Security Guard Training
Classes
Guard Card Classes
Part 1 – Only $32.99
Part 2 – Only $79.99
The complete package – Only $99.99
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 120 days to complete it.
Note: Part 1 is half self-paced/half instructor-led. Part 2 is 100% self-paced online. Course fees do not include BSIS fees or LiveScan.
Guard Card (Annual Refresher)
This security guard certification course meets the Annual Continuing Educations Requirements for California Security Guards.
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.
Download the manual Frequently Asked Questions
Cost: $39.95
Exposed Firearm Permit – Initial Permit
NO WALK-INS. PRIOR REGISTRATION AND PAYMENT IS REQUIRED.
This is a two day course – (Classroom / Live-fire at the range).
- You must complete the classroom section before registering for your live-fire range day. The classroom section of the course is taught at our Mission Valley San Diego office. You can register for this course using the “Sign Up Now” button below.
- The instructor will sign you up for your range day at the end of the classroom section of the course. The initial course fee covers both the classroom and range day sections of the course. However, there are some additional costs on range day, which are detailed farther down this page.
- You must complete your range day qualification within 30 days following the classroom section of the course.
- The first day of the pre-licensing course (classroom section) covers the Dept. of Consumer Affairs guidelines for carrying and using a firearm while in uniform and on duty as a licensed security guard in California.
- The second day is live-fire range training and qualification. Qualification with one caliber handgun is included in the class. Students may qualify with more than one caliber handgun (additional charges apply at a rate of $35.00 per caliber).
Additional information:
- Handguns may be rented from the range if needed (rental fees paid to the range). NOTE: The range may be limited in the number, type, and caliber of handguns available for rent.
- Ammunition is to be supplied by the student or purchased at the range. NOTE: The type and caliber of ammunition available for purchase at the range may be limited.
- The following is required in addition to successful course completion:
- Psychological firearms assessment
- Live scan and background checks
- Submission of the required forms to the state of California
- Payment of state application fee
- The cost of this class covers the classroom course, the instructor’s time on range day, and the application paperwork (which we provide). It DOES NOT include range fees, ammunition, firearms rental, live scan, psychological firearms assessment fee, license application fees, or the processing of your permit application.
- The course is taught in English only.
- Additional information about the application process can be found on the BSIS website.
Perquisites:
- You must be at least 21 years of age
- You must be able to legally posses a firearm in California in order to attend this course.
- Proof of United States citizenship or legal residency is required.
IMPORTANT: Effective January 1, 2022, the Psychological Firearms Assessment must be completed PRIOR to submitting an Application for an Initial Firearms Permit. This is a significant change. Prior practice was to take the assessment AFTER you applied; as of January 1, 2022, you must take it PRIOR to applying for a firearms permit.
More information about the Psychological Firearms Assessment.
To Register for your assessment.
NOTE: You MUST bring the following to class and the range:
Identification and Proof of Legal Residence:
- Government issued picture ID.
- Proof of U.S. citizenship or legal residency in the United States. The ONLY documents that are accepted by BSIS are: Birth Certificate (hospital birth certs are not accepted. Must have offical seal & document number); U.S. Passport Book or Passport Card; DD-214; Valid Military ID; Green Card; Native American Tribal documents; or INS paperwork. Photocopies are NOT accepted except for copies of a DD-214. All other documents MUST be the originals.
License or Proof of Application:
If you have one of the following or you have applied for one of the following, bring proof:
- Alarm company operator
- Guard Card
- Private investigator
- Private patrol operator
- Responding alarm agents
If you don’t have one of the above, bring proof that you have applied or that you intend to do so. Proof can be presented in the form of an application, or copy of an application, that you have completed and signed, even if you have not submitted it yet. For example, a completed and signed guard card application.
Course Length: 8 hrs (Classroom) 3 hrs (Range)
Cost: $299
Exposed Firearm Permit – Requalification
This course is taught entirely at the shooting range.
NO WALK-INS. PRIOR REGISTRATION AND PAYMENT IS REQUIRED.
RE-QUALS ONLY! No initial permit quals.
Security guards who already have a valid BSIS Firearms Permit are required to attend a two hour refresher course and re-qualify by firing 60 rounds on the shooting range with a BSIS licensed training instructor twice per year. Sign up for this session if you need to re-qualify for your BSIS exposed firearms permit.
Additional information:
- Qualification with one caliber handgun is included in the class. Students may qualify with more than one caliber handgun (additional charges apply at a rate of $35.00 per caliber).
- Handguns may be rented from the range if needed (rental fees paid to the range). NOTE: The range may be limited in the number, type, and caliber of handguns available for rent.
- Ammunition is to be supplied by the student or purchased at the range. NOTE: The type and caliber of ammunition available for purchase at the range may be limited.
