CALIFORNIA - BSIS APPROVED - 100% ONLINE

California Security Guard Training

Everything you need to register with BSIS, complete your required hours, and get to work - plus harassment prevention training if your company needs it.

Browse coursesSee requirements
40 hrs
To get your guard card
$60
BSIS application fee
2 yrs
License term

Getting licensed

Getting Your California Guard Card

Five steps, start to finish.

1

Register with BSIS. Submit your Security Guard Registration application and pay the $60 fee. Processing through BreEZe can cut the wait by up to two weeks.

2

Complete your pre-assignment training. 8 hours: Power to Arrest (3 hrs) and Appropriate Use of Force (5 hrs). This clears you to work a post.

3

Finish your 32 hours of skills training. Generally due within 6 months of registration. If you start working before you finish, 16 hours are due within 30 days of your start date, and the rest within 6 months of your start date.

4

Pass your Live Scan background check. DOJ processing is $32 and FBI processing is $17, plus a rolling service fee that varies by location. Fees are paid directly to your fingerprinting provider.

5

Renew every 2 years. 8 hours of annual training keeps your guard card active.

At a glance

California Guard Card, At a Glance

Who it's for
New security guards registering with BSIS, and licensed guards due for renewal
Total training hours
40 hours (8 pre-assignment + 32 skills training)
BSIS application fee
$60
Minimum age
18
License term
2 years
Renewal requirement
8 hours annually
Background check
Live Scan fingerprinting (DOJ + FBI)
Format
100% online, self-paced

Fees and requirements are set by the California Bureau of Security and Investigative Services (BSIS) and subject to change. Live Scan fees are paid directly to your fingerprinting location, not to Defencify.

Questions

Common Questions

How fast can I get my California guard card?

Once you register with BSIS and complete your 8-hour pre-assignment training, you're cleared to work a post. Processing through BreEZe can cut BSIS's review time by up to two weeks.

What does it cost to get licensed in California?

The BSIS Security Guard Registration application fee is $60. Live Scan fingerprinting adds $32 for DOJ processing and $17 for FBI processing, plus a rolling service fee that varies by location. Course pricing is separate.

Is Defencify's training approved by BSIS?

Yes. Our California courses are built to BSIS's Security Guard Training curriculum requirements. You can confirm any training provider directly through BSIS's Verify a License tool.

Do I need harassment prevention training too?

If your employer has 5 or more employees, California law (SB 1343) requires sexual harassment prevention training - 2 hours for supervisors, 1 hour for non-supervisory employees - within 6 months of hire or promotion, and again every 2 years. It's separate from your BSIS guard license.

How long does my guard card last, and what's renewal like?

Your California guard card is valid for 2 years. Renewal requires 8 hours of annual in-service training to keep it active.

4.3

from 48 verified reviews

“Easy to follow, can do it on my own time. Gets the job done.”

Edward Foster
Verified student

“Super simple and love the games to pass test.”

Gustavo Ruiz
Verified student

“Great program easy to follow. Thanks.”

Jessica Membrilla
Verified student

Your California guard card is closer than you think.

Register with BSIS, complete your training online, and get to work.

Browse California Courses