This course meets the State of California Bureau of Security and Investigative Services (BSIS) 40 hour required training for California Security Guards. The online courses include mandatory courses and electives to fulfill the 40-hour requirements.
California BSIS Approved 40-Hour Guard Card Training Course
The Bundle includes all courses required by the BSIS. It includes the 8-hours of Guard Card courses you need before you can submit your application to BSIS and the 32 hours of continuing education you must complete to fulfill the requirements after you get a job. Bonus: includes FREE 8-Hour Guard Card Course and Chemical Agent Course ($100 value) Note: Course fees do not include BSIS application or LiveScan fees.
How it Works
5 Easy Steps to Getting Your Guard Card and Continuing Education Courses all in one bundle. Our courses will walk you through each step in detail. FREE 8-Hour Guard Card Course and Chemical Agent Course included ($100 value)
Step 1: Sign up for the 40 Hour Security Guard Training Course.
Step 2: Submit your BSIS Guard Card application after completing the 8 Hour Guard Card course. We will walk you through the application in our course.
Step 3: Get Live Scan Fingerprinting after completing the 8 Hour Guard Card course. Our course will explain how to do this.
Step 4: BSIS usually processes new applications within 60 days.
Step 5: Complete the 32 hours of required continuing education within 6 months after your Guard Card is issued (included in the 40 hour bundle).
Bonus Courses: Our Full 40-Hour Bundle includes the 8-Hour Guard Card Class and Chemical Agent Training certificate for FREE ($100 Value)
Bundle Reviews
5 star rating
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Jesus Martinez
This course walked me through how to get my guard card and helped me start work fast. Thank you!
This course walked me through how to get my guard card and helped me start work fast. Thank you!
This exceeded my expectations. It was packed with useful content that I now use in the field. Really liked the interactive and easy to follow lessons. If you...
This exceeded my expectations. It was packed with useful content that I now use in the field. Really liked the interactive and easy to follow lessons. If you want to work in the industry - take this course.
The initial 8 Hour Guard Card course is $50 at OSOS Security Services. After you take the 8 Hour Guard Card course, the government fees listed below are subject to change at any time. We try to keep the list current, but the government can change them at any time without our knowledge.
$55 BSIS Application Fee (paid directly to BSIS)
$112 (price varies DOJ and FBI Electronic Finger Printing (paid to LIveScan operator).
Most UPS stores do Live Scans but call before you go to make sure their time of operation and fees.
What is LiveScan?
Live Scan is a system for the electronic submission of fingerprints and the subsequent automated background checks and responses. Live Scan is required for Guard Card and Firearms Permit Applications.
Applicants should use the appropriate Live Scan Form available on the Bureau's website. It contains the correct coding needed to ensure the Bureau receives the required information promptly. Failure to Live Scan with the proper form will delay the processing of your application.
Can I get a guard card even if I have a criminal record?
It's best to contact BSIS directly to answer this question before taking the Guard Card class. The nature of the crime, whether it was related to the duties of a Security Guard, the length of time elapsed since conviction, any evidence of rehabilitation, or mitigating circumstances are all considered when deciding whether or not to deny licensure.
Bureau of Security and Investigative Services
2420 Del Paso Road, Suite 270
Sacramento, CA 95834
(916) 322-4000
1-(800) 952-5210
FAX (916) 575-7290
bsis@dca.ca.gov
How long is the California guard card training?
The initial training to get the California guard card is eight hours. Within 30 days of licensing as a security guard, you need an additional 16 hours of continuing education. Within six months of licensing, you need extra 16 hours of continuing education for a total of 40 hours of training within the first year from the date the guard card was issued.
How old do you have to be to get a guard card or Firearms Permit in California?
The minimum age requirement for a Guard Card is 18 years of age.
The minimum age requirement for a Firearms Permit is 21 years of age.
How long will my guard card be valid? How long will my firearms permit be valid?
A security guard registration is valid for two years.
Firearm permits expire two years from the date of issuance. An applicant must requalify four times during the permit's life: twice during the first year after the date of issuance and twice during the second year.
Requalifications must be at least four months apart.
Contact us for requalification at 415-519-3549
Can Security guards carry guns off duty in California?
Security guards in California are allowed to carry a firearm while on duty in uniform with a valid firearms permit. Possession of a guard registration and exposed firearms does not permit a security guard to carry a firearm while off duty unless the guard travels to or from their residence, worksite, or firearm range. In addition, you can only carry a firearm of a caliber with which you have qualified for on the range and which is printed on your firearms permit.
A security guard who carries a concealed weapon while on duty in civilian clothes possesses and carries both the guard registration card and exposed firearms permit issued y the Bureau. You must satisfy one of the following three requirements:
(1) possess a concealed weapons permit (CCW) issued by a local Sheriffs Department
; or
(2) be an active duty peace officer employed as a security
guard/bodyguard by a private patrol operator, or by the person or the entity being
protected; or
(3) be an honorably retired peace officer, with an endorsement to carry a
the concealed weapon, and employed as a security guard/bodyguard by a private patrol
operator, or by the person or entity being protected.
How do I get my firearms permit?
Security guards must obtain the BSIS license (Bureau of Security and Investigative Services) for a firearms permit. This means they must complete an assessment for BSIS Firearms Permit to show that they can carry and use a weapon while they’re performing their duties. The license is issued for two years and the Bureau requires an armed security guard to re-qualify four times during these two years. The reason for the re-qualification is to show continued competency in carrying and using weapons on the job.
Contact us for more information for your re-qualifications
Please send us an email at Jeff@OSOSsecurityservices.com or call Jeff at (415) 519-3549 and we will reply.
Can I carry a firearm when I receive my guard card in California?
For a security guard to carry a firearm on the job, they must first take a firearms course and go through background checks before carrying a gun on duty. To have weapons on the job, security guards must obtain the BSIS license (Bureau of Security and Investigative Services). This means that they must complete an assessment for BSIS Firearms Permit to show that they can carry and use a weapon while they’re performing their duties. This includes demonstrating sound judgment and self-control according to their requirements. A security guard is to use a gun only if necessary and if their life is threatened.
A security guard who carries a concealed weapon while on duty in civilian clothes possesses and carries both the guard registration card and exposed firearms permit issued y the Bureau. You must satisfy one of the following three requirements:
(1) possess a concealed weapons permit (CCW) issued by a local law enforcement
agency; or
(2) be an active duty peace officer employed as a security
guard/bodyguard by a private patrol operator, or by the person or the entity being
protected; or
(3) be an honorably retired peace officer, with an endorsement to carry a
the concealed weapon, and employed as a security guard/bodyguard by a private patrol
operator, or by the person or entity being protected.