force, and professional responsibility.
- Apply observation, field-note and report-writing techniques.
- Apply conflict-resolution and de-escalation principles.
- Demonstrate appropriate self-defense and officer-safety techniques.
- Understand firearm safety and handgun operating principles.
- Demonstrate safe and proficient handgun handling.
- Successfully complete the Texas DPS-approved firearms qualification.
- Meet the training component required for application as a Texas commissioned security officer.
Topics covered
Texas Private Security Laws & Rules
Administrative rules and statutes governing private security, and what they mean for commissioned officers.
Officer Authority & Responsibilities
The duties, authority, and legal limitations of a Texas commissioned security officer.
Use of Force & Arrest Principles
Legal considerations for use of force and arrest-related fundamentals.
Field Notes & Report Writing
Preparing clear, accurate field notes and professional security reports.
Emergency Response
Appropriate officer actions during emergencies and critical incidents.
Conflict Management & De-Escalation
Nonviolent dispute resolution and professional communication techniques.
Ethics & Professional Conduct
Professional standards and ethical decision-making expected of commissioned officers.
Practical Training Preparation
Readiness for the mandatory in-person self-defense and firearms components.
Course content
12 modules · 422 lessons
1.Module 1: Introduction
- Chapter Training Objectivelocked
- Chapter Outline Detailslocked
- Chapter Overviewlocked
- Course Goallocked
- Target Audiencelocked
- Delivery Methodslocked
- Course Lengthlocked
- Registration/ Attendancelocked
- Class Schedulelocked
- Participant Evaluation Strategylocked
2.Module 2: Applicable Rules and State Laws
- Chapter Training Objectivelocked
- Chapter Outline Detailslocked
- General Qualificationslocked
- Security Officerlocked
- Security Departmentlocked
- Guard Companylocked
- DPS & RSD Websiteslocked
- Commissioned Security Officer Requirementslocked
- Application for a Security Officer Commissionlocked
- Commissioned Security Officer Standardslocked
- Issuance of Security Officer Commission - Pocket Cardlocked
- Renewal of Security Officer Commissionlocked
- Termination of Employment as Commissioned Security Officerlocked
- Unauthorized Contract with Bail Bondslocked
- Execution of Capias or Arrest Warrantlocked
- Impersonating a Security Officerlocked
- Impersonating a Private Investigatorlocked
- Firearm Requirementslocked
- Firearm Standardslocked
- Handgun Proficiency Examinationlocked
- Handgun Courselocked
- Shotgun Course of Firelocked
- Firearm Restrictionslocked
- Unlawful Possession of Firearmlocked
- Making a Firearm Accessible to a Childlocked
- Relating to License to Carrylocked
- PC §6.01 Requirement of Voluntary Act or Omissionlocked
- PC §6.02 Requirements of Culpabilitylocked
- PC §6.04 Causation: Conduct and Resultslocked
- PC §30.05 Criminal Trespasslocked
- PC §30.06 Trespass by License Holder with a Concealed Handgunlocked
- PC §30.06 Trespass by License Holder with an Openly Carried Handgunlocked
- Arrestslocked
- Offense Within Viewlocked
- Preventing Consequences of Theftlocked
- Must Take Offender Before Magistratelocked
- PC §42.01 Disorderly Conductlocked
- Implementationlocked
- Impersonating a Public Servantlocked
- False Identification as a Peace Officer; Misrepresentation of Propertylocked
- Security Officer Uniformslocked
- Vehicleslocked
- Law Violations Encountered by Security Officerslocked
- Assaultlocked
- Aggravated Assaultlocked
- Definitionslocked
- Clublocked
- Explosive Weaponlocked
- Firearmlocked
- Handgunlocked
- Knifelocked
- Machine Gunlocked
- Short-Barrel Firearmlocked
- Armor-Piercing Ammunitionlocked
- Hoax Bomblocked
- Chemical Dispensing Devicelocked
- Zip Gunlocked
- Tire Deflation Devicelocked
- Places Weapons Prohibitedlocked
- Prohibited Weaponslocked
3.Module 3: Verbal and Written Communication Best Practices
- Chapter Training Objectivelocked
- Chapter Outline Detailslocked
- Verbal De-Escalationlocked
- Phases of Behavior Escalationlocked
