California Guard Card Training,
Done in One Day
We teach the official 8-Hour Power to Arrest & Appropriate Use of Force course — required by the California Bureau of Security and Investigative Services before you can apply for your guard card, the registration you need to legally work as a security guard in California.
All fees non-refundable. Date changes require 48-hour notice. See Class Policies.
8-Hour Power to Arrest & Appropriate Use of Force Guard Card Course
This is the foundational training required for anyone applying for a California Guard Card — and under California’s 2024 rules, the core of it must be completed in person. That’s exactly how we teach it: hands-on, structured instruction taught start to finish by a real instructor with 15+ years in the field, so you leave prepared for the job, not just holding a certificate.
Following the official BSIS Power to Arrest and Appropriate Use of Force Training Manual (July 2023), the course runs 3 hours of Power to Arrest and 5 hours of Appropriate Use of Force — all in one session, all with one provider, exactly as California's SB 652 now requires.
Certificate, printed application guide, and all materials included. No hidden fees.
All fees non-refundable. Date changes require 48-hour notice. See Class Policies.
- Official BSIS-recognized certificate of completion — issued the same day
- Printed step-by-step guide to applying for your guard card after class
- All course materials provided
- In-person, hands-on instruction from a BSIS-approved trainer
- Direct access to your instructor before, during, and after class
- 52-question open-book exam — we prepare you to pass with the required 100%
Four Steps to Your Guard Card
The order matters — and every student walks out with a printed guide to all of it.
Complete the 8-hour course
Power to Arrest + Appropriate Use of Force, with us, in one day. Certificate in hand before you leave.
Apply through BSIS
Online via BreEZe (recommended) or by mail — within 6 months of training.
Live Scan & background check
DOJ/FBI fingerprinting with the official Security Guard Live Scan form, then BSIS reviews and approves. We partner with the UPS Store downstairs for a discounted service fee — complete it right after class and leave with your part of the process done.
Finish 32 skills hours
Within 6 months of issue — 16 of them in your first 30 days. See the full breakdown.
Pick a Date.
Get Certified.
Classes run on a rolling basis across Los Angeles & Orange County. Red dates on the calendar are open classes — book your seat online in minutes, or schedule a private one-on-one session on your own timeline.
Check Us Out on Yelp
I got my Guard Card through Nocturnal and had a great experience. The instructor actually has real security background, so the class was taught by someone who's worked the job. Very chill guy. Staff helped me through the BSIS application and pointed me downstairs to the UPS Store for fingerprinting. Price was fair since they helped with the application and stayed after class to answer questions. Would recommend.
Mario was an amazing instructor! He was knowledgeable, engaging, and made everyone feel comfortable throughout the class. I highly recommend his class to anyone looking for CPR and First Aid training!
Reached out with some questions since I wasn't able to take the class, too far for me, but he was super helpful. Answered everything and got back to me quickly, no pressure. Would recommend if you're in the area.
Ready to Get Certified?
Book your spot today. Same-day certificate. Serving Los Angeles County, Orange County, and surrounding areas.
Book the 8-Hour Course — $80$80 is the 8-hour course fee only. Typical total ~$226 when you come to us: $80 course + $60 BSIS state application (+2.3% service fee) + $84 Live Scan with our NPS coupon at the UPS Store downstairs. Live Scan at other locations can vary. BSIS and Live Scan fees are paid directly to those providers — see the full cost breakdown.