Guard Card Training: BSIS Guard Card Certification Guide 2024

Guard Card Training: BSIS Guard Card Certification Guide 2024

by | Oct 14, 2024 | Security Guard

Introduction to Guard Card Training: What is a Guard Card?

If you’re considering a career in security, you’ve probably come across the term “Guard Card.” This little card is your ticket to entering the security industry in California. But what exactly is a Guard Card, and why do you need it? Let’s dive into everything you need to know about Guard Card training and certification, mainly through the Bureau of Security and Investigative Services (BSIS).

Overview of the Bureau of Security and Investigative Services (BSIS)

The Bureau of Security and Investigative Services (BSIS) is the governing body responsible for regulating and licensing private security personnel in California. To become a security guard in the state, you must go through BSIS to obtain your Guard Card. Without this certification, working as a security guard in California is illegal.

Who Needs a Guard Card?

Anyone looking to work as a security guard in California, whether for a private business, event, or public entity, must be BSIS-certified and hold a valid Guard Card. This certification verifies that you’ve undergone proper training and meet the state’s requirements to carry out security duties.

Requirements for Obtaining a Guard Card

Now that you know the significance of a Guard Card, let’s explore the specific requirements needed to get one.

What are the Eligibility Criteria for Guard Card Training?

To apply for a Guard Card, you must meet specific baseline eligibility criteria:

  • Age: You must be at least 18 years old.
  • Background Check: A thorough criminal background check is mandatory. This background check includes a Live Scan fingerprinting, which helps to ensure that only individuals without serious criminal offenses qualify for a Guard Card.

Required Training Hours

The training necessary to obtain a Guard Card consists of two parts:

  1. Initial 8-hour Training: This covers essential topics like the “Power to Arrest” and “Weapons of Mass Destruction (WMD) Awareness.”
  2. Additional 32-Hour Training: Once employed as a security guard, you are required to complete an additional 32 hours of training within the first six months. This ensures you are well-prepared for various security scenarios.

What are the Guard Card Training Application Process?

  • Complete the required training courses.
  • Submit a Live Scan form for fingerprinting.
  • Fill out an online application through the BSIS website.
  • Pay the applicable fees.

The Guard Card application process is fairly straightforward:

Once all the paperwork and fees are submitted, the BSIS will review your application and issue your Guard Card upon approval.

Guard Card Training Curriculum

Power to Arrest Course

The “Power to Arrest” training module is the backbone of Guard Card certification. In this course, you’ll learn about proper detention, arrest procedures, and the limitations of your authority as a security guard.

Weapons of Mass Destruction (WMD) Awareness Course

In today’s world, security professionals must be aware of potential terrorist threats. The WMD course covers essential knowledge about identifying and responding to mass destruction weapons.

Elective Courses for Additional Skills

Security guards can enhance their career prospects by taking elective courses such as public relations, report writing, and emergency response tactics.

Online vs. In-Person Guard Card Training

Advantages of Online Training:

Many training providers offer online options for Guard Card certification. The benefits include:

  • Flexibility: You can complete the courses at your own pace, making it ideal for people with busy schedules.
  • Accessibility: Online courses can be accessed anywhere, anytime.

Benefits of In-Person Training:

On the other hand, in-person training allows for more hands-on experience, especially in scenarios that require role-playing or physical interaction.

Guard Card Costs and Fees

Application and Registration Fees

The total cost of obtaining a Guard Card typically ranges between $50 to $100. This includes fees for the training course, Live Scan fingerprinting, and the BSIS application fee.

Renewal Fees

Renewing your Guard Card comes with its own set of fees, usually around $40. You’ll need to renew every two years and must complete any required continuing education courses.

Fingerprinting and Background Checks

Live Scan Process

You’ll undergo Live Scan fingerprinting as part of the Guard Card application. This electronic fingerprinting process ensures that BSIS has your criminal background records on file.

Disqualifying Offenses

Certain criminal convictions can disqualify you from obtaining a Guard Card. These typically include serious felonies, particularly those related to violence or fraud.

How Long Does it Take to Get a Guard Card?

The time frame for obtaining a Guard Card usually depends on how quickly your background check clears. In general, it can take anywhere from two to six weeks from the time you submit your application.

Guard Card Renewal Process: How Long Does A Guard Card Last?

