Basic Guard

Please contact us for an appointment.

Course Description

The Basic Guard Card Class is a one day, eight- hour training class. Registration starts at 8:00 am and with a one-hour lunch break, the class ends by 5:00 pm. Classes are scheduled based upon student interest, as a 3- 4 student minimum attendance is usually required to host a class. The cost of the class is $90. Call Golden State Security Training Center to register for a class.

This course meets the Bureau of Security and Investigative Services (BSIS) training requirements for the initial Guard Card and covers the Power to Arrest and Weapons of Mass Destruction/Terrorism Awareness training manuals. Course topics include criminal law, civil liability, role of a security officer, search and seizure, duty and authority, and the nature of terrorism.

In addition to completing the Security Guard Card Training Class, the applicant also needs to complete Live Scan fingerprinting and submit the BSIS Guard Card application and application fee to the BSIS before the Guard Registration is issued. 

Students can complete the Live Scan fingerprinting requirement at Ameriprints, which is located next door to us.  Golden State Security Training Center can also submit the BSIS Guard Card application and application fee electronically for you at the time of course completion.  The Ameriprints Live Scan fingerprinting fees (DOJ, FBI and Ameriprints fingerprinting fee) for the initial Security Guard Card is $79.  The BSIS Guard Card on-line application fee is $55.  

All fees are non-refundable.

Frequently Asked Questions:

1) What is a Guard Card / Guard Registration?

A Guard Card / Guard Registration is required to work for any private security company in the State of California. Guard Cards are valid for two years and can be renewed for $40.

2) How do I get a Guard Card?

Applicants must be at least 18 years old, complete the required Guard Card Training Class, complete Live Scan Fingerprinting for the criminal history check, and submit the BSIS Application and application fee to the BSIS. Applicants can complete all steps on-site with Golden State Protective Services, during the one day training class.

3) How long does it take for my Guard Card / Guard Registration to be issued?

The California Department of Consumer Affairs, Bureau of Security and Investigative Services (BSIS), issues the Guard Card, not Golden State Security Training Center. The BSIS strives to process license applications within four to six weeks. However, due to an increased number of applications received in the past months, current processing times may be six to eight weeks. Any criminal history no matter how minor or how much time has passed may cause further delays.

4) How will I know when my Guard Registration is issued?

You can check the status on your Guard Registration by going to bsis@dca.ca.govand checking for your name to show up in the license search found on their “Verify a License” webpage.

5) If I have been arrested or convicted of a crime, can I be issued a Guard Registration?

The BSIS handles all backgrounds on a case-by-case basis. Applicants needs to go through the process and wait for the BSIS's decision.  Please note that all fees are non-refundable, even if an applicant is denied a Guard Registration by the BSIS. Applicant's that are denied a guard registration will have an opportunity to request a BSIS committee review.

6) I had a Guard Card but it is expired now, can I renew it?

If the Guard Registration has expired for 60 days or more, the applicant will need to complete the Guard Card Training Class, Live Scan Fingerprinting and submit the BSIS application with fee all over again.

7) I moved, how do I update my address?

The BSIS must be notified within 30 days, or an administrative fine may be issued. Fill out a “Request for Change of Address” form found on the BSIS website and mail or fax it to the BSIS.

8) How do I renew my Guard Card?

The BSIS mails out a Renewal Application to the last address on record about two months before the expiration date. Return the Renewal Applicationand renewal fee to the BSIS before the Guard Card expiration date.

9) I lost my Guard Card. How do I obtain a replacement?

Fill out the “Request for Replacement Registration/Permit” form and mail it back to the BSIS with a check or money order in the amount of $10.

10) What are the Continuing Education Training Requirements (AB 2880)?

In addition to the Guard Card Training Class, every newly licensed security guard must complete 32 hours of additional training. Sixteen (16) hours must be completed within 30 days from the day the registration is issued, or within 30 days of starting employment. The remaining 16 hours must be completed within the first six months from the day the registration is issued, or within six months of starting employment. After the first year, eight (8) hours of continuing education training is required every year thereafter.  Employers may provide this training for their security employees, or the Continuing Education Training may be obtained through Golden State Protective Services, LLC.