Becoming a licensed security guard in California starts with state-approved training. The Bureau of Security and Investigative Services (BSIS) requires all applicants to complete mandatory courses before applying for a Guard Card. These classes give new guards the basics they need: understanding the laws that guide their authority and the responsibilities they’ll face on the job.
In this article, we’ll cover the required BSIS courses, why they matter, and how they fit into California’s wider security guard licensing system. These two classes are only the first step, connecting to ongoing guard training and education that shape a guard’s career and keep businesses compliant.
Mandatory Pre-Licensing Training
The path to becoming a licensed security guard in California begins with a core set of training hours that every applicant must complete. This isn’t filler or background knowledge; it’s the essential instruction that determines whether someone is ready to take on the responsibilities of the job. By law, the BSIS requires 8 hours of pre-licensing education that focuses on the two areas where guards face the highest risk of mistakes and liability: arrest procedures and use of force.
1.Power to Arrest (3 hours) teaches legal guidelines, guard authority, and responsibilities when detaining or arresting someone
This course provides the legal backbone of security work. It teaches new guards:
- When and how a citizen’s arrest can be made under California law.
- What constitutes reasonable vs. unlawful detainment.
- Why accurate report writing and incident documentation are non-negotiable.
2. Appropriate Use of Force (5 hours) explains when force is permitted, how to avoid excessive force, and de-escalation strategies.
Security work often involves defusing tense situations. This course equips guards to act responsibly by covering:
- The force continuum, from verbal commands to physical restraint.
- De-escalation strategies that prevent conflict from escalating.
- The legal and personal consequences of using excessive force.
Why These Courses Are Mandatory
The BSIS didn’t choose Power to Arrest and Appropriate Use of Force by accident. They target the highest-risk situations where mistakes by untrained guards can have grave consequences for everyone: the guard, the employer, and the public.
If a Guard Doesn’t Understand Arrest Powers
Without the Power to Arrest course, a guard may:
- Detain someone illegally, leading to civil lawsuits and possible criminal charges.
- Overstep their authority, blurring the line between private security and law enforcement.
- Fail to document incidents properly, leaving employers vulnerable in court or during audits.
If a Guard Doesn’t Understand Use of Force
Skipping or underestimating the Appropriate Use of Force course can result in:
- Using excessive force in situations that could have been resolved verbally.
- Escalating conflicts instead of calming them and putting bystanders and clients at risk.
- Facing loss of license, criminal liability, or termination for misconduct.
Excessive force claims are among the top reasons guards lose their Guard Cards, and the top reason employers face lawsuits.
Beyond the Mandatory 8 Hours: Continuing Education
Once you’ve secured your Guard Card, the training doesn’t end. The BSIS mandates ongoing education
to ensure guards stay current with evolving best practices, legal precedents, and security standards.
Here’s how the continuing education (CE) schedule works:
| Time Period | Hours Required | Purpose / Notes |
| First 30 days of employment | 16 hours | Must include “mandatory courses” content (e.g., legal liability, communication, observation) |
| First 6 months | another 16 hours | Completes the 32-hour skills training requirement in the first year |
| Every year thereafter | 8 hours | Annual refresher training (continuing education) |
Employers are legally required to track and document all CE completed by their guards. Proper record‐keeping protects both the guard and the company from audits or compliance checks.
To simplify compliance, many guards opt for course bundles such as:
These bundles align with BSIS’s required syllabus and help ensure all hours are valid under the regulations.
Certified Training & Certificates
You must complete your training through a state-approved provider (often referred to in other documents as a “Bureau-certified” or “approved” training facility or online platform). After finishing both mandatory courses and passing the exams (100% score required under BSIS regulation), you’ll receive a certificate of completion.
This certificate is essential: you must upload it to your BreEZe account when applying for your Guard Card. If you can’t produce valid certificates, your application may be delayed or denied.
Additionally:
- Guards should maintain personal copies of all certificates (both initial and continuing education).
- Employers must retain training records for at least the duration of the guard’s employment (often 2 years minimum) per BSIS rules.
How Security Guard Licensing Differs Across States
While this article zeroes in on California’s BSIS requirements, it’s informative to see how other states approach security guard licensing and training. Below is a comparison to highlight the diversity across jurisdictions:
Note:
Always confirm with the official state licensing authority since rules change over time. For a full state-by-state breakdown, see more state-specific security guard licensing
information.
This table highlights how California’s approach, with a focused 8-hour starting requirement and a robust continuing education schedule, is relatively structured compared to some states, yet also more demanding in its ongoing standards.
FAQ: Guard Training & Guard Card Requirements
Below are common questions people ask about guard training, licensing, and the Guard Card process:
How long is security guard training in California?
Initial mandatory training is 8 hours (Power to Arrest + Appropriate Use of Force). After licensure, guards must complete 32 more hours of training in the first year (16 hours in the first 30 days, 16 more within six months). Thereafter, 8 hours each year.
How much is a Guard Card in California?
Expect total costs in the range of $130–$200, combining:
- $55 application fee
- $75 Live Scan fingerprinting
- Training costs
Some employers cover all or part of the costs as part of hiring benefits.
Can a felon be a security guard?
Yes, in certain circumstances. The BSIS reviews criminal histories case by case. Some convictions (especially violent or high-level felonies) may be disqualifying.
How long does it take to get a Guard Card?
Once training, Live Scan fingerprints, and the application are submitted, approval usually takes 2-4 weeks, though delays happen.
What training is needed for security?
For California: the mandatory 8 hours (Power to Arrest + Use of Force). For other states, the required training may include public relations, observation, documentation, legal liability, and elective modules, depending on local law.
What is the basic security guard course?
In California, the basic course is the 8-hour pre-licensing training mandated by BSIS. It is the foundational building block before additional hours, continuing education, and renewal requirements.
Conclusion and Helpful Links
This article outlines the mandatory training courses that every California security guard must complete and explains why they’re critical, not just for compliance, but also for avoiding the costly risks associated with improper arrests or excessive force.
Beyond BSIS regulations, many security companies impose their own training requirements, which cover site-specific procedures, customer service expectations, and the use of specialized equipment. These additional programs ensure guards are fully prepared for the unique demands of their assignments.
Helpful links to continue your journey:
- GuardTraining.net Courses – review all course offerings.
- GuardTraining.net for Individuals– for students pursuing guard licensure.
- GuardTraining.net for Companies – for employers managing guard training and compliance.
