Instructor FAQs

Texas Government Code, §411.172 and §411.190 sets out the eligibility criteria that must be met. Applicants must be at least 18 years of age. This includes proof you are certified to instruct others in the use of handguns (firearm instructor) as listed below:

• Certified by Texas Commission on Law Enforcement (TCOLE) as a firearm instructor.
  • Supporting documentation includes a copy of your TCOLE firearm instructor certificate. (Must be a firearm instructor, basic instructor is not sufficient.)
• Certified under the Texas Occupations Code, Chapter 1702, as a firearm instructor.
  • Supporting documentation includes a copy of the Private Security instructor registration.
• Certified by NRA as a firearm instructor.
  • Supporting documentation includes a copy of certificate of training and a copy of your unexpired NRA credentials. (Must be certified to instructor handgun/pistol).
• Proof of graduation from a handgun instructor school that uses a nationally accepted course designed to train persons as handgun instructors. (Applicants under this section must regularly instruct others in the use of handguns.)

Instructor applicants must also submit a completed application, pay the required fees, complete all required training and submit required supplemental forms and materials.

Applicants must submit an online application in RSD Connect and pay the required fee of $100. After the application has been submitted, the applicant must register for and complete the DPS class held for new LTC instructor applicants, which includes classroom training, a written examination, and a proficiency demonstration (shooting).

Note: The applicant may be required to get fingerprinted if an acceptable set of LTC fingerprints is not on file. 

Texas Government Code, §411.172 and §411.190 sets out the eligibility criteria that must be met. Applicants must be at least 18 years of age. This includes proof you are qualified as listed below:

• At least three years of experience in providing online instruction, and
• Experience working with governmental entities, and
• Direct knowledge of handgun training.

Online Course Provider applicants must also submit a completed application thru RSD Connect, pay the required fees, complete all required training and submit required supplemental forms and materials.

To become an OCP, you must submit an application through RSD Connect and pay the required fee. Applicants who are not already a DPS Certified LTC Instructor must register for and complete the DPS course held for new LTC instructor applicants.

Note: The applicant may be required to get fingerprinted if an acceptable set of LTC fingerprints is not on file. 

Once your application has been accepted, you will receive an email that you are eligible to register for any upcoming classes via RSD Connect. These classes are filled on a first come first served basis.

Note: OCP applicants must also provide a copy of their online course material to the Department for approval. 

Yes. Once certified, LTC Handgun Instructors and approved Online Course Providers are provided a course outline that must be followed. The classroom instruction must be a minimum of four (4) and no more than six (6) hours.

For LTC Handgun Instructors Only: The DPS required course of fire for handgun proficiency demonstration must be followed and is not included in the four-to-six-hour time period.

A person is eligible for a school safety instructor certification if the person meets the following criteria:

• Currently certified by the department as a qualified LTC instructor.
• No suspension, revocation, or other disciplinary actions.
• Has taught at least four LTC courses within the last 12 months prior to their application.
• Must pass the DPS course for School Safety instructor.

For more information on becoming a DPS Certified School Safety Instructor visit the Instructor Resource page. 

To become an DPS Certified School Safety Instructor, you must submit an application through RSD Connect and pay the required fee. 

Once your application has been accepted, you will be notified via email that you are eligible to use RSD Connect to register for an upcoming course. These classes are filled on a first come, first served basis. 

Yes, once certified, School Safety instructors are provided a course outline that must be followed. The classroom instruction must be 15-20 hours in length with a teacher to student ratio of 1:6, and may have no more than twelve students per course.

Yes. The current curriculum has been updated to reflect recent changes in statute and is available to all certified Texas License to Carry a Handgun (LTC) instructors.

The current curriculum can be found on our website under the Instructor Resources page.

LTC Handgun Instructors certified by DPS may teach anywhere in Texas. Classes may not be taught outside of Texas.

No. Texas Government Code §411.188 requires an “actual demonstration” of “the applicant’s ability to safely and proficiently use a handgun.” Only through the firing of a handgun with live ammunition can the applicant demonstrate the ability to safely and proficiently use a handgun. Proficiency requires a demonstration of the ability to handle the recoil and muzzle velocity associated with the firing of live ammunition. In addition, demonstration of the safety skills and protocols associated with a live fire range is a critical component of the safe handling of a handgun. Allowing the examination to be conducted with target marking cartridges does not provide a demonstration of these skills and would not therefore comply with the statutory requirements.

To become an DPS Certified First Responder Instructor, you must submit an application through RSD Connect. 
A person is eligible for a First Responder instructor certification if the person meets the following criteria:

• Currently certified by the department as a qualified handgun instructor.
• No suspension, revocation, or other disciplinary actions.
• Must pass the DPS course for First Responder instructor.

Once your application has been accepted, you will be notified via email that you are eligible to use RSD Connect to register for an upcoming course. These classes are filled on a first come, first served basis. 

Yes. Once certified, you will be provided with the course materials that must be followed.