Be 18 or older, finish the one-provider 8-hour course and exam, submit the BSIS application, and pass DOJ/FBI background checks.
Do not split the initial course between providers.
The complete 3-hour Power to Arrest and 5-hour Appropriate Use of Force course must be taught and certified by one provider, and completed within the six months before the application is submitted. Read the full 2026 rule and certificate checklist →
California guard card requirements checklist
Minimum age
BSIS lists age 18 as the minimum to apply for Security Guard Registration.
Background check
Applicants must submit fingerprints for state and federal criminal-history review.
Initial training
Three hours of Power to Arrest and five hours of Appropriate Use of Force, taught in full and certified by one qualifying provider within the six months before application.
Course examination
The current BSIS course exam must be passed with a perfect score.
Follow-up training
Security officer skills training must be completed within the first six months of registration.
Continuing training
BSIS lists eight hours of continuing training annually.
What the 8-hour entry course now covers
The current course combines Power to Arrest with Appropriate Use of Force. Topics include the security officer’s role, private person’s arrest, searches, civil and criminal liability, objectively reasonable force, duty to intercede, incident reporting, de-escalation, bias and cultural competency, interaction with people with disabilities or behavioral-health issues, use-of-force scenarios, mental health, and active-shooter response.
Find and verify the required trainingCheck before paying →Turn the official outline into short lessonsOpen the free study guide →Does a criminal record automatically disqualify you?
Do not rely on a training seller or forum comment for a personal eligibility decision. The required background check is reviewed by the licensing authority. Applicants should answer application questions truthfully and use BSIS channels for case-specific questions.