Last updated September 2026.
Texas requires MMPI psychological testing as part of the licensing process for Level III Commissioned Security Officers, and psychological documentation is also part of the requirements for Level IV Personal Protection Officers.
I have been performing psychological evaluations for armed personnel since my years as an active-duty U.S. Navy psychologist. Today, much of my professional work involves evaluating armed security officers, law-enforcement personnel, executive-protection professionals, and other individuals working in safety-sensitive positions.
At D’Arienzo Psychology and PsychFit Systems, we provide virtual MMPI testing and psychological evaluations for Texas security professionals, including Level III Commissioned Security Officers and Level IV Personal Protection Officers.
Texas MMPI Requirement for Commissioned Security Officers
Beginning January 1, 2024, Texas requires original and renewing applicants for a commissioned security officer license to complete the Minnesota Multiphasic Personality Inventory, commonly known as the MMPI. The requirement was implemented following changes enacted through Texas House Bill 3424.
View the Texas Department of Public Safety explanation of the requirement
This is an important distinction from the way this rule is sometimes described. It is not simply a one-time requirement affecting only new applicants. Texas DPS specifically identifies both original and renewing commissioned security officer applicants as subject to the MMPI requirement.
Level III Commissioned Security Officers and Level IV Personal Protection Officers
Texas uses different training levels for different private-security roles.
- Level III applies to Commissioned Security Officers who perform armed security duties.
- Level IV applies to Personal Protection Officers, sometimes described as executive-protection or bodyguard professionals.
Texas DPS states that commissioned security officer applicants must provide Level II and Level III training documentation along with the Declaration of Psychological and Emotional Health. Personal Protection Officer applicants must provide Level II, Level III, and Level IV training certificates along with the required psychological declaration.
Review Texas DPS Individual License Requirements
What Is the Texas PSP-13 Form?
The Texas Department of Public Safety uses the PSP-13 Declaration of Psychological and Emotional Health for commissioned security officer and personal protection officer licensing.
The current Texas DPS form identifies the MMPI and requires the administering psychologist or psychiatrist to document that the test was administered and interpreted and that the applicant is not disqualified from the applicable license because of a mental-health condition. Please note that psychiatrists typically do not administer an MMPI.
Current Texas DPS PSP-13 Form
Download the Current Texas DPS PSP-13 Declaration of Psychological and Emotional Health
I recommend using the form directly from Texas DPS rather than relying on an older downloaded copy because state forms can be revised.
Who Can Administer the Texas MMPI?
Texas DPS states that the MMPI may be administered by a licensed psychologist or psychiatrist.
For testing performed outside Texas, DPS also advises that the psychologist or psychiatrist must be licensed in the state where the MMPI is administered.
Read the Texas DPS Commissioned Guard/MMPI FAQ
What Does Our Texas MMPI Process Include?
I do more than simply send an applicant a test link.
Our Texas process generally includes:
- An electronic psychological and background questionnaire
- A virtual interview with the psychologist
- Remote administration of the MMPI
- Professional scoring and interpretation
- Integration of test findings with interview and background information
- Completion of the applicable Texas documentation when requirements are satisfied
The PsychFit Sytem process gives the psychologist more context than looking at a test score in isolation. This process is defensible in comparison to others who simply administer the test but never observe the tester.
Learn More About Our Texas Level III and Level IV MMPI Process
MMPI Compliance vs. Psychological Suitability
One of the issues I frequently discuss with security firms is the difference between meeting a licensing requirement and conducting a broader occupational psychological evaluation.
The Texas MMPI requirement establishes an important regulatory threshold. An employer may have additional questions about whether an individual is psychologically suited for the actual demands of a particular armed-security assignment.
Those demands can include independent judgment, emotional control, impulse control, decision-making under pressure, appropriate use of authority, teamwork, reliability, conflict management, public interaction, and responsible firearm use.
The appropriate scope of an occupational evaluation depends on the referral question, position, applicable law, employer requirements, and professional standards.
My Work in Armed Security and Public-Safety Psychology
Why Experience With Armed Personnel Matters
Psychological testing is only one part of understanding an applicant.
