Private Patrolman

Exam

State exam

Education

None

Experience

Experience

Background check

Specific type of conviction prohibited

Those who employ and provide watchmen, guards, patrolmen, uniformed traffic control officers, and bodyguards to protect persons or property against fire, theft, vandalism, or illegal entry must be licensed. Applicants must: 1) Be at least 21 years old and of good moral character. 2) Undergo a background check through FBI and DPS. 3) Have no criminal or felony convictions involving moral turpitude or illegal use or possession of a dangerous weapon. 4) Have 5 years (10,000 hours) of private patrolman experience certified by their employer, or a combination of education and experience acceptable to the board. 5) Pass a State Board examination with a score of 75% or better. 6) Obtain at least $200,000 worth of liability insurance. A licensee must be certified by a board-certified firearm instructor if he/she must carry a firearm while on duty. A certification card is issued upon completion of the firearms course. Canine Security Handlers/Trainers must meet requirements 1-3 and 6 above. In addition, they must demonstrate to the satisfaction of the Board their ability to handle, supply and train watchdogs. In addition to the fees listed below, a background investigation deposit fee is also required and is applied to the cost of conducting an investigation. The fee is $750 for the first license category and $250 for each additional license category. Fees may be subject to change. Fees are: application processing --$20; examination--$100 (nonrefundable); abeyance fee--$100 per license per year; initial license--license fee is prorated; annual license renewal--$500 per license; firearms initial certification--$100; annual firearms certification renewal--$50; fingerprints--$38.25.