Tag: How To Get Your Guard Card

Need a California BSIS Guard Card? Here’s How to Get Yours Fast Thinking about a career in security? Great call. Security jobs are booming in 2025—and getting started is straightforward. Your first move is the golden ticket: the California Guard Card. This card is your official BSIS security license to work in the Golden State. Without it, you can't legally work as a security officer. With it, you’re a certified protector of people and property—and yes, the uniform suddenly looks a lot cooler. Ready to launch your career with BSIS-approved training and a clear plan?Let’s break down how to get your California Guard Card, step by step. Don’t Have Time To Read The Full Guide or Have Questions? No worries! You can Call One of Our Advisors at 📞 (302) 556-7446 for Guard Card Training Enrollment Assistance or Questions Phone: 📞 (302) 556-7446 Email: Contact@Nationalips.com Visit: Our BSIS Approved California Security Officer Training Page Here Steps To Get Your California Guard Card Step 1: Understand What a Guard Card Is A California Guard Card is a license issued by the Bureau of Security and Investigative Services (BSIS). It proves you’ve completed the required training and background checks to legally work as a security officer in California. Think of it as your Golden Ticket to the security industry. No card, no entry. Step 2: Take the BSIS-Approved Guard Card Training (8 Hours) Before you can apply, you need BSIS-approved security guard training. The initial course is 8 hours and covers: Powers to Arrest (yes, you’ll learn the legal stuff) Appropriate Use of Force The good news: You can start your California Guard Card training online. Seriously, you could start in your pajamas right now. 👉 Pro Tip: If your training isn’t BSIS-approved, it’s worthless and won't get your certified. Only train with approved security officer training providers such as the National Institute of Public Safety BSIS Approved Training Provider #: ATG-2976. 👉 Need to take the 8-Hour Security Officer: Powers to Arrest and Appropriate Use of Force Course? Enroll In the Course Here Now To Secure Your Spot: (For New Guards) Initial Security Officer Certification Course (California) Part 1: (For New Guards) 8-Hour Initial Guard Card Certification Course Covers Powers to Arrest and Appropriate Use of Force Complete these steps before you apply for your Guard Card.” Available online or in-person in Los Angeles County Link to Initial Course (For New Guards) (Sign Up Here) : Enroll in the Hybrid (Half Online/Half In-Person) Initial Security officer Course Step 3: Fingerprinting with Live Scan Next up, you’ll need a Live Scan fingerprinting appointment. This is how the DOJ and FBI check your background to make sure you’re good to go. Don’t worry—it’s easy, and quick. All you need is your BSIS Security Guard Live Scan form your training provider gives you which can be found here Step 4: Apply for Your Guard Card Online (The Easy Part) Once training and fingerprints are done, head to the BSIS BreEZe system and apply. Upload your training certificate, pay the fee (usually around $55), and you’re officially on your way. Step 5: Start Working (But Only After You Get Your Guard Card!) Unlike the rumors you might hear, California law requires you to have your Guard Card issued by BSIS before you can work as a security officer. You can complete your training and submit your application, but you cannot officially start security work until your Guard Card is active. The good news? Once your application is approved, you’re ready to hit the ground running. How Long Does It Take to Get a California Guard Card in 2025? Training: Same day (if online). Live Scan: A few days after submission (times may vary). BSIS Approval: Guard Card processing typically takes 2–4 weeks after application submission, but times can vary. For the most accurate and current processing times, please check the official BSIS website. You Can View the BSIS Guard Card Website Here. FAQs About Getting Your Guard Card in California Q: How much does it cost to get a BSIS Guard Card in California in 2025? A.You can expect to spend between $250-$300 total for training, Live Scan, and BSIS application fees. Q: Can I get my California BSIS Guard Card online? A: Absolutely! California Guard Card online training is the most popular option in 2025 because it’s fast, convenient, and you can do it in your favorite sweatpants. However, there’s a small catch: while you can complete the 8-Hour Powers to Arrest course online, certain parts—like the Appropriate Use of Force segment— require a hybrid or in-person format for hands-on training. And if you plan on adding baton certification or becoming firearm certified, those are mandatory in-person courses. So yes, you can start BSIS Guard Card training online today, but keep in mind the extra steps for the advanced gear! Q: Do I need more training after the 8-hour Powers to Arrest and Appropriate Use of Force course? A: Yes! Getting your Guard Card isn’t the finish line—it’s just the warm-up lap. After you complete the initial 8-hour BSIS Powers to Arrest training, California law requires more security officer training to keep you sharp: Within your first 30 days on the job: You must complete 16 hours of mandatory security training. Within your first 6 months: You need another 16 hours of elective security officer training, bringing your total to 32 hours of Continued Security Officer Training within the first 6 months. Every year after that: You’re required to take 8 hours of annual continuing education to stay compliant and up to date. Think of it as leveling up your security skills—because every day hero's don’t stop training after one class, and neither should you. For More Information on What a California Guard Card is and How to Get One Fast You Can View Our Blog: Here Important BSIS Guard Card Links to Bookmark Want to keep things official? Here are the essential BSIS resources every future security professional needs: BSIS Home Page: View BSIS Home Page Here BSIS Security Guard Licensing FAQ: View BSIS Security Guard Card Fact Sheet Here BreEZe Online Application & Account: View BSIS Guard CArd BreEZe Online Application Here Security Guard Application Packet (PDF): View The Paper BSIS Guard Card Application (PDF) Here Live Scan Fingerprinting Info: View The BSIS Guard Card Live Scan Fingerprinting Form (PDF) Here Your Security Career Starts Here You don’t need superpowers to start a career in private security—but if you follow the right steps, train smart, and stay committed, you’ll feel like a hero in no time. Your first shift as a licensed California Security Officer is closer than you think. National Institute of Public Safety (National IPS) makes the process simple: Fast-track online security training In-person skills sessions for hands-on learning Expert support for your BSIS Guard Card application We’re a BSIS-approved training provider trusted by students all across California. Ready to get certified? Check out the official BSIS Guard Fact Sheet or start your training today at NationalIPS.com. Our Mission: Beyond the Classroom 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. Ready to Get Your California Guard Card Online? 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 Guard Card and launch your career in the security industry. Contact National Institute of Public Safety (National IPS) 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 Disclaimer: This information is for educational purposes only and is not legal advice. Always follow state regulations and consult official BSIS resources for compliance.

Tag: How To Get Your Guard Card

How to Get a California Guard Card (Step-by-Step Guide)

In affiliation with Guardally

Join the National IPS insider community Newsletter

© 2026 National Institute of Public Safety

STATE COURSES

ALL COURSES

In affiliation with Guardally

Join the National IPS insider community Newsletter

© 2026 National Institute of Public Safety

Registration Successful!