Getting a Guard Card in California

Only Need Short Term Training at a Security Guard Training School

Sep 8, 2009 John Wu

Security guard training and a passed criminal background check are all that's needed to get a California guard card and begin a career as a private security officer.

According to the California Employment Development Department (EDD), the private patrol industry is expected to grow with over 160,000 employed in the state by 2016. Because the field only requires short term training, one can get employment relatively quickly versus other careers that may require lengthy training such as a college degree.

To become a security guard in California, it is necessary to get a guard card issued by the State of California. The process of getting licensed in California begins by registering with a private patrol training program or by getting hired by a private patrol operator. After a short period of training, most private patrol employers expect candidates to perform all of the typical duties of a security guard.

California Guard Card Requirements

The state of California sets the requirements for applicants to become a security guard. The requirements are:

• Be age 18 or older.
• Pass a criminal background check.
• Take 40 hours of state required training from a guard training program or private patrol operator.

Applying for a California Guard Card

The application to get a card is online at the State of California's Bureau of Security and Investigative Services (BSIS) application website. After the application has been filed with the State of California, the applicant must submit fingerprints to LiveScan using the BSIS approved application. As of September 2009, the total fees required for BSIS and LiveScan total $102.

Security Guard Training

There are two ways to get the training needed to become a private patrol officer. Getting employment with a private patrol operator is one option which provides free training as well as paid employment. The other option is to register with a security guard training school program approved by the BSIS.

In either case, the the training needs to total 40 hours consisting of:

• 8 hours of training prior to assignment on post
• 16 hours of training within the first 30 days of employment.
• 16 hours of training within the first six months of employment

The first 8 hour training course and exam is about "Power to Arrest." Students will need to take this class and pass the examination that's given during the class. The next 32 hours of instruction takes place during the first few months of employment.

Firearm, Baton, and Tear Gas Permits

A good way to enhance career prospects is to get additional training in firearms, batons, or tear gas. Permits are issued by the BSIS in those areas to supplement the basic guard card.

For example, a firearms permit requires a 14 hour BSIS approved class which includes classroom instruction as well as time on the range. A written exam as well as a range exam must be passed as part of the course. It is possible to apply for both a California guard card and firearms permit at the same time. An example of a job requiring the firearms permit would be armored car guards or executive guards. The extra permits do not take much time, and could lead to a even more rewarding career.

With just a few short training classes, it is possible to quickly get a California guard card and begin a rewarding career in the security guard field.

References:

State of California Bureau of Security and Investigative Affairs. "Security Guard Fact Sheet."

California Employment Development Department. "Occupational Profile: Security Guards."

The copyright of the article Getting a Guard Card in California in Career Advice is owned by John Wu. Permission to republish Getting a Guard Card in California in print or online must be granted by the author in writing.

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