To work as an unarmed security guard in the State of California, you must:
- The Bureau requires that individuals employed in either role be at least eighteen years of age.
- Both security guards and proprietary private security officers go through a background check process through the California Department of Justice (DOJ) and the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI)
- Complete a 40-hour course of required training to be administered by a private patrol operator or by a certified training facility.
- Some security guards will also need a firearms permit or baton permit; this entails additional training.
40 Hour Security Guard Training Requirement
| Prior to Being Assigned on Post | 8 Hours |
| Training Required within the First 30 Days | 16 Hours |
| Training Required within the First Six Months | 16 Hours |
| TOTAL HOURS | 40 HOURS |
The security guard must have received the eight (8) hour “Power to Arrest ” training and passed the examination. Click here to conveniently get training and pass the exam online.
The security guard applicant must submit fingerprints electronically using Live Scan. It is important that you only use the security guard Live Scan forms downloaded from the Bureau’s Website or obtained from the Bureau.
Breakdown of fees paid at Live Scan site:
- Department of Justice Fingerprint Fee: $32.00
- Federal Bureau of Investigation Fingerprint Fee: $19.00
- TOTAL: $51.00
Live Scan site locations are available at http://www.bsis.ca.gov/forms_pubs/livescan/scansites.shtml
Live Scan forms can be downloaded at http://www.bsis.ca.gov/forms_pubs/livescan/forms.shtml
Note: Live Scan sites may charge a Live Scan submission processing
Submit your application to the Bureau:
- Submit your completed security guard application, a $50 registration fee and a Security Guard Live Scan form signed by the Live Scan operator (see above). A $32 DOJ fingerprint processing fee and a $19 FBI fingerprint processing fee must be paid at the Live Scan site.
- Send your application package to the Bureau of Security and Investigative Services, P.O. Box 989002, West Sacramento, CA 95798-9002.
Firearm Permit Application Process:
To apply for a firearm permit in the State of California, you must:
- Be a U.S. citizen or have permanent legal alien status.
- Submit a firearm permit application, pay the $80 application fee, and submit a Security Guard Registration w/Firearm Permit Live Scan form signed by the Live Scan site operator. A $38 Firearm Eligibility application, $32 DOJ fingerprint processing fee and $19 FBI fingerprint processing fee must be paid at the Live Scan sit
- A guard who seeks a firearm permit will need 14 hours of training, consisting of eight hours of classroom instruction and six hours of range.
Topics of course:
- Moral and legal issues
- Weapon handling
- Firearms Terminology
- Emergency Procedure
- Range Training
The individual will need to pass both a written exam and a range test. The course must be taken through a Bureau-certified facility or instructor.
The Bureau-issued firearms permit is mandatory, though, for security guards who carry guns. Note: The firearms permit does not authorize concealed weapons. Concealed weapon permits are issued at the local level.
Please note that you are allowed to apply for guard registration and a firearm permit at the same time, for a total fee of $219.
Note: The armed guard must maintain continued competency. Although the permit is issued for two years, the permit holder will need to requalify twice during each of the two years.
Reference: Security Guard Fact Sheet – Bureau of Security and Investigative Services
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