A background check shows an applicant must register as a sex offender in another state. How does §1702.113 treat that?Answer: It disqualifies the applicant. Source: Texas Occupations Code §1702.113(a)(4)
A Class A misdemeanor conviction for theft sits on an applicant's record. Under the guidelines of 37 TAC §35.4, how long is it disqualifying?Answer: Five years from the date of conviction. Source: 37 Texas Administrative Code §35.4(e)
A freelancer only pulls public records for clients. When does §1702.324 leave that person outside the Act?Answer: When the person is not a full-time employee of a licensee and does nothing else that needs a license. Source: Texas Occupations Code §1702.324(b)(5)
A licensed private investigator is indicted for an offense on the list in 37 TAC §35.4(c). What do the guidelines call the pending charge?Answer: Grounds for summary suspension. Source: 37 Texas Administrative Code §35.4(i)
A Texas business is paid by a private client to track the location of a motor vehicle electronically. Under §1702.104, what is the business acting as?Answer: An investigations company. Source: Texas Occupations Code §1702.104(a)(3)
Show all 95 questions (90 more)
Who needs a license and who is eligible, continued
A Texas computer shop reviews a customer's files only to diagnose a software fault and comes across personal information by accident. Does the shop need an investigations company license?Answer: No: diagnosis with no intent to obtain such information, and an inadvertent discovery, is not an investigation. Source: Texas Occupations Code §1702.104(b)
A Texas firm will do investigations and nothing else. Which company license class is that?Answer: Class A. Source: Texas Occupations Code §1702.103(a)
An applicant holds an associate degree in criminal justice. How much investigation related experience does 37 TAC §35.121 add to it?Answer: Twenty-four months. Source: 37 Texas Administrative Code §35.121(a)(4)
An applicant is under indictment for a felony that commission rule lists as disqualifying, with no conviction yet. What does §1702.113 say?Answer: The applicant does not meet the general qualifications while so charged. Source: Texas Occupations Code §1702.113(a)(1)
By statute, how much experience must an applicant for a Texas investigations company license have before applying, unless other commission requirements are met?Answer: Three consecutive years in the investigative field. Source: Texas Occupations Code §1702.114(a)
The department weighs a disqualifying conviction against a person's fitness. Which factor does 37 TAC §35.4(j) list?Answer: The amount of time that has elapsed since the person's last criminal activity. Source: 37 Texas Administrative Code §35.4(j)
For how long is a felony conviction for an offense listed in 37 TAC §35.4(c) disqualifying?Answer: Ten years from the date of conviction. Source: 37 Texas Administrative Code §35.4(d)
The general qualifications of §1702.113 set one age for every company license applicant. What is it?Answer: At least 18. Source: Texas Occupations Code §1702.113(a)
Which business is outside the Texas Private Security Act under §1702.324?Answer: One engaged exclusively in obtaining information to collect debts. Source: Texas Occupations Code §1702.324(b)(2)
Which conviction do the guidelines of 37 TAC §35.4 treat as permanently disqualifying, subject to Occupations Code Chapter 53?Answer: Burglary of a habitation. Source: 37 Texas Administrative Code §35.4(f)
Which employee of a Texas company license holder needs no individual license?Answer: One employed exclusively as an undercover agent. Source: Texas Occupations Code §1702.240(b)
Which of these alone meets the department's qualification rule for the company representative of an investigations company?Answer: A bachelor's degree in criminal justice or a related course of study. Source: 37 Texas Administrative Code §35.121(a)
Which owner of a Texas company license holder must hold an individual license under §1702.221?Answer: An owner of at least a 51 percent interest. Source: Texas Occupations Code §1702.221(b)(2)
Which qualifications must an applicant for an individual license, such as a private investigator, meet?Answer: Those §1702.113 requires of a company license applicant, plus any added by rule. Source: Texas Occupations Code §1702.229
Pre-employment checks and hiring 14
A criminal history check turns up an unresolved and potentially disqualifying arrest. What must the applicant provide under §1702.282(e)?Answer: A letter of reference from the county sheriff, prosecuting attorney or judge, or proof of the final disposition. Source: Texas Occupations Code §1702.282(e)
A licensed private investigator employed by an agency is offered a side case directly by a client. What does 37 TAC §35.2 say?Answer: The investigator may not contract directly with a client without a company license. Source: 37 Texas Administrative Code §35.2(a)