Renewal Timeline

A Guard Card lasts up to 2 years, and you must renew it after that time period. Be sure to file your renewal paperwork on time to avoid working without a valid card.

Required Continuing Education

To renew your Guard Card, you’ll need to complete additional training courses to stay updated on new laws, tactics, and technologies in the security industry.

Job Opportunities After Guard Card Certification

Types of Jobs You Can Apply For

Once certified, you can apply for a wide range of security positions, such as:

  • Private Security Guard
  • Event Security
  • Corporate Security

What are the Benefits of Having a Guard Card?

Having a Guard Card makes you a more competitive job applicant and can lead to better-paying positions. It also provides opportunities for career growth within the security industry.

Once you avail certification you can always apply for a Job by contacting Code 4 Private Security. All Code 4 Private Security is one of the best Private Security services in town based in California and Nevada.

The Importance of Continued Education

Maintaining and Upgrading Your Guard Card

Continued education ensures you stay current in your field. The security industry constantly evolves, and keeping up with training can lead to more specialized roles.

Specialized Security Training

Pursuing specialized certifications in areas such as armed security, executive protection, or loss prevention can further advance your career.

Guard Card vs. Firearms Permit

Differences Between a Guard Card and Firearms Permit

While a Guard Card allows you to work as an unarmed security guard, a Firearms Permit is required if you want to carry a weapon on the job. Both certifications are issued by BSIS but require separate training and applications.

When to Get a Firearms Permit?

Obtaining a firearms permit might be the next step if you want to work in high-risk environments or aim for higher-paying security roles.

Conclusion

Obtaining a Guard Card is an essential step for anyone looking to pursue a career in security in California. From meeting eligibility requirements to completing the necessary training, the process ensures that security professionals are well-prepared to handle various scenarios. Whether you opt for online or in-person training, the benefits of holding a Guard Card are numerous, opening doors to job opportunities and career growth in the security industry.

FAQs

  1. How long does it take to complete Guard Card training?

    The initial training takes 8 hours, followed by 32 hours of additional training after employment.

  2. What disqualifies someone from getting a Guard Card?

    Certain serious criminal convictions, especially felonies related to violence or fraud, may disqualify you.

  3. Can I take the Guard Card training online?

    Yes, we at Code4 Training Center offer the training online for added flexibility.

How Much Can You Make as A Security Guard?

How Much Can You Make as A Security Guard?

by | May 9, 2022 | Security Guard

Recent data suggests that salaries within the private security industry are set to continue climbing, which is great news for anyone thinking about pursuing a career in this field. With the median annual salary in the U.S. for private security guards coming in at around $31,000, and the top 10% making $51,000 and above, while the amount you earn can vary significantly, don’t forget that there are always opportunities to further your security training and advance your career.

What factors can impact a security guard’s salary?

Naturally, the more skilled you are and the more qualified you are, the more opportunities there are for earning a higher salary as a security guard. Whether you train as an armed or unarmed guard will also impact your salary, as will the type of industry you’re employed in.

Security guards employed by the government typically earn the most, with the average salary coming in at around $37,000 per annum. In a close second, are security guards employed by educational institutions, such as public schools, community colleges, public and private universities and trade schools. The average salary is around $35,000, and while security guards working in the food, hotel and retail services tend to have the lowest salaries, they still earn an average of $30,000 per year.

Why is a security guard such a fulfilling role?

Many who enter into the security industry do so out of a desire to help protect the public, and the fact that they can use it as a stepping stone to working within other private and public protective roles, is often a bonus.

Have you got what it takes to become a security guard?

The security industry is a fiercely competitive one, and so it’s important to try and make your resume stand out, even if you have no prior experience of working as a security guard. Having a high school diploma or equivalent is often a requirement, and if you’ve already successfully completed your security guard training to the relevant level, so much the better. In fact, many states require that this be completed before even considering an application, and even if it isn’t required in certain states, having a certificate of training demonstrates that you are committed to the role, and willing to invest time and money in your career. To make your resume sit at the top of the pile when it comes to candidate selection, carry out your security guard training at a certified and professional institution, and seek their advice and guidance when searching for the right security role for you.

Become a Trained Security Guard

If you want to join this growing private security industry then we are always here to help! Simply fill out the form from our Contact Us page and we guide you through how you can gain a professional certification with our Comprehensive Courses and join this thriving industry with All Code 4 Private Security.

