(For New Guards) Initial Security Officer Course (California)

Instructor: National Institute of Public Safety (National IPS)
Level: Beginner | Course Type: Hybrid | Duration: 4 Hours Online + 4 Hours In Person (In-Person Sessions Offered in Los Angeles County, Santa Clarita)
Certificate of Completion: Awarded Upon Completion of Both Parts.

Course Description

This comprehensive Initial Security Officer Training—Power To Arrest and Appropriate Use of Force—is officially recognized by the California Bureau of Security and Investigative Services (BSIS) and fulfills the mandatory training requirement for security guard registration in California.

Designed for both aspiring and current security professionals, the course provides critical legal and procedural training on the authority and limitations that security guards must operate within. Unlike peace officers, security personnel must follow a specific legal framework. This course ensures you meet the mandatory training standards set by BSIS.

To support your learning, a downloadable BSIS Power To Arrest and Appropriate Use of Force Training Manual is provided and required for this course. The manual serves as a study guide and reference to help you follow along with the lessons, reinforce key concepts, and prepare for real-world application.

What You’ll Learn

• The legal powers granted to California security guards under BSIS guidelines

• How to lawfully observe, approach, detain, and arrest individuals

• The difference between the authority of peace officers and security guards

• When and how to use reasonable force—and how to stay within legal limits

• How to protect yourself and your employer from criminal and civil liability

• Proper techniques for report writing, including separating facts from assumptions

• The importance of professional conduct and effective communication

• How to collaborate appropriately with local law enforcement

Why This Course Matters

Security guards are often the first line of response in emergencies and suspicious situations. Understanding the law—and your role within it—is not just important, it’s required. This course prepares you to perform your duties professionally and confidently, helping protect yourself, your employer, and the public.

Course Requirements

• No prior experience required

• Must be at least 18 Years of Age.

• Completion of both parts:

  • 4-hour online Power To Arrest course

  • 4-hour in-person Appropriate Use of Force training

• Access to the National IPS scheduling platform provided for in-person registration

Who This Course Is For

• Individuals seeking to become licensed security guards in California

• Employers looking to certify new security staff

• Anyone interested in understanding the legal rights and limitations of private security professionals

Next Steps After Training

Once you complete both parts of the training (4 hours online + 4 hours in person),  Here’s what comes next to become BSIS Security Officer Licensed:

1. Submit Your Guard Card Application
   Apply online through the BSIS BreEZe portal or by mail using the appropriate form. 

Online BSIS Security Guard Application Link BreEZe Portal Link:

📎:https://www.breeze.ca.gov/datamart/loginCADCA.do

Paper BSIS Security Guard Application Form Link:

📎:  https://www.bsis.ca.gov/forms_pubs/gappnew.pdf

1. Complete Live Scan Fingerprinting
   Visit a BSIS-approved Live Scan location to submit your fingerprints for a background check.

Paper BSIS Live Scan Form Link:

📎: https://www.bsis.ca.gov/forms_pubs/livescan/guard.pdf

💡 Important Note: Live Scan and BSIS application fees are not included in your course purchase and must be paid separately.

💡BSIS Certificate of Completion Note:

All registered security guards are required to maintain their certificate of completion of the required training until the registration expires or has been canceled (BPC 7583.6). Employers are required to maintain records for the duration of the registrant’s employment.

Need help with this process? We’ll provide detailed instructions during training to guide you every step of the way.

✅ Enroll now and take the first step toward becoming a fully compliant, confident, and capable California security professional.

Course Disclaimer:

Completion of this training course shall not, standing alone, constitute licensure or registration as a security guard under California law. Such licensure remains exclusively within the purview of the California Bureau of Security and Investigative Services (“BSIS”), contingent upon full compliance with all statutory eligibility requirements, submission of a proper application, successful Live Scan fingerprinting, and clearance of requisite background investigations. The National Institute of Public Safety’s sole role is to provide training; it disclaims any warranties or guarantees, express or implied, concerning any individual’s attainment of licensure or certification.