A new investigator's fingerprints went in more than 48 hours ago and the department has posted nothing. What lets the investigator start work under §1702.230(f)?Answer: The employer checks the department's public website for disqualifying criminal history and sex offender registration, and files the results. Source: Texas Occupations Code §1702.230(f)
A Texas agency fires a licensed investigator for conduct that violates the Act. What must go to the department with the notice?Answer: Any and all available documentation or evidence concerning the alleged offense. Source: 37 Texas Administrative Code §35.29
After the department confirms a complete application, which sources must the pre-employment check of 37 TAC §35.3(c) cover at a minimum?Answer: A criminal history website, the department's or a commercial one, and the department's sex offender registry. Source: 37 Texas Administrative Code §35.3(c)
An inspector finds no record of a pre-employment check in an employee's file. What does 37 TAC §35.3 presume?Answer: That the check was not conducted, unless the employer rebuts it. Source: 37 Texas Administrative Code §35.3(e)
An investigator licensed at one Texas agency moves to another. Who notifies the department, and with what?Answer: The new employer, on the prescribed form with the employee information update fee. Source: Texas Occupations Code §1702.234
How long must the employer keep written documentation of a pre-employment check?Answer: At least two years, whether or not the applicant stays employed. Source: 37 Texas Administrative Code §35.3(e)
To keep working in a regulated job other than commissioned security officer, by when must an applicant be approved on the criminal history check?Answer: Not later than the 120th day after starting in that capacity. Source: Texas Occupations Code §1702.282(b)
What does 37 TAC §35.13 require every licensed company to have each employee sign?Answer: A copy of the company's drug-free workplace policy, kept in the employee's file. Source: 37 Texas Administrative Code §35.13(b)
What must be true of the relationship between a licensed company and its licensed employees under 37 TAC §35.2(b)?Answer: The company's commercial liability insurance covers claims arising from the regulated services the employees provide. Source: 37 Texas Administrative Code §35.2(b)
What must the employer do with the name, address, birth details and social security number on a new hire's license application?Answer: Make a reasonable attempt to verify them before applying or before the duties begin, whichever is earlier. Source: Texas Occupations Code §1702.230(b)
When must an application for an individual license be submitted, relative to the new hire's regulated work?Answer: Before employment in a capacity that requires the license. Source: Texas Occupations Code §1702.230(c)
Whose responsibility is it to see that a proper application is submitted for an employee who must be licensed?Answer: The licensed company's. Source: 37 Texas Administrative Code §35.21(a)
Applications, the examination, insurance and renewal 20
A candidate fails the examination and asks in writing for more than the score. What must the department furnish?Answer: An analysis of the person's performance on the examination. Source: Texas Occupations Code §1702.118(d)
A company's insurance certificate on file with the department lapses. What happens to the company license?Answer: It is suspended immediately. Source: Texas Occupations Code §1702.123(b)
A corporation applies for an investigations company license. Whom may it designate as company representative?Answer: An officer who oversees the security-related aspects of the business, or a partner or shareholder with at least a 25% interest. Source: 37 Texas Administrative Code §35.41(c)
A private investigator has held the license without a break for 20 years. How many continuing education hours does 37 TAC §35.161 ask for?Answer: 12. Source: 37 Texas Administrative Code §35.161(d)
An agency let its company license lapse 14 months ago. What does §1702.302 allow?Answer: No renewal: the person must qualify for a new license, examination included. Source: Texas Occupations Code §1702.302(d)
An investigator's license lapsed 60 days ago. What does §1702.302 charge to renew it?Answer: One and a half times the normal renewal fee. Source: Texas Occupations Code §1702.302(b)
An owner wants to hand a Texas company license over to the buyer of the agency. What does §1702.103 require?Answer: The department's approval in advance. Source: Texas Occupations Code §1702.103(c)
At what ownership share must a shareholder of a corporate applicant submit fingerprints with the company license application?Answer: At least 25 percent. Source: Texas Occupations Code §1702.110(a)(6)
