If you’re dreaming of a career in security in California, there’s one thing you cannot, I repeat, cannot skip: your California Guard Card! You cannot work without a California Guard Card, as it is essential for all security positions. Attempting to start working without a California Guard Card would be non-compliant and could hinder your career progress.
Try working without it, and you’re not just flirting with trouble—you’re flirting with fines, a criminal record, and a career that stalls before it even starts. Grab that Guard Card, though, and you’re licensed, legal, and ready to hit the ground running.
So buckle up! Let’s break down why you need a California Guard Card, what really happens if you try to work without one, and how the National Institute of Public Safety (National IPS) can fast-track your certification so you can start your security career with confidence.
Working security in California without a Bureau of Security and Investigative Services (BSIS) Guard Card isn’t just “bending the rules.” It’s illegal.
Here’s what can happen if you get caught:
Criminal Charges – Under California law, security guards must be licensed by the Bureau of Security and Investigative Services (BSIS). Working without a Guard Card can lead to a misdemeanor, which means fines, probation, or even jail time.
Fines up to $5,000 – Both you and the company that hired you can face administrative penalties of up to $5,000 per violation.
Employer Liability – Security companies that post unlicensed guards risk losing their Private Patrol Operator (PPO) license. Reputable employers simply won’t hire you if you’re unlicensed.
Career Roadblock – Getting caught working without a Guard Card can disqualify you from getting licensed in the future. It’s like failing before you even start.
👉 Bottom line: No California Guard Card = No Job.
Your Guard Card isn’t just a formality—it’s your ticket into one of the fastest-growing industries in California. Here’s why it matters:
Every security officer in California must have a Guard Card. There are no exceptions (unless your application is already approved by BSIS and you’re working with a temporary approval letter).
Employers look for licensed security officers first. Without a Guard Card, you won’t even make it past the first interview.
Want to carry a baton, OC spray, or firearm on the job? You can’t apply for those permits until you already have a Guard Card. It’s the first step toward higher-paying positions.
The Guard Card requires you to complete:
8 hours pre-assignment training (before you start work)
32 hours of training within your first 6 months
8 hours of annual continuing education
This ensures you’re not just holding a license—you’re actually trained to keep people and property safe.
Getting your California Guard Card is easier than you think—especially with National IPS, a BSIS-approved training provider. Don’t risk working without your California Guard Card and facing costly fines or legal trouble. With us, getting your California Guard Card is fast, fun, and totally stress-free!
If you’re starting or continuing your career as a California security officer, it’s essential to understand the required BSIS training courses. The Bureau of Security and Investigative Services (BSIS) mandates these courses to ensure every guard is fully prepared and compliant. Here’s a clear breakdown:
Kick off your security career with this mandatory foundational course. It includes:
4 hours online covering the critical topic of Powers to Arrest
4 hours in-person focusing on Appropriate Use of Force — held conveniently in Los Angeles County and Santa Clarita
Enroll in the 8-Hour Hybrid Initial Security Officer Certification (Powers to Arrest & Appropriate Use of Force) Course Here: 8-Hour Hybrid Initial Security Officer Certification (Sign UP)
You must complete this course before you apply for your California Guard Card. As a licensed BSIS training provider (ID# ATG-2976), the National Institute of Public Safety gives you state-approved, top-quality instruction.
Within your first six months of employment, you’re required to complete 32 hours of continued education to sharpen your security skills and knowledge. You can choose from eight BSIS-approved 4-hour courses covering vital areas such as:
Emergency Response
Communication Skills
Report Writing
And more!
Take these courses 100% online for maximum flexibility, and choose whether to complete them individually or as a bundle to fit your schedule.
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.
(Sign UP) for the in the 32-Hour Security Officer Continued Training Here: 32-Hour Online Security Officer Training (Sign Up)
To keep your Guard Card active and stay current with evolving laws and best practices, you must complete an 8-hour refresher course every year. This fully online training reviews:
Latest legal updates
Use of force standards
Practical security skills to maintain peak performance
Enroll in the 8-Hour Online Renewal/Security Officer Certification Course Here: 8-Hour Online Renewal/Refresher Security Officer Certification Course (Sign Up)
BSIS mandates all these courses, and they keep you compliant and competitive in the security industry.. National Institute of Public Safety is your trusted partner in California, delivering expert training with the convenience and quality you deserve.
Your fingerprints are sent to the DOJ and FBI to ensure you meet legal requirements.
Use the BSIS BreEZe online portal to submit your application. National IPS offers guidance to make this part simple.
Once approved, you’ll receive your BSIS training and can legally begin work as a security guard.
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.
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
Skip your Guard Card, and you kill your security career before it even starts. Work without a California Guard Card, and you face fines, legal trouble, and no job opportunities. Earn it, and you stay licensed, employable, and ready to climb in California’s booming security industry.
National IPS walks with you every step of the way—through training, licensing, renewals, and career growth.
👉 Start today.
Get your California Guard Card with National IPS Here Now.
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. Don’t Work without a California Guard Card! Let Us help you get Your California Guard card Fast and Easy!
Stop scrolling and start securing your future! Enroll in BSIS-Approved Guard Card Training Today and join thousands of security professionals in California.
Visit: www.NationalIPS.com
Let us help you earn your California Guard Card and launch your career in the security industry.
Phone: (302) 556-7446
Email: Contact@nationalips.com
Website: www.nationalips.com
For More Information on What a California Guard Card is and How to Get One Fast You Can View Our Blog: Here
National IPS and BSIS provide all the tools and courses you need to get back to work quickly and stay compliant.
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 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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