California Security Guard Card

California Security Guard Card

Tips about & Benefits of Classroom Courses

Complete Your Guard Card Training in a Classroom

You can complete the Guard Card training classes be attending a class taught in a physical classroom as well as online. The class must be taught be an approved and licensed Guard Card Training Provider. These Training Providers have PPO, firearm training or other training licenses..

After September 30, 2023, due to recent changes in CA state laws, you will be required to take in-person most of the 5-hours of Use of Force training required before applying for your guard card.  The 3-hours of Powers to Arrest training required before applying for your guard card will still be able to be taken on-line.

This in-person, classroom-based  use of Force training will be more costly and take more time than being able to take all 8-hours online of your initial guard card training.  Further, you may have to schedule your in-person Use of Force training 2 to 4 weeks ahead of time in order to reserve a spot in a classroom. So, if you are thinking about getting a guard card, get your training done online at www.GuardCardCourses.com before September 30, 2023 to save time and money.

Benefits of Going to Guard Card Classes in a Classroom

  1. You can can ask the instructor questions.
  2. You might be able to take the courses on site at your work location.

Drawbacks of Taking Your Guard Card Training in a Classroom

  1. You can’t go at your pace.
  2. You may have to take time off work to go to a class held at another location.
  3. If you live in a rural area, you may have to drive to an urban area to complete your Guard Card course requirements. The price of gas keeps rising, so saving some money by staying at home or work to take your security guard classes can save you money.

Recommended & BSIS Approved Classroom Guard Card Courses

We won’t be able to review classroom based training do to costs and logistics. Ask your employer if they offer security guard training. If not, we recommend completing your Guard Card training online.

Tips for Choosing a Classroom-based Training Provider

  1. Check and verify the training provider’s BSIS Guard Card Training License number. You can validate the license number online with the BSIS.
  2. Check if there is a training location near where you live or work.
  3. Check if the company is offering training on the days you can go to class.
  4. Check if you can schedule your training easily by using the company’s website. This is especially important for the 5-hours of Use of Force training required for new security guards starting October 1, 2023.
  5. Verify that the training provider maintains a record that you’ve completed the training in case you lose your Guard Card Training Completion Certificate.

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