5 Steps to A Successful Career as A Security Guard

5 Steps to A Successful Career as A Security Guard

by | May 9, 2022 | Security Guard

If you are new to the security industry but are interested in pursuing a career as a security guard, the guide below will help you understand exactly what is needed of you, and how you can go about getting the training and skills to fulfil your desired role:

Step One: Select the right training program

Depending upon where you live, or which state you plan to train as a security guard in, you’ll need to complete a certain type of schooling and training. Begin by reaching out to the relevant state licensing board, who oversee all regulated professions for the state. They will help you determine the necessary requirements for becoming a security guard in your location, and when selecting a training program, look out for the following qualities:

  • State-approved curriculum
  • Classroom and practical training
  • Certification

Step Two: Be aware that continuing education will likely be required

Courses designed to supplement your existing knowledge (continuing education), are required by the majority of states throughout the U.S. and in many cases, security guards must complete 16 hours of continuing education within the first 30 days of working as a security guard. Note that this doesn’t include the 8 hour Power to Arrest initial training requirements.

Often, newly qualified security guards must then undertake a minimum of 16 hours of additional training.

Even if the state in which you’re in doesn’t mandate that you pursue continuing education, it’s always a good idea to do it anyway, since it enables you to keep your career options open and stay ahead of the competition.

Step Three: Apply for security guard designation

After completing the training as required by your state, you can then go on and apply for a security guard designation, and this will usually be a license or official certification.

Obtaining a security guard license means that certain license requirements specific to your state, must be met, and while they can vary, most require security guards to qualify for the following:

  • Be 18 years old or above when applying
  • Have completed all of the required training/curriculum
  • Pass a physical fitness aptitude test
  • Pass a criminal background check and FBI fingerprinting
  • Pass a multi-panel drug screening
  • Qualify for license renewal
  • Be able to pay a licensing fee and agree to the professional code of conduct

Step Four: Start applying for jobs

Because you’re a newly licensed security guard with no experience, it’s best to try and find an employer who is comfortable with this, and who has a reputation for offering promotions and other opportunities to progress within the company or career.

Step Five: Get yourself specialty certified

The best opportunities for career advancement, a higher salary and job security is by specializing in a certain role within the security industry, and there are a variety of unique certification programs available that allow you to do exactly that. A successful career within the security guard industry is entirely within your grasp, provided you follow the steps above, and always take your training and the responsibilities that come with it, extremely seriously at all times.

Why The Private Security Sector Is Booming Right Now

Why The Private Security Sector Is Booming Right Now

by | May 9, 2022 | Security Guard

National (and international) focus was recently brought to a debate that has long been raging across the U.S. as to the role of the police in America. Questions surrounding the unlawful targeting of persons of color, and their use of excessive or inappropriate force have been surrounding the police force since the killing of George Floyd in Minneapolis by a police officer.

As a direct result of this and the publicity it received, many cities country wide reduced their police budgets in order to redirect funds towards social services and mental health support, leaving many police departments with a deficit of officers, and struggling to find new ones. Unfortunately, this decline in police officers has directly corresponded with an increase in crime across the U.S. and particularly in larger cities.

So how has this impacted the private security industry?

Shrinking police departments and crime spikes

With visibly depleted police departments and crime on the rise, many businesses are turning to private security companies to help keep them, their employees, their business and their customers, safe.

With the Wall Street Journal reporting on the increased demand for private security officers and the importance of their role within communities, they write that unarmed guards in particular, are proving to be extremely useful for businesses, especially as many of them are just beginning to reopen in the wake of pandemic restrictions. By helping visitors and workers feel more confident with respect to their personal safety, they are proving to be an invaluable and worthwhile investment.

In some instances, those living and working outside of business groups, have been putting their money together to pay for security guards to patrol areas of their neighborhood that are particularly at risk, and say that the added protection it affords them, is well worth paying for.

Will the demand for private security guards continue to grow?

For as long as crime rates continue to soar, it seems the need for private security guards will continue, too. Even in those cities that have managed to retain their workforces, public trust in the police is at an all-time low, and it may be some years yet before they ever regain the public’s faith in them. Reduced police numbers may be bad news for communities, but it’s great news for the private security industry. To take advantage of this and get yourself a valuable career as a security guard, find your local training center and start gaining the skills you need to protect and serve those who need you the most.