- Techniqueslocked
- Minimal Encouragerslocked
- Reflectionlocked
- Open-Ended Questionslocked
- Redirecting Negative Behaviorlocked
- De-Escalation During a Mental Health Crisislocked
- Assessmentlocked
- Building Rapportlocked
- Best Practices for Radio Communicationlocked
- Field Note Capturelocked
- Note Writing Basicslocked
- Observationlocked
- Collectionlocked
- Example Field Notelocked
- Example Interview Interactionlocked
- Daily Reportslocked
- Cameraslocked
- Elements of Written Reportslocked
- Characteristics of Well-Written Reportslocked
- Sentenceslocked
- Sentence Fragmentslocked
- Run-on Sentenceslocked
- Misplaced Modifierlocked
- Double Negativelocked
- Passive and Active Voicelocked
- Quotation Markslocked
- Jargonlocked
- Wholocked
- Whatlocked
- Whenlocked
- Wherelocked
- Whylocked
- Howlocked
- Accuracylocked
- Importance of Clearly Written Reportslocked
- Referenceslocked
4.Module 4: Incident Scene Security
- Chapter Training Objectivelocked
- Chapter Outline Detailslocked
- Responsibilities at a Crime Scenelocked
- Professionalismlocked
- Professional Actionslocked
- Unprofessional Actionslocked
- Appearancelocked
- Attirelocked
- Hygienelocked
- Demeanorlocked
- Reactionslocked
- Ethicslocked
- Personal Ethicslocked
- Workplace Ethicslocked
- Model Code of Ethics of Security Guardslocked
- Protect Evidencelocked
- Prevent Removal of Evidencelocked
- Chain of Custodylocked
- Set Up Perimeterslocked
- Maintain a Presencelocked
- Written Logslocked
- Medialocked
- Witnesseslocked
- Post-Incidentlocked
5.Module 5: Situational Awareness
- Chapter Training Objectivelocked
- Chapter Outline Detailslocked
- Situational Awarenesslocked
- Awareness Levelslocked
- Conditions and Circumstanceslocked
- Patrol Area Recognitionlocked
- Hazardous Situationslocked
- Silhouetting or Backlightinglocked
- Type and Volume of Local Incidentslocked
- Animalslocked
- Cover and Concealmentlocked
- Definitionslocked
- Coverlocked
- Concealmentlocked
6.Module 6: Use of Force
- Chapter Training Objectivelocked
- Chapter Outline Detailslocked
- Forcelocked
- Nounlocked
- Verblocked
- Reasonable or Necessary Forcelocked
- Deadly Forcelocked
- Seizurelocked
- Legality of Use of Forcelocked
- 4th Amendmentlocked
- 8th Amendmentlocked
- 14th Amendmentlocked
- Seizure of a Personlocked
- 42 USC Sec. 1983 – Federal Civil Rights Actlocked
- PC 9.02 – Justification as a Defenselocked
- PC 9.03 – Confinement as Justifiable Forcelocked
- PC 9.04 – Threats as Justifiable Forcelocked
- PC 9.05 – Reckless Injury of Innocent Third Personlocked
- PC 9.06 – Civil Remedies Unaffectedlocked
- PC 9.21 – Public Dutylocked
- PC 9.22 – Necessitylocked
- PC 9.31 – Self-Defenselocked
- Application of Self-Defenselocked
- PC 9.32 – Deadly Force in Defense of Personlocked
- Application of Deadly Forcelocked
- PC 9.33. – Defense of a Third Personlocked
- PC 9.34 – Protection of Life or Healthlocked
- PC 9.41 – Protection of One’s Own Propertylocked
- PC 9.42 – Deadly Force to Protect Propertylocked
- PC 9.43 – Protection of Third Person’s Propertylocked
- PC 9.44 - Use of Device to Protect Propertylocked
- Arrest and Searchlocked
- PC 9.51 - Arrest and Searchlocked
- PC 9.52 - Prevention of Escape from Custodylocked
- Force Not Justifiedlocked
- Determining Liability in Courtlocked
- The Use of Force Modellocked
- Arrestslocked
- Dynamic Resistance Response Modellocked
- Non-Resistant (Compliant)locked
- Non-Threatening Resistancelocked
- Threatening Resistancelocked
- Deadly Resistancelocked
- Force Response to Resistancelocked
- Presencelocked
- Verbal Commandslocked
- Verbal Appealslocked
- Redirecting Behaviorlocked
- Empty Hand Controllocked
- Personal Weapons/Non-Lethal Weaponslocked
- Lethal Force/Deadly Forcelocked
- Referenceslocked
7.Module 7: Conflict Resolution
- Chapter Training Objectivelocked
- Chapter Outline Detailslocked
- Communicationlocked
- Critical Thinkinglocked
- Respectlocked
- Legitimacylocked
- Transparencylocked
- Fairnesslocked
- Introduction to the Critical Decision-Making Modellocked
- Critical Decision-Making Modellocked
- Key Principleslocked
- Five Steps of the CDMlocked