- The following is required in addition to successful course completion:
- Submission of the required forms to the state of California
- Payment of state renewal fee
- The cost of this class covers the two hour refresher course, the instructor’s time on range day, and the application paperwork (which we provide). It DOES NOT include range fees, ammunition, firearms rental, live scan, license application fees, or the processing of your permit renewal application.
- The course is taught in English only.
- Additional information about the renewal application process can be found on the BSIS website.
NOTE: You must bring the following to the range in order to shoot:
- Government issued picture ID.
- Proof of U.S. citizenship or legal residency in the United States. The ONLY documents that are accepted by BSIS are: Birth Certificate (hospital birth certs are not accepted. Must have offical seal & document number); U.S. Passport Book or Passport Card; DD-214; Valid Military ID; Green Card; Native American Tribal documents; or INS paperwork. Photocopies are NOT accepted except for copies of a DD-214. All other documents MUST be the originals.
Location: Requals are held at the P2K Range at 2082 Willow Glen Drive, El Cajon 92019. Here’s a Google maps page link for driving directions to the range.
Course Length: This varies depending upon the number of students and the number of calibers per student. The average is 3 to 4 hours.
Cost: $75 including one caliber (additional calibers are $35 each)
Active Threat & High-Stress Response
Tactical Firearms Training II: Active Threat & High-Stress Response
Train for the Moment You Hope Never Comes.
Building on the fundamentals of Tactical Firearms Training I, this advanced course immerses participants in dynamic, fast-paced scenarios that simulate active threat situations—such as workplace violence, public attacks, or carjacking incidents. This course challenges decision-making, movement, and communication under extreme stress using MILO’s scenario-based technology.
Key Skills Covered:
- Active shooter and public threat scenarios
- Tactical movement and cover techniques
- Situational awareness in high-traffic environments
- Split-second decision-making
- De-escalation and lawful response under pressure
This training is provided at our Mission Valley San Diego location in cooperation with our partners at Secure Measures.
⚠️ Designed for concealed carriers and experienced gun owners who want to expand their capabilities and mindset for handling complex, unpredictable situations.
Handgun Course Requirements:
Handgun Course Requirements:
- Must be at least 18 prior to registering for class.
- Must NOT be prohibited from possessing a firearm.
- NO Guns or Ammunition Allowed!
- Prerequisite: Any of the following:
- Tactical Firearms Simulator Training I
- Current CCW permit from any state
- Current BSIS firearms permit
- NRA Personal Protection Outside the Home.
- NRA Concealed Carry Course
- Retired Law Enforcement
Session Lengths: 3 hours
Cost: $149 per person.
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 pepper spray certification 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: $39.95
Electronic Control Device Training (Taser, Phazzer, Stun-Gun)
This online course was designed and produced by Practical Defense Systems to cover the proper, effective, and ethical use of Tasers, Phazzers, and Stun-Guns by security guards in the course of their work and by civilians for self-defense and the defense of others.
Course Information
Course Length: 4 hours
Cost: $39.95
Baton Permit – Initial & Renewal
By California state regulation, any security guard who carries or uses a baton must complete an approved 8-hour training course at a state licensed facility. This in-person Baton Permit class satisfies the BSIS requirement for both initial baton permit applications and renewals.
Students will learn proper baton handling, legal use of force, defensive techniques, and practical application skills. At the completion of this course, students will receive a completed and signed state baton permit application. Students must then submit the application to the California Bureau of Security and Investigative Services (BSIS) and pay the state application fee. The BSIS will issue the official Baton Permit.
This is a pre-licensing and pre-renewal course.
Course Information
Course Length: 8 hours
Cost: $125.00
Handcuffing – Online Course!
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 standing, on the ground, and while the suspect is on his/her knees. This is an online only course.
Course Information
Course Length: 2 hours
Cost: $39.95
Defensive Tactics & Strategies – Online Course!
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, and defensive strategies.
Course Length: 2 hrs
Cost: $39.95
This course is being redesigned and is not currently available.
First Aid and CPR – Online Courses!
(NO READING REQUIRED! Multi-media course.*)
This 100% online First Aid and CPR course is in compliance with the requirements stated in Title 16, California Code of Regulations, Section 643 for security officer training. 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.
Get CPR and First Aid all in one (8Hr Course)
Cost: $39.95
Testimonials
Honest Reviews from our Students
Posted on Trustindex![]()
RobTrustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Trustindex.
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!Posted on Trustindex![]()
Glenn MartinTrustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Trustindex.
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!Posted on Trustindex![]()
Tina YoungTrustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Trustindex.
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.Posted on Trustindex![]()
Chris MyersTrustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Trustindex.
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!Posted on Trustindex![]()
Mark YandellTrustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Trustindex.
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.Posted on Yelp![]()
nolan l.Verified
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.
