Introduction
Obtaining your Texas License to Carry (LTC) requires passing the Texas LTC Shooting Proficiency Exam. This exam tests your ability to safely and accurately handle a firearm. In this guide, we’ll cover everything you need to know to succeed, from what to bring on exam day to understanding the format and scoring criteria. Whether you're a first-time applicant or renewing your license, our tips and insights will help you prepare with confidence. Let's get started! Keep in mind that in other states you may be used hearing the terms Concealed Carry Permit or License or CCW. These are the same thing as a license to carry. Its just called a license to carry or LTC for short in Texas because it allows you to carry both concealed and openly with the same license.
Prerequisites
Before you can take the Texas LTC Shooting Proficiency Exam, make sure you have completed the online portion of your License to Carry course. If you haven’t yet, you can easily do so at TexasCarryCourse.com. Upon completion, you will receive your DPS LTC-104 certficiate, which you need to print and bring with you to the shooting exam.
What to Bring
To ensure you’re fully prepared for your Texas LTC Shooting Proficiency Exam, here’s a comprehensive list of what you need to bring:
1. LTC-104 Form: One printed copy of the LTC-104 form you received after completing the online course at TexasCarryCourse.com.
2. Identification: A valid government-issued ID to verify your identity. This should be the ID that you entered when you took the online course that is printed on your LTC-104.
3. Firearm: Bring an appropriate and functional handgun for the proficiency test. This needs to be at least a .22 caliber handgun. Its best to bring something you are familiar with.
4. Ammunition: Bring AT LEAST 50 rounds or ammo. We always advise to bring extra just in case you drop a round, have a hangfire, etc.
5. Protective Gear: Proper eye and ear protection to ensure safety during the exam. Sunglasses will work if you will be outdoors and its sunny, otherwise shooting glasses will be best. Foam earplugs or over the ear protection designed for shooting will be required. If your not sure, ask your instructor before arriving at the range.
6. Clothing:
- Closed-Toed Shoes: To protect your feet.
- Ball Cap: To protect your face from stray brass ejected by your gun.
- High-Collar Shirt: Such as a t-shirt. Avoid low-cut or v-neck shirts to ensure safety during shooting. No one wants hot brass falling down their shirt.
7. Additional Items: Water to drink, Pen and notepad for any notes you might need to take, and any other items specified by your instructor or testing facility.
Now lets cover the shot list for the exam.
Shooting Exam Shot Instructions
You will shoot a total of 50 rounds of ammo. 20 rounds from 3 yards, 20 rounds from 7 yards, and 10 rounds from 15 yards. You must score a 70% to pass. Each shot in the 8, 9, 10 rings will give you 5 points (on the line counts as the larger point). Each shot within the 7 ring will give you 4 points and each shot within the sillouet, outside of the rings will score you 3 points. A perfect score is 250 points, and a passing score is 175 points.
Below are the exact shots you will take and the times allotted for each.
Distance: 3 Yards
Total Shots: 20
Each shot in the real exam and simulator will be followed by a quick rest and reset (and a reload if needed).
- Take 1 shot in 2 seconds, repeat 5 times (reset between each shot).
- Take 2 shots in 3 seconds, repeat 5 times (reset between each shot).
- Take 5 shots in 10 seconds, once.
Distance: 7 Yards
Total Shots: 20
- Take 5 shots in 10 seconds, once.
- Take 1 shot in 3 seconds, repeat 5 times (reset between each shot).
- Take 2 shots in 4 seconds, once.
- Take 3 shots in 6 seconds, once.
- Take 5 shots in 15 seconds, once.
Distance: 15 Yards
Total Shots: 10
- Take 2 shots in 6 seconds, once.
- Take 3 shots in 9 seconds, once.
- Take 5 shots in 15 seconds, once.
Practice the LTC Shooting Exam with our Proprietary LTC shooting exam simulator
We have created the industry's first and only Texas License to Carry Shooting Proficiency Demonstration Simulator, designed to help you practice all the shot calls and their allotted times. This virtual exam allows you to perfect your flow and timing as many times as needed to feel fully prepared for the real test. Please note that the simulator is not intended to teach you how to aim; pointing and clicking a mouse won't improve your marksmanship. However, knowing the exact shot sequence, the time allotted for each shot or group of shots, and the distance for each shot will undoubtedly make you more prepared than 99.99% of other students, giving you the best chance of passing the exam on your first try.
This simulator is included free when you sign up and pay for our online Texas License to Carry Course Here
How to Find a Local LTC Instructor for your Shooting Proficiency Exam
Once you complete your online Texas lincense to carry course you will see a button that says "Find an Instructor" on your course dashboard. Next, simply input the Texas County where you would like to take the LTC shooting proficiency exam and choose an instructor to schedule with.
Submitting your Completed LTC-104
After passing your Texas Carry Course Shooting Exam, you will need to submit your completed LTC-104. Follow the instructions in the top right corner of the LTC-104 to properly submit it to the DPS, and don't forget to sign at the very bottom.
Conclusion
In conclusion, this guide has thoroughly detailed the components of the Texas LTC Shooting Proficiency Exam, including practice techniques and preparation tips. We highly recommend utilizing our FREE LTC Shooting Exam simulator and prep guide to ensure you are well-prepared. This resource is included in the price of your online Texas license to carry course and is the only web/mobile-based virtual LTC exam simulator in the industry. At TexasCarryCourse, we go above and beyond for our students. In addition to offering the LTC course like our competitors, we provide a FREE interactive and custom LTC checklist, along with the FREE LTC Shooting Exam Simulator. We support you every step of the way to ensure you obtain your license from the DPS as quickly as possible.
Register for the Texas LTC Course
Next Steps
Once you have completed your required online LTC course and shooting exam. Follow these instructions on how to apply for your license. If you have additional questions you can always call us or email us for assistance.
