BSIS Exposed Firearms Permit Training in Los Angeles
Armed security firearms training and qualification at Southwest Training Center in Pacoima
Prepare for your California BSIS Exposed Firearms Permit with professional firearms training and qualification at Southwest Training Center in Pacoima. We provide BSIS firearms training for security professionals throughout Los Angeles and the San Fernando Valley.
The BSIS Firearms Permit allows qualified licensees and registrants to carry an exposed firearm of an approved caliber while performing duties associated with the qualifying BSIS license or registration.
14-hour initial course (2 days) · 100 rounds per caliber to qualify
New BSIS Training Requirements Begin January 1, 2029
California is expanding BSIS security guard training requirements beginning January 1, 2029, including increased security officer skills training, expanded de-escalation instruction and additional annual training.
Current BSIS requirements remain in effect until the new requirements become operative.
How Do I Get a BSIS Exposed Firearms Permit?
- 1
Hold or be approved for an eligible BSIS license or registration, such as a Security Guard registration.
- 2
Complete the required Power to Arrest training where applicable.
- 3
Complete the required BSIS firearms training, written examination and range qualification through a Bureau-approved firearms training facility/instructor.
- 4
Complete the applicable firearms assessment before submitting the initial permit application when required by BSIS.
- 5
Complete the required fingerprint/background-check process.
- 6
Submit the appropriate initial Firearms Permit application to BSIS.
Southwest Training Center provides training and firearms qualification. BSIS controls permit eligibility, application review and issuance. Training completion does not guarantee approval or a specific processing time.
BSIS Firearms Training for Armed Security Guards in Los Angeles
Training is provided at Southwest Training Center in Pacoima. Range qualification is conducted at the existing training/range location used by the course, and students schedule their range date after the classroom portion within 30 days.
Students come to us from across Los Angeles and the San Fernando Valley. The program is intended for eligible BSIS security professionals seeking the Exposed Firearms Permit.
The firearm and caliber qualification requirements remain controlled by BSIS. Per current BSIS regulations, qualifying caliber restrictions apply — verify current allowed calibers with BSIS.
What Does a BSIS Exposed Firearms Permit Allow?
A BSIS Firearms Permit authorizes an eligible permit holder to carry an exposed loaded firearm only in the approved caliber(s) listed on the permit and only while performing duties associated with the qualifying BSIS license or registration.
It is not a California concealed carry license.
Please use your FULL name when registering for the courses. We use our scheduling software to download and create the certificates after all courses. If you have a middle initial enter it as well to avoid duplicate entries. This is IMPORTANT to have your certificate complete. Do NOT use short versions of your name. Thank you.
Initial Training Course
This course is required by the Bureau of Security and Investigative Services to be employed as an Armed Security Officer. Students will train on the legal, moral, and ethical application of the Use of Deadly Force, Safe Firearms Handling, and Firearms Qualification Shoot.
Prerequisites:
- A current Security Guard Card Registration
- Complete the California BSIS Firearms Assessment (Psych Test) at psiexams.com ($60)
- Permanent resident or US Citizen (Must bring valid ID to class)
- Must be at least 21 years of age
- No prior felony or domestic violence convictions
Requalification / Renewal
Book your requal online and receive a discount. Renewals should be turned in at least 90-60 days prior to expiration! Do not wait until the LAST 30 days or you risk losing your license!
Important Information
- • Course fee includes classroom training, rental equipment if needed, live scan, and range fees
- • Students will schedule range date after classroom portion within 30 days. Range dates are available weekly
- • Ammo is not included - students need 100 rounds per caliber to qualify
- • Per current BSIS regulations, qualifying caliber restrictions apply — verify current allowed calibers with BSIS
- • This is not a learn to shoot course - basic understanding of safe firearms handling required
- • Renewal applicants must complete requals and a written exam on a BSIS-defined schedule
BSIS Firearms Assessment
Security Guard registrants seeking to associate a Firearms Permit with their Guard Card are subject to the BSIS firearms assessment requirement when applicable. BSIS currently requires the assessment to be completed before submitting the initial Firearms Permit application.
This page lists the current assessment as a course prerequisite. Confirm current assessment details and scheduling on the official BSIS website.
Live Scan and Background Check
BSIS requires the applicable DOJ/FBI background-check process for the Firearms Permit. The course fee includes Live Scan, and Southwest Training Center provides Live Scan services on site.
Applicants must use the proper BSIS Live Scan form for their qualifying registration or license — one Live Scan form is not appropriate for every license type.
Why Take BSIS Firearms Training at Southwest Training Center?
