California employs more security guards than any other state in the union. In order to become a security guard in California, whether in San Francisco or Hollywood, you must obtain what is called a ‘guard card’. In other states, it’s often referred to as a security guard license and the instruction required to obtain one varies. You are eligible to apply for a California guard card if you are at least 18 years old, submit to a background check and Live Scan fingerprint, and complete 40 hours of training, broken up into three parts:
8 Hours of Training Before Applying for a Job as a Security Guard
Prior to being hired as a security guard and put on a post, you must complete an 8-hour course that covers specific curriculum on ‘The power to arrest’ and ‘Weapons of mass destruction/terrorism awareness’. These courses are conveniently offered throughout the state by certified instructors and licensed training facilities. The cost for the course varies but is usually between $50 and $100.
In addition, you must pay for the Live Scan fingerprint and background check required by the Department of Justice and the FBI, respectively, and most training facilities offer convenient on-site services for this. Finally, you must fill out the guard card application from the Bureau of Security and Investigative Services (BSIS), available online at bsis.ca.gov.
16 Hours of Training Within the First 30 Days
Though you feel confident in your uniform and have already dealt successfully with one or two security situations, you’re not an official security guard yet. California requires that you continue your education by fulfilling 8 hours of instruction made up of mandatory subjects such as ‘Public Relations’ and ‘Communication’, and 8 hours of instruction consisting of elective courses covering topics like ‘Officer Safety’, ‘First Aid’, and ‘Work Place Violence’.
Adding up to 16 hours, this must be completed within the first 30 days on the job. The training facility where you enroll to take the classes submits your Certificate of Completion to the BSIS for processing. You’re almost there!
16 Hours of Training Within the First 6 Months on the Job
There’s more? There is. Becoming a security guard in the state of California is serious business and law enforcement wants you to be prepared. Hopefully, you’ll never have to subdue an individual interested in robbing a store or inflicting harm on employees in the workplace, but it’s best to feel confident and equipped through prior training as well as on-the-job experience.
The BSIS requires guard card applicants to complete a final 16 hours of instruction to be considered an official, licensed security guard – within 6 months of your first day on the job. Like the previous 16 hours, these are made up of mandatory and elective courses. Mandatory courses include ‘Observation & Documentation’ and ‘Liability/Legal Aspects’. Elective classes will teach you about ‘Arrests, Search & Seizure’, ‘Criminal Laws’, ‘Evacuation Procedures’, and/or ‘Handling Difficult People’.
Chances are this last class will be the most valuable. Again, a Certificate of Completion will be submitted to the BSIS. Once the paperwork has been processed, reviewed, and approved, you will be listed in the BSIS database as a licensed security guard. Now you’ve got your guard card, good for two years.
Step by Step Process on How to Obtain Your Guard Card
Now you have a good overview of the training that is required it is time to go into more detail about the process. We will walk you through the whole process in a step by step tutorial on obtaining your security officer guard card.
Step 1: Complete the California State Training
You have the option of undertaking the initial 8 hour training course in person or you can complete this portion of the course online. Obviously it is more convienent to go the online route as this can be completed anywhere and importantly at your own pace. You can have multiple attempts online to successfully complete the course and once this is complete you should receive a certificate as well as the forms that are needed for step 2 (live scan/fingerprint).
Step 2: Undertake a Live Scan Fringerprint Set
You should have obtained 3 copies of the live scan/fringerprint forms in step 1. You will need to take these forms to your local live scan provider. You can access an updated list of all California live scan providers and their locations here. Once complete one of the forms is for you, one is for the livescan provider and the other is sent to the government requesting agency.
The fees for this process include the Dept of Justice fee, the FBI fee and the fee that is paid to the live scan provide. The total cost of these fees is around $60 but it maybe possible to save some money by going to your local PD.
Step 3: Apply to the State
After you submit your finngerprints to the requesting agency you are then in a position to apply for your guard card. You can complete this application either online here or via US Mail. Obviously the online option is quicker and means that you could get approved in as little as 2-3 days whereas by US Mail this will more likely be 2 to 3 weeks.
