
Frequently asked questions
The Level 3 training is split into two separate sections. Online and In-Person and must be completed IN ORDER
Register and complete the Online Level 3 Course (Click Here) Our Level 3 course INCLUDES the Level 2 Certification.
Register and complete the required Level 3 ten hour in-person Firearms and Defensive Tactics Course.
Complete an MMPI psychological exam from a certified provider and submit your PSP-13 (download form here) *DPS training schools and instructors have no control over MMPI providers or requirements
Register and complete your Level 3 application through the Texas Online Private Security website
Submit all documentation required via the TOPS portal
DPS requires all applications and documentation be submitted within 90 days.
The 10-hour Level 3 Firearms and Defensive Tactics Course must be completed by a licensed Level 3 Instructor who is affiliated with a licensed DPS Training School. Below are the recommended instructors to complete your Level 3 Firearms and Defensive Tactics Course based on your area of Texas. The below instructors are affiliated with Go Strapped Firearms Training and are appropriately vetted.
If you are in N. Texas or DFW area click here
If you are in S. Texas (San Antonio, Austin, Houston) click here
If you are in W. Texas click here
If you are in E. Texas click here
If a student decides to take the course through any other instructor it is the student's responsibility to validate the instructor's credentials and whether or not they are affiliated with a licensed DPS Training School.
For a student to attend this Level 3 Security Guard Firearms Course, you must have completed the Go Strapped Firearms Training Level 3 Online Certification Course . An online course taken by another company or instructor will not be accepted. If you took the online course through another company, please get in touch with that company to complete your firearms course or take our course at THIS LINK.
Applicants must have at MINIMUM completed the Level 3 training prior to taking a Level 4 course.
Register and complete the Level 4 PPO application through TOPS.
Level 3 licenses must be renewed every 2 years. If you are up for renewal, verify your eligibility via the TOPS Website . The training requirements are as follows:
Register and Take the Level 3 10-hour In person Firearms course which is required of all Level 3 guards after Jan 1st 2024
Follow the instructions in your TOPS account and submit your documentation so they can process your renewal.
In order to renew your Level 4 license just complete the Level 3 renewal process. Our Level 3 renewal training complies with the required training for both Level 3 and 4 renewals. Make sure you complete your renewal applications in TOPS!
Below are some references for MMPI's. Go Strapped Firearms Training and DPS have no control and do not vet MMPI providers. It is up to the individual to choose an MMPI provider. https://www.drdarienzo.com/texas-mmpi-psychological-testing-for-armed-guards/ https://www.transformationalpsyc.com/services https://www.mmpiexam.com https://legacypsychology.com/psychological-evaluation https://www.fwpsychworks.com/contact https://securityguardtesting.com/. Ensure you choose a provider that meets your needs and schedule your exam promptly.
We conduct HR218 LEOSA and TCOLE qualifications every day we have a firearms course posted on our calendar. Please email us at info@gostrapped.com to inform us of the course you will be attending. Bring the appropriate TCOLE paperwork for the instructor to sign off on, which you can download here: https://www.tcole.texas.gov/document/retired-firearms-identification-card.pdf.
