Grand Prairie – DRUG RECOGNITION EXPERT – BASIC CERTIFICATION
*REQUEST FOR APPLICATION*
152-hour course to certify officers as Drug Recognition Experts. The course consists of three phases and a Certification Knowledge Examination: See entire schedule below
- DRE Pre-School
- DRE School
The DRE Pre-School and DRE School run together over two consecutive weeks (10 days total)
- DRE Field Certification
The DRE Field Certification Phase begins the Monday after the DRE School and runs five days. It may require a day or two of a second week to complete the field evaluations.
For logistical reasons, all field certification training takes place at either the Bexar County Jail (San Antonio), or the Harris County Jail JPC (Houston).
- DRE Certification Knowledge Examination
The DRE Certification Knowledge Exam takes at the original DRE School location a week or two after the conclusion of the Field Certification Phase.
DRE School, at Grand Prairie Police Public Safety Training Center, 310 College Street, Grand Prairie TX 75050
Week 1: April 20 to April 24, 2026, 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. *except wet lab days
Week 2: April 27 to May 1, 2026, 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. *except wet lab days
Field Certification Training, at Bexar County Jail /200 N. Comal, San Antonio, TX / The Mag Office at 401 South Frio St., San Antonio, TX
May 4 to May 8, 2026 Times TBD
May 11 to May 15, 2026, as needed. Times TBD
Certification Knowledge Exam, at Grand Prairie Police Public Safety Training Center, 310 College Street, Grand Prairie TX 75050
May 29, 2026, 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.
Requirements to Attend:
- Have a minimum of two years experience as a Texas peace officer employed by any state, county, or municipal law enforcement agency.
- Have completed the NHTSA 24-hour Standardized Field Sobriety Testing course prior to application.
- Possess a reasonable background in impaired driving enforcement.
- Possess a documented ability to complete thorough and accurate reports.
- Recommendation of two current Drug Recognition Experts.
For more information regarding the course or requirements to attend contact one of our staff or email us at: [email protected]
Once your application is received you will be emailed a complete information packet.
Seat confirmation in the course is considered in the order that the completed application packets are received.
In cases where the school reaches capacity, suitable applicants will be placed on a waiting list.
Application to the DRE School is a competitive process and acceptance is not guaranteed.
*Please note this submission does not register you for the course, it is a request for application for the course.
