Texas Level III Commissioned (Armed) Security Officer Training

Description

Nighthawk Alliance LLC delivers Texas Level III Commissioned (Armed) Security Officer training in the Dallas–Fort Worth area — the classroom instruction and live-fire firearms qualification you need on your path to a commissioned officer license through the Texas Department of Public Safety (DPS). This is a training course, not job placement; it prepares you to apply for your own license.

What “commissioned” and “armed” mean in Texas

In Texas, a commissioned security officer is a licensed officer who is authorized to carry a firearm while performing security duties, under the rules of the Texas DPS Private Security Program. The Level III course is the state-required firearms training that supports your application for that commission. Completing this training does not by itself make you commissioned — it is one required step in the DPS application process described below.

• Level II covers non-commissioned (unarmed) officer training.
• Level III adds the firearms instruction and live-fire qualification required to carry on duty as a commissioned officer.

What a Level III commission allows

Once DPS approves your commission, you may carry a firearm while working as a licensed security officer for an employer registered with the Private Security Program. Your specific authority, approved firearm(s), and duties are governed by Texas DPS rules and your employing company — always confirm the current requirements directly with DPS. [verify with DPS/TOPS]

Prerequisites

To enroll in Level III training you should generally already hold or be completing Level II non-commissioned officer training first, and meet the DPS eligibility requirements to hold a commission. [verify with DPS/TOPS]

• Level II first: Complete non-commissioned officer training as a foundation. [verify with DPS/TOPS]
• MMPI psychological exam: Texas DPS requires commissioned (armed) officer applicants to complete a Minnesota Multiphasic Personality Inventory (MMPI) psychological evaluation through an approved provider. This is arranged separately from the training course. [verify with DPS/TOPS]
• Eligibility: Meet DPS age, background, and disqualification criteria for carrying a firearm on duty. [verify with DPS/TOPS]

Course overview

The Level III course runs approximately 45 hours and combines classroom instruction with hands-on range time and a live-fire qualification. Exact required hours and content are set by Texas DPS and may change. [verify with DPS/TOPS]

Classroom instruction

• Legal authority, use-of-force principles, and the responsibilities of a commissioned officer
• Firearm safety, mechanics, care, and safe handling
• Marksmanship fundamentals and judgment in the field
• State rules governing armed security work in Texas

Live-fire firearms qualification

You will complete a supervised live-fire qualification on the range to demonstrate safe handling and the shooting proficiency standard required by DPS. Range time is conducted in person under our licensed instruction in the DFW area. [verify with DPS/TOPS]

Course details at a glance

• Course: Texas Level III Commissioned (Armed) Security Officer Training
• Tuition: $200
• Length: ~45 hours (classroom + live-fire) [verify with DPS/TOPS]
• Format: In-person, Dallas–Fort Worth / Tarrant County
• Prerequisite: Level II training first [verify with DPS/TOPS]
• Provider: Nighthawk Alliance LLC · Texas Security Academy License #F31198401

The path to your commission via TOPS

Training is one part of becoming a commissioned officer. The general path is:

1. Complete Level II (non-commissioned) training. [verify with DPS/TOPS]
2. Complete this Level III course, including your live-fire qualification.
3. Complete the required MMPI psychological evaluation through an approved provider. [verify with DPS/TOPS]
4. Submit your application, fees, and fingerprints to the Texas DPS Private Security Program through the TOPS portal. [verify with DPS/TOPS]

Because DPS fees, forms, and requirements change, always confirm the current process on the official TOPS portal before you apply.

Related training

• Level II Non-Commissioned Security Officer Training — the recommended prerequisite.
• Level II & III Combination Course — complete both levels together.
• Level III Recertification / Firearms Requalification — for already-commissioned officers keeping their commission current.

FAQ

Do I have to complete Level II before Level III?

In most cases yes — Level II non-commissioned training is the recommended foundation before you take the armed Level III course. Confirm the current sequence and any exceptions with Texas DPS. [verify with DPS/TOPS]

Is the MMPI exam included in the course price?

No. The $200 tuition covers the Level III training course. The MMPI psychological evaluation is a separate DPS requirement completed through an approved provider. [verify with DPS/TOPS]

Can I take Level III online?

The live-fire qualification must be completed in person on the range in the DFW area. We also offer online course delivery through academy.nighthawkalliance.com for eligible coursework; ask us which portions can be completed online. [verify with DPS/TOPS]

Does completing this course get me a security job?

No. Nighthawk Alliance is a training academy and security consulting firm — we provide training toward your Texas license, not job placement and not guard or patrol staffing. The course prepares you to apply for your own commissioned officer license through DPS.

Do I need to bring my own firearm and ammunition?

Equipment requirements vary. Contact us before your class date to confirm what to bring for the live-fire qualification. [owner to confirm]

Enroll in Level III training

Ready to take the next step toward your Texas commissioned officer license? Contact Nighthawk Alliance to check dates, confirm prerequisites, and reserve your seat — call 682-285-9899 or email Contact@NighthawkAlliance.com. If you still need your unarmed certification, start with our Level II training or save time with the Level II & III combination course.