TheoryTexas DPS Level III Armed Security Officer
Practice Test
110 Level III armed security officer practice questions on use of force, firearms safety and Texas DPS licensing rules.
Heads up: the app and the web exam use separate accounts — a web unlock and an in-app purchase do not carry over. Buy on the web to practice on the web.
Texas DPS Level III Armed Security Officer exam — full Q&A walkthrough
Every question read aloud with the answer explained. Play it on your commute, then test yourself.
30 free Texas DPS Level III Armed Security Officer questions
Sampled across every topic area — not just the first page. Try them as a quiz or flip them as flashcards.
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TX DPS Licensing & Regulations
Under Texas Occupations Code Chapter 1702, which agency regulates the private security industry?
Correct — A. Chapter 1702 of the Texas Occupations Code places regulation of the private security industry under the Texas Department of Public Safety (DPS) Private Security Bureau (PSB). -
TX DPS Licensing & Regulations
A Level III Commissioned Security Officer license in Texas allows the officer to:
Correct — A. A Level III Commissioned license authorizes a security officer to carry a firearm while performing security duties. It does not grant peace officer powers or off-duty carry rights. -
TX DPS Licensing & Regulations
How many hours of pre-assignment training are required for a Level III security officer in Texas?
Correct — B. The Texas DPS Private Security Bureau requires the Level III Commissioned Security Officer training course to be a minimum of 45 hours, including classroom instruction and firearm qualification (course of fire). -
TX DPS Licensing & Regulations
A Texas security officer's commission card must be:
Correct — C. Texas DPS PSB rules require that a commissioned security officer carry their commission card (license) on their person at all times while on duty. -
TX DPS Licensing & Regulations
Under Texas law, a security officer who loses their commission card must:
Correct — A. A lost commission card must be reported to DPS PSB. The officer must apply for a replacement and should not continue commissioned duties without the credential. -
TX DPS Licensing & Regulations
A Texas Level III license must be renewed every:
Correct — C. Texas PSB issues Level III Commissioned licenses with a 2-year renewal cycle. Officers must complete continuing education requirements before renewal. -
TX DPS Licensing & Regulations
Which of the following disqualifies a person from obtaining a Texas Level III security license?
Correct — B. A felony conviction is a statutory disqualifier for a Texas security officer license. DPS PSB conducts background checks on all applicants. -
TX DPS Licensing & Regulations
Who is responsible for ensuring a security officer's license is current and valid?
Correct — A. Under Texas Occupations Code Chapter 1702, both the individual officer and the employing security company share responsibility for ensuring valid licensure before the officer performs security work. -
TX DPS Licensing & Regulations
A Texas security officer may work for how many licensed security companies simultaneously?
Correct — C. Texas law permits security officers to work for multiple licensed security companies simultaneously. Each company must verify the officer's current license. -
TX DPS Licensing & Regulations
If a security officer's license is suspended, the officer must:
Correct — B. A suspended license means the officer is no longer authorized to perform security functions. They must cease all security work immediately until the suspension is lifted. -
TX DPS Licensing & Regulations
Texas DPS PSB may conduct unannounced inspections of a security company's records. This authority is granted by:
Correct — C. Chapter 1702 of the Texas Occupations Code grants DPS PSB the authority to inspect security company records, equipment, and personnel credentials without prior notice. -
TX DPS Licensing & Regulations
A Texas commissioned security officer's uniform must display:
Correct — A. Texas PSB rules require that a commissioned officer in uniform display their badge and the word 'SECURITY' on their uniform so the public can identify them as security — not law enforcement. -
TX DPS Licensing & Regulations
Continuing education for a Level III renewal in Texas must include:
Correct — C. Level III renewal requires both firearm re-qualification (range training) and the required classroom continuing education hours as set by Texas PSB. -
TX DPS Licensing & Regulations
When a commissioned officer changes employers, they must:
Correct — B. Texas PSB requires officers to report changes in employment so that accurate records are maintained. The commission card belongs to the officer, not the employer. -
TX DPS Licensing & Regulations
A security company that knowingly employs an unlicensed person to perform security work is subject to:
Correct — C. Texas Occupations Code Chapter 1702 provides for criminal penalties and potential license revocation for security companies that knowingly employ unlicensed individuals in security roles. -
TX DPS Licensing & Regulations
A security officer working in Texas must be at least how old to hold a Level III commission?
