School’s out! But now you are stuck looking to fund your summer trips. Consider security!
AEGIS Security & Investigations employs 200+ guards and is dedicated to providing those interested in the field an opportunity to learn more. With online guard card courses available for your convenience and as a close partner with a local guard card training school, we know what it takes to get your permit, be hired and maintain a high-level of security education.
What is a California guard card?
The guard card is the basic license issued by the California Bureau of Security & Investigative Services. The guard card training is the first step new guards must accomplish in order to submit their application to the State of California. The guard card license allows people to work as security guards, bouncers, loss prevention agents, in security patrol, etc. Specialized training is typically available for niche assignments. AEGIS Security & Investigations offers advanced online guard card training in excess of state standards.
How do I get a California guard card?
There are three key steps to getting your guard card.
Step #1: Get trained
You are required to complete a total of 40 hours of guard card verifiable training to be employed by a security company and receive and maintain a compliant security guard permit.
However, you can start with just 8 hours to apply for your permit through BSIS. Your first 8 hours should include two key modules of training: Power to Arrest and Weapons of Mass Destruction. You want to be sure that the courses you take are based on and compliant with the California Department of Consumer Affairs and the State BSIS course syllabus.
Remember, you will need an additional 32 hours of training to be state compliant if you opt for an 8-hour course. The breakdown for hour requirements is this:
- Within the first 30 days of hire, you must receive an additional 16 hours of training both mandatory and elective courses.
- Within the first six months of hire, you must receive the remaining 16 hours of training of elective courses.
If you fail to submit these to your employer in due time, your job and permit will be at risk!
Step #2: Get your background check
The second step is to complete a Live Scan form and get your fingerprints submitted to the state by a Live Scan Operator. For a copy of the Live Scan Form, CLICK HERE. To view a detailed list of Live Scan Operators, CLICK HERE. You must bring a completed Live Scan form with you when you get your fingerprints taken. Live Scan is usually between $65-$80 depending on the provider.
Step #3: Register with the State
Once you have completed your training and your background check, you can apply online with BSIS for your guard card! Make sure to use the information printed on the downloaded certificate at the end of your course when submitting your application. The application fee payable to the state is $51. If you have any questions, call the State of California Bureau of Security & Investigative Services at 916-322-4000 or 800-952-5210.
Need more information? Check out this fact sheet from BSIS!
Perks of working in security
Working in the security sector can open numerous job opportunities for you. Positions in law enforcement, investigation, security management, security operations, consultation and more can easily take root in what you learn from becoming a security officer.
As a security officer, you will learn the importance of discipline, alertness and emergency response. Getting grounded in these principles early, such as during a school break over the summer, can translate to a fruitful career!
Additionally, physical security officers tend to make more than other hourly wage jobs. Because security is in high-demand, employers are looking to increase their forces every day! Check out job listings here.
Already work have a California guard card and looking for a new challenging, professional security experience? See AEGIS’ open positions here.
AEGIS Security & Investigations is a Los Angeles based security firm that is licensed and insured to provide high-end armed and unarmed regular and temporary off-duty police officers, bodyguards, security officers, loss prevention agents, and hostile termination support. Additionally, we offer private investigation, consultation, skip tracing, and background investigation services. Our security training and active shooter workshops have been featured in news media and are renowned for their effectiveness and transparency. For more information or to contact us, visit www.aegis.com.
By Chelsea Turner
