MLG PROTECTION Services, LLC • Mission, TX
(956) 583-2004 Request a Quote
TX DPS Licensed Training School • License #F01356
UNARMED vs ARMED • THE REAL DIFFERENCE

Level II vs Level III: What's the Difference?

Level II and Level III are two different licenses, not two versions of one. Level II is the unarmed, non-commissioned license — the entry credential every Texas guard holds first. Level III is the commissioned, armed license — it authorizes carrying a firearm on duty and requires far more training, including live-fire qualification. Level III builds on Level II; it does not replace it.

Enroll Now — $55 · Pay by Card Open the Level II Classroom

Side by Side

  • Level II — Non-Commissioned (unarmed). 6 hours of DPS curriculum, 100% online at MLG, $55 flat. Final exam at 75%+. Certificate: DPS form PSP-36, emailed on passing. Work: unarmed posts — access control, visitor screening, patrol, deterrence.
  • Level III — Commissioned (armed). A 45-hour program: 30 hours of classroom (the DPS minimum) plus 10–15 hours of in-person handgun proficiency, self-defense, and range qualification (Texas Occupations Code §1702.1675). Certificate: DPS form PSP-30 on full completion. Work: armed posts — high-value sites, financial institutions, critical infrastructure.
  • Order matters. To work armed you need both: Level II first, then Level III. MLG's Level III Online Theory ($100) covers the classroom half online; the Full Level III package ($150) adds the in-person skills and range qualification with a DPS-licensed instructor.

Which One Should You Start With?

Everyone starts with Level II. It is the fastest route to a paying guard job, it is fully online, and it is the prerequisite the armed license builds on. If you know you want armed work, take Level II now and move into Level III theory while you are already working unarmed.

Common Questions

Can I skip Level II and go straight to Level III?
No. Level III builds on Level II — the armed license requires both levels of training, plus handgun proficiency and range qualification.

Is Level III theory online too?
The classroom half is: MLG's Level III Online Theory is $100 and taken online. The skills, defensive tactics, and live-fire qualification are in person by law and by physics — you cannot qualify with a handgun over the internet.

Do Level II guards ever carry a firearm?
No. A Level II registration is unarmed. Carrying on duty requires the Level III commission.

Related Guides

How to Become a Security Guard in Texas · What Happens After You Pass Level II? · Can You Take the Texas Level II Course Online?

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Every guard career in Texas starts with this same first credential. Finish your Level II online this week.

Enroll Now — $55 · Pay by Card

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Central Office: 2515-B East Griffin Parkway, Mission, TX 78572 • 24/7 Telephone: (956) 583-2004 • Inquiries: info@mlgprotection.com