Frequently Asked
Questions

A valid government-issued photo ID and any registration confirmation provided at enrollment. We recommend arriving 10–15 minutes early for check-in, or at minimum on time — late arrivals may not be admitted.

No, prior experience is not required to take the course. Our training is designed for individuals who are new to the security field, as well as those looking to refresh or build on their existing skills.

Be at least 18 years old, have legal work authorization in the United States, pass a DOJ/FBI criminal history check via Live Scan, and complete the required 8-hour training. Full details on our Guard Card Steps page and at bsis.ca.gov.

Fastest: pick your date on the class calendar and book it online via Square. Prefer a personal touch? Call or text (562) 313-6604, or email us and we'll send your payment link directly. Walk-ins are welcome space permitting — call first to confirm. See upcoming dates on the class calendar.

No. You don't need to be a U.S. citizen — you need legal authorization to work in the United States, plus the other requirements: being at least 18, completing the 8-hour course, and passing the background check.

The course ends with a 52-question open-book exam, and you need 100% to pass. It's open book and your instructor prepares you throughout class, so you leave certified the same day.

Under SB 652 (effective January 1, 2026), your training must be completed within the six months preceding the date your application is submitted to BSIS — wait longer and you must retake the course. The law also requires the entire course to come from a single provider, which is exactly how we deliver it. Apply as soon as you have your certificate — our printed guide walks you through it, or see the steps online.

To apply for your BSIS Guard Card after completing your training, you use your Certificate of Completion information when submitting your application. Nocturnal Protective Services provides the required 8-hour BSIS Guard Card training, and you can use your certificate details to complete the BSIS application through the BreEZe online portal or by mail. Your Certificate of Completion includes the information required for your application: the Certificate of Completion serial number, the school or business name where training was completed, the date training was completed, the BSIS license/certificate/approval number, and the school or business phone number.

Allow approximately 4–6 weeks, depending on how quickly the DOJ and FBI respond. Check current processing timeframes.

Yes — once BSIS approves your application, you may work by carrying a hardcopy printout of your approval plus a valid photo ID. Cards typically arrive by mail within about 3 weeks (BPC § 7583.17). Verify your status anytime on the Verify a License page.

Yes — plan for fingerprinting. You pay all Live Scan, DOJ, and FBI fees at your appointment, separate from the $80 course and the $60 BSIS application fee. See the full cost picture on the Guard Card Steps page.

Incomplete application information, Live Scan issues, or additional DOJ/FBI review. The most avoidable one: using the wrong Live Scan form — always use the official Security Guard Request for Live Scan Service form (see the BSIS Live Scan page for the full process), with your details matching your application exactly.

32 hours of skills training within your first six months (16 within the first 30 days), then 8 hours annually including at least 2 hours of use-of-force review. Details on the BSIS training page — and ask us about completing these requirements.

CPR for adults and children, AED use, choking response, bleeding control, and emergency scene safety — 4 hours 30 minutes, in person and hands-on, for $95 all-in. Full details on the CPR, AED & First Aid page.

No written exam. Your instructor works with you throughout the class and confirms your skills hands-on, so you leave confident — not just carded.

An American Red Cross certification card, valid for 2 years from the date of completion. See full details on our CPR, AED & First Aid page.

No — it's not a BSIS requirement. But many security employers prefer or require guards with current CPR/First Aid, and it pairs well with the 8-Hour Course to make you more hireable from day one.

CPR, AED & First Aid isn't on a fixed schedule — we run it by request. Use the Get in Touch form to inquire about availability, or call or text (562) 313-6604, and reach out as early as you can so we can lock in a date. You can also pair it with your 8-Hour Course as a combo — just ask.

Yes — combo dates are available by request. Tell us on the Get in Touch form and we'll schedule both around the same trip so you finish job-ready on both fronts.

A Security Guard Registration issued by BSIS — required to legally work as a security guard in California. Without an active registration you cannot be employed as a security officer. Learn more at bsis.ca.gov.

Two years from issue. Submit your renewal at least 60 days before expiration; registrations not renewed within 60 days after expiration are canceled and cannot be renewed — you would reapply as a new applicant. Renew online via BreEZe, and see the full renewal breakdown on our Guard Card Steps page.

Effective October 1, 2025: initial application $60, biennial renewal $44, delinquent renewal $69 ($44 + $25), replacement card $25. Always verify on the official fee schedule.

Yes — one registration covers work for any licensed private patrol operator or in-house security employer in California. No separate registration per employer.

Yes — a valid registration card must be on your person at all times while on duty (BPC § 7583.3). If your physical card hasn't arrived, carry the hardcopy printout of your BSIS approval plus photo ID.

Request a replacement ($25) in writing or online via BreEZe. Address changes must reach BSIS within 30 days.

It depends — BSIS reviews every applicant's criminal history case by case through a DOJ and FBI background check. Convictions involving violence, dishonesty, or moral turpitude — and any offense while you're on probation or parole, or with an outstanding warrant — are likely to disqualify you. Older or non-violent offenses may still be approved, especially with evidence of rehabilitation, and BSIS has an appeal process. You won't know for certain until you apply. For your situation, check with BSIS: (800) 952-5210 or bsis@dca.ca.gov.

No — BSIS does not require a drug test for your guard card. An individual employer may require one before hiring you, but it isn't part of the state guard card process.

No. A California guard card is a state registration valid only in California. Other states have their own licensing rules and there's no automatic reciprocity — you'd apply under that state's requirements.

A guard card is the basic BSIS registration to work as an unarmed security guard — that's what our 8-hour course prepares you for. To carry a firearm on duty you need a separate BSIS Exposed Firearm Permit, which requires additional training and range qualification on top of your guard card. You get the guard card first.

As of 2026, security guards in California earn roughly $18–$24 an hour (about $38,000–$50,000 a year), depending on experience, location, and whether the post is armed. Armed positions and supervisor roles pay more — one reason many guards add an Exposed Firearm Permit after getting licensed.

Yes. Nocturnal Protective Services is a BSIS-approved training provider — License ATG #2995 — and our 8-Hour Course meets all California requirements, including SB 652's single-provider rule. Verify us anytime at search.dca.ca.gov.

Throughout LA and Orange County on a rolling basis — each calendar listing shows the class location (or general area, with the exact venue emailed 2–3 days before class). We also offer mobile on-site training for businesses and private one-on-one sessions by request. See the class calendar, follow @nocturnal_protectiveservices, or contact us for upcoming dates.

Yes — tiered group pricing by enrollment size and mobile on-site training on request. Travel fees vary by area and scheduling; urgent or same-day scheduling may carry additional fees. Email a group inquiry or see group training details.

Yes — our Priority one-on-one option ($120) runs on your timeline instead of the group calendar. You can take all 8 hours in person, or take the 3-hour Power to Arrest module live online with a real instructor on screen (ask questions and interact in real time — it's not a recording) and complete the 5-hour Use of Force portion in person, as the state requires. Either way it's one provider start to finish. Priority sessions are scheduled by request around instructor availability, so reach out as soon as you can.

Class fees are non-refundable once a seat is reserved; date transfers are $10 with 48-hour written notice, subject to availability. Full details under Class Policies.