If you are currently working as a commissioned (armed) security officer in Texas, keeping your Level III Security License active is essential to maintaining your career. Under the Texas Department of Public Safety (DPS) and the Private Security Bureau (PSB), your commissioned security officer registration is valid for two years. Allowing your license to expire means you can no longer legally perform armed security duties until your registration is renewed.

Fortunately, renewing your license does not require spending several consecutive days in a classroom. AEPS Academy provides a convenient hybrid training option that allows you to complete your classroom instruction online while completing the required practical training with an approved instructor.

This guide explains exactly how to complete your Texas Level 3 Security License Re-Certification while staying compliant with current DPS and PSB requirements.

Key Takeaways

- Texas Level 3 Security Licenses must be renewed every two years.
- HB 3424 requires both classroom instruction and practical firearms training.
- The classroom portion can be completed online through AEPS Academy.
- The practical portion includes firearms qualification and defensive tactics.
- After completing training, renew your registration through the Texas Online Private Security (TOPS) portal.
- AEPS Academy serves security professionals throughout Texas.

Understanding HB 3424 Re-Certification Requirements

Texas House Bill 3424 updated the requirements for maintaining a commissioned security officer registration.

To renew your Level III registration, officers must complete the following:

- Required online classroom instruction
- Firearms requalification
- Defensive tactics review
- State-approved documentation

The online classroom and practical training work together to satisfy Texas DPS renewal requirements.

Step 1: Complete Your Online Re-Certification (Part 1)

AEPS Academy allows you to complete the required classroom instruction online at your own pace.

Topics include:

- Texas security laws
- Administrative rules
- Use of force and deadly force
- Ethics and professional conduct
- Emergency response
- Tactical report writing
- Officer responsibilities

Once completed, your training record is issued through your student dashboard.

Complete Your Level III Re-Certification Online

Complete your required classroom hours from home without interrupting your work schedule.

AEPS Academy provides Texas-approved online Level III Re-Certification training designed for working security professionals.

Individuals in rural or remote areas can access training without commuting.

However, convenience should never replace compliance. That’s why choosing a PSB-approved academy like AEPS is essential.

Step 2: Complete Your Practical Training (Part 2)

After completing the online classroom portion, you must complete the required practical training.

Training includes:

Defensive Tactics

- Officer safety
- Defensive tactics
- Situational awareness
- Handcuffing review

Firearms Qualification

Students complete:

- Firearm safety review
- Live-fire qualification
- Range safety
- Firearms proficiency testing

After successful completion, your instructor completes the required training documentation.

Form PSB-31 and Firearms Completion Documentation

When you complete both Part 1 and Part 2 through AEPS Academy, your instructor completes the required documentation, including:

- Form PSB-31 Certificate of Training
- Firearms Qualification Documentation

These documents are required when renewing your commissioned security officer registration.

How Do I Purchase and Complete the Required Training?

Before renewing your Level III registration, you must complete the required training.

This video walks you step-by-step through how to:

- Visit the AEPS website
- Select the correct course
- Add it to your cart
- Complete checkout
- Pay securely
- Log into your account
- Access your student dashboard

Follow each step carefully.

Once payment is complete, you can immediately begin your online coursework.

Students can access their courses through the Login | My Account section located at the top right corner of the AEPS website.

How Do I Register with TOPS?

After completing your training, you must renew your registration through the Texas Online Private Security (TOPS) system.

This video walks you through every step.

It shows you how to:

- Visit the TOPS website
- Begin your renewal application
- Select the correct registration type
- Pay state renewal fees
- Upload required documents
- Complete any additional state requirements

Watch the video carefully and complete every step as instructed.

Your renewed registration is not active until Texas DPS approves your application.

Step 3: Renew Through the TOPS Portal

Once training is complete, submit your renewal through TOPS.

You will typically need:

- PSB-31 Certificate
- Firearms Qualification Form
- Renewal application
- Applicable DPS fees
- Employer sponsorship (when applicable)

After approval, your commissioned security officer registration will be renewed.

Why Complete Your Re-Certification Early?

Waiting until your registration expires can interrupt your employment.

Renewing early helps you:

- Avoid expired credentials
- Continue working without interruption
- Maintain eligibility for armed assignments
- Stay compliant with Texas law

Cities We Serve Across Texas

AEPS Academy proudly serves security professionals throughout Texas, including:

- Austin
- Houston
- San Antonio
- Dallas
- Fort Worth
- Waco
- Lubbock
- Amarillo
- Midland
- El Paso

No matter where you work, our online training platform allows you to complete your required classroom instruction from anywhere in Texas.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

How often do I renew my Level 3 Security License?

Every two years.

Can I complete my re-certification online?

The classroom portion can be completed online. Firearms qualification and practical training must be completed in person.

What happens if my registration expires?

You cannot legally perform armed security duties until your registration has been renewed and approved.

How long does re-certification take?

The online classroom portion can be completed at your own pace. Practical training and DPS processing times vary.

Start Your Level III Re-Certification Today

Don’t risk losing your commissioned security officer status because of an expired registration.

Complete your online classroom training with AEPS Academy, finish your practical qualification, and renew your Texas Level 3 Security License with confidence.

Our flexible hybrid training program allows you to maintain your work schedule while staying fully compliant with Texas DPS requirements.