- Pacoima / Los Angeles-area training location
- BSIS licensed Firearms Training Facility — TFF 1576
- Instructor-led firearms instruction
- Classroom and live-fire qualification
- Live Scan available on site
- Guard Card and related BSIS training available at the same training center
- Training for new and continuing armed-security professionals
Continue Your Security Training
Depending on your employment duties, you may need or choose additional training. Not every armed guard requires every optional course below.
California BSIS training requirements are scheduled to change January 1, 2029. Review the 2029 BSIS Training Changes guide for current information.
Armed Security Training for Los Angeles and the San Fernando Valley
Southwest Training Center's classroom is in Pacoima, CA. Students from communities throughout Los Angeles and the San Fernando Valley attend training here, including students from:
Southwest Training Center has one training location in Pacoima, CA. We do not have separate facilities in the cities listed above.
Official BSIS Resources
BSIS Exposed Firearms Permit requirements, prerequisites, caliber restrictions, assessment and renewal procedures are established by the Bureau of Security and Investigative Services and may change. Review the official BSIS website for current requirements.
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.
BSIS Exposed Firearms Permit FAQs
Where can I take BSIS Exposed Firearms Permit training in Los Angeles?
Do I need a Guard Card before getting a BSIS Firearms Permit?
Does a BSIS Firearms Permit let me carry concealed?
Do I have to qualify with the caliber I will carry?
Is a psychological or firearms assessment required?
Do I need Live Scan for a BSIS Firearms Permit?
Are BSIS firearms training requirements changing in 2029?
Start Your Armed Security Training Today
Book the BSIS Exposed Firearms Permit initial course, or schedule a requalification, at Southwest Training Center in Pacoima.
Related Security Training
Range Location & Map
Lopez Canyon Shooting Range, Sylmar, CA
Directions and address will be provided upon booking a course. It is approximately 10 minutes' drive from our classrooms.
Important Notes:
- • When you are driving on the dirt keep speeds under 10mph.
- • For classes and qualifications, we will be on the lower ranges. As soon as you cross the wooden bridge, we are immediately to the right on the first driveway.
- • You may bring your equipment to the bay, do not uncase until instructed to do so. Firearms may not be hand carried from the car.
- • Do not load magazines until instructed to do so.
Facilities Available:
- • Private range, there is no access for public shooters.
- • Women's and Men's restrooms available.
- • Shade and seated areas.
- • Wheelchair ramp ADA accessible.
- • There are no ammunition vendors on site. All rental or range equipment must be requested ahead of time. Eye protection and hearing protection first come, first served.
Google Reviews
5.0
303 Google reviews
See what our students say about us on Google.
"I had a great experience at Southwest Training Center and would highly recommend them to anyone looking for CCW training. I recently took a CCW course. It was a full 2-day, 16-hour program, but the team did an excellent job making it both comfortable and enjoyable from start to finish. The training facility itself is clean, well-organized, and comfortable, which made a big difference during a longer course like this. Their attention to detail really stood out. Everything was explained clearly, and they made sure everyone fully understood the material - not just to pass, but to be responsible and confident moving forward. Big thanks to Bo, Mike, and Luis - all three are extremely knowledgeable, skilled, and professional. They bring real-world experience and create an environment where you feel comfortable asking questions and learning. Also, a nice bonus... they provided lunch on day two, which was a great touch and shows how much they care about their students. Overall, top-notch training and a great experience. I’d absolutely recommend Southwest Training Center to anyone serious about getting their CCW done right, or any other firearms or medical related training."
"Great experience! This is the second time within the past 2 years I attended training here with the same amazing experience. I greatly appreciate all the genuine efforts our instructor Ony put in our training. Ony answered hundreds of our questions and instructions he provided us with were priceless and precisely on point. I can state with confidence that me and all my peers in training had awesome time. STC also nicely updated classrooms with big screens and very comfortable ergonomic chairs. This training center is my all training go to place!"
"I recently completed a training course at Southwest Training Center and had a wonderful experience. All of the instructors were knowledgeable, informative, engaging, and genuinely kind. Even though the class days were long, the time went by quickly because the instructors kept the class interactive and interesting throughout the training. The course covered important safety procedures, laws, and real-life scenarios that really encouraged critical thinking and discussion about possible outcomes. I appreciated how the instructors created a comfortable learning environment where everyone felt involved and encouraged to participate. The class was organized very well, and the snack options were a thoughtful touch. I also liked that the range was nearby and provided a more private setting. At the range, the instructors really walked everyone through each step clearly, which made the experience feel comfortable, easy to follow, and very well organized. Overall, I had an excellent experience with Southwest Training Center and would highly recommend them to anyone looking for professional, informative, and engaging training."
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