The company representative of a Texas agency resigns. For how long may an owner, officer, partner or shareholder keep the business operating without one?Answer: Not more than 90 days. Source: 37 Texas Administrative Code §35.43(a)
For how long is a Texas company license valid under 37 TAC §35.31?Answer: One year from the date of issuance. Source: 37 Texas Administrative Code §35.31(a)
How many examinations does payment of the company license application fee cover?Answer: One. Source: Texas Occupations Code §1702.117(b)
How many hours of continuing education must a private investigator with less than 15 years of continued licensure complete?Answer: 18. Source: 37 Texas Administrative Code §35.161(e)
How much notice must an insurer give the department to end future liability under a filed insurance certificate?Answer: At least 10 days. Source: Texas Occupations Code §1702.124(e)
In the department's rules, who is the company representative?Answer: The individual on whose qualifications the company license was obtained. Source: 37 Texas Administrative Code §35.1(3)
On what proof may the examination be given orally under 37 TAC §35.42?Answer: Proof of dyslexia, submitted in writing. Source: 37 Texas Administrative Code §35.42(c)
Under 37 TAC §35.27, within what time must proof that coverage never lapsed reach the department for an insurance suspension to be rescinded?Answer: Ten business days after the suspension takes effect. Source: 37 Texas Administrative Code §35.27(e)
What is the minimum general liability limit for each occurrence of bodily injury and property damage?Answer: $100,000. Source: Texas Occupations Code §1702.124(c)
What is the minimum passing score on the written examination for company representatives?Answer: 70%. Source: 37 Texas Administrative Code §35.42(a)
What is the reexamination fee in the department's fee schedule?Answer: $100. Source: 37 Texas Administrative Code §35.131, fee schedule
Which business name may a Texas licensee use in its operations?Answer: Only a name reflected in current department records as its business name. Source: 37 Texas Administrative Code §35.25(d)
Records, notices and client duties 18
A client asks for a written contract for regulated services. How soon must it be furnished?Answer: Within seven days. Source: 37 Texas Administrative Code §35.6(b)
A company name is painted on an agency car. What else must appear on each side?Answer: The company's license number, at least one inch high, in a contrasting color. Source: 37 Texas Administrative Code §35.8(d)
A notice goes to the old address a licensee left on file, and the licensee never answers. What does 37 TAC §35.61 say?Answer: The department may rely on the address on file, and the outdated address is no defense. Source: 37 Texas Administrative Code §35.61(b)
A pocket card was issued without a photograph. What must the licensee show with it to a peace officer?Answer: A valid government issued identification card or driver license. Source: 37 Texas Administrative Code §35.24
A private investigator working under the direct supervision of a licensed attorney learns of a criminal offense. How is the duty to disclose it met?Answer: By disclosing the information to the supervising attorney. Source: Texas Occupations Code §1702.133(b)
A Texas agency moves its principal office. By when must it notify the department?Answer: Not later than the 14th day after the change. Source: Texas Occupations Code §1702.129(a)
For how long must a licensee keep the employee records listed in 37 TAC §35.111?Answer: Two years from the last date of employment. Source: 37 Texas Administrative Code §35.111
For whose conduct may a company license holder be legally responsible under §1702.127?Answer: Each employee's, while performing assigned duties in the company's business. Source: Texas Occupations Code §1702.127(a)
How long must contracts for regulated service be kept under 37 TAC §35.112?Answer: Two years from the later of the date of service or the date the contract was completed. Source: 37 Texas Administrative Code §35.112
In which places must a company license holder post its license?Answer: In a conspicuous place at the principal place of business and at each branch office. Source: Texas Occupations Code §1702.128
May the records required by 37 TAC Chapter 35 be kept in electronic form?Answer: Yes, if readily retrievable and presented to department personnel on request. Source: 37 Texas Administrative Code §35.111
What must a company license holder tell every client, orally or in writing?Answer: Its license number and how to reach the department's Regulatory Services Division with a complaint. Source: 37 Texas Administrative Code §35.8(a)
When may a company license holder disclose to someone else information obtained for a client?Answer: At the client's direction, or as state law or a court order requires. Source: Texas Occupations Code §1702.133(a)
