BSIS Guard Card Training in Los Angeles
Required California security guard training at Southwest Training Center in Pacoima
Start your California security career with BSIS Guard Card training at Southwest Training Center in Pacoima. We provide instructor-led security guard training for students throughout Los Angeles and the San Fernando Valley, including the required Power to Arrest and Appropriate Use of Force instruction.
8-hour Powers to Arrest course · Live Scan fee included
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 California Guard Card?
The process below reflects current BSIS requirements. Southwest Training Center provides the training and Live Scan services; BSIS controls registration approval.
- 1
Complete the required initial BSIS security guard training (Power to Arrest and Appropriate Use of Force).
- 2
Complete the required Live Scan / background-check process. Southwest Training Center offers Live Scan services on site.
- 3
Submit the security guard registration application to BSIS.
- 4
Complete the additional required security officer skills training within the applicable BSIS deadlines after registration.
Training completion does not guarantee registration approval or a specific processing time. BSIS determines whether a Guard Card is issued.
Los Angeles BSIS Guard Card Training
Southwest Training Center is located in Pacoima and serves students from across Los Angeles and the San Fernando Valley. Our Guard Card training is instructor-led, classroom-based instruction, not self-paced online modules.
The current initial training includes the required Power to Arrest and Appropriate Use of Force instruction. Additional security officer skills training is required under current BSIS rules after registration, and students should follow current BSIS requirements and deadlines.
California BSIS training requirements are scheduled to change on January 1, 2029. See our 2029 BSIS Training Changes guide for what is ahead.
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.
Powers to Arrest Training
This course is required by the Bureau of Security and Investigative Services and the State of California to be employed as a Security Officer. Students will train on the Powers to Arrest Training Manual and Weapons of Mass Destruction.
Important Training Note
BSIS requires 40 hours of training total: 8 hours to begin your application, then 32 additional hours after receiving your Guard Card (16 within 30 days, 16 within 6 months). Continued Education (CE1 + CE2) topics and electives are defined by BSIS.
Why Train With Southwest Training Center
- Los Angeles / Pacoima training location with convenient access for San Fernando Valley students
- Instructor-led classroom training, not self-paced online modules
- BSIS security training courses available at the same training center
- Live Scan fingerprinting available on site for your background-check process
- A clear pathway into additional security training such as Exposed Firearms
- Experienced instructors familiar with current BSIS training requirements
Continue Your Security Training
After obtaining or working toward your Guard Card, you may need or choose additional training depending on your employment duties. Not every guard needs every permit or course below.
Planning ahead? California BSIS training requirements are scheduled to change January 1, 2029. Read our 2029 BSIS Training Changes guide.
Guard Card Training for Los Angeles and the San Fernando Valley
All training is held at our Pacoima training center. Students from communities throughout Los Angeles and the San Fernando Valley attend classes 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
Guard Card requirements, licensing, training mandates, and fees are established by the Bureau of Security and Investigative Services (BSIS) 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.
Guard Card Training FAQs
Where can I take Guard Card training in Los Angeles?
How long is the initial California Guard Card training?
What training is required for a California Guard Card?
Do I need Live Scan for a California Guard Card?
Does completing Guard Card training mean I automatically receive a Guard Card?
Are California Guard Card training requirements changing in 2029?
Start Your Security Career Today
Get the training you need to begin your California security guard registration. Our instructor-led course meets current BSIS training requirements.
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"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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