Security Guard FAQs

Guard Card Questions

What is LiveScan?

Live Scan is a system for the electronic submission of fingerprints and the subsequent automated background checks and responses. Live Scan is required for Guard Card and Firearm Permit Applications.

You CANNOT legally work as a security guard until you are issued a Guard Card. However, once your guard card has been approved, you can print out the approval from the BSIS website. You can use the printout to show a potential employer that your guard card has been approved and is on its way.

If you apply on-line at the BSIS website, your guard card may be approved more quickly. Some of our students have received their guard card approval within two weeks. Others have taken four months. BSIS states that the application process can take as long as four months to complete (Currently Listed CA State Turn Time).

Perhaps. It depends on the crime and when it occurred. Unfortunately, BSIS is the only organization that can answer this question. For more info contact BSIS directly:
Bureau of Security and Investigative Services
2420 Del Paso Road, Suite 270
Sacramento, CA 95834
(916) 322-4000
1-(800) 952-5210
FAX (916) 575-7290
bsis@dca.ca.gov

Yes, the class is a requirement before you submit your application for the guard card.

No. Completing the course does not guaranty that BSIS will issue you a guard card.

No. You course fees are non-refundable.

The minimum age requirement for a Guard Card is 18 years of age.

A security guard registration is valid for two years.

No.

If you cheat, you will fail the class automatically and your course fees will NOT be refunded.

No. Although you have paid the course fees, successful completion of the course is not guaranteed.

Possibly.  You have 180 days (6 months) in which to complete the course.  The Bureau allows each student to retake the final exam as many times as necessary in order to pass.  If you fail to complete the course within 180 days, then you will have to pay for the course again.

Yes! PC Section 832 training is not accepted by BSIS and cannot be used as a substitute course of training.

8 hours

100%. That’s right, you can’t even miss one! However, we will allow you to retake the test if you fail. Also, it is an open book, open notes test. To make sure you have the best chance of passing the test, you should download and print the Powers to Arrest manual. Click here to download the manual.

No. Defensive tactics (self-defense), proper search techniques and handcuffing are learned in other classes. This class is an overview of the powers to arrest and does not provide practical training in how to physically arrest a suspect.

No.

Security Guard Firearms Permit Questions

What are the requirements for obtaining a Firearms Permit?
  • Pass a physiological assessment.
  • Take a 14-hour course (8 hours classroom, 6 hours range).
  • Pass the written and range exams given at the end of the course.
  • Complete a live scan and pass your background checks.
  • Submit an application with appropriate fees.
  • Be a United States citizen or have permanent legal alien status.

To qualify on the range for an Exposed Firearms Permit, a security officer must fire 50 rounds with a passing score of 200 out of a possible 250 points. The course of fire is as follows:

    • 3 yards – 6 rounds two handed
    • 5 yards – 6 rounds two handed
    • 7 yards – 6 rounds two handed
      • 6 rounds right hand only
      • 6 rounds left hand only
      • 6 rounds two handed standing
      • 8 rounds two handed kneeling
    • 15 yards – 6 rounds two handed

LiveScan is a system for the electronic submission of fingerprints and the subsequent automated background checks and responses. Live Scan is required for Guard Card and Firearm Permit Applications.

No. You must wait for your Firearm Permit to be issued.

The application process can take up to six months (currently listed CA state turn time).

Perhaps. It depends on the crime and when it occurred. Unfortunately, BSIS is the only organization that can answer this question. For more info contact BSIS directly:
Bureau of Security and Investigative Services
2420 Del Paso Road, Suite 270
Sacramento, CA 95834
(916) 322-4000
1-(800)-952-5210
FAX (916) 575-7290
bsis@dca.ca.gov

Yes, the class is a requirement before you submit your application for a permit.

The minimum age requirement for a BSIS Firearms Permit is 18 years of age.

No, The CA BSIS Firearms Permit only allows for exposed carry. Your exposed carry is only valid for the hours you are on duty. For concealed carry, an additional permit is required from your county’s Sheriff Department.

