CHL Instructor training classes are held at the Department of Public Safety training facility in Austin. New instructor classes are scheduled once a year. Instructor renewal classes are scheduled August through December of every odd numbered year. Scheduling them this way allows DPS to update all instructors soon after each session of the Texas Legislature.

The training course is a 40 hour course covering methods of instruction and the contents of the Texas Concealed Handgun Training Course. It includes the shooting practical, which is administered in the same manner you will give it to your students. There is one important difference. A student qualifying for a CHL may take the shooting practical with either a revolver or a semiautomatic, and make a passing score of 70%. As an instructor candidate you are required to take the practical with both a revolver and a semiauto, and pass each with a score of 90%.

You must also pass a multiple choice and true-false examination over the course material.

Applying for the Class

1. Either:
   1. Print out and fill in the Application Request, marking it at the top as an instructor application. The form is available at http://www.txchia.org/cr-80.pdf. Cut out the card and mail it to the DPS address shown. You may also apply for a CHL at the same time.
   2. Visit the Concealed Handgun Licensing & Instructor Certification Site at http://www.texasonline.state.tx.us/NASApp/txdps/chl/common/jsp/welcome.jsp and complete the online process. You will need:
      • Your Social Security Number.
      • Your Texas Driver License or Texas Identification card.
      • A valid credit card. (Visa, Mastercard, Discover, or American Express)
2. Texas DPS will conduct a preliminary background check, then mail you an application packet.
3. Texas DPS will send you information about the training class for new instructors.

Please note: If you are from outside Texas you may qualify to be an instructor. However, Texas law requires you to give the training course within Texas for it to be valid. You must also administer the shooting practical at a range approved by Texas Department of Public Safety.

You may use your instructor rating as a substitute for the training required to get a Texas Concealed Handgun License, but you are not required to get a CHL to be an instructor.