Level III/IV Security Officer Recertification & Continuing Education

Description

Texas commissioned security officers (Level III) and personal protection officers (Level IV) must complete continuing education (CE) to keep their license in good standing. Our in-person recertification course in Fort Worth delivers the required training so you can renew with confidence and stay compliant with the Texas DPS Private Security Program.

Who needs this recertification course

This continuing education course is for licensed professionals in the Dallas–Fort Worth area who already hold a Texas Department of Public Safety (DPS) commission and are approaching renewal:

• Level III — Commissioned Security Officers: armed officers who carry a firearm on duty and must stay current on legal authority, use-of-force, and firearm-handling standards.
• Level IV — Personal Protection Officers (PPO): licensed personal protection professionals who must maintain their commission to continue working under Texas law.

If you are pursuing your license for the first time, this is not the right course — this CE class is strictly for renewing an existing Texas credential, not for initial licensing.

How often you must complete continuing education

Texas DPS commissions renew on a fixed cycle — typically every two years [verify with DPS/TOPS] — and your continuing education must be completed before you submit your renewal application. Armed (Level III) officers may also have separate firearm proficiency or requalification requirements on their own schedule [verify with DPS/TOPS]. We recommend completing your CE well ahead of your expiration date so a lapse never puts you out of compliance.

What this course covers

The course runs approximately 6 hours [verify with DPS/TOPS] and refreshes the core competencies DPS expects commissioned officers to maintain. Topics generally include:

• Updates to Texas Occupations Code Chapter 1702 and Private Security Program rules
• Legal authority, liability, and officer responsibilities
• Use-of-force principles and de-escalation
• Firearm safety and handling standards for commissioned (armed) officers
• Report writing, ethics, and professional conduct

Curriculum follows the current DPS continuing education requirements, which can differ between the Level III and Level IV commissions [verify with DPS/TOPS]. Let us know which commission you hold when you register so we can confirm the correct course of study for your renewal.

How to apply your CE through the TOPS portal

1. Complete the in-person recertification course with Nighthawk Alliance.
2. Receive your certificate of completion / training documentation from the academy [verify with DPS/TOPS on reporting method].
3. Log in to your account in the Texas DPS TOPS portal (Texas Online Private Security).
4. Submit your renewal application and pay the applicable DPS renewal fee before your commission expires [verify current fee with DPS/TOPS].

DPS is the sole authority on renewal timelines, fees, and CE crediting. Always confirm the current requirements directly through the TOPS portal.

Course details

• Tuition: $65
• Format: In-person, instructor-led training
• Location: Fort Worth, TX (serving DFW / Tarrant County)
• Length: approximately 6 hours [verify with DPS/TOPS]
• Prerequisite: a current or recently held Texas Level III or Level IV commission

Why train with Nighthawk Alliance

Nighthawk Alliance is a veteran-owned, Texas DPS-licensed training academy (Texas Security Academy License #F31198401) based in Fort Worth. Our instruction draws on real-world protective experience across multi-purpose arenas, houses of worship, warehouses, Fortune 500 companies, and U.S. Secret Service dignitary-event coordination.

Enroll in the next Fort Worth recertification class

Ready to renew? Reserve your seat in an upcoming DFW continuing education class. Call 682-285-9899, email Contact@NighthawkAlliance.com, or visit our contact page to schedule your recertification and keep your Texas license current.

FAQ

Who needs this recertification course?

Any Texas Level III (commissioned security officer) or Level IV (personal protection officer) license holder who is approaching renewal and needs to complete DPS-required continuing education. It is not for first-time applicants.

How often do I need continuing education?

Texas commissions typically renew every two years, with CE completed before you submit your renewal [verify with DPS/TOPS]. Confirm your exact cycle and expiration date in the TOPS portal.

How long is the course and what does it cost?

The class runs approximately 6 hours [verify with DPS/TOPS] and tuition is $65. It is delivered in person in Fort Worth.

How do I apply the CE toward my license?

After completing the course, log in to the Texas DPS TOPS portal, submit your renewal application, and pay the current DPS renewal fee before your commission expires. DPS is the authority on how CE is credited [verify with DPS/TOPS].

Does this course place me in a security job?

No. Nighthawk Alliance is a training academy. This course provides the continuing education needed to renew your existing Texas commission — it does not include job placement, staffing, or guard services.