Thinking about starting a career in private security in California? You’re making a smart move. Security jobs continue to grow in 2026, and the first step to working legally is getting your California BSIS Guard Card.
Your Guard Card is your official security license issued by the California Bureau of Security and Investigative Services (BSIS). Without it, you cannot legally work as a security guard in California. With it, you can work in roles such as:
Security Officer
Private Security Officer
Proprietary Private Security Officer
Patrol Officer
Loss Prevention Officer
Event & Venue Security
Corporate & Industrial Security
With new Guard Card reforms under Senate Bill 652 (SB 652) now in effect, it’s more important than ever to train with a legitimate BSIS-approved provider and understand the correct process.
This 2026 guide breaks down exactly how to get your California Guard Card fast, legally, and correctly.
No worries! You can Call One of Our Advisors at 📞 (302) 556-7446 for Guard Card Training Enrollment Assistance or Questions
Phone: 📞 (302) 556-7446
Email: Contact@Nationalips.com
Visit: Our BSIS Approved California Security Officer Training Page Here
A California Guard Card is a license issued by the Bureau of Security and Investigative Services (BSIS). It proves you’ve completed the required training and background checks to legally work as a security officer in California.
Think of it as your Golden Ticket to the security industry. No card, no entry.
Before you can apply, you need BSIS-approved security guard training. The initial course is 8 hours and covers:
Powers to Arrest
Appropriate Use of Force
The good news: You can start your California Guard Card training online. Seriously, you could start in your pajamas right now.
Pro Tip: If your training isn’t BSIS-approved, it’s worthless and won’t get your certified. Only train with approved security officer training providers such as the National Institute of Public Safety BSIS Approved Training Provider #: ATG-2976.
👉 Need to take the 8-Hour Security Officer: Powers to Arrest and Appropriate Use of Force Course? Enroll In the Course Here Now To Secure Your Spot: (For New Guards) Initial Security Officer Certification Course (California)
Covers Powers to Arrest and Appropriate Use of Force
Complete these steps before you apply for your Guard Card.”
Available online or in-person in Los Angeles County
Link to Initial Course (For New Guards) (Sign Up Here) 
: Enroll in the Hybrid (Half Online/Half In-Person) Initial Security officer Course
Once your training is complete, log in to the BSIS BreEZe system to apply. You’ll need information from your Powers to Arrest & Appropriate Use of Force certificate, including:
Certificate number
School license number
Training school information
Upload your training certificate, pay the application fee (usually around $60), and you’re officially on your way to becoming a licensed California security officer!
Pro Tip: Make sure to complete your Live Scan fingerprinting is complete after submitting your application, or your application may become delayed.
Before BSIS can approve your Guard Card application, you must complete a Live Scan fingerprinting appointment. This allows the DOJ and FBI to run your background check and ensure you’re eligible to work as a security officer.
Bring your BSIS Security Guard Live Scan form, which your training provider will give you.
Take a valid government-issued ID to the Live Scan location.
The process is quick, easy, and the results are sent directly to BSIS.
Pro Tip: Schedule your Live Scan as soon as you finish training so you can submit your Guard Card application without delay.
Unlike the rumors you might hear, California law requires you to have your Guard Card issued by BSIS before you can work as a security officer. You can complete your training and submit your application, but you cannot officially start security work until your Guard Card is active. The good news? Once your application is approved, you’re ready to hit the ground running.
Training: 8-Hours for the Initial Security Officer Course: Powers to Arrest and Appropriate Use of Force.
Live Scan: A few days after submission (times may vary).
BSIS Approval: Guard Card processing typically takes 2–4 weeks after application submission, but times can vary. For the most accurate and current processing times, please check the official BSIS website. You Can View the BSIS Guard Card Website Here.
One Provider Must Complete the Full 8-Hour Powers to Arrest & Appropriate Use of Force Course
Under California Senate Bill 652 (SB 652), the 8-hour Powers to Arrest & Appropriate Use of Force course must be completed through a single BSIS-approved provider.
What this means for students:
Both parts of the course matter
The online Powers to Arrest portion (lectures, videos, and theory)
The in-person Appropriate use of Force portion (hands-on skills, physical training, and scenarios)
One provider must deliver and certify both
You cannot split your training between multiple schools or providers and expect BSIS to issue your certificate.
Only the approved provider issuing the complete certificate will be recognized by BSIS.
Why SB 652 enforces this
Prevents “split course” scams where a provider gives partial training but refuses to issue the certificate until you enroll somewhere else.
Ensures all students receive consistent, complete training in Powers to Arrest and Appropriate Use of Force.
What this means for you
If you take your online portion with one provider, your in-person portion must be with the same BSIS-approved provider.
National IPS provides both online and in-person training in one seamless program, fully compliant with SB 652.