- Step 1—Collect Informationlocked
- Step 2—Assess the Situation, Threat, and Riskslocked
- Step 3—Consider Security Officer Powers and Company Policy and Procedureslocked
- Step 4—Identify Options and Determine the Best Course of Actionlocked
- Step 5—Act, Review, and Re-assesslocked
- Benefits of Conflict Resolutionlocked
- Referenceslocked
8.Module 8: Defensive Tactics
- Chapter Training Objectivelocked
- Chapter Outline Detailslocked
- ABC's of Defensive Tacticslocked
- Awarenesslocked
- Barrierlocked
- Counterlocked
- Basics in Defensive Tacticslocked
- Interview Stancelocked
- Combat Ready Stancelocked
- Tactical Movementlocked
- Pressure Point Manipulationlocked
- Pressure Point Locationslocked
- Top of the Shoulderlocked
- Top of the Forearmlocked
- Outside of the Thighlocked
- Inside of the Thighlocked
- Shinlocked
- Calflocked
- Pressure Point Manipulation Summarylocked
- Basic Striking Techniqueslocked
- Palm Strikelocked
- Puncheslocked
- Strikes Using Forearmslocked
- Strikes to the Rear Shoulder Arealocked
- Strikes to the Shoulder Jointlocked
- Knee Strikeslocked
- Knee-Strike-to-the-Thigh Techniquelocked
- Knee-Strike-to-the-Abdomen Techniquelocked
- Front Kickslocked
- Striking Summarylocked
- Escort Techniquelocked
- Proper Positioninglocked
- Arm-Bar Controllocked
- Arm-Bar Control Techniquelocked
- Arm-Bar Grounding Techniquelocked
- Standard Wristlocklocked
- Wristlock Grounding Techniquelocked
- Compression Wristlocklocked
- Inverted Compression Wristlocklocked
- Weapon Retention Techniqueslocked
- Handgunlocked
- Holstered Retentionlocked
- Weapon Retention Summarylocked
9.Module 9: Handcuffing
- Chapter Training Objectivelocked
- Chapter Outline Detailslocked
- Importance of Proper Handcuffinglocked
- Orientation and Operationlocked
- Keyhole Placementlocked
- Double Locklocked
- Handcuff Applicationlocked
- Stance, Draw, and Griplocked
- Position of Disadvantagelocked
- Subject Placementlocked
- Approachlocked
- Applicationlocked
- Compression Wristlocklocked
- Weapons Checklocked
- Use of Multiple Handcuffslocked
- Subject Placementlocked
- Approachlocked
- Applicationlocked
- Compression Wristlocklocked
- Handcuffing Summarylocked
- Referenceslocked
10.Module 10: Intermediate Weapons
- Chapter Training Objectivelocked
- Chapter Outline Detailslocked
- Authority to Carrylocked
- Batonlocked
- Chemical Dispensing Devicelocked
- Controlled Energy Weaponlocked
- Batonlocked
- Nomenclaturelocked
- Grip of Batonlocked
- Reactionary Gap with Batonlocked
- Interview Stancelocked
- Defensive Stancelocked
- Blockslocked
- Armslocked
- Legslocked
- Strikeslocked
- Legslocked
- Tracing C Baton Retention Techniquelocked
- Summarylocked
- Referenceslocked
11.Module 11: Firearms Handling and Safety
- Chapter Training Objectivelocked
- Chapter Outline Detailslocked
- Primary Firearm Safety Ruleslocked
- Fundamentals of Shootinglocked
- Determining Eye Dominancelocked
- Method 1locked
- Method 2locked
- Cross Dominancelocked
- Griplocked
- One-Handed Griplocked
- Two-Handed Griplocked
- Stancelocked
- The Isosceles Positionlocked
- The Weaver Positionlocked
- The One Hand Pointlocked
- Sight Alignment and Sight Picturelocked
- Trigger Controllocked
- Breath Controllocked
- Follow-Throughlocked
- Drawing the Handgunlocked
- Four-Step Methodlocked
- Position 1locked
- Position 2locked
- Position 3locked
- Position 4locked
- Lack of Muzzle Disciplinelocked
- Wagon-Wheeling or Bowlinglocked
- Anti-Aircraft Drawlocked
- Holstering the Weaponlocked
- Down and Scanlocked
- Assess and Planlocked
- Recover to the Holsterlocked
- Revolverslocked
- Revolver Nomenclaturelocked
- Revolver Actionslocked
- Revolver Maintenance and Safety Checklocked
- Safety Inspectionlocked
- Cylinder Playlocked
- Cylinder Gaplocked
- Timinglocked
- Bore and Cylinderlocked
- Triggerlocked
- Handling and Cleaning the Revolverlocked
- Assembly and Disassemblylocked
- Revolver Operationlocked
- Right-Handed Shooter—Loading/Unloading/Reloadinglocked
- Left-Handed Shooter—Loading/Unloading/Reloadinglocked
- Firing the Revolverlocked
- Revolver Malfunctionslocked
- Cylinder Fails to Turnlocked
- Loose Ejector Rodlocked
