
About Course
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).
What You’ll Learn
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Communication techniques for high-stress and emotionally charged situations
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Conflict management strategies that promote calm and cooperation
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How to speak constructively and avoid verbal escalation
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The role of diversity and cultural awareness in effective communication
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Negotiation tactics to guide conversations toward peaceful resolution
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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
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Licensed California security guards completing BSIS continuing education
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New security professionals working toward full BSIS certification
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Employers training staff on communication and conflict resolution
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Anyone in the security industry seeking to improve interpersonal effectiveness
Requirements / Instructions
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Must be at least 18 years of age
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Must have completed the BSIS 8-hour Initial Security Officer Certification course or have plans to complete it
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Access to a computer or mobile device with internet connection
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Completion of the full 4-hour online course is required to receive a certificate
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Complete all video modules, readings, and knowledge checks within the course platform
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Certificate of Completion is issued immediately upon successful course completion
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BSIS Licensed Training Provider ID#: ATG-2976 (National Institute of Public Safety)
✅ 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.
Course Content
Handling Difficult People
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Lesson 1: Communications
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Lesson 2: Conflict Management
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Lesson 3: Speaking Constructively
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Lesson 4: Valuing Diversity
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Lesson 5: Negotiating
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Lesson 6: Verbal Diffusion