Can You Do Guard Card Training Online in California?

Can You Do Guard Card Training Online in California? (Here’s the Truth You NEED to Know)

Short answer: Yes, you absolutely can!

If you’re searching for the most trusted California security guard training that’s BSIS-approved, flexible, affordable, and designed for busy professionals, you’re in the right place. Whether you want to get your California Guard Card, or run a security company that hires fully licensed guards, this guide from the National Institute of Public Safety will explain everything you need to know about completing your training online and in-person — and why compliance with the California Bureau of Security and Investigative Services (BSIS) is non-negotiable.

What Is BSIS and Why Is It Critical for Security Guards in California?

The California Bureau of Security and Investigative Services (BSIS) is the official state agency responsible for licensing security officers and enforcing training standards across California.

You cannot legally work as a security guard or operate a security business without BSIS certification.

If you hire unlicensed security guards or skip the mandatory training, you risk:

Hefty fines and penalties
Legal liabilities and lawsuits
Damage to your reputation and loss of contracts

What Is California Guard Card Training?

California Guard Card training provides the mandatory certification that the Bureau of Security and Investigative Services (BSIS) requires for anyone who wants to work as a security guard in California. This training teaches guards legal responsibilities, safety protocols, and proper conduct while on duty.

What Are The BSIS Security Guard Card Training Requirements in California

If you want to work as a security guard in California, you must meet the BSIS Security Guard Card training requirements. These requirements ensure that all guards understand the laws, safety procedures, and responsibilities needed to protect people and property. Completing the proper training not only makes you eligible for your guard card but also prepares you to perform your duties confidently and professionally.

To obtain and maintain a valid California Guard Card, all security officers must complete:

8-Hour Initial Security Officer Certification Course (Click Here to Learn More) https://nationalips.com/courses/initial-security-officer-course-california/
32 Hours of Continuing Education Training within the first 6 months of employment (Click Here to Learn More) https://nationalips.com/course-bundle/california-32-hour-security-officer-continuation-package/
8-Hour Annual Renewal/Refresher Course to keep your certification active (Click Here to Learn More) https://nationalips.com/courses/renewal-refresher-security-officer-course-california/

The good news? The BSIS allows part of this training to be completed online, but some key portions must be completed in person, ensuring guards are fully prepared with hands-on skills and knowledge.

Enroll in Your BSIS Guard Card Training Courses Here Now To Get You Guard Card Online & Fast!

Explore our full California BSIS Security Officer Course Catalog and get started on your security career today:

View & Enroll in All BSIS Courses Here

How the National Institute of Public Safety Makes BSIS Training Easy & Accessible

As a CA BSIS Licensed Training Provider (ID# ATG-2976), the National Institute of Public Safety offers the most flexible and comprehensive California security guard training programs:

Initial 8-Hour Security Officer (New Guard Card) Certification Course:

Link to Initial Course (For New Guards) (Sign Up Here) : Enroll in the Hybrid (Half Online/Half In-Person) Initial Security officer Course

4 Hours Online: Powers to Arrest, legal responsibilities, and key security knowledge — accessible 24/7 on any device
4 Hours In-Person: Appropriate Use of Force training — held live in Santa Clarita, California, serving all of Los Angeles County and surrounding valleys

32-Hour Guard Card Online Continuing Education Training

Link to 32- Hour Bundle (Within first 6 Months) (Sign Up Here) : Enroll in the Fully Online 32-Hour Security officer Course Bundle

100% Online: Complete the required continuing education courses anytime, anywhere
Available as eight separate 4-hour BSIS-approved courses or as a discounted bundle package
Must be completed within the first 6 months of employment to stay compliant
NOTE: A security guard registrant who is unable to provide their employing PPO the certificates of satisfactory completion of the security officer skills training shall complete 16 hours of the training within 30 days of the registrant’s employment date and shall complete the 16 remaining hours within six months of the registrant’s employment date.

8-Hour Annual Renewal/Refresher Guard Card Online Course

Link to Refresher/Renewal Course (Annually) (Sign Up Here) :Enroll in the Fully Online 8-Hour Refresher/Renewal Security Officer Course

Fully Online: Designed for convenience and compliance
Required annually to renew your Guard Card and keep your security skills up to date

FAQ: Online California Guard Card Training

Can you take guard card training online?

Yes, BSIS-approved providers offer the initial 8-hour new guard card course in online and hybrid formats. You can complete the 32-hour continued training and the annual renewal/refresher training fully online. However, some courses, such as firearms and baton training, require in-person attendance.

How much does it cost?

Providers typically charge $150 to $300 for the 8-hour initial training plus 32 hours of continued training. You may also pay additional fees for Live Scan fingerprinting and application processing.

Does the guard card school need to be BSIS approved?

Yes, you must attend a BSIS-approved school for all guard card training—online, hybrid, or in-person. A non-approved course does not qualify you to receive a California guard card.

Why Choose National Institute of Public Safety for Your Security Guard Training?

Licensed & Approved: BSIS Certified Training Provider ID# ATG-2976 guarantees your training meets state regulations
Convenient Hybrid Training Model: Combine flexible online learning with crucial in-person sessions
Experienced Instructors: Learn from professionals with real law enforcement and security expertise
Local In-Person Classes in Santa Clarita: Serving Los Angeles County and nearby valleys — no long drives needed
Ongoing Support: From enrollment through certification and job placement assistance, we are committed to your success

Security Companies — Don’t Risk Hiring Unlicensed Guards!

Security companies, listen up: Hiring unlicensed security guards is a costly mistake that can cripple your business with fines, lost contracts, and legal trouble.

At the National Institute of Public Safety, we make it easy for you to:

Get your entire team BSIS certified with bundled training packages
Save money and time by streamlining the certification process for all guards
Stay fully compliant with California’s strict security regulations

Enroll Today — Your Security Career or Business Depends on It!

Whether you’re a new security officer eager to get your California Guard Card or a security company owner wanting to protect your business, the National Institute of Public Safety is your trusted training partner.

Don’t wait! Enroll now or contact us today to get started on your BSIS-approved training and take your security career or company to the next level.

Contact Us For More Information!

National institute of Public Safety

Phone: (302)-556-7446

Email: Contact@NationalIPS.com

Website: https://nationalips.com/california-state/