The Level 3 security license, officially known in Texas as a Commissioned Security Officer license, is the highest professional credential for private security officers authorized to carry a firearm while on duty. This designation permits the holder to perform armed guard services, a field that consistently shows high demand for qualified personnel. Obtaining this license is a structured process that requires specialized training, firearms proficiency, and legal authorization to use force when necessary.
Understanding the Level 3 Armed Security License
The Level 3 license grants the legal authority to carry a firearm and other intermediate weapons while working as a security officer. This scope of duty is significantly broader than that of a Level 2, or unarmed, security officer, who is limited to non-commissioned activities. The Level 3 Commissioned Security Officer is entrusted with maintaining safety and deterring threats, often working in high-risk environments like banks or corporate facilities.
This professional authorization is governed by state law, specifically the Texas Occupations Code, Chapter 1702, which regulates the private security industry. The license permits the officer to exercise limited powers, such as the lawful use of force, including deadly force, and the power of arrest while on the property they are hired to protect. The legal designation underscores the serious nature of the work and the increased level of scrutiny applied to the license holder’s actions.
Essential Eligibility and Background Requirements
Before an applicant can enroll in the necessary training, they must satisfy foundational prerequisites for licensure. Applicants must be at least 18 years old to take the course, though many companies require officers to be 21 to carry a handgun. Applicants must also be a United States citizen or a legal resident alien authorized to work in the country.
A clean criminal history is mandatory, and the state board conducts a thorough review for disqualifying offenses. The law prohibits licensure for anyone convicted of a felony or for certain Class A or Class B misdemeanors within specific timeframes. For instance, a Class B misdemeanor conviction may result in a two-year disqualification period from the date of conviction, and a felony conviction is disqualifying for ten years or permanently, depending on the offense.
Completing the Mandated Training Course
The initial step in the training process is the completion of a comprehensive classroom instruction course, which typically requires a minimum of 45 hours of instruction. This training must be delivered by a licensed training school and an instructor approved by the state’s governing board. The curriculum is designed to provide a deep understanding of the legal and procedural framework for armed security operations.
Core Subjects
Core subjects covered in the classroom include:
Laws pertaining to the private security profession.
Proper procedures for incident report writing and crime scene preservation.
The use of force continuum, which dictates the graduated response an officer must take when confronting a threat.
Physical instruction on defensive tactics, such as proper methods for handcuffing, holds, and restraints.
This initial training focuses on the legal knowledge and physical skills necessary for the non-lethal aspects of the job.
Achieving Firearms Proficiency and Qualification
The firearms component is a specialized and highly regulated part of the Level 3 licensing process, confirming the applicant’s ability to safely and effectively handle a weapon. This phase requires both a written examination on firearms safety and a practical, live-fire range qualification test. To pass the shooting proficiency test, the officer must achieve a minimum score of 175 out of 250, demonstrating accuracy at various distances such as three, seven, and fifteen yards.
The officer must qualify with the specific type of handgun they intend to carry, with the minimum caliber generally set at a nine-millimeter semi-automatic or a .38 caliber revolver. If the officer intends to carry a shotgun, they must complete an additional qualification course. The license requires the security company to register the specific firearm or firearms the officer is authorized to carry with the state board.
Submitting the License Application to the State Board
The administrative phase involves a series of mandatory submissions to the state board, often through an online portal, to finalize the licensing process. The applicant must submit all documentation that proves successful completion of the required training, including the certificate for the 45-hour course and the firearms qualification certificate. New applicants are also required to submit to a psychological evaluation, such as the Minnesota Multiphasic Personality Inventory (MMPI), to ensure they are mentally fit for armed duty.
A mandatory element of the application is the background check, which is initiated by submitting fingerprints through an approved vendor. This process sends the prints to the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) and the state’s Department of Public Safety (DPS) for a comprehensive criminal history review. The application must also be sponsored by a licensed security company, as individual licenses are typically issued only to those employed by a firm. Application fees must be paid at the time of submission, and the entire process typically takes four to six weeks before the Level 3 pocket card is issued.
Renewal and Maintaining Your License Status
The Level 3 Commissioned Security Officer license must be renewed on a regular basis, typically every two years. Maintaining an active license status requires the officer to meet specific continuing education and proficiency requirements throughout the duration of the license term. The state board mandates a minimum number of continuing education hours, often six hours, which must be completed prior to the expiration date.
A central requirement for renewal is the mandatory firearms re-qualification, which must be completed within 90 days of the renewal application date. This involves a written exam and a live-fire proficiency test, similar to the initial qualification, to demonstrate that the officer has maintained their shooting skills. The renewal application, proof of continuing education, and the firearms proficiency certificate must all be submitted to the state board to ensure the license remains active.