California’s security guard training requirements and fees are changing, with new regulations coming into effect at the end of 2025 and early 2026.
The new rules set out by the California Bureau of Security and Investigative Services (BSIS) affect:
- security guard applicants and licensees,
- employers, requiring an adjustment to training schedules,
- fee payments,
- certification processes,
- recordkeeping practices.
BSIS Changes for 2026: TL;DR:
- SB 652 introduces key changes to California’s security guard training requirements, effective January 1, 2026.
- Applicants must complete the “Power to Arrest and Appropriate Use of Force” training within six months before applying for a license.
- All training must be delivered and certified by a single provider.
- Licensees can train only their own employees or applicants; both registrants and firms must maintain proper records.
- BSIS has approved fee increases for security guard registrations, renewals, private patrol operators, and certain certifications, with most fee updates taking effect October 1, 2025.
Senate Bill (SB) 652
Senate Bill 652 is new legislation that was signed into law by Governor Newsom on July 30th 2025. It updates Sections 7583.6 and 7583.10 of the Business and Professions Code, introducing specific requirements for security guard training in California.
The primary goal of this bill is to make sure that the “Power to Arrest and Appropriate Use of Force” training is delivered consistently and completed within a defined timeframe. Both applicants and employers must stay compliant with state regulations.
Key Changes For Security Firms In California
Currently, California law requires anyone working as a security guard to be properly licensed and complete “Power to Arrest and Appropriate Use of Force” training. Employers cannot let someone work as a security guard without a valid registration. Licensees can provide, test, and certify this training.
SB 652 adds new rules. Starting January 1, 2026, the training must be delivered and certified by a single course provider. Applicants are to complete it within six months before submitting their license application.
Licensees can still provide the training, but only to their own employees or applicants. Applications must now also confirm that the training was completed within this six-month window.
With the amendments of SB 652, the following overview outlines what security firms can expect regarding training and skills requirements for their guards:
Section 1 – Training and Skills Requirements
- New registrants must complete 32 hours of security officer skills training within six months of initial registration. They must complete half of this training (16 hours) within the first 30 days.
- Registrants must keep certificates of completion for all training courses until their registration expires.
- Licensees must maintain records of employee training at their principal business locations and make them available for inspection by the Bureau.
- The Bureau will develop a standard course and curriculum for the skills training to ensure consistency and safety, in consultation with the Commission on Peace Officer Standards and Training.
Section 2 – Application Verification
- Applications must include the applicant’s personal information, details of the course provider and instructor, and the certificate serial number.
- Applications must now include a statement confirming that the Power to Arrest and Appropriate Use of Force training was completed within six months prior to submission.
- Applicants must also disclose any misdemeanor or felony convictions.
Why SB 652 Was Introduced
SB 652 addresses confusion and inefficiencies in the delivery of security guard training in California. Under previous rules, applicants for security guard registration had to complete an eight-hour course, “Power to Arrest and Appropriate Use of Force,” which included an in-person component and a written exam.
However, many online training providers offered only part of the training, leaving applicants to seek a second provider to complete the required in-person portion and exam. This created extra cost, inconvenience, and delays.
Under the new bill, a single course provider must conduct the entire initial training and deliver both in-person instruction and the written examination. This helps ensure the material remains fresh in the registrant’s mind and reduces knowledge or compliance gaps.
Implications for Security Guards and Employers
The updates introduced by SB 652 have practical implications for both security guards and the firms that employ them:
- Careful Planning for Applicants: Security guard candidates must schedule their Power to Arrest and Appropriate Use of Force training to ensure it is completed within six months before submitting their application.
- Employer Responsibilities: Licensees can provide training in-house, but only to their own direct employees or applicants. Firms must also ensure that all training records and certificates are accurately maintained and readily available for inspection by the Bureau.
- Compliance and Recordkeeping: Registrants should keep their training certificates for the duration of their registration, and licensees must keep employee training records at the business location.
- Consistency and Quality: With the Bureau developing a standardized skills training curriculum, security firms must be prepared for more uniform training across the state.
Updated BSIS Fees for Security Services
The Bureau of Security and Investigative Services (BSIS) has updated its regulations and fees under Title 16 of the California Code of Regulations.
The following changes were approved by the Office of Administrative Law (OAL) under Government Code Section 11349.3 and will take effect on October 1, 2025.
- Private Patrol Operators:
Original license application and examination: $500 → $605
Branch office certificate: $250 → $275
Original license: $700 → $847
License renewal: $700 – $990, depending on license type
- Firearms and Baton Certifications:
Initial firearms certification: $80 (no change); requalification: $60 (no change)
Initial baton certification: $50 → $66; renewal: $44 (no change)
Training facility certification: $500 → $880 depending on type
Instructor certification: $250 → $385 depending on type
- Qualified Manager Certificates:
Initial application and examination: $385 (no change)
Renewal: $248 (no change)
- Security Guard Registration:
Original registration: $50 → $60
Renewal: $35 → $44
Delinquency fee: 50% of the renewal fee, minimum $25
- Proprietary Security Employer Registration:
Original application: $385
Renewal: $385
Delinquency fee: 50% of the renewal fee
- Reinstatement Fee:
Following a suspension: 25% of the renewal fee
Staying Compliant with California’s Updated BSIS Regulations
Moving forward, applicants, licensees, and security firms will need to plan training timelines carefully and work with approved single training providers to stay compliant with these new regulations.
Firms should also account for increased registration, renewal, and certification fees as part of their compliance planning. Together, these changes aim to create more consistent training standards and support safer, more professional security operations across California.
After the initial guard card registration, keep your security team working at the highest level by choosing the Guard Training’s flexible online training courses available 100% online.
Help your guards update their skills with courses on public relations, communication, access control, safety, and more.
