Handling Difficult People (California)

Instructor: National Institute of Public Safety (National IPS)
Level: Beginner | Course Type: Online | Duration: 4 Hours Online
Certificate of Completion: Awarded Upon Completion
BSIS Licensed Training Provider ID#: ATG-2976

Course Description

This fully online Handling Difficult People course is officially recognized by the California Bureau of Security and Investigative Services (BSIS) and fulfills one of the required continuing education modules for licensed security guards in California. Focused on communication, conflict resolution, and verbal de-escalation, this course gives security professionals the tools to manage tense and confrontational situations with professionalism and control.

Using real-world scenarios and practical techniques, students will learn to defuse conflict, communicate clearly, and handle difficult individuals while minimizing the risk of escalation or liability.

🔑 Students should complete the BSIS 8-hour Initial Security Officer Certification course before enrolling or have plans to complete it.

✅ This course can be paired with seven other 4-hour BSIS-approved modules to fulfill the full 32-hour continuing education requirement for California security guards.

This training is delivered by a BSIS Licensed Training Provider: National Institute of Public Safety (ID# ATG-2976).

 Students at National IPS Unlock College Credit and Tuition Discounts Toward a Degree at Empire State University!

The National Institute of Public Safety (National IPS) is an official educational partner of Empire State University, creating a direct pathway from professional Security Officer and Public Safety training to accredited higher education. Through this partnership, every student and graduate of National IPS programs receives exclusive benefits toward degree completion at Empire State University. In addition, eligible coursework with National IPS may qualify for college credit through Empire’s individualize Credit for Prior Learning (iCPL) process—allowing students to translate real-world training and professional experience into meaningful academic advancement.

SUNY Empire State University is a nationally recognized leader in flexible, adult-focused higher education, designed specifically for working professionals balancing career, family, and life commitments.

If you are a current student or graduate of any National IPS online or in-person course, you are eligible to take advantage of these educational benefits and begin your degree pathway with Empire State University. For more information or to start your journey, please contact Recruitment Officer, George Strothmann, at george.strothmann@sunyempire.edu or visit https://sunyempire.edu/request-info.html.

What You’ll Learn

• Communication techniques for high-stress and emotionally charged situations

• Conflict management strategies that promote calm and cooperation

• How to speak constructively and avoid verbal escalation

• The role of diversity and cultural awareness in effective communication

• Negotiation tactics to guide conversations toward peaceful resolution

• Verbal diffusion methods that reduce confrontation and risk

Why This Course Matters

Security officers are often the first point of contact in confrontational situations. This course empowers you to respond professionally, defuse hostility, and ensure safer, more effective interactions for all involved.

Learning Objective

Students will learn how to communicate professionally, manage conflict, and de-escalate tense situations using proven verbal strategies. They’ll gain tools to handle difficult individuals while maintaining safety, control, and respect in any environment.

💰 Bundle & Save

Looking to meet the full 32-hour BSIS continuing education requirement?
This course is available individually or as part of National IPS’s discounted 32-hour BSIS Continuing Education Bundle, which includes:

✔️ 8 BSIS-approved 4-hour courses
✔️ 100% online and self-paced
✔️ Immediate certificate download after each course
✔️ Big savings vs. buying courses separately

👉 (Click Here to View The Discounted 32 Hour Continued Training Bundle)

🔑 Don’t Forget the Prerequisite!

Before taking this bundle, BSIS requires all new guards to complete the (For New Guards) 8-Hour Initial Security Officer Course (California): Powers to Arrest and Appropriate Use of Force.
Complete it before or shortly after starting this bundle to stay on track with licensing requirements.

(Click Here to View The (For New Gaurds) 8-Hour Initial Security Officer Course (California)

Target Audience

• Licensed California security guards completing BSIS continuing education

• New security professionals working toward full BSIS certification

• Employers training staff on communication and conflict resolution

• Anyone in the security industry seeking to improve interpersonal effectiveness

Requirements / Instructions

• Must be at least 18 years of age

• Must have completed the BSIS 8-hour Initial Security Officer Certification course or have plans to complete it

• Access to a computer or mobile device with internet connection

• Completion of the full 4-hour online course is required to receive a certificate

• Complete all video modules, readings, and knowledge checks within the course platform

• Certificate of Completion is issued immediately upon successful course completion

• BSIS Licensed Training Provider ID#: ATG-2976 (National Institute of Public Safety)

Our Accreditation & Licensing

This course is officially licensed and approved by the California Bureau of Security & Investigative Services (BSIS).

The National Institute of Public Safety (National IPS) is an authorized BSIS training provider under Approval Number ATG-2976. This ensures that all training you receive through our program meets the requirements set by the State of California for security guard certification.

By enrolling with us, you can be confident that your training is:

•  Compliant with BSIS regulations

• Recognized for Guard Card certification in California

• Delivered by a licensed and approved training provider

View our BSIS Licensed Guard Card Training Provider Info Here

💬 Live Interaction with Your Instructor

Every National Institute of Public Safety course includes live interaction with your course instructor in real time through our built-in chat feature. You can ask questions, clarify lessons, and receive direct feedback as you progress through the training.

For a more personal learning experience, optional Zoom sessions with your course instructor 🎥 are also available. These sessions provide additional support to review key concepts, reinforce understanding, and ensure full mastery of the course material.

At National IPS, our mission is to ensure every student leaves confident, prepared, and field-ready  — not just trained, but truly equipped for professional success.

✅ Enroll now to gain critical conflict-resolution and communication skills that every California security officer needs on the job.

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.