California Security Guard Card

California Security Guard Card

Armed Security Guard Firearm Permit Training Requirements

California Armed Security Guard Firearm Permit Training Requirements

To be licensed to carry a exposed firearm in CA, you must:

  • Take a 14-hour course (8 hours classroom, 6 hours range) in the carrying and use of firearms given by a BSIS-certified firearms training instructor at a BSIS-certified training location.
  • Pass both a written and range exam after completing your courses.
  • Pass a personality assessment prior to applying for your armed guard card.

Classroom Training

  • During your eight hours of classroom training, you will learn moral and legal aspects of firearms use, firearms nomenclature, weapons handling and shooting fundamentals, and emergency procedures.

Range Training

  • The six hours of range training will give you practice in safely handling and firing your weapon. You must re-qualify on the range twice a year before renewing your permit.

Personality Assessment

A CA state law that went into effect on July 1, 2018 requires that in order to become an armed security guard that you complete an assessment to demonstrate you are capable, at the time the assessment is completed, of demonstrating appropriate judgment, restraint and self-control for the purposes of carrying and using a firearm when performing security guard duties.

Since January 1, 2022, the assessment must be completed prior to submitting your application for an Initial Firearms Permit. The assessment must be taken in person at testing centers located throughout California.

Sixteen Personality Factor Questionnaire

The Sixteen Personality Factor Questionnaire is used also used by employers of police officers, firefighters, and security guards. However, scoring for armed guards is specific to the legal requirement of appropriate judgment, restraint, and self-control for the purposes of carrying and using a firearm while performing armed security guard duties. This questionnaire is also called the 16pf assessment.

Assessment Locations, Scheduling & Fee

PSI Services LLC (PSI) administers the 16pf assessment at its 23 testing centers in CA.

The assessment fee is $65.00 paid directly to PSI.  You can register, pay, and schedule online.  You must already have an unarmed guard card license number before you can register for this assessment.

For additional information on fee payment information, please review PSI’s Firearms Assessment Information Bulletin.

At the test administration site, PSI  will provide you with a BSIS Firearms Assessment Examination Score Report. You should keep this notice for your records. You score will either be “demonstrate” or “did not demonstrate.”

  • Demonstrate: You possess appropriate judgment, restraint, and self-control for the purposes of carrying and using a firearm during the course of your security guard duties, You may submit a Firearms Permit Initial Application.
  • Did Not Demonstrate Results: You do not possess appropriate judgment, restraint, and self-control for the purposes of carrying and using a firearm during the course of your security guard duties. You may not submit a Firearms Permit Initial Application. You have the option to retake the assessment 180 days after receiving a “did not demonstrate” result. The 180-waiting period begins the day after you complete your assessment.

New Training Requirements Starting October 1, 2023

A new BSIS Firearms Training Manual is expected in October 1, 2023 or January 2024 with a significant update to the regulations and manual, including:

  • Changes to the course of fire. Revolver and semi-automatic firearms will have their own course of fire.
  • Shooting stances, including isosceles, weaver, modified weaver, and one-handed.
  • Changes to instruction sequence and subjects.
  • 3.5 hours of appropriate use of force.
  • 4.5 hours of laws regarding possession and carrying of firearms, shooting incidents, effects of firearms use, the revolver and semi-automatic, ammunition, parts and nomenclature, and firearms safety.
  • Limit on approved calibers. Allowable calibers:
    • .357
    • .38
    • .45
    • 9 mm
    • 10 mm
    • .40
    • .380

These changes are because these are the most commonly used calibers for private security professionals and those seeking a BSIS firearms permit. This list includes both revolver and semi-automatic handgun calibers, all of which are widely available and enable applicants and permit holders to complete the firearms training and range qualifications in accordance with existing laws and regulations. Providing a list of approved calibers reduces confusion and ensures that permit holders are qualifying with and carrying appropriate firearms while performing private security services.

Firearm Training Academies

In California, firearm training schools and instructors must be certified by the BSIS.  Before taking the armed security guard training course, use the BSIS website to verify your instructor is licensed by the BSIS.