How To Get Your Security Officer License

Want to become a security officer in your state? Unsure about the process? Let us guide you-choose your state