Someone evaluating armed personnel should understand the actual job: carrying a firearm, exercising authority, working independently, responding to emergencies, managing confrontation, maintaining emotional control, following procedures, and making good decisions when situations become unpredictable.
My experience includes military psychology, forensic psychology, medical psychology, occupational assessment, law-enforcement evaluations, and thousands of security and public-safety evaluations.
Does the MMPI Have to Be Repeated Every Few Years?
Not at this time. Texas DPS currently states that an MMPI is valid indefinitely unless it has been withdrawn or denied.
For example, when someone who already holds a Personal Protection Officer license renews a Commissioned Security Officer license, DPS will be able to use the MMPI already on file.
This is why I would not describe Texas law as requiring routine psychological re-evaluations of every officer at a fixed interval. A separate employer-directed fitness-for-duty or occupational evaluation is a different issue from the Texas licensing MMPI requirement.
Note that the Peace Officer Standard and Training Psychological Evaluation Manual indicates that public safety evaluations have a one year shelf life; but this guideline is not followed by Texas DPS.
Can a TCOLE L-3 Replace the Security Officer MMPI?
Generally, no.
Texas DPS states that a TCOLE L-3 form does not automatically substitute for the private-security MMPI requirement.
DPS indicates that it may accept an L-3 when documentation establishes that the L-3 evaluation actually included the MMPI and that the form was signed based on those MMPI results.
Virtual Texas MMPI Testing
Our Texas security evaluations can generally be completed virtually.
The applicant completes the intake process remotely, meets with me by secure videoconference, and completes the psychological testing electronically.
This makes the process practical for candidates and security companies throughout Texas without requiring everyone to travel to a single office.
I am licensed as a psychologist in Texas, which is especially important when providing psychological services to applicants located in Texas.
Security Companies With Multiple Candidates
We also work directly with security firms that need to process multiple candidates.
Through PsychFit Systems, our security-screening workflow is designed to support both individual applicants and higher-volume hiring programs.
Companies can contact us regarding candidate volume, scheduling, required documentation, turnaround expectations, and whether they need only the Texas licensing process or a broader employment psychological evaluation.
Frequently Asked Questions About Texas MMPI Testing
Does Texas require an MMPI for Level III Commissioned Security Officers?
Yes. Beginning January 1, 2024, Texas requires original and renewing commissioned security officer applicants to complete the MMPI.
Do Level IV Personal Protection Officers need psychological documentation?
Yes. Texas DPS includes the Declaration of Psychological and Emotional Health among the licensing requirements for Personal Protection Officer applicants.
Who completes the PSP-13?
The Texas DPS PSP-13 is completed and signed by the licensed psychologist or psychiatrist who administers and interprets the MMPI.
How long is the Texas MMPI valid?
Texas DPS currently states that, unless withdrawn or denied, an MMPI is valid indefinitely.
Can the MMPI be completed remotely?
Dr. D’Arienzo provides a virtual process for eligible Texas applicants. The appropriateness of remote administration is determined by the psychologist and must comply with applicable professional, testing, and licensing requirements.
Do you work with security companies as well as individual officers?
Yes. We work with individual candidates as well as security firms, public-safety organizations, and employers managing larger hiring pipelines.
Is Texas MMPI testing the same as a full armed-security suitability evaluation?
No. The Texas licensing requirement and a broader occupational suitability evaluation are related but distinct. A broader evaluation may address additional job-relevant questions depending on the employer, assignment, referral purpose, and applicable requirements.
Schedule Texas Level III or Level IV MMPI Testing
If you need MMPI testing for a Texas Commissioned Security Officer or Personal Protection Officer application, contact us and let us know what license you are seeking and whether you are applying individually or through a security company.
D’Arienzo Psychology / PsychFit Systems
Phone: 904-379-8094
Email: security@drdarienzo.com
This page is provided for general educational information regarding Texas private-security psychological testing. Licensing requirements and agency forms may change. Applicants and employers should verify current requirements directly with the Texas Department of Public Safety Private Security Program.
