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Free Practice Questions for TX Security Guard

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Key Facts: TX Security Guard Exam

7

Level II Course Modules

Texas DPS

75%

Passing Score

Texas DPS

6 hrs

Training Required

Texas DPS

$37

License Fee

Texas DPS

TOPS

Application System

Texas DPS

$28.25

FBI Fingerprint Fee

Texas DPS

Texas requires the DPS Level II training course (6 hours in the DPS schedule) and its written exam (75% to pass) for non-commissioned (unarmed) security officers. The DPS license fee is $37 plus $28.25 for FBI fingerprint processing. Applications are submitted through the Texas Online Private Security (TOPS) system. Officers receive a DPS-issued pocket card upon approval.

Sample TX Security Guard Practice Questions

Try these sample questions to review concepts for the TX Security Guard exam. Each question includes a detailed explanation. Start the interactive quiz above for the full 100+ question experience with AI tutoring.

1Which Texas state agency regulates the private security industry and issues security officer licenses?
A.Texas Rangers
B.Texas Department of Public Safety (DPS) — Private Security Bureau
C.Texas Workforce Commission
D.Texas Department of Licensing and Regulation
Explanation: The Texas Department of Public Safety (DPS), through its Private Security Bureau (formerly the Private Security Board), regulates the private security industry in Texas. DPS issues licenses, approves training, and enforces compliance with the Texas Occupations Code Chapter 1702.
2How many hours of training are required for a Texas Level II (non-commissioned) security officer?
A.4 hours
B.6 hours
C.8 hours
D.16 hours
Explanation: Texas requires 6 hours of training for a Level II non-commissioned security officer. This training must be provided by a DPS-licensed Level III or Level IV training school or by a licensed guard company through a representative or employee. The training covers legal authority, use of force, patrol procedures, and other security fundamentals.
3What is the passing score required on the Texas Level II security officer exam?
A.60%
B.70%
C.75%
D.80%
Explanation: A proficiency score of 75% is required to pass the Texas Level II security officer examination. The exam consists of 32 questions, meaning an applicant must correctly answer at least 24 of the 32 questions to pass.
4How many questions are on the Texas Level II security officer examination?
A.20 questions
B.25 questions
C.32 questions
D.50 questions
Explanation: The Texas Level II security officer examination consists of 32 questions. Applicants must score at least 75% (24 correct answers) to pass. The exam is administered at the conclusion of the 6-hour Level II training course.
5What is the primary law governing the private security industry in Texas?
A.Texas Penal Code Chapter 9
B.Texas Occupations Code Chapter 1702 (Private Security Act)
C.Texas Property Code Chapter 92
D.Texas Government Code Chapter 411
Explanation: Texas Occupations Code Chapter 1702, known as the Private Security Act, is the primary law governing the private security industry in Texas. It covers licensing requirements, training standards, enforcement, and the authority of the Private Security Bureau within DPS.
6Under Texas law, a Level II (non-commissioned) security officer is:
A.Authorized to carry a firearm on duty
B.An unarmed security officer who cannot carry a firearm on duty
C.A sworn law enforcement officer
D.Authorized to make peace officer arrests
Explanation: A Texas Level II non-commissioned security officer is an unarmed officer who is not authorized to carry a firearm while on duty. To carry a firearm, an officer must obtain a Level III (commissioned) license, which requires additional training including firearms qualification. Level II officers are private citizens, not sworn law enforcement.
7Under Texas Penal Code Chapter 9, a security officer may use force against another person when:
A.Whenever they feel it is necessary
B.When the officer reasonably believes force is immediately necessary to protect themselves or a third person from the other's use of unlawful force
C.Only when directed by their employer
D.Only after obtaining a court order
Explanation: Texas Penal Code Chapter 9 (Justification) authorizes the use of force when a person reasonably believes it is immediately necessary to protect themselves or a third person against the other's use or attempted use of unlawful force. The force used must be proportional to the threat.
8What is the fee for a Texas Level II security officer license application?
A.$25
B.$37
C.$50
D.$75
Explanation: The Texas DPS fee for a Level II non-commissioned security officer license application is $37. Additional costs include the FBI fingerprint processing fee ($28.25) and training course fees, which vary by provider. Applications are submitted through the Texas Online Private Security (TOPS) system.
9Through which online system do Texas security officers submit their license applications?
A.Texas Online Private Security (TOPS)
B.Texas Security Portal (TSP)
C.DPS Online Licensing (DOL)
D.Texas Guard Registration System (TGRS)
Explanation: Texas security officer license applications are submitted through the Texas Online Private Security (TOPS) system, which is managed by the Texas Department of Public Safety. TOPS is used for original applications, renewals, and other licensing transactions related to the private security industry.
10Under Texas law, a private security officer's authority to detain a person is based on:
A.Texas Code of Criminal Procedure Article 14.01 (citizen's arrest)
B.Peace officer arrest authority
C.Federal security regulations
D.Their employer's policies alone
Explanation: Texas security officers derive their detention authority from Texas Code of Criminal Procedure Article 14.01, which allows any person (including security officers) to arrest an offender without a warrant when the offense is committed in their presence or within their view. This is a citizen's arrest authority.