Where must a company license holder maintain the records the Act requires?Answer: At a physical address within Texas that it has given the department. Source: Texas Occupations Code §1702.127(d)
Where must proof of an individual licensee's continuing education be kept?Answer: With the employer, in the employee's personnel file. Source: 37 Texas Administrative Code §35.161(a)
Which change to a branch office must be reported in writing within 14 days?Answer: Its opening, its closing or a change of its address. Source: Texas Occupations Code §1702.129(b)
Which item belongs in the employee record that 37 TAC §35.111 requires?Answer: The results of any drug tests. Source: 37 Texas Administrative Code §35.111(6)
Which of these must every advertisement by a licensee carry under 37 TAC §35.9?Answer: The company's license number. Source: 37 Texas Administrative Code §35.9(a)
Disciplinary actions and administrative fines 24
A company keeps working 15 months after its license expired. Which violation applies under 37 TAC §35.52(e)?Answer: Operating without a license. Source: 37 Texas Administrative Code §35.52(e)
A company representative, acting for the company, violates the Act. Against whom is the violation construed?Answer: The company. Source: 37 Texas Administrative Code §35.52(d)
A law enforcement agency notifies the commission in writing that a license holder has been convicted of a disqualifying offense. What follows under §1702.364?Answer: The license is summarily revoked. Source: Texas Occupations Code §1702.364(a)
A license holder's fee payment is returned for insufficient funds, and after notice it is still not made good. What may the commission do?Answer: Revoke the license. Source: Texas Occupations Code §1702.361(d)
A license was revoked for an administrative violation. When may the former holder apply again as a new applicant?Answer: After the second anniversary of the revocation. Source: 37 Texas Administrative Code §35.52(c)
A license was summarily suspended over a pending charge, and the indictment is then dismissed. What is the effect?Answer: The dismissal releases the person from the automatic grounds for the suspension. Source: Texas Occupations Code §1702.364(f)
A licensee appeals a proposed action that rests on an administrative violation. What is scheduled first?Answer: A settlement conference. Source: 37 Texas Administrative Code §35.62(c)
A licensee ignores a department subpoena without good cause. What does §1702.367 allow?Answer: Suspension of the license. Source: Texas Occupations Code §1702.367(f)
A person with a prior conviction for impersonating a private investigator does it again. What is the offense now?Answer: A felony of the third degree. Source: Texas Occupations Code §1702.3876(b)
A private investigator executes an arrest warrant for a bail bond surety. Which act is forbidden?Answer: Entering a residence without the consent of the occupants. Source: Texas Occupations Code §1702.3867(a)
An administrative penalty has become final and stays unpaid. What happens to the license?Answer: It is suspended, with no further notice or right to appeal, until the penalty is paid in full. Source: 37 Texas Administrative Code §35.52(b)
An applicant doctors the photographs sent in with a Texas company license application. How is that offense classed?Answer: A felony of the third degree. Source: Texas Occupations Code §1702.384
Besides a peace officer and a commissioned security officer of a licensed guard company, who may contract with a bail bond surety to secure the appearance of a person who has violated Penal Code §38.10?Answer: An individual licensed as a private investigator. Source: Texas Occupations Code §1702.3863
The company representative fails to oversee the business. What does the penalty schedule set for the first action against the company?Answer: $1,000. Source: 37 Texas Administrative Code §35.52, penalty schedule
For what period does the department make disciplinary actions against regulated persons available to the public?Answer: Actions taken during the preceding three years. Source: Texas Occupations Code §1702.084(a)
How are the fines in the penalty schedule of 37 TAC §35.52 to be read?Answer: As maximum penalties, subject to the factors of Government Code §411.524. Source: 37 Texas Administrative Code §35.52(a)
How long after receiving notice that the department proposes to suspend a license does the licensee have to request an appeal under 37 TAC §35.62?Answer: Thirty calendar days. Source: 37 Texas Administrative Code §35.62(a)
In the penalty schedule, what is the first-action fine for failing to conduct a pre-employment check?Answer: $250. Source: 37 Texas Administrative Code §35.52, penalty schedule
Outside summary actions, where is a regulated person entitled to a hearing on action the commission has taken?Answer: Before the State Office of Administrative Hearings. Source: Texas Occupations Code §1702.363
