Instructor Re-Qualification . . .

[sjfcontrol]

So we should be getting some kind of notice to go online and take an online renewal class, or just to go online and fill out a form and give them our credit card to renew?
Or will there be no notice, and it is up to each of us to keep checking with DPS about how to renew online?

YES

Very good! I see what you did there!

[Neverpanic1]

I'm needing my Instructor renewal this year (2015). Does it expire on birthday or issue date, and what is the process ? Any scheduled classes or have they regionalized them ? Should I receive an expiration notice before filling out the online renewal application or go ahead and submit that now (aware of the no refund policy) ?

Many questions, I know, but I just don't wanna fall behind.

[RossA]

I think a lot of us have the same questions. It's already March and many licenses expire this year.

[Neverpanic1]

Thanx RossA. I've emailed DPS and still waiting on a reply, as they're not answering any chl related calls.

Wondering if I should just submit renewal fee and risk taking the loss..

[sjfcontrol]

ALL instructor licenses (except new ones issued this year, if any) expire on Dec31, 2015. There is nothing to do until July. (6 months prior to expiration.)

At which point, it will likely all be done online. No class or proficiency required this year. (Unless they change the procedure.)

[Neverpanic1]

Man, THAT would be great ! Appreciate the info, guys !!!

[sjfcontrol]

Man, THAT would be great ! Appreciate the info, guys !!!

No problem... You sounded like you were about to panic!

[Neverpanic1]

I was ! My original class was in March, so that was my reason for concern.

[hankintexas]

I just spoke to the TXDPS regarding renewal requirements. You will start your renewal online and you will need to provide your CHL-90. The license expires every odd year on Dec 31st. Once they receive your information online, you will be scheduled for a 1 day class in Austin.

I know it is still 8 months away, but I just downloaded my NRA Certificates again just to make sure they are not expired or eligible for renewal yet. My suggestion is to have all of your ducks in a row.

[RossA]

So any reports we have heard about everything being online this year and no class required were not correct? I thought that was a little too good to be true. Thanks for the update.

[Charles L. Cotton]

Let's not get too upset yet. That could be a mistake by someone answering the phone.

Chas.

d) The certification of a qualified handgun instructor expires on the second anniversary after the date of certification. To renew a certification, the qualified handgun instructor must pay a fee of $100 and take and successfully complete the retraining courses required by department rule.

(d-1) The department shall ensure that an applicant may renew certification under Subsection (d) from any county in this state by using an online format to complete the required retraining courses if:

• (1) the applicant is renewing certification for the first time; or
  
  (2) the applicant completed the required retraining courses in person the previous time the applicant renewed certification.

[Charles L. Cotton]

I just talked to DPS and here's an update. Since online renewal is every other year and since 2013 was the year for a live class, the only people who will have to take a live class in Austin this year are the few folks that should have renewed in 2013, but did not. All current instructors will be renewing online.

Chas.

[RossA]

That would be great news!

[Crossfire]

I just talked to DPS and here's an update. Since online renewal is every other year and since 2013 was the year for a live class, the only people who will have to take a live class in Austin this year are the few folks that should have renewed in 2013, but did not. All current instructors will be renewing online.

Chas.

In a year where we are expecting so many legislative changes, this will be interesting. For those of you who are able, I highly suggest you attend the TFC Instructors Conference

[switch]

In July, you should be able to renew your instructor certificate.

Charles is right. In 2011, they changed to renewal process (we used to have to go to Austin every two years for a day, show proficiency at the DPS range :) and sit through a 4 hour class and take a test.)

The first renewal (2011) it was done 'online'. I do not remember a lot of information being provided. Actually, there had not been a lot of changes that cycle IIRC. We had to take a 'test', online, and did not have to shoot. Around that time, they changed the CHL100 where it had a provision for the 'instructor' to certify proficiency for a fellow instructor (both SA and NSA). That law required online renewals ever 4 years and DPS classes every 4 years.

In 2013, DPS took the renewal class on the road. :) They managed to squeeze 2 hours of instruction into 9 hours. :( They also required us to show proficiency with each other.

This cycle, the big change will be open carry AND we have to start covering retention in our classes. I am real curious how they will teach us retention 'online'. :) As to showing proficiency, I'd hate to guess. I figure that's a coin toss. I have no idea who will make that decision nor which side he'll come down on.