Again there are fees associated with this process which will total around $50. This will pay for a security guard card that is valid for 2 years.
Step 4: Wait for Your Approval
Once you have submitted all of the forms and paid the appropriate fees it is just a matter of waiting for the approval to come through. This approval with your actual guard card will be sent to you via mail but it will also appear on the State’s BSIS website. Once you have this you will be able to start work as a licensed security guard.
We have found a great video from the National Security Enforcement Training Center that walks you through these steps.
What’s next?
The state of California requires that you continue with eight hours of training, each year, in order to keep your guard card current. During this time, you might be interested in obtaining a license to carry a gun, or learn how to use a baton. Fire safety courses are offered, as is instruction on parking and traffic control. The further you go in your education as a guard card-carrying security officer in the state of California, the more valuable you are to the employer and the greater the advancement opportunities.
Do you live in California? Thinking of moving to the Golden State and want to work as a security guard? The job prospects in this field continue to grow, so obtaining your guard card is a smart move and one you won’t regret. You can start today.
Frequently Asked Questions
- What is a “contract” Security Guard? Any person employed by a licensed private patrol operator who provides services as a security guard and is registered by the Bureau of Security and Investigative Services as a security guard.
- What are the requirements for registering as a Security Guard? The general requirements for a Security Guard are:
- Be at least 18 years old
- Undergo a criminal history background check through the California Department of Justice (DOJ) and the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI); and
- Complete a 40-hour course of required training. The training and exam may be administered by any private patrol operator or by a certified training facility.
- 8 hours training prior to being assigned on post
- 16 hours training within the first 30 days
- 16 hours training within the first six months
- What is the length of term for a Security Guard registration? A security guard registration is valid for two years.
- Can I verify receipt of my Security Guard application? Yes. Please contact the Bureau at (916) 322-4000.
- When does my Security Guard registration expire? A security guard registration expires the day after the expiration date on the card. You have 60 days grace period in which you can pay a delinquent fee (see fee schedule). After 60 days if you have not renewed, you must reapply as a new applicant.
- If I lost my security guard registration, or it was destroyed or damaged, how do I obtain a duplicate? You may request a duplicate registration by submitting a written request, explaining the circumstances, along with a $10 fee to the Bureau. Please allow six to eight weeks for replacement.
- Can a family member, such as father to son, give the power to arrest test to that individual who is applying for a Security Guard registration? Yes, if they are licensed or delegated by a licensed authority to do so.
- How do I notify the Bureau of my change of address? You must notify the Bureau in writing within 30 days of an address change. Be sure to include your Security Guard registration number, name, previous address, new address, date of birth, and Social Security number. Please print or type information.
- Can a Security Guard work for more than one employer? Yes, as long as he/she is an employee, on payroll with the proper payroll deductions being made.
- How does a Security Guard renew his/her registration? Submit a renewal application/letter of request and fees for renewal. Mail the request to:Bureau of Security and Investigative Services
P.O. Box 989002
West Sacramento, CA 95798-9002Application and renewal fees should be submitted to the Bureau at least 60-90 days prior to the expiration date. You need to submit your request for renewal as soon as possible to allow the Bureau time to process your renewal and get your renewed registration returned to you. You may continue to work for a period of 90 days. - I have completed 832 PC training. Can I obtain a Security Guard registration? No. In order to get the Bureau’s registration/permit; you must complete the Bureau’s training.
- Can an emancipated minor apply for a Security Guard registration? No. The law allows no exceptions to the age requirement.
- I am changing employers; should I send in a new Security Guard registration application? No. A guard registration authorizes you to work as a Security Guard for any Private Patrol Operator or in-house employer.
- I was denied a Security Guard registration. When can I reapply? You may submit a new application one year from the date of denial.
- I received a 1203.4 dismissal on my conviction. Do I still need to report the conviction on my application? Yes. You still must report the conviction.
Useful Resources
- You can gain access to the online guard card application website here.
- Access the State of California Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) website here.
- Access the Live Scan application forms here and access a list of live scan providers here.