Under the penalty schedule, what is the third action within two years for failing to cooperate with an investigation or inspection?Answer: Revocation. Source: 37 Texas Administrative Code §35.52, penalty schedule
What does the penalty schedule set for a first action of operating outside the scope of the license?Answer: $5,000. Source: 37 Texas Administrative Code §35.52, penalty schedule
When does a summary suspension under §1702.364 take effect?Answer: When notice is served. Source: Texas Occupations Code §1702.364(c)
Where the program law sets no maximum, what is the ceiling on an administrative penalty under Government Code §411.524?Answer: $5,000 per day for each violation. Source: Texas Government Code §411.524(a)
Which conduct does §1702.361(b) list as a ground for disciplinary action?Answer: A material misstatement in an application for or renewal of a license. Source: Texas Occupations Code §1702.361(b)(1)(D)
How this list was compiled: Texas Occupations Code Chapter 1702 (Private Security Act) and Government Code Chapter 411, Subchapter R, each read on October 13, 2026 in the Texas Legislature's statute files (https://statutes.capitol.texas.gov/Docs/OC/htm/OC.1702.htm); and 37 Texas Administrative Code Chapter 35, read the same day in "Texas Private Security Statutes and Rules", the booklet the Texas Department of Public Safety issues for the examination (https://www.dps.texas.gov/sites/default/files/documents/rsd/psb/docs/psStatutesAndRules2024.pdf, rules in effect as of January 2024). The examination is described on the department's page "Company Representative Experience and Examination Information" (https://www.dps.texas.gov/section/private-security/company-representative-experience-and-examination-information). Each question names its section or rule and links to it. Licence: Own work. Every question, wrong choice and explanation was written for this site from the text of the statutes and the rules. Nothing comes from the department's examination, a training school or a prep publisher.
How it works
This unofficial study guide for the Texas private investigator exam is 95 practice questions of our own on Occupations Code Chapter 1702 and 37 TAC Chapter 35, the texts tested. Not affiliated with the Texas Department of Public Safety.
Read the full guide
Which exam this is
The department's written examination is for the company representative of an investigations company, the person whose qualifications carry the Class A license.
What it asks
The department's examination page names the focus: eligibility for individual licenses, pre-employment obligations, application requirements, record-keeping, and disciplinary actions and administrative fines. The five topics here follow that list.
The book to bring
Candidates bring their own printed copy of Texas Private Security Statutes and Rules, the department's booklet. None is handed out at the exam location.
Eligibility sits in section 1702.113 and rule 35.4, records in rules 35.111 and 35.112, the penalty schedule in rule 35.52.
Three clocks: 14 days to report a new address or officer, 90 days without a company representative, two years for records.
A pre-employment check with no paper in the employee's file is presumed not done (rule 35.3).
Questions and answers
How many questions are on the Texas private investigator exam?
The company representative examination has 50 true/false and multiple-choice questions, a two-hour limit and a pass mark of 70 percent, according to the department's examination page. The timed test here keeps those numbers, with every question multiple choice.
Is the Texas private investigator exam open book?
Yes. The department calls it an open-book examination on Occupations Code Chapter 1702 and Texas Administrative Code Chapter 35. Candidates also bring a driver license or state ID and two sharpened pencils with erasers.
Do you have to take a test to be a private investigator in Texas?
Not for an individual license. An application under rule 35.21 lists a fee, fingerprints and a criminal history check fee, and names no examination. Only a company's representative takes the written examination.
What happens if you fail the Texas private investigator exam?
Results go to the email address on file. To try again, the department's page asks for a $100 re-examination fee, and applicants may re-test as often as the examination schedule allows within their 90-day application window.
What experience do you need for a Texas private investigation company license?
One of: three consecutive years of investigation related experience; a bachelor's degree in criminal justice; another bachelor's degree with twelve months of experience; an associate degree in criminal justice with twenty-four; or a 200-hour private investigation course through a four-year university (37 TAC §35.121).