Correct — A. Texas PSB requires applicants for a Level III Commissioned license to be at least 18 years of age. Additional requirements include background check and training completion. -
TX DPS Licensing & Regulations
Texas PSB requires a security company's management license holder to do which of the following?
Correct — B. A licensed security company manager is responsible for ensuring all commissioned security officers are properly licensed and have completed required training before performing security duties. -
TX DPS Licensing & Regulations
Under Texas Occupations Code Chapter 1702, who must submit fingerprints as part of the Level III license application?
Correct — A. Under Texas Occupations Code Ch. 1702, all individual applicants for a security officer commission (including Level III) must submit fingerprints to DPS PSB for a criminal history background check. There are no exceptions based on prior record. -
TX DPS Licensing & Regulations
What is the required background check process for a Level III applicant in Texas?
Correct — B. DPS PSB runs fingerprint-based checks through both Texas DPS and the FBI's national database. Self-certification or local-only checks do not satisfy the statutory requirement. -
TX DPS Licensing & Regulations
Does Texas DPS PSB issue temporary or interim licenses to Level III applicants while their full application is being processed?
Correct — C. Texas DPS PSB does not issue temporary or interim armed security officer commissions. Applicants must receive full approval before carrying a firearm on duty. -
TX DPS Licensing & Regulations
Under Texas law, which criminal conviction would specifically disqualify an individual from obtaining a Level III armed security license?
Correct — D. Under Texas Occupations Code Ch. 1702, any felony conviction is a permanent disqualification for an armed security officer commission. Class C misdemeanors, dismissed charges, and certain old deferred adjudications are evaluated differently. -
TX DPS Licensing & Regulations
If a security company wants to open a branch office in another Texas city, what licensing action is required?
Correct — A. Texas Occupations Code Ch. 1702 requires security companies to obtain a branch office license for each operating location beyond the main office. The main license does not automatically cover branch offices. -
TX DPS Licensing & Regulations
What is the distinction between a company license and an individual commission card in Texas private security law?
Correct — B. Under Ch. 1702, the company holds a security services contractor license to operate the business, while each individual armed security officer must hold their own personal commission card issued by DPS PSB. -
TX DPS Licensing & Regulations
Can an out-of-state licensed security officer immediately work as an armed security officer in Texas based on their home state license?
Correct — C. Texas does not grant automatic reciprocity for armed security licenses. Out-of-state officers must apply for and receive a Texas Level III commission and meet all Texas training and background check requirements. -
TX DPS Licensing & Regulations
Does Texas have a reciprocity agreement that automatically allows licensed security officers from other states to work armed in Texas?
Correct — D. Texas DPS PSB does not grant automatic reciprocity. Every applicant for a Level III commission must independently satisfy Texas training, background check, and application requirements regardless of their home state license. -
TX DPS Licensing & Regulations
How long must a licensed security company retain employment records under Texas DPS PSB rules?
Correct — A. Texas DPS PSB regulations require security companies to retain employment records for at least two years after an employee separates from the company, ensuring records are available for investigations or audits. -
TX DPS Licensing & Regulations
What insurance or bond requirements must a Texas Level III security company maintain?
Correct — B. Texas Occupations Code Ch. 1702 and DPS PSB rules require security companies to maintain a surety bond or general liability insurance in minimum amounts specified by DPS PSB. This protects clients and the public. -
TX DPS Licensing & Regulations
What restrictions does Texas law place on advertising by security companies?
Correct — C. Texas law requires security companies to include their DPS PSB license number in advertising and prohibits using deceptive terms that imply the company or its officers are part of law enforcement. -
TX DPS Licensing & Regulations
What restrictions apply to the name a security company may use in Texas?
Correct — D. Texas Occupations Code Ch. 1702 prohibits private security companies from using names that could mislead the public into believing they are a government law enforcement agency, including terms like 'police' or 'sheriff.' -
TX DPS Licensing & Regulations
How does the DPS PSB investigate complaints against licensed security officers?
Correct — A. DPS PSB has authority to receive and investigate complaints from the public or other sources, conduct investigations, and refer contested cases to SOAH for administrative hearings.
Texas DPS Level III Armed Security Officer sample questions
Tap any question below to reveal the answer and a plain-English explanation.
TX DPS Licensing & Regulations What rights does a licensee have during a DPS PSB administrative hearing?