- Revolver Fails to Firelocked
- Spitting Leadlocked
- Semi-Automatic Pistollocked
- Semi-Automatic Pistol Nomenclaturelocked
- Semi-Automatic Actionslocked
- Semi-Automatic Pistol Maintenance and Safety Checklocked
- Safety Inspectionlocked
- Handling and Cleaning the Semi-Automatic Pistollocked
- Assembly and Disassemblylocked
- Disassembly of the Glock (All Models)locked
- Reassembly of the Glock (All Models)locked
- Semi-Automatic Pistol Operationlocked
- Administrative Loadinglocked
- Loading Procedurelocked
- Unloading Procedurelocked
- Reloading the Weaponlocked
- Speed Reloading Procedurelocked
- Tactical Reloading Procedurelocked
- Semi-Automatic Malfunctionslocked
- Failure to Firelocked
- Failure to Feedlocked
- Failure to Extractlocked
- Failure to Ejectlocked
- Immediate Action Drills for Semi-Auto Malfunctionslocked
- Tap-Rack-Readylocked
- Lock-Rip-Rack-Reloadlocked
- Shotgunlocked
- Shotgun Nomenclaturelocked
- Shotgun Actionslocked
- Shotgun Maintenance and Safety Checklocked
- Safety Inspection for the Remington 870locked
- Cleaning Shotgunslocked
- Shotgun Operationlocked
- Loadinglocked
- Unloadinglocked
- Tactical Reloadinglocked
- Ammunition Selection, Care, and Storagelocked
- Ammunition Nomenclaturelocked
- Ammunition Selectionlocked
- Interior Ballisticslocked
- Exterior Ballisticslocked
- Terminal Ballisticslocked
- Other Considerationslocked
- Bullet Designlocked
- Ammunition Compatibilitylocked
- Shotshell Lengthlocked
- Ammunition Care and Storagelocked
- Safe Storage Checklistlocked
- Safe Storage Deviceslocked
- Cable Locklocked
- Trigger Locklocked
- Biometric Locklocked
- Gun Caselocked
- Strong Boxlocked
- Gun Cabinetslocked
- Gun Safe/Vaultlocked
- On-Duty Gun Safetylocked
- At Home Gun Safetylocked
- Range Safetylocked
- Purposelocked
- Participant Directionslocked
- Primary Issued Handgun Qualification Courselocked
- License to Carry Handgun Proficiency Demonstration Course of Firelocked
- Purposelocked
- Participant Directionslocked
- Shotgun Qualification Courselocked
- Referenceslocked
12.Appendix:
- Glossarylocked
How you'll train
Phase I — Level III Academic/Classroom Curriculum (Online LMS, 38 Hours)
- Recommended completion time: 3–4 days / 30 instructional hours
- Follows the current Texas DPS Level III Participant Guide and curriculum
- Covers Texas private-security laws and administrative rules, commissioned officer authority and responsibilities, legal limitations, use of force, arrest-related principles, field notes, report writing, emergency response, conflict management, nonviolent dispute resolution, and ethics and professional conduct
- Concludes with the required Level III written examination — passing score 75%
Phase II-A — Self-Defense Tactics & Practical Skills (In Person, 3 Hours)
- Defensive tactics, officer safety, positioning, movement, disengagement, and control concepts
- Handcuffing and practical skills where applicable to the approved curriculum
- De-escalation, appropriate response to resistance, and legal/safety considerations
Phase II-B — Firearms/Handgun Training & Range Qualification (In Person, 4 Hours)
- Required handgun instruction with safe and proficient firearm handling
- Live-fire proficiency demonstration — range qualification passing score 70% minimum
- Firearm proficiency must be demonstrated within 90 days of the application date
Requirements & who it's for
Before you enroll
- Be seeking qualification for a Texas Commissioned Security Officer license/commission
- Complete required Level II training, unless legally exempt — DPS states commissioned-security applicants submit both Level II and Level III training certificates
- Meet applicable Texas DPS eligibility requirements for the license sought
- Be legally eligible to possess/use a firearm for purposes of the required firearms training
- Present valid government-issued photo identification for in-person training
- Complete all required online coursework before final certification
- Be physically capable of safely participating in defensive-tactics and firearms training, or contact the school regarding an appropriate accommodation
