California has clear regulations governing the training, licensing, and employment of security guards.
All security guards and security guard companies must be aware of these rules to stay compliant when working in the state.
To help you navigate the process and avoid costly mistakes, we’ve put together this comprehensive FAQ covering the key requirements and common questions, so you’ll have clear answers on security guard compliance, eligibility, training, and costs.
Jump to your question:
Where Can I Take the Mandatory Guard Card Training?
Can the 32-hour Continuing Education Training Be Completed All at Once?
How Do I Know if My Training Provider Is Approved by BSIS?
Do I Need to Retake the Guard Card Training When Renewing My Registration?
If I Stop Working as a Security Guard for a While, Will I Need to Retake My Training When I Come Back?
What Happens if I Submit My Application Without the Correct Fees?
Are There Late Fees for Renewal?
Can I Work as an Armed Guard with My Guard Card?
What Are the Consequences of Working Without Completing the Required Training?
Can I Use Force as a Security Guard?
1. Where Can I Take the Mandatory Guard Card Training?
You can complete the mandatory Guard Card training through licensed Private Patrol Operators (PPOs), BSIS-certified training facilities, or approved in-house security employers.
These providers are authorized by the Bureau of Security and Investigative Services (BSIS) to offer the required training to Guard Card applicants.
2. How Do I Know if My Training Provider Is Approved by BSIS?
Only BSIS-certified training providers can issue a valid certificate for your Guard Card training.
To confirm that a provider is approved, visit the California Department of Consumer Affairs (DCA) License Search website. Enter the provider’s BSIS license number, which should be clearly listed on their website.
If the provider does not display a valid license number, they are not an authorized BSIS training provider, and any certificates they issue will not be accepted toward your Guard Card licensing requirements.
Always verify before enrolling to ensure your training meets state standards and will count toward your official certification.
3. Can the 32-hour Continuing Education Training Be Completed All at Once?
No, the 32-hour Continuing Education training can’t be completed all at once.
California regulations require it to be split into two parts: 16 hours within the first 30 days after receiving your guard card and another 16 hours within the first 6 months of employment.
Guard Training Tip: While it’s technically possible to finish the training in a short time frame, spreading it out is far more effective for long-term learning.
A more balanced schedule for each of the 16 hours helps you stay focused and actually retain the material. For example:
- 3.5 hours a day for five days (standard full-time schedule)
- 2 hours a day for eight days (good for part-time learners)
- 4 hours on Saturday and 4 hours on Sunday for two weekends (weekend-only option)
Breaking the course into shorter sessions like this gives you time to absorb each topic and put what you’ve learned into practice before moving on.
4. Do I Need to Retake the Guard Card Training When Renewing My Registration?
No. You only need to retake the Guard Card training if you are applying for the first time or if your registration has expired.
Your California Guard Card remains valid for two years from the date it was issued, and a renewal window opens 90 days before your card expires.
If you renew before the expiration date, you won’t need to repeat the Power to Arrest or the 32-hour continuing education training.
Guard Training Tip: You must still complete 8 hours of refresher training every year to stay compliant with BSIS regulations.
For more information, check out our full guide to renewing your Guard Card, which covers how to submit your renewal, fees, and what to expect once you submit your renewal.
5. If I Stop Working as a Security Guard for a While, Will I Need to Retake My Training When I Come Back?
If you’ve taken a break from working as a security guard, you can return to the job without retaking your full training as long as you’ve stayed up to date with your 8 hours of annual refresher training and renewed your Guard Card every two years.
As long as your registration remains active and approved by BSIS, you are still legally permitted to work as a security guard in California. You won’t need to retake the Power to Arrest or the 32-hour continuing education courses.
However, if your Guard Card has expired or you failed to complete your required annual training, you’ll need to reapply as a new applicant. This means retaking the Power to Arrest course, completing the 32-hour continuing education, and paying the full application fee before you can resume work as a licensed guard.
