Do you want to become a security guard in California? Are you looking for the steps necessary to get your guard card from the Bureau of Security and Investigative Services (BSIS)? In this article, we go over what it takes to obtain a BSIS security guard certification.
Security guards in California are regulated by the BSIS. They must have a valid California security guard card issued by this organization before they can work as a security guard.
It’s important for anyone who wants to pursue this job to understand what is required by the state and the process that needs to be followed when applying for their card.
If you are curious about how to obtain a BSIS security guard card courses certification, then this step-by-step guide will help you in understanding all of the requirements and processes so that you can get your very own BSIS Guard Card.
A BSIS Guard Card is a type of license issued by the federal bureau of the Bureau of Security and Investigative Services (BSIS) in California, USA. It is required for individuals who wish to work as security guards or perform registered security guard-related services in the state of California.
To obtain a BSIS Guard Card, an individual must complete a training course that covers topics such as public relations, observation and documentation, communication and its significance, and laws related to security work. Once the training is complete, the individual must submit an application online guard card, along with a fee and fingerprints, to the BSIS.
Benefits of having a BSIS Guard Card include:
In California, it is illegal to work as a security guard or provide security-related services without a valid BSIS Guard Card.
Many employers in California require their security personnel to have a BSIS Guard Card, so having one can increase job opportunities in the field.
Holding a BSIS Guard Card can indicate to employers and clients that the individual has received proper training and is committed to professionalism in their work.
The training required to obtain a BSIS Guard Card can provide individuals with valuable skills and knowledge that can be applied in various settings and career paths.
It’s worth noting that the requirements and benefits of a BSIS Guard Card may differ depending on the state or country you are in.
To obtain a BSIS Guard Card in California, the first step is to complete the required security guard card training. The mandatory training consists of 8 hours of classroom instruction which include courses like powers to arrest and weapons of mass destruction , eight hours of training, followed by 16 hours of on-the-job training. The training may be adminstered by a private patrol operator. The topics covered in the training may include:
Public relations
Observation and documentation
Communication
Legal aspects of security work
Access control
Crowd control
Patrol procedures
Handling difficult people
officer safety
The training can be completed online through an approved training facility or through an online course. The cost of the training can vary depending on the provider.
Once the training program is complete, the individual must obtain a certificate of completion from the training bureau’s approval of the provider. The certificate must include the name of the individual, the date and location of the training, and the name and license number of the training provider.
After obtaining the certificate of completion, the individual can move on to the next step of the process, which is to submit an application for a BSIS Guard Card to the BSIS for security guard registration.
Once the required training is complete, the next step to obtain a BSIS Guard Card in California is to complete the application for registration with the BSIS. Here are the steps involved:
Obtain the Security Guard application form: The application form can be downloaded from the BSIS website or obtained from a BSIS office.
Fill out the application form: The application form will require the individual to provide personal information such as name, address, date of birth, and social security number.
Provide fingerprints: The individual must submit their fingerprints to the BSIS. This can be done electronically or by mail using a fingerprint card.
Pay the application fee: The application fee is currently $55, but it is subject to change. The fee can be paid by credit card, money order, or cashier’s check.
Submit the application: The completed application, fingerprint card (if applicable), and application fee should be submitted to the BSIS by mail or in person at a BSIS office.
Once the application is submitted, it may take several weeks for the BSIS to process the application and issue the Guard Card.
It’s important to note that the BSIS may deny an application if the individual has a criminal record or has committed certain offenses, so it’s important to disclose any relevant information on the application form.
Actually, submitting fingerprints and fee to BSIS is a part of step 2 in the process of obtaining a BSIS Guard Card in California. Here are the details:
Obtain a fingerprint card: If the individual chooses to submit fingerprints by mail, they must obtain a fingerprint card from the BSIS or from a local law enforcement agency.
Get fingerprinted: The individual must have their fingerprints taken by a qualified fingerprint roller. This can be done at a law enforcement agency or at a private company that offers fingerprinting services.
Submit fingerprints and fee: The completed fingerprint card and the application fee should be submitted to the BSIS along with the Guard Card application form.
It’s important to note that fingerprints are required for the BSIS to conduct a criminal background check. The BSIS may deny an application if the individual has a criminal record or has committed certain offenses, so it’s important to disclose any relevant information on the application form.
Obtaining Live Scan results is not a required step in the process of criminal history background check for obtaining a BSIS Guard Card in California. However, some individuals may choose to submit their fingerprints electronically through a Live Scan form to expedite the background check process. Here are the steps involved:
Find a Live Scan location: The individual can find a Live Scan location near them by visiting the California Department of Justice website or by contacting a local law enforcement agency.
Schedule an appointment: The individual should schedule an appointment with the Live Scan location and bring a valid photo ID and any required paperwork, such as the BSIS Guard Card application form and the Request for Live Scan Service form.
Get fingerprinted: At the appointment, the individual will have their fingerprints taken electronically using a Live Scan machine.
Wait for results: The Live Scan results are usually available within a few days and are sent directly to the BSIS.
After completing the required training, submitting the application for the online guard card class and registration, and having a background check conducted by the BSIS, the final step to obtain a BSIS Guard Card in California is to receive the Guard Card in the mail. Here are the details:
Wait for processing: The BSIS will process the application and conduct a background check, which can take several weeks.
Receive the Guard Card: If the application is approved, the BSIS will mail the Guard Card to the address listed on the application form. The Guard Card is a small, laminated card that includes the individual’s name, photo, and expiration date.
Renew the Guard Card: The Guard Card is valid for two years and must be renewed before the expiration date to continue working as a security guard in California. To renew the Guard Card, the individual must complete eight hours of continuing education and submit a renewal application and fee to the BSIS.
It’s important to note that the Guard Card must be carried at all times while on duty as a security driver safety guard, and failure to do so can result in penalties and fines. Additionally, the BSIS may revoke or suspend a Guard Card if the individual violates any laws or regulations related to security guard work.
In conclusion, obtaining a BSIS Guard Card in California requires completing the required training, submitting the application for registration, and having a background check conducted by the BSIS.
Once approved, the California Guard Card will be issued, and it is valid for two years. Renewal of the Guard Card requires completing continuing education and submitting a renewal application and renewal fee to the BSIS.
It is essential for security guards to keep their Guard Card up-to-date and to carry it at all times while on duty. Failing to do so can result in penalties and fines.
Additionally, security guards who work with an expired or invalid Guard Card can put fire safety, themselves, and their employers at risk of liability. You Can visit Bsisguardcard which provides guard card classes that are certified by BSIS.