- Complete applicable DPS application requirements, including the required Declaration of Psychological and Emotional Health/MMPI requirements for commissioned-security-officer applicants
Who this course is for
- New commissioned/armed security officer applicants
- Current non-commissioned Level II officers seeking to advance to armed security assignments
- Private-security professionals whose positions require a Texas security officer commission
- Qualified security personnel seeking Level III training before pursuing additional credentials such as Personal Protection Officer training
Exam & certificate
- Passing score
- 75% or higher
- Questions
- 67 multiple-choice
- Time limit
- 56 minutes
- Attempts
- Up to 3 attempts
- Firearms Qualification (Range)
- 70% minimum on approved course of fire
- Firearm Proficiency Deadline
- Must be demonstrated within 90 days of the application date
To complete the course
- Complete all assigned instructional hours and required LMS activities
- Successfully complete the online/classroom academic component
- Attend the mandatory in-person self-defense component
- Attend required in-person handgun/firearms instruction
- Demonstrate safe firearms handling
- Pass the Level III written examination with at least 75%
- Successfully complete the approved firearms course of fire with at least 70%
On successful completion you'll have covered
- Legal duties & limitations of a commissioned officer
- Texas private-security law & DPS rules
- Use-of-force & deadly-force considerations
- Professional communication & de-escalation
- Field notes & security report writing
- Emergency & incident response
- Defensive tactics & officer safety
- Safe handgun handling, loading, unloading & storage
- Firearm proficiency qualification
Completion of the training course is not itself the issuance of a Texas security officer commission. Licensing/commission authority rests with the Texas Department of Public Safety, Private Security Program. USSA Level III training prepares students to satisfy the applicable training requirement; it does not independently grant a Texas security officer commission. Students must separately satisfy Texas DPS eligibility, application, background, psychological/emotional-health, affiliation, fee, and other licensing requirements applicable to their circumstances. Texas DPS notes that individual licensees generally must be affiliated with a DPS-licensed company or entity.
Tuition
Course tuition
$375.00
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Tuition includes
- Online Level III instructional access
- Course materials
- Instructor-led training
- Required written examination
- In-person self-defense instruction
- In-person firearms classroom instruction
- Initial range qualification
- Payment plans may be accepted.
- Students should provide government-issued identification and any equipment specifically identified in their enrollment instructions.
- Registration is confirmed upon receipt of payment. Students will receive LMS access instructions and information concerning their mandatory in-person practical-training date after enrollment.
- Recommended payment methods: credit/debit card, company/agency payment, or approved electronic payment.
- Students who cannot attend their scheduled in-person defensive-tactics or firearms session should contact the Academy before the scheduled training date. Range, ammunition, firearm-rental, rescheduling, or other applicable fees should be disclosed during registration.
After you enroll
- 1
After registering online for this course, you will receive an email with instructions for getting started. If you do not receive a confirmation within one hour, please contact the Academy.
- 2
Please allow 48–72 business hours for your PSP-30 certificate to be emailed to you. The certificate shown on your student portal upon course completion is not the official PSP-30 certificate.
- 3
For official Texas licensing information, students should also consult the Texas DPS Private Security Training and Continuing Education page.
Questions? Contact us
Visit
12808 W. Airport Blvd., Suite 224, Sugar Land, Texas 77478
Tuition
$375.00