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100+ Free TX Security Guard Practice Questions

Pass your Texas DPS Level II Security Officer Exam exam on the first try — instant access, no signup required.

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A Texas security officer observes a suspicious person loitering near an ATM machine at night. What is the BEST course of action?

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ArticleFree Security Guard Practice Test by State 2026: 2,000+ Questions24 min read
2026 Statistics

Key Facts: TX Security Guard Exam

32

Exam Questions

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 a 6-hour Level II training course and a 32-question 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 test your TX Security Guard exam readiness. 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 32-question test administered at the conclusion of the 6-hour training course. It covers Texas Penal Code Chapter 9 (use of force), Code of Criminal Procedure Article 14.01 (citizen's arrest), Occupations Code Chapter 1702, and patrol procedures.

Questions

32 scored questions

Time Limit

Varies by school

Passing Score

75%

Exam Fee

$37 (Texas DPS)

TX Security Guard Exam Content Outline

20%

Texas Legal Authority

Penal Code Chapter 9, CCP Article 14.01 citizen's arrest, Occupations Code 1702, trespass, theft, and robbery statutes

20%

Use of Force

Force continuum, reasonable force, deadly force (Section 9.32), Castle Doctrine, defense of third persons, and Stand Your Ground

20%

DPS Regulations & Licensing

Level II requirements, TOPS application, pocket card, guard company obligations, and disciplinary procedures

20%

Patrol & Emergency Response

Patrol techniques, alarm response, emergency procedures, active shooter, severe weather, and industrial safety

20%

Report Writing & Professionalism

Incident reports, daily activity logs, court testimony, ethics, communication skills, and community relations

How to Pass the TX Security Guard Exam

What You Need to Know

  • Passing score: 75%
  • Exam length: 32 questions
  • Time limit: Varies by school
  • Exam fee: $37

Keys to Passing

  • Complete 500+ practice questions
  • Score 80%+ consistently before scheduling
  • Focus on highest-weighted sections
  • Use our AI tutor for tough concepts

TX Security Guard Study Tips from Top Performers

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: the exam is 32 questions with 75% passing — you can only miss 8 questions maximum
6Master the force continuum: presence → verbal commands → soft control → hard control → deadly force

Frequently Asked Questions

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

The Texas Level II exam has 32 questions. You need a score of 75% (at least 24 correct answers) to pass. The exam is given at the end of the 6-hour Level II training course.

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, your training school submits your completion to DPS. You then apply through TOPS, submit 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.