Pro Tip: Always check your BSIS provider number and confirm that they will certify both portions before enrolling. This ensures your certificate is valid for your Guard Card application.
Visit: Our BSIS Approved California Security Officer Training Page Here
A.You can expect to spend between $250-$300 total for training, Live Scan, and BSIS application fees.
A: Absolutely! California Guard Card online training is the most popular option in 2026 because it’s fast, convenient, and you can do it in your favorite sweatpants. However, there’s a small catch: while you can complete the 8-Hour Powers to Arrest course online, certain parts—like the Appropriate Use of Force segment— require a hybrid or in-person format for hands-on training.
And if you plan on adding baton certification or becoming firearm certified, those are mandatory in-person courses.
So yes, you can start BSIS Guard Card training online today, but keep in mind the extra steps for the advanced gear!
A: Yes! Getting your Guard Card isn’t the finish line—it’s just the warm-up lap. After you complete the initial 8-hour BSIS Powers to Arrest training, California law requires more security officer training to keep you sharp:
Within your first 30 days on the job: You must complete 16 hours of mandatory security training.
Within your first 6 months: You need another 16 hours of elective security officer training, bringing your total to 32 hours of Continued Security Officer Training within the first 6 months.
Every year after that: You’re required to take 8 hours of annual continuing education to stay compliant and up to date.
Think of it as leveling up your security skills—because every day hero’s don’t stop training after one class, and neither should you.
For More Information on What a California Guard Card is and How to Get One Fast You Can View Our Blog: Here
No. Under California Senate Bill 652 (SB 652), the entire 8-hour Powers to Arrest & Appropriate Use of Force course — both the online/theory portion and the in-person/hands-on portion — must be completed through a single BSIS-approved provider.
This ensures you receive consistent, complete training and that your certificate will be valid for your Guard Card application. Splitting the course between multiple providers will invalidate your certificate and could delay or prevent your BSIS Guard Card from being issued.
Pro Tip: Choose a provider, like National IPS, that offers both online and in-person training together to stay fully compliant with SB 652.
Visit: Our BSIS Approved California Security Officer Training Page Here
Want to keep things official? Here are the essential BSIS resources every future security professional needs:
BSIS Home Page: View BSIS Home Page Here
BSIS Security Guard Licensing FAQ: View BSIS Security Guard Card Fact Sheet Here
BreEZe Online Application & Account: View BSIS Guard CArd BreEZe Online Application Here
Security Guard Application Packet (PDF): View The Paper BSIS Guard Card Application (PDF) Here
Live Scan Fingerprinting Info: View The BSIS Guard Card Live Scan Fingerprinting Form (PDF) Here
You don’t need superpowers to start a career in private security—but if you follow the right steps, train smart, and stay committed, you’ll feel like a hero in no time. Your first shift as a licensed California Security Officer is closer than you think.
National Institute of Public Safety (National IPS) makes the process simple:
Fast-track online security training
In-person skills sessions for hands-on learning
Expert support for your BSIS Guard Card application
We’re a BSIS-approved training provider trusted by students all across California.
Ready to get certified? Check out the official BSIS Guard Fact Sheet or start your training today at NationalIPS.com.
At National Institute of Public Safety (National IPS), we’re more than just a security training provider—we’re your career launchpad. Our mission goes beyond helping you pass a test. We focus on giving you real-world skills, industry knowledge, and confidence to succeed in California’s growing private security field.
We’ve already helped thousands of students earn their BSIS Guard Card, complete advanced certifications, and land security jobs with top employers across the state. But we’re not stopping there. Our vision is to empower every student with affordable, accessible, and high-quality security training, so you can build a stable career, increase your income, and make a difference in your community.
With fast-track online Guard Card courses, in-person tactical training, and personalized support, we make sure you’re ready for the job—not just the classroom.
Your success is our mission. Your career starts here.
You can begin your Guard Card training right now — no waiting required.
Call (302) 556-7446 for live enrollment assistance, or
Start online today at National Institute of Public Safety (NationalIPS.com)
Start Your California Guard Card Training Now with National IPS
Name: National Institute of Public Safety
Call or Text Us at: (302)-556-7446
Email: Contact@NationalIPS.com
Website: https://nationalips.com/
National IPS and BSIS provide all the tools and courses you need to get back to work quickly. These resources help you learn how to reactivate a suspended guard card.
8-Hour Initial CA BSIS Security Officer Certification Course (California)
8-Hour Renewal/Refresher Security Officer Certification Course
Disclaimer: This information is for educational purposes only. It is not legal advice. Always follow state regulations and consult official BSIS resources for compliance. For official information from the California Bureau of Security and Investigative Services (BSIS):
📞 (916) 322-4000 | ✉️ BSIS@dca.ca.gov
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