California BSIS Security Guard Training Changes Effective January 1, 2029
What security guards, armed guards and security employers need to know about SB 1203
California security guard training requirements are scheduled to change significantly beginning January 1, 2029. Senate Bill 1203 expands required security officer skills training, de-escalation instruction and annual continuing education requirements. Southwest Training Center is monitoring BSIS implementation so security guards, armed guards and security employers can prepare for the upcoming changes.
Important — 2029 Requirements Are Not Yet in Effect
The requirements below are scheduled to take effect January 1, 2029. Current BSIS training requirements remain in effect until then. BSIS may publish additional regulations, curriculum standards or implementation guidance before the effective date. Southwest Training Center will update this page as official BSIS guidance becomes available.
Current BSIS Training vs. January 1, 2029
Current Guard Card Training Structure
Under current BSIS requirements, security guards complete Power to Arrest and Appropriate Use of Force training plus 32 hours of security officer skills training during the first six months of registration.
- Power to Arrest — 3 hours
- Appropriate Use of Force — 5 hours
- Security Officer Skills Training — 32 hours
- At least 16 of the 32 skills-training hours within the applicable first 30-day period
- Remaining skills training within the first six months
- Current annual continuing training — 8 hours
Beginning January 1, 2029
SB 1203 increases the security-officer-skills training requirement. The points below are based on the enacted legislation:
- Security Officer Skills Training increases from 32 hours to 42 hours
- 18 hours of the required skills training will be required during the initial 30-day period
- Remaining required training is completed within the applicable six-month period
- The expanded curriculum includes increased de-escalation training
- 8 hours of the required training are dedicated to de-escalation instruction, including interactive/scenario-based components as required by the new law
- The law includes worker-rights instruction within the initial training requirements
- Annual continuing training increases from the current 8 hours to 12 hours
- At least 4 hours of annual training will address de-escalation requirements under the new law
What does “42 hours” mean?
The 42-hour requirement refers to the security officer skills training requirement that is currently 32 hours. It should not be described simply as a change from a 40-hour program to a 42-hour program. The existing Power to Arrest and Appropriate Use of Force training is a separate training requirement.
Expanded De-Escalation Training
The 2029 law places substantially more emphasis on practical de-escalation education, including instructor-led and interactive/scenario-based instruction. A dedicated portion of the required training is directed toward practicing de-escalation skills. Southwest Training Center will align its de-escalation instruction with the final curriculum standards BSIS publishes. We are not presenting specific drills or a finalized curriculum before BSIS issues its implementation guidance.
What Security Employers Should Know
The changes will affect employers as well as individual guards. Security companies should begin planning for:
- increased training hours
- employee scheduling
- training documentation
- annual continuing education
- de-escalation requirements
- compliance with future BSIS regulations
- training costs and employer responsibilities established by applicable law
Security Company or Employer?
Southwest Training Center provides BSIS security training in Los Angeles and works with individual guards and security employers. Contact us if your organization would like information about preparing employees for upcoming BSIS training changes.
This information is provided for educational purposes and is not legal advice. Employers should consult their own counsel regarding compliance obligations.
What About the BSIS Exposed Firearms Permit?
SB 1203 also directs changes affecting security-firearms training and curriculum. Additional BSIS regulations and curriculum guidance may be issued before January 1, 2029. Southwest Training Center will update this page and our Exposed Firearms training information as BSIS publishes final implementation requirements.
Official BSIS and California Resources
Training requirements, curriculum standards and regulations are established by the California Bureau of Security and Investigative Services (BSIS) and the California Legislature. Review the official sources below for current information.
Southwest Training Center is a private training provider and is not a government agency. Licensing requirements, application procedures, fees and regulations are established by the applicable government agency and are subject to change. Please consult the official agency website for current requirements.
Current BSIS Training at Southwest Training Center
Current BSIS requirements remain in effect until January 1, 2029. Explore our available security training courses:
Frequently Asked Questions
Are California Guard Card training requirements changing in 2029?
Yes. California has enacted changes to security guard training requirements scheduled to take effect January 1, 2029. Among the changes is an increase in required security officer skills training from 32 hours to 42 hours, along with expanded de-escalation and annual training requirements.
Does the 42-hour requirement start now?
No. The new requirement is scheduled to take effect January 1, 2029. Current BSIS requirements remain in effect until the new requirements become operative.
Is California Guard Card training becoming 42 hours total?
The 42 hours refers to the security officer skills training requirement that is currently 32 hours. Power to Arrest and Appropriate Use of Force training is a separate requirement, so the change should not be described simply as a 42-hour total Guard Card program.
Will annual BSIS training requirements change in 2029?
Yes. The new law increases annual continuing training requirements beginning in 2029 and adds expanded de-escalation training requirements.
Will BSIS Exposed Firearms training change in 2029?
Changes affecting security-firearms training and curriculum are expected under the new law. Additional BSIS implementation guidance may be issued before 2029. Southwest Training Center will update its training information as official requirements are finalized.
Where can I take BSIS security guard training in Los Angeles?
Southwest Training Center provides in-person BSIS security training in Pacoima, serving Los Angeles, the San Fernando Valley and surrounding Southern California communities.
Regulatory information is provided for educational purposes. BSIS may issue additional regulations, curriculum standards or implementation guidance before January 1, 2029. Students and employers should verify current requirements with the California Bureau of Security and Investigative Services.
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