California Security Guard Card

California Security Guard Card

CA Security Guard Card Info

CA Guard Card License & Training Costs

CA has some of the most extensive requirements to be a security guard compared to other states. This site has the info you need to become a security officer following the California Bureau of Security and Investigative Services (BSIS) rules.

Initial Security Guard Training

  • Cost: $60 to $250
  • Hours: 8
  • Additional Info: Online training usually less expensive then in classroom training. Guard Card course fee varies by training provider. The Appropriate Use of Force training that is required to be taken in-person costs between $50 and $200. Prices vary by location and training provider.

Additional 6 Months Security Guard Card Class Requirement

  • Cost: $49 to $800
  • Hours: 32
  • Additional Info:  Again, classes don’t cost as much online. Guard Card training cost set by school, not the BSIS.

Annual CA Guard Card Refresher Course

  • Cost: $20 to $249
  • Hours: 8
  • Additional Info: Lower prices can be found online or your employer may offer in-house training.

Security Guard Fingerprinting and Background Check

  • Cost: $51+Live Scan fee
  • Hours: N/A
  • Additional Info: The BSIS doesn’t set these fees. Each Live Scan location sets its own fee. The $51 is the standard cost the Department of Justice and FBI charge to process your fingerprints and do your background check.

Guard Card Application

  • Cost: $75 (Fees will be going up in late 2024 or early 2025.)
  • Hours: N/A
  • Additional Info: It takes 1 to 6 weeks to get your Guard Card once the BSIS gets your application. Using the online application is much faster than mailing in your application. The time it takes also depends on how long your background check takes.

Guard Card Renewal

  • Cost: $40
  • Hours: N/A
  • Additional Info: Renew your California Guard Card every 2 years.

Security Guard Info & Application Process

Security Guard Card Training

Info about Becoming a PPO