Texarkana College announced that its Testing Center has been officially approved by the Texas Commission on Law Enforcement (TCOLE) to serve as an authorized site for state licensing examinations. The approval follows a multi-phase application, needs assessment, and site review process conducted in collaboration with TCOLE’s Special Services Division.
TCOLE issues licenses to peace officers, county jailers, telecommunications operators, and investigative hypnotists across Texas. Applicants must meet specific training and examination standards prior to licensure, and the state licensing exam is an independent requirement following completion of required training or its equivalent.
Beginning February 1, 2026, the official contract start date issued by TCOLE, the Texarkana College Testing Center is authorized to administer TCOLE licensing exams in a secure, professional, and fully compliant testing environment. The site will provide convenient local access for cadets, agencies, and officers throughout Bowie County and surrounding Northeast Texas communities.
The approval supports regional workforce development in law enforcement and public safety by reducing travel time and costs for agencies and candidates while strengthening partnerships between Texarkana College and area law enforcement organizations. Several agencies submitted letters of support during the needs assessment process.
“Texarkana College is committed to supporting our region’s law enforcement community,” said Kathy Smith, Director of End User Technology & Testing at Texarkana College. “Restoring TCOLE testing to our campus ensures officers and cadets have access to essential certification exams close to home, strengthening training pipelines and supporting public safety across our service area.”
Stephen Gass, Chief of Police at Texarkana College, said the new designation will have a meaningful local impact. “We are very excited to have a TCOLE exam site located in Texarkana to support our local law enforcement agencies and training providers. This allows peace officers, jailers, and telecommunicators to complete exams here without traveling outside the community, saving time, tax dollars, and work hours. We believe this will be a great opportunity for our community.”
TCOLE exams offered at the Testing Center include the Peace Officer, County Corrections, Telecommunicator, Police Officer to Jailer, and Police Officer Reactivation licensing exams. Most exams must be taken within six months (180 days) of completing the required training course.
For additional information about testing schedules and eligibility requirements, visit www.texarkanacollege.edu/testing-center or call 903-823-3278.