A. The licensee has no right to representation; hearings are administrative and informal
B. The licensee has the right to notice of the charges, to be represented by an attorney, to present evidence, and to cross-examine witnesses at a formal SOAH hearing ✓
C. The licensee may only submit a written response; no oral hearing is provided
D. The licensee must waive all rights in order to keep their license during the hearing
Correct — B. Administrative hearings before SOAH provide due process protections including notice, right to counsel, right to present evidence and witnesses, and the right to cross-examine.
Use of Force & Legal Authority The 'force continuum' concept means a security officer should:
A. Use the minimum force necessary to control a situation ✓
B. Always use maximum force to ensure control
C. Avoid physical contact at all costs
D. Match force level to the suspect's size, not actions
Correct — A. The force continuum requires officers to use the minimum level of force necessary and proportionate to the threat. Escalation and de-escalation guide each decision.
Firearm Safety & Handling The four basic rules of firearm safety include treating every firearm as if it is:
A. Unloaded unless you personally loaded it
B. Always loaded ✓
C. Safe when the safety mechanism is engaged
D. Unloaded when holstered
Correct — B. Rule 1 of firearm safety: always treat every firearm as if it is loaded, even if you believe it is empty. This eliminates complacency that leads to accidents.
Patrol & Observation Techniques The primary purpose of a security patrol is to:
A. Deter criminal activity and detect problems early ✓
B. Arrest criminals on sight
C. Generate detailed incident reports only
D. Collect evidence for law enforcement
Correct — A. Patrols serve to deter crime through visible presence, detect hazards or suspicious activity early, and respond promptly — preventing incidents before they escalate.
Emergency & Crisis Response When a security officer discovers a fire, the FIRST priority is:
A. Extinguish the fire immediately regardless of size
B. Evacuate and ensure life safety, then call 911 and use a fire extinguisher if trained and safe ✓
C. Secure the perimeter around the fire
D. Find the source of the fire before calling for help
Correct — B. Life safety always comes first. Evacuate occupants, activate the fire alarm, call 911, and only attempt extinguishing a small fire if trained and it is safe to do so.
Report Writing & Documentation An incident report written by a security officer should primarily be:
A. Factual, objective, and written in the first person ✓
B. Based on assumptions and what the officer believes happened
C. Written in the third person using formal legal language
D. Completed only if law enforcement requests it
Correct — A. Incident reports must record verified facts only. Opinions, assumptions, and conclusions should be avoided. First-person, factual, objective writing is the standard.
Legal Liability & Ethics Civil liability for a security officer means the officer can be:
A. Charged with a felony and imprisoned
B. Sued for money damages by a person harmed by the officer's actions ✓
C. Suspended from their security license automatically
D. Required to retake their licensing exam
Correct — B. Civil liability means a party can file a lawsuit seeking financial compensation for harm caused by negligent, reckless, or intentional conduct. Criminal liability involves prosecution for crimes.
Patrol Tactics & Site Security When conducting an interior patrol of a large building, the safest approach is to:
A. Move quickly through all areas without stopping
B. Systematically check each area, using cover and concealment, and avoid predictable patterns ✓
C. Patrol only the main corridors and skip utility areas
D. Always patrol with the lights off to surprise intruders
Correct — B. Systematic interior patrol covers all areas methodically. Officers should move from cover to cover, stay alert to sound and movement, and avoid standing in lit doorways (silhouette hazard).
About the Texas DPS Level III Armed Security Officer test
Prepare for the Texas DPS Private Security Bureau Level III Commissioned Security Officer exam and carry your firearm with confidence.
This app covers every topic in the 30-hour Level III pre-assignment curriculum — Texas Occupations Code Chapter 1702, use-of-force law (TX Penal Code Ch. 9), firearm safety and qualification, patrol techniques, emergency response, report writing, and professional ethics.
What you get
- 110+ original practice questions aligned to the Texas PSB Level III exam syllabus.
- Plain-English explanations for every answer — understand the law, not just the answer.
- Timed mock exam in the real format: 70% passing score required.
- Study by topic to target your weak spots.
- Full Spanish translation — study in English or Spanish.
You will be tested on
- Legal powers, authority and use of force
- Patrol, observation and access control
- Emergency response and evacuation
- Report writing and accurate note-taking
How TheoryPractice helps you pass
- Real exam-style questions with instant, detailed explanations
- Full timed mock exams that mirror the real test format
- Flashcards & quiz modes from the same question bank
- Progress tracking so you know exactly when you're ready
Topics in this question bank
Legal powers, authority and use of force
Patrol, observation and access control
Emergency response and evacuation
Report writing and accurate note-taking
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