6. What Happens if I Submit My Application Without the Correct Fees?
If your Guard Card application is submitted without the correct payment, the Bureau of Security and Investigative Services (BSIS) will place your application on hold until the full amount is received.
You’ll receive an underpayment notice explaining the issue and the amount still owed. Your application will not be processed or approved until BSIS receives the correct payment in full.
Guard Training Tip: BSIS updated its application and renewal fees, which is effective from October 1st, 2025.
The new fees you will have to pay are:
- Initial Application: $60
- Renewal Application: $44
Double-check the fee list on the BSIS website before submitting your initial or renewal application to avoid any processing delays.
7. Are There Late Fees for Renewal?
Yes, late fees apply if you don’t renew your Guard Card on time.
You can still renew within 60 days after the expiration, but you’ll need to pay the regular $44 renewal fee plus a $25 late fee, for a total of $69.
8. Can I Work as an Armed Guard with My Guard Card?
No. The initial Guard Card application only allows you to work as an unarmed security guard. If you want to carry and use a firearm on the job, you must apply for a BSIS Firearms Permit.
Before submitting a Firearms Permit application, you are required to complete a personality assessment to demonstrate appropriate judgment, restraint, and self-control.
The assessment is called the Sixteen Personality Factor Questionnaire (16pf). It evaluates your suitability for armed security duties, using scoring standards specific to the legal requirements for firearm use in security work.
The test is administered by PSI Services LLC, and the assessment fee is $65, paid directly to PSI.
After completing the test, you will receive a BSIS Firearms Assessment Score Report.
PSI only sends BSIS one of two outcomes: “Demonstrate” or “Did Not Demonstrate.”
- Demonstrate: You may submit your Firearms Permit application online through the BreEZe portal or by downloading and submitting the Application for New Firearms Permit.
- Did Not Demonstrate: You cannot apply until you retake and pass the assessment, with retakes allowed 180 days after the previous attempt.
9. What Are the Consequences of Working Without Completing the Required Training?
Working as a security guard in California without completing the required training can lead to serious legal and professional consequences.
You could face criminal charges, monetary fines, and even disqualification from obtaining a Guard Card in the future, which would prevent you from legally working as a security guard.
Beyond legal penalties, skipping the required training puts you at a disadvantage on the job. The courses cover critical topics like arrest procedures, report writing, and emergency response, and without this knowledge, you could be unprepared to handle the demands of the role.
Completing all required training ensures that you remain compliant with BSIS regulations and are fully prepared for your security guard responsibilities.
10. Can I Use Force as a Security Guard?
There is no clear-cut answer, and knowing your limits for force in any situation is a key part of being a proficient and legally compliant security guard.
Even after receiving your Guard Card, you’re not a police officer, so your powers are limited. In California, you have the same citizen’s arrest authority as any private person under Penal Code §837.
For instance, you may detain someone you directly witness committing a crime or when you have reasonable cause to believe a felony occurred, and you can use reasonable force to defend yourself, others, or detain a suspect until law enforcement arrives.
However, there are many details and exceptions that affect what is considered acceptable and legal.
If you overstep your authority and use more force than a reasonable person would in the same situation, you can face fines, suspension, or imprisonment for more serious cases.
Force must always be reasonable and proportionate to the threat.
Guard Training Tip: You can learn more about your limits in our courses covering:
These courses teach you how to act safely and stay within the law to protect yourself and your employer.
Stay Compliant as a Security Guard in California
The rules from BSIS are clear and must be followed to remain legally authorized to work. Skipping mandatory training, letting your Guard Card expire, or working without proper licensure can lead to you losing your license or even facing legal action.
With Guard Training, you can easily comply with BSIS regulations by completing all the courses you need to keep your card active and your registration in good standing.
Want to take your skills further? Our online courses cover everything from documentation and report writing to crowd and access control. Check out the full list now.
