Is the MMPI-3 Required for Texas Level II Guards?

One of the most common questions we hear from guards and agency owners alike: does a Level II (non-commissioned) security officer in Texas need a psychological evaluation? The short answer is no — but the details matter, especially if a guard plans to move up.

Where the requirement actually applies

Texas Occupations Code § 1702.163 ties the psychological evaluation requirement to armed roles. Level III Commissioned Security Officers — those authorized to carry a firearm on duty — and Level IV Personal Protection Officers must complete an MMPI-3 evaluation administered by a licensed psychologist, resulting in a signed DPS Form PSP-13 (Declaration of Psychological and Emotional Health).

Level II officers work unarmed. Their licensing path — the Level II training certificate and a background check — does not include a psychological evaluation. An agency can hire and post a Level II guard without one.

Planning to move up to Level III?

This is where timing matters. The PSP-13 must be on file as part of the Level III commission application, and the evaluation can't be done retroactively. Guards who know they want an armed post — and agencies planning to commission from within — often complete the evaluation alongside Level III training so the application package is ready to submit the moment the training certificate is issued.

Because the MMPI-3 evaluation is fully remote, there's no scheduling bottleneck: the assessment is completed online through Pearson's secure Q-global platform, and the signed PSP-13 is delivered after the psychologist's review.

Bottom line: Level II, no evaluation required. Level III or IV, the MMPI-3 and signed PSP-13 are mandatory — and completing them early keeps the commission application moving.