⚠️IMPORTANT: This post is for general educational purposes only. It is not legal advice and does not create an attorney-client relationship. Texas carry laws are complex and change. Consult a licensed Texas attorney for questions about your specific situation.
Most people overthink the Texas LTC shooting test. The course of fire is fixed, the scoring is clear, and the majority of the rounds happen at close range.
You fire 50 rounds total. You need 70 percent to pass (175 points out of a possible 250). The target is a standard B-27 silhouette. All shooting starts from the ready position; no holster draws required.
The Exact Breakdown:
3 yards / 20 rounds: This is the bulk of the test. Timed strings include single shots and controlled pairs. Most applicants bank the majority of their points here.
7 yards / 20 rounds: Still close enough for solid control. The strings mix speed and accuracy. Consistent grip and trigger press keep you on track.
15 yards / 10 rounds: The final stage. Only ten rounds. By the time you reach this distance you have already fired 40 rounds and should have a comfortable point cushion if you stayed clean at the closer distances.
Train With Your Carry Gun
If there is one golden rule before you hit the firing line, it’s this: practice with the exact gun you plan to shoot for the test. Ideally, this should be the same firearm you intend to carry every day. There is no minimum caliber. Whether you run an automatic or prefer a revolver (qualify with one and carry either), you need to know its trigger pull, how the sights align, and how to manage its recoil well before the timer starts.
Please, do not be that student who shows up on qualification day, pops the factory seal on a brand-new, never-fired pistol box, and tries to figure out how to lock the slide back. The proficiency exam is designed to demonstrate basic, established competence, not to break in a new firearm. Get your practice reps in early.
What Actually Matters
Safe gun handling and following commands matter as much as the holes in the paper. Show up with a controllable handgun, eye and ear protection, and a calm mindset. The test is designed to confirm basic competence, not competition-level skill.
- Complete the required classroom portion 100% online at your own pace. Scroll down to the “Enroll Now” button.
- Complete your live-fire range proficiency with us. Call us for schedule and range availability.
- Submit your completed application at the Texas DPS portal and carry with confidence.
Want to start your Texas LTC? Click the “Enroll Now” button below and get going with the DPS approved online course for $49. The LTC course is built to help you understand the law, complete the classroom portion, and move through the process with confidence. We recommend the online course because most people have jobs, kids, schedules, and exactly zero interest in adding one more drive across town. When you are ready for range proficiency, reach out and we will help you finish the next step.
NOTE: after clicking enroll now, you will land on the Texas Carry Academy portal. Follow instructions on the page and you can start your online LTC today.
⚠️IMPORTANT: This post is for general educational purposes only. It is not legal advice and does not create an attorney-client relationship. Texas carry laws are complex and change. Consult a licensed Texas attorney for questions about your specific situation.