N0. Unless you provide proof of citizenship, or legal residency and authorization to work, you cannot participate in this firearm training course. (B&P Code Section 7585.8(a)). The following documents are accepted by BSIS as proof of eligibility:

  • Valid U.S. Passport
  • Valid active duty or retired U.S. Military ID
  • U.S. Birth Certificate combined with valid government PICTURE ID (Driver’s license is acceptable)
  • DD214 combined with valid government PICTURE ID (Driver’s license is acceptable)
  • Valid imigration paperwork showing current imigration status and right to work.

No. If you have any of the following , BSIS or the Sheriff’s Department WILL NOT issue you a firearm permit :

  • Felony conviction
  • Misdemeanor conviction that prohibits you from possession of a firearm for a period of 10 years
  • History of domestic violence
  • Subject to a Temporary Restraining Order
  • May not receive a permit if convicted of a crime of violence, such as assault, battery, assault with a deadly weapon, or a weapons violations, such as brandishing a weapon, illegal possession of and/or discharge of a weapon or carrying a concealed weapon without a concealed weapon permit.

N0. Passing this course does not guarantee that you will be issued you a permit.

Yes. All students who fail the written exam, must take the entire firearms training course again before they can retake the test.

You must receive a score of at least 85% or higher. If you don’t pass the first time, you can take the test a second time. However, if you fail the second time, you must take the entire course over again. You may NOT use the book or your notes during the firearms permit test. However, we have found that students who bring a copy of the course manual to class are more successful when taking the test. We suggest that you download and print a copy of the manual and bring it with you to class.

Yes. PC Section 832 training is not accepted by BSIS and cannot be used as a substitute course of training.

Testimonials

Honest Reviews from 
our Students

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
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 Rob profile picture 
 
 
 Rob 
 
 
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CCW Renewal class with PDS and Joel Persinger. I recommend PDS and Joel for your CCW training. I just took the CCW renewal class with the added benefit of the Situational Awareness Lab. It was an excellent class!
  
 
 
 
 
 
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 Glenn Martin profile picture 
 
 
 Glenn Martin 
 
 
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Outstanding and practical class The class is exceptionally well-designed and provides clear, practical instruction. The teaching style is engaging, and the information is presented in a way that's easy to absorb and apply. Highly recommended for anyone looking to gain valuable skills effectively!
  
 
 
 
 
 
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 Tina Young profile picture 
 
 
 Tina Young 
 
 
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CCW Renewal Course The classroom simulator was a real eye opener about how quickly events can occur. We debriefed each event and the entire class learned from one another. The range portion contained clear instructions ensuring everyone’s safety and success. I’ve had my CCW permit for 12 years and have had a lot of firearms instructors. Joel Persinger is hands down the best.
  
 
 
 
 
 
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 Chris Myers profile picture 
 
 
 Chris Myers 
 
 
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Excellent and engaging lecture! The lecture was engaging and very well-designed, with scenarios that effectively broke up any potential monotony. It kept my attention throughout and made the learning process more enjoyable and memorable. Highly recommend!
  
 
 
 
 
 
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 Mark Yandell profile picture 
 
 
 Mark Yandell 
 
 
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Highly Recommend I liked the hands-on experience.  The laser training was very helpful, interesting and fun.  I would very much recommend this training to anyone.
  
 
 
 
 
 
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 nolan l. profile picture 
 
 
 nolan l. 
 
 
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Practical Defense Systems' 16-hour CCW course is hands down one of the best classes you can spend your hard-earned money on, especially in this economy. I would 10/10 recommend it to all my family members before they begin carrying. I have been carrying a firearm overtly for over 16 years and concealed for nearly nine years. During that time, I've taken numerous tactical shooting courses ranging from low to medium speed and drag. Going into this class, I initially thought a 16-hour California CCW course would be a waste of my time and money. However, Joel and Dave's expert knowledge, experience, and the overall flow of the course quickly changed my perspective. The material was well presented, practical, and highly relevant. The significant amount of simulator time was especially valuable and helped reinforce real-world decision-making. I'm very glad I took their course and definitely feel better equipped to carry concealed in the Wild West that is California. Thanks, gentlemen -- I look forward to taking more courses in the future.
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