For a long time, getting a BSIS guard card in California felt almost entirely online. You could complete your entire guard card training online, then handle the remaining steps, like fingerprinting and application processing, which require you to be somewhere in person.
That’s not the case anymore. Not entirely.
If you’ve read our previous guide on getting a guard card step by step, most of the process still holds up. Following the main updates in November 2024, BSIS revised some of its requirements in 2026. Under the new regulations, you must complete at least 4 hours of in-person training. This guide breaks down what’s new, what stayed the same, and what you need to do now.
What Changed in BSIS Guard Card Training?
The update affects the initial 8-hour training requirement, which now combines:
- Power to Arrest (PTA)
- Appropriate Use of Force (AUOF)
Under the new rules:
- The course is still 8 hours total
- But at least 4 hours must be completed in person
This means the training is now hybrid rather than fully online. For more information, check out the official BSIS PTA & FQ Training Changes Notification.
For a broader breakdown of all recent BSIS regulatory updates, including training timelines and compliance requirements, read our full guide here.
What Has NOT Changed
Let’s clear up a common misunderstanding – you were never able to get a BSIS guard card entirely online. Even before this update, you still had to:
- Complete Live Scan fingerprinting (in person)
- Pass a background check
- Submit your application through BSIS
So What Was Different Before?
Before November 2024:
- You could complete 100% of your required training online
- Then handle the in-person administrative steps afterward
In other words:
- The training itself was fully remote
- The application and verification steps were handled separately
That’s the key difference.
What Part Must Be Done In Person?
The new requirement applies specifically to complete at least 4 hours of the 8-hour PTA + AUOF course
- The use of objectively reasonable force
- Use of force review and analysis
- De-escalation and interpersonal communication
- Active shooter situations
BSIS introduced this to ensure guards receive interactive, practical instruction rather than just passive online learning.
What Parts Can Still Be Done Online?
Most of the process is still flexible. You can complete online:
- Part of the initial 8-hour course (hybrid format)
- The full 32 hours of additional training
- 16 hours within the first 30 days
- 16 hours within the first 6 months
If you’re looking to complete the online portion of your training, you can find available courses here at GuardTraining.
Why BSIS Made This Change
This update reflects a broader shift in the industry:
- More emphasis on use-of-force accountability
- Higher expectations for real-world readiness
- Less reliance on fully self-paced online instruction
The goal is simple: Make sure new guards are prepared for real situations, not just certified on paper.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Taking outdated courses that claim 100% online certification
- Assuming the training rules haven’t changed
- Waiting too long to complete the in-person portion
- Delaying fingerprinting and slowing down your application
If you’re ready to start your BSIS guard card training, you can begin with the online portion today. Also, if you are in Los Angeles or the surrounding area, you can call us at 323-722-8585 to book your in-person training.