Instructor Updates

September 20, 2020

First Responder Instructor Certification

As a result of House Bill 1069, which became effective on September 1, 2021, the Department has established the First Responder Instructor Certification Course for certified LTC Instructors to provide First Responders (who hold an LTC and desire to carry a handgun on duty) classroom instruction as well as field instruction and proficiency demonstrations.

The instructor course consists of 28 hours of classroom instruction in self-defense, de-escalation techniques, tactical thinking and shooting, among other items.  After successful completion of this course, the LTC instructor will receive a certificate for the training course.

Renewal training is NOT required. The First Responder Instructor Certification is renewed at the same time the LTC Instructor Certification is renewed.

Certified LTC Instructors must submit an LTC-71 (application) to attend the three-day training course. The training will be in-person at the DPS Tactical Training Center located in Florence, Texas.

IMPORTANT NOTE: This is an intermediate to advanced course where statute requires physical demonstrations of proficiency including the ability to move to various shooting positions and to stand for an extended period of time. It also includes tactical shooting, shooting while moving, and shooting in low light conditions. In order to pass the course you must be able to appropriately demonstrate these physical requirements to your trainer.   

Follow the instructions listed below to apply for a First Responder Instructor Certification.

Steps To Apply

Step 1: Apply

  • Download the LTC-71 First Responder Certification Instructor Application.
  • There is no application fee to attend this course. 

Step 2:  Submit Application

Step 3: Course Training/Waitlist

  • Once your application has been reviewed and a course date is available, you will receive an Invitation email.  At this time, you can sign up for the course. Please read the email carefully and follow all instructions and carefully read the important information. If a course date is NOT available, you will be placed on a “Waitlist."  When a course date becomes available, you will receive an invitation email. It is important to remember that seating is limited because this is a "specialized training course." Therefore, the wait time to attend the course is longer than normal.
  • Once you have been assigned a course date, you will receive a Confirmation email with your course date, time, local hotels, map, and other important information.  Be sure to carefully read all the attachments.

Step 4: Certificate Issuance

  • Once all certification requirements are met, a First Responder Instructor Certificate will be emailed to the email address on file along with the course materials password.

Required documents for First Responder Instructors

  • None.

Other Delivery Methods

  • None.