What is a California Guard Card?

A California Guard Card is the license required to work as a security guard in the state. It ensures the individual has completed the necessary training and background checks mandated by the Bureau of Security and Investigative Services (BSIS).

What are the requirements to become a security guard in California?

To become a security guard, you must be at least 18 years old, complete 40 hours of training, pass a background check with the DOJ and FBI, and pay the required fees for training, fingerprinting, and the BSIS application.

How do I complete the 40-hour training requirement?

The 40-hour training consists of: 8 hours of initial training (including Power to Arrest and WMD awareness), 16 hours of additional training within the first 30 days, and another 16 hours of elective training to be completed within six months.

What topics are covered in the initial 8-hour training?

The initial 8-hour training includes: Power to Arrest (legal aspects and arrest techniques) and Weapons of Mass Destruction (WMD) and Terrorism Awareness to identify and report potential terrorist activities.

Can I work as a security guard before completing all 40 hours of training?

Yes, you can begin working as a security guard after BSIS approves your background check. However, you must carry proof of BSIS approval and a valid photo ID while on duty and complete 16 hours of training within 30 days.

What happens if I have a criminal record?

Felony convictions will disqualify you from obtaining a Guard Card. However, misdemeanors or petty crimes generally do not prevent you from becoming a security guard, provided you pass the DOJ and FBI background check.

What is the difference between armed and unarmed security guards?

Both armed and unarmed security guards in California follow the same foundational principles: PROTECT, PREVENT, and OBSERVE AND REPORT. The main difference lies in the additional permits and training required for guards to carry firearms or batons.

What is the process for submitting the Guard Card application?

Submit your application electronically to BSIS, along with your Live Scan fingerprinting for background checks by the DOJ and FBI. Once cleared, BSIS will add you to their system as an approved candidate, allowing you to begin work.

Is ongoing education required for security guards?

Yes, licensed security guards must complete additional training to maintain their licenses and stay updated on industry standards and regulations. Guards seeking firearm or baton permits will need extra training and certification.

How to Become a Security Guard in California

What are the Requirements to be a Security Guard in California?

If you’ve ever wondered how to become a security guard in California, understanding the steps and requirements is the first move toward starting this rewarding career. The process of obtaining a California Guard Card—an essential license for security professionals—is designed to ensure candidates are well-prepared to meet the state’s high standards for safety and professionalism.

From completing state-mandated in-person training to passing background checks, becoming a security guard in California involves a clear and structured path.

Whether you’re new to the industry or exploring this career, this guide will walk you through everything you need to know about how to be a security guard in California, including the training requirements, licensing process, and key steps to earning your Guard Card.

To become a registered security guard in the State of California, you must first meet these three basic requirements:

Be at least 18 years old
Pass a background check with the DOJ and FBI
Complete a mandatory training through a certified program (like ASAP)

The training allows you to get a license that is called the California Guard card. To obtain this license, a candidate for security guard must:

Age

You must be at least 18 years old.

Complete

Complete 40 hours of training over six months.

Pay

Pay fees for training classes, fingerprinting, and the BSIS application.

First a candidate must complete 8 hours of guard card training with a certified facility or online training center.

This mandatory training is composed of a 4 hour class in 2 main sections or modules. There is the Power to Arrest section, studying the legal aspects, liability, techniques, and company requirements leading to the arrest of a person. This study is based on the training manual “Department of Consumer Affairs’ Power to Arrest”- with lectures, exercises, discussions and role-playing. The next 4 hours of training is dedicated to Weapons of Mass Destruction (WMD) and Terrorism Awareness. For example, guards learn to hone observation skills to identify and report precursor activities that may lead to terrorism activities.

Third

once BSIS has received the online application and the criminal history clearances, the applicant is entered into the Bureau’s website as a verified candidate. After completing the first 8 hours of training, passing the initial exam, and being background checked and verified by BSIS, a candidate can be hired as a security guard. However, at this point, the candidate is still not a registered security guard and is still in guard card training. Within 1-2 weeks, the actual security guard registration form will be mailed to the candidate so the registration process can begin. In the meantime, for verification while working, the candidate must always keep the screen print of the Bureau’s approval from their website, plus a valid photo ID available. The candidate in guard card training has 30 days to complete an additional 16 hours of training classes.

Secondly

the applicant, private patrol operator or training facility must submit the candidate’s security guard application electronically to BSIS. Fingerprints must also be submitted electronically through Live Scan, to begin the necessary criminal background check with the FBI and DOJ- those results will be returned back to BSIS.

The additional 16 hour

required training for the guard card trainee consists of four more 4-hour classes. There is a Public Relations class which familiarizes the trainee about the basic skills and knowledge to perform security guard work. Observation and Documentation instructs the candidate in report writing, patrol techniques, and the proper way to ask questions. A class about Communications and its Significance shows the correct way to contact people, and covers procedures for radios and monitors. Finally the Liability and Legal Aspects course teaches BSIS code, and criminal, administrative and civil policies.

There is a final 16 hours

of training for a security guard to complete within 6 months. Even after a candidate finishes the initial month training hours and finally receives their guard card, they must complete a final 16 hours of training courses within a six month period of time. These consist of elective courses such as Post Orders and Assignments, Officer Safety Handling Difficult People, Preserving the Incident Scene

In summary

All security guards in California who finally obtain their guard card licenses have completed these stringent identity and criminal record checks, along with a total of 40 hours of state-mandated training classes. There is still extra training needed for security guards to obtain the permits for them to use firearms or batons. In addition, there are continuing educational requirements for licensed guards throughout their careers as well. The state-mandated requirements for a security guard candidate are clear and strict not everyone is qualified to become a security guard. Those who complete these mandates of the State of California become very well-qualified agents.

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Author

Raafat Kalliny

Raafat Kalliny is the CEO and VP of Sales & Marketing at ASAP Security Guards, bringing over 8 years of leadership experience in the private security industry. Since founding the company in 2018, Raafat has established ASAP Security as a trusted GSA federal contractor serving Southern California. Under his leadership, the company has earned recognition for its military-grade professionalism and technology-enabled service delivery. Raafat's expertise spans federal contracting, security operations management, and business development in the professional services sector. He is based in San Diego and actively involved in the local security industry community.