How to Get a California Armed Guard Card

Several hours of firearms training are required of armed security guards in California.

Anyone working as an armed security guard in California has to be licensed by the state Bureau of Security and Investigative Services. And to get such a license--commonly known as a guard card--applicants have to meet basic age, residency and background requirements, plus undergo specialized training that's given at a number of specialized schools throughout the state. Training includes classroom instruction as well as firearms training at a gun range.

Instructions

1. Meet the eligibility requirements. Applicants for firearms permits have to be at least 18 years of age; must be either a U.S. citizen or permanent resident; and must agree to a background check.

2. Complete 14 hours of security guard training. Eight hours of the training are in the "powers to arrest" course, and include learning about the legal and moral aspects that come with being guard. The remaining six hours of firearms training include types and parts of weapons, emergency procedures, weapons firing and accuracy training. The training can be given by any of the hundreds of privately-owned, state-certified training facilities throughout California.

3. Submit your armed guard card application to the Bureau of Security and Investigative Services, along with the applicable fees. As of mid-2010, the various application and processing fees totaled about $170. The application package includes detailed background information and a set of fingerprints. Companies that administer guard card training can usually help the applicant with fingerprinting and other parts of the application process.

4. Pass a background check. Both the California Department of Justice and Federal Bureau of Investigation will check the background of all first-time applicants for misdemeanor and felony convictions. According to Title 16 of the California Code of Regulation, a misdemeanor or felony conviction doesn't automatically disqualify applicants, but it could hurt your chances, depending on the type, date and circumstances behind the conviction(s).

5. Receive your license in the mail and find work, if you've met the state's requirements. It can take up to 90 days for the application to be processed and a guard card issued, but once your application has been approved, your name's immediately posted on the Bureau of Security's website, which enables you to be employed on an interim basis. After you receive your license, it's valid for two years as long as you complete another required 16 hours of specialized security training within the first month of employment as an armed guard, plus another 16 hours within six months of being licensed.

References

• California Bureau of Security and Investigative Services: Security Guard Fact Sheet
• Security Guard Exchange: California Armed Guard Card Licensing Requirements