Things to Know About the Firearm Training

by | Mar 31, 2022 | Firearm Training, Security Guard

Firearm Training is done by professional instructors to ensure safe handling of firearms. These instructors also train individuals in the usage of firearms. The idea behind training is to make sure that gun users are aware of safety measures and know how to handle firearms in a proper manner.

Firearm training is extremely important since it is one of the most dangerous objects being used from time to time. To make sure that the firearm is used in a correct manner and no harm is caused, it is important that firearm training is done. The problem with such training is that there are many gun trainers who are not professional and might not be able to give the best training. In order to have the best training and prevent any accidents from happening, it is important to find a good trainer who has experience in this field.

Firearm training is an educational process that starts before you ever pick up a firearm. Training with firearms is a perishable skill just like any other and requires regular practice to keep current.

Firearm training can be divided into two broad categories: range time and classroom/book time. Range time is the hands on portion of your training that involves live fire with a qualified instructor. Classroom/book time is everything else you do to prepare yourself for your qualification or advanced training.

The importance of each type of training varies by the person, the firearm they use and their intended use for that firearm. Some people will spend more classroom time on learning the laws regarding their carry weapon, others will spend more on range time learning how to shoot. The best way to figure out how much training you need is to find a qualified instructor and start asking questions about what you want to know.

Firearm training is the instruction of the use, maintenance, and safe handling of firearms. Training includes a wide variety of topics, ranging from the safe storage of firearms to their proper use in competition and self-defense.

Firearm training may be available from government bodies (such as the police or military), shooting clubs, professional trainers or via the Internet. Proper training is important for the safety of people who handle firearms for a living or for recreation.

Firearm training isn’t a simple thing to do, you need to be trained on how the gun works and how to use it, then you have to get accustomed with the weight of it and know how to handle it under pressure. As time goes by and you practice more and more, handling a firearm gets easier for you. The goal is for you to learn how to properly handle a firearm so that way if you’re in danger or your life is in danger, you’ll know what to do without thinking about it.

Why Female Security Guards Are in Such High Demand

by | Mar 31, 2022 | Security Guard

The image most people have of a security guard, is a big, burly man who takes no nonsense from anyone, but over time, this image is gradually changing. With more and women entering into the security industry, no longer do men totally dominate the security world, and it’s become increasingly common to see women helping to provide protection for individuals, businesses and events.

But is this just about equality, or do females actually make better security guards?

Let’s take a look at some of the reasons whyfemale security guards are increasingly in high demand within the security industry:

Women draw less attention to themselves

Those stereotypical, big, burly security guards described at the top of this article, do nothing to detract attention away from themselves, and while sometimes a visible source of protection is needed, when it comes to protecting professional individuals, the more discrete the level of security can be, the better. A female security guard, in the majority of instances, can easily be mistaken for a partner, personal assistant or even a nanny.

An obvious security personnel presence is no longer wanted by many individuals who hire protection, and for protecting the children of high-profile individuals, many also prefer to hire female security guards, rather than males.  

Okay, so gender equality does have something to do with it

And that’s nothing to be ashamed of, after all, if women can perform a role just as well (or better) than their male counterparts, why shouldn’t they be given the opportunity to do so? Many more companies nowadays are under pressure to balance the gender of their employees, and be seen as an equal opportunities employer, meaning that increasingly, women are being welcomed into the security industry with open arms.

Women are taking on more diverse roles

Many more women nowadays have the confidence to apply for a variety of roles that might not ordinarily have been considered appropriate or suitable for them, and no longer shy away from pursuing a career in the security industry.

When frisking is mandatory, females are mandatory

In a lot of schools, colleges, shopping malls, airports and work places, frisking is mandatory before entry to certain areas is permitted, but with female visitors or attendees only able to be frisked by other females, this has fuelled the need for more women in the security industry.

Women are proven to be more effective at diffusing situations

When it comes to conflict resolution, female security guards have long been proven to be more effective at diffusing difficult and/or dangerous situations, as while most men will be happy to get into a fight with a male guard, they are typically less comfortable brawling with a woman. Not only that, but women generally tend to display a more compassionate, less intimidatory side when working in a security capacity, which can help to lower the levels of aggression on display, and bring about a sense of calm. If you’re a woman who would like to explore a career in security, there are plenty of opportunities for you to do so, all you need to do is find a great training school, enroll, and get protecting!