About the TX Security Guard Exam

The Texas Level II security officer exam is a written test given at the end of the DPS Level II training course, which runs 6 hours in the DPS course schedule; participants need at least 75% to receive a certificate. It covers Texas Penal Code Chapter 9 (use of force), Code of Criminal Procedure Article 14.01 (citizen's arrest), Occupations Code Chapter 1702, communication and de-escalation, report writing, and emergencies.

Exam sponsor: Texas DPS. The requirements and fees below concern the certification or admission exam, separate from our free practice resources.

Assessment

Question count not published by the exam provider

Time Limit

Varies by school

Passing Score

75%

Exam / Certification Fees

$37

Exam sponsor website

Fees, eligibility, and exam policies can change. Confirm them with the exam sponsor before applying or paying.

Our practice resources: topics covered

We aim to reflect publicly available exam outlines and topic information in our study resources. Coverage, format, and difficulty may differ from the actual exam, and we cannot guarantee that every detail is accurate or current. Confirm exam requirements, fees, and policies with the official exam sponsor.

45 of 360 course minutes

Security Officer Basics

Roles and responsibilities (observe and report, deterrence, documentation, controlling access, emergencies), security officer and peace officer roles, professionalism and ethics

60 of 360 course minutes

Applicable Rules and State Laws

Individual license types, working before licensure, renewal, standards of conduct, uniform and vehicle rules, weapons laws, denial of license and disciplinary actions

60 of 360 course minutes

Personal Communication and Conflict Resolution

Interpersonal communication, self-awareness, verbal de-escalation, and de-escalation during a mental health crisis

90 of 360 course minutes

Use of Force

Penal Code offenses (assault, unlawful restraint, kidnapping, theft, disorderly conduct, harassment, stalking), Penal Code Chapter 9 justification, Chapter 46 weapons laws, and force response to resistance

30 of 360 course minutes

Arrests

CCP Article 14.01, criminal and civil liability, alternatives to arrest, and arrest scenarios

30 of 360 course minutes

Verbal and Written Communication Best Practices

Radio communication, field notes and daily reports, cameras, and elements of written reports

30 of 360 course minutes

Emergencies and Safety Hazards

Situational awareness, critical incident response, fire, accidents, medical emergencies, bomb threats, hazardous materials, and active attack response (avoid, deny, defend)

Preparing for the TX Security Guard Exam

What You Need to Know

  • Passing score: 75%
  • Assessment: Question count not published by the exam provider
  • Time limit: Varies by school
  • Exam / certification fees: $37 Official sources

Using Our Practice Resources

  • Work through all 100 available questions
  • Review every answer and explanation
  • Track weak areas and revisit them
  • Use our AI tutor for tough concepts

TX Security Guard: Suggested Study Strategy

1Focus on Texas Penal Code Chapter 9 (justification of force) — it covers self-defense, defense of others, defense of property, and the Castle Doctrine
2Know CCP Article 14.01 — a citizen's arrest is lawful when an offense is committed in your presence or within your view
3Understand the distinction between theft (31.03), robbery (29.02), and criminal mischief (28.03)
4Study Penal Code 30.05 (criminal trespass) — know what constitutes notice and how trespass warnings work
5Remember: you need at least 75% on the written Level II exam to receive the course certificate
6Learn the Level II force response levels: presence → verbal commands → empty-hand control → personal or non-lethal weapons → lethal/deadly force

Frequently Asked Questions

How many questions are on the Texas Level II security exam?

DPS does not publish the number of questions on the Level II exam. It is a written exam given at the end of the Level II training course, and you need a score of at least 75% to receive the course certificate.

How much does a Texas security officer license cost?

The DPS license fee is $37 and the FBI fingerprint processing fee is $28.25. Training costs vary by provider. Applications are submitted through the Texas Online Private Security (TOPS) system. Total costs typically range from $100 to $500.

What is the difference between Level II and Level III in Texas?

Level II is a non-commissioned (unarmed) security officer license. Level III is a commissioned (armed) license that authorizes carrying a firearm on duty. Level III requires additional training and firearms qualification beyond the Level II certification.

What happens after I pass the Texas Level II exam?

After passing the exam, you receive a Level II training certificate. You then apply through TOPS, submit the certificate and your fingerprints for a background check, and pay the licensing fee. Once approved, you receive a DPS-issued pocket card that you must carry while on duty.

Does Texas have a Stand Your Ground law for security officers?

Yes. Texas Penal Code Section 9.31-9.32 includes the Castle Doctrine, which presumes the use of force is reasonable when someone illegally and forcibly enters an occupied habitation, vehicle, or workplace. Section 9.42 also allows deadly force to protect property in certain nighttime scenarios.