The Practical Defense Systems Security Guard Academy offers the following courses for Security Guards:
Guard Card
Courses are offered two ways:
Live and in-class
- Offered once per month
- One day 8 hour course
- San Diego County only
- LiveScan available at the end of class
- All documents, application and certificate of completion provided at the end of class.
Online and On-Demand 24/7/365
- No Reading Required
- Multi-Media Course
- Use your Smart Phone or Computer
- Download all documents upon completion
- Start and stop when you want. You have 60 days to complete it.
Note: Course fees do not include BSIS fees or LiveScan.
Download the manual
Frequently Asked Questions
Exposed Firearms Permit
Urgent!!! There is a nationwide ammunition shortage. Please purchase your ammunition in advance of attending class.
This permit is issued by the state and is required in order for a security guard to carry a firearm while in uniform and on-duty. The course includes one day (8 hrs) in the classroom and one day on the shooting range. In order to complete the course, you must attend the full day of classroom training and then shoot the qualifying course of fire on the shooting range. The course fee covers the classroom time, the instructor’s time on the range and the use of one firearm in order to qualify. Students must pay for their range time (typically around $10.00) and pay for their ammunition. Students who bring their own firearms may use any ammunition they wish. Students who use firearms provided by Practical Defense Systems must purchase their ammunition at the shooting range.
NOTE:
- You must bring proof of U.S. citizenship or legal residency in the United States. The ONLY documents that are accepted by BSIS are:
- Birth Certificate
- U.S. Passport
- DD-214
- Valid Military ID
- Green Card
- INS paperwork.
- Course fees do not include range time; ammunition; BSIS fees; or LiveScan.
Course Information and Resources
Download the manual
Frequently Asked Questions
Course Length: 14 hours (8 hrs classroom, 6 hrs range time)
Cost: $99.00
Firearms Permit Requalification
Urgent!!! There is a nationwide ammunition shortage. Please purchase your ammunition in advance of attending class.
Security guards who possess a valid firearms permit must re-qualify on the shooting range twice per year by firing 50 rounds of ammunition for each caliber of firearm that is listed on the security guard’s permit. The course of fire is prescribed by the state.
You must provide your own ammunition (50 rounds) and pay for your range time (about $10). Ammunition is available for purchase at the range. The first caliber is included. Additional calibers are $15 each. You will need 50 rounds of ammunition for each caliber on your permit.
We will provide you with one firearm to use for your re-qualification at no additional fee. If you need more than one firearm, you may rent them from the range for a small fee (generally $10). If you use our pistols, you must purchase the ammunition from the range.
All re-qualification shooting is done at the P2K Range at 2082 Willow Glen Drive, El Cajon 92019. Shooting is sometimes done on an outdoor range, so please dress appropriately.
NOTE:
- You must bring proof of U.S. citizenship or legal residency in the United States. The ONLY documents that are accepted by BSIS are:
- Birth Certificate
- U.S. Passport
- DD-214
- Valid Military ID
- Green Card
- INS paperwork.
- Course fees do not include range time; ammunition; BSIS fees; or LiveScan.
(No walk-ins! Advance registration is required)
Download the manual
Frequently Asked Questions
Course Information
Course Length: From 1 to 2 hours generally
Cost: $25 for the 1st caliber. $15 for each additional caliber.
Pepper Spray Permit – Online Course!
By California state regulation, any security guard who carries any chemical agent (Pepper Spray or Mace) must have completed an approved course of instruction in the use of chemical agents at a state licensed training facility. This online course satisfies the state requirement for training in the use of pepper spray. This course is taken entirely online and on-demand using any web capable device, such as a computer, tablet or smart phone. Students download a personalized wallet card certifying completion of the state mandated training at the end of the course.
Course Information
Course Length: 4 hours
Cost: $29.95
Baton
This course is required in order for a security guard to be issued a state baton permit. California law requires a guard who carries a baton to complete this course and to have a state baton permit on his/her person while on duty and carrying a baton. The course includes both classroom time and actual physical training in the use of a baton.
Note: Course fees are all inclusive. LiveScan and BSIS fees are NOT required.
Course Information
Course Length: 8 hours
Cost: $125 (state permit is included)
TASER – Online Course!
This is the TASER International approved course for police, security officers and bail enforcement. TASER does NOT require 
officers to be exposed to an ECD in order to be certified as a TASER User. This course is completed entirely online. NO READING REQUIRED!!! Your certificate of completion can be downloaded at the end of the course. You must past the online exam at the end of the course in order to receive your certification.
Are TASERS the right tool for security guards?
Course Information
Course Length: 4 hours
Cost: $75 (Download your certificate upon course completion)
Handcuffing
This course, while not required by the state, is required by many employers. Many security companies require their security officers to complete a course in the use of handcuffs before the officer is permitted to carry them. This course teaches the student how to use, carry and maintain handcuffs. Students are taught how to handcuff a suspect on the ground, facing a wall and while the suspect is on his/her knees. This is an interactive course. Students are expected to participate in the training as both the arresting officer and the suspect.
Course Information
Course Length: 2.5 hours
Cost: $35
Defensive Tactics
This course, while not required by the state, is required by many employers. This is an essential course for any security officer who may have to physically control a suspect or be involved in a physical confrontation while on duty. The course covers conflict avoidance, de-escalation, proper interview posture, maintaining safe distance, defense and escape, and basic control techniques.
Course Information
Course Length: 2.5 hours
Cost: $35
First Aid and CPR – OnLine Courses!
(NO READING REQUIRED! Multi-media course.*)
These 100% online First Aid and CPR courses are in compliance with the requirements stated in Title 16, California Code of Regulations, Section 643 for security officer training and the American Heart Association 2010 guidelines. Courses are taken completely online. You will be able to download and print your wallet card, as proof of course completion, at the end of the course. Your wallet card is valid for two years.
* On-line students must read basic instructions, the test questions and answers while taking tests. No other reading is required for the on-line courses.
