Praetorian Protective Services (PO#16665) offers several different options for you to take the classes that you need to get your guard card. 

You can purchase the 8-hour Pre-Guard classes for $25.99 and then buy the 32-hour Guard Card bundle for $75.99 or you can save some money and purchase the 40 hr New Guard Card bundle, which includes the initial 8 hours of training, for $85.99.

To become a licensed security guard in California, you must first complete the "Pre-Guard Package," which prepares you for the open-book, open-note test and application process. Part one includes 3 hours of self guided instruction online and 5 hours of in person instruction in the Praetorian office in Novato.

Class Materials: BSIS Guard Card Manual

3 Hour "Powers to Arrest" Online Course

• Available 24/7/365
• Use your Computer or Smart Phone
• Multi-media course
• Download documents upon completion

5 Hour “Appropriate use of force” In-person class- 8 hours in total - $25.99

• Class Check in at the Novato Office by 9:00 am (0900 hours)
• Class begins at 9:30 am (0930)

To become a licensed security guard in California and receive a Guard Registration Card ("Guard Card"), you must meet the following requirements:

• Be at least 18 years of age.
• Complete the online "Powers to Arrest" course.
• Complete an in-person "Appropriate Use of Force" course.
• Submit to Livescan fingerprinting.
• Apply for your Guard Card through the California Department of Consumer Affairs, Bureau of Security and Investigative Services.

Once you receive your guard card, you have 6 months to complete 32 hours of additional training, consisting of 16 hours of mandatory courses and 16 hours of elective courses. These classes are:

• Available 24/7/365
• Use your Computer or Smart Phone
• Multi-media course
• Elective classes may change periodically

Mandatory Courses (16 hours total)

• Public Relations (Community & Customer) - 4 hours
• Observation & Documentation - 4 hours
• Communication and its Significance - 4 hours
• Liability / Legal Aspects - 4 hours

Elective Courses (16 hours total)

• Proper use of force in conflict resolution - 2 hours
• Patrol Techniques - 2 hours
• Work Place Violence - 4 hours
• Crowd Management and Crowd Control - 2 hours
• Handling Difficult People - 2 hours
• Documentation and Report writing - 2 hours
• Fire Safety and Firewatch Training - 1 hour
• Using Verbal Judo - 1 hour
• *classes may change based on availability

If you work for Praetorian USA find out how to get these classes free.

• Course fees do not include BSIS fees or LiveScan.
• Guard Card registration is issued by BSIS, not the training facility, and typically takes 2-6 weeks. Processing times may vary due to previous criminal history.
• In-Person Class is pass or fail. Participants who fail can retake the class for $25.00.
• Class is taught in English only. No translators or translation services are allowed. Students must be fluent in English.

What to Bring:

• Valid Government ID (Driver's license, State ID, or US Passport)
• Pen and note paper
• A snack or light lunch
• Dress casually. This is a lecture-only class.
• Know your Social Security number or Individual Taxpayer ID number

Class Materials:

BSIS Guard Card Manual

* Students must read the test questions and answers while taking tests. No other reading is required for the Guard Card course.

After obtaining your guard card and completing the mandatory 40 hours of initial training within your first year, it is essential to continue your professional development. To maintain an active guard card, you are required to complete a minimum of 8 hours of continuing education annually. These hours can be fulfilled through various courses, including guard card refresher courses that revisit the foundational 8 hours of training, or by selecting specialized classes that align with your career goals and aspirations.

Remember that your Private Patrol Operator (PPO) is responsible for maintaining records of your training and completion certificates. This documentation is crucial for compliance and demonstrates your commitment to ongoing learning and professional growth within the security industry. By actively participating in continuing education, you not only meet the licensing requirements but also enhance your skills, knowledge, and potential for career advancement.