California Guard Card Requirements (2026 Update)

California Guard Card Requirements (2026 Update)

California Guard Card Requirements: Everything You Need to Know In 2026

If you want to become a security officer in California, the first step is understanding the California Guard Card requirements. These rules ensure that all security professionals are qualified, legally compliant, and prepared to protect people and property.

Don’t Have Time To Read The Full Guide or Have Questions?

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


Minimum California Guard Card Eligibility Requirements

Age:

California Guard Card Applicants must be at least 18 years old.

Background Check:

All applicants must pass a background check via Live Scan fingerprinting. Certain convictions may disqualify you.


California Guard Card Training Requirements In 2025

At National IPS, we make it easy to follow the state-required steps:

California requires 40 hours of BSIS Guard Card training to become a licensed security guard. National IPS offers all state-approved courses—online and in-person—so you can get certified affordably and on your schedule.

At National IPS, we provide all BSIS-required training, from your initial Guard Card to advanced certifications:

Part 1: 8-Hour Initial Guard Card Certification Course

  • 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

Part 2: 32-Hour Continued Security Officer Training (Online Guard Card Training)

  • California requires 32 hours of training within your first 6 months on the job

  • Includes 16 hours mandatory + 16 hours elective topics

  • Flexible scheduling to fit around work and life

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

Both Part 1 & 2: 40-Hour Guard Card Training Bundle (Best Value 🎉)

  • Complete all required Guard Card courses in one package

  • Save $120 off the full course price

  • Ideal for students who want to get everything done quickly and affordably

🔗 Link to the 40- Hour Bundle (Includes both the 8-Hour Initial Guard Guard Course + The 32-Hour Continued Guard Card Training Bundle) (Sign Up Here) 👉: Enroll in the FULL 40-Hour Security officer Course Bundle 

 Annual Continuing Education (8 Hours Each Year) (Online Guard Card Training)

  • Required by BSIS to maintain your Guard Card

  • Keeps you sharp, compliant, and updated on the latest laws and security practices

  • Available online for maximum convenience

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

Learn More About What Courses Are Required Here


Start Training Now, Get Your California Guard Card – Pay Later!

Your future in security starts today. With National IPS California Guard Card Training Online, you can train now, pay later, and launch your career faster than ever.

Kickstart your journey to becoming a certified security officer or reinstate your California Guard Card with National IPS California Guard Card Training — online and ready when you are! Get certified quickly and conveniently, Reinstate your California Guard Card and take the first step toward building a stable, rewarding career in public safety

How to enroll:
1️⃣ Visit Our California Security Officer Course Page Here
2️⃣ Select “Train Now, Pay Later Partner AFFIRM, KLARNA, or AFTERPAY” at checkout
3️⃣ Start your training immediately and earn your California Guard Card!

Your future in security begins today—enroll now and take control of your career!


California Guard Card Application Process (4-Steps)

Listed below is the 4-step process to get your California Guard Card in 2026, including updated BSIS training and application requirements to help you start your security career quickly and without delays.

Step 1: Complete the Required 8-Hour Powers to Arrest & Appropriate Use of Force Course

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

Step 2: Apply for a California Guard Card with the BSIS

Use the BSIS BreEZe online portal to submit your application. National IPS offers guidance to make this part simple.

Step 3: Complete Live Scan Fingerprinting

Your fingerprints are submitted to the California DOJ and the FBI to ensure you meet all legal requirements.

Important: Be sure to complete your BSIS Security Guard application before completing your Live Scan to avoid processing delays.

Step 4: Get Certified and Start Working

Once approved, you’ll receive your BSIS training and can legally begin work as a security guard.


Important 2026 Update: SB 652 & Guard Card Training Reform

The new legislation alert issued by the Bureau of Security and Investigative Services (BSIS) clarifies that a single BSIS-licensed training provider must deliver the full 8-hour Powers to Arrest and Appropriate Use of Force course. This requirement was enacted under California Senate Bill 652 (SB 652) and went into effect on January 1, 2026.

Under SB 652, the 8-hour Powers to Arrest & Appropriate Use of Force course must be completed entirely through one BSIS-approved provider. Any provider that requires or directs students to complete the in-person Appropriate Use of Force portion with a different provider is not compliant with BSIS regulations and may be engaging in deceptive or improper training practices.

What This Training Update Means For Students:

  1. Both portions of the course must be completed with one BSIS Approved Training  Provider

    • 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)

  2. 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.

  3. 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.

  4. 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.

    • After you complete both portions of the course, you must apply for your BSIS Guard Card within six (6) months of completing the training. If you do not submit your application within this timeframe, the training will expire and you will be required to retake the course in order to qualify for licensure.

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. National Institute of Public Safety (National IPS) BSIS Security Guard Training License Provider Number is (ATG-2976). You can view our license information Here

Importnat Links:

View: Our BSIS Security Guard Training License Information Here

Read: The Official BSIS SB 652 Training Notice on Their Website Here

Visit: Our BSIS Approved California Security Officer Training Page Here


How National Institute of Public Safety (National IPS) Makes Certification Fast, BSIS Approved, and Easy!

The National Institute of Public Safety (National IPS) is your one-stop solution for BSIS California Guard Card training. Their online and hybrid programs provide state-approved, mobile-friendly training that helps you get licensed quickly and affordably.

Why Choose National IPS?

  • ✅ BSIS-approved curriculum

  • ✅ All Unarmed BSIS Guard Card Courses

  • ✅ Self-paced and mobile accessible

  • ✅ Application Guide

  • ✅ Immediate downloadable certificate delivery

  • ✅ Affordable pricing & payment plans

🔗 Start Your California Guard Card Training Now with National IPS


📣 Security Companies: Need to Train Your California Guards?

If you run a security company in California, hiring unlicensed guards puts your company at major legal and financial risk. Let National IPS make compliance easy.

We Offer:

  • 📘 Bulk training solutions

  • ✅ Online and Hybrid Training California Guard Card Training Options
  • 💰 Volume discounts

  • ✅ Tracking and reporting tools

  • 🧑‍🏫 Dedicated account support

Whether you’re onboarding new hires or re-certifying your entire team, National IPS provides turnkey training solutions that are fast, affordable, and approved by the BSIS.

📞 Contact us today for custom corporate training packages:
🔗 https://nationalips.com
📧 Contact@nationalips.com


Final Thoughts: No California Guard Card, No Career

Understanding the requirements for a California Guard Card is the first step to a successful security career. Follow these steps to apply confidently.

Let National IPS walk you through the process step by step—whether you’re:

  • A new hire looking to get started

  • Or a security company protecting your license and train new guards.

With National IPS, certification is fast, online, and BSIS-approved.

👉 Get Started Today Visit: Our BSIS Approved California Security Officer Training Page

Contact Us For More Information & To Get your California Guard Card Today!

Name: National Institute of Public Safety

📞Call or Text Us at: (302)-556-7446

📧 Email: Contact@NationalIPS.com

🌐 Website: https://nationalips.com/

Quick Access: Guard Card Training & BSIS Resources

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.

Disclaimer: This information is for educational purposes only and is not legal advice. Always follow state regulations and consult official BSIS resources for compliance.

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The National Institute of Public Safety is a licensed, nationwide provider of state-approved training for security officers and public safety professionals. We offer accessible, high-quality education through online, hybrid, and in-person programs that meet licensing, recertification, and career development requirements. Our mission is to prepare individuals and organizations to protect and serve their communities with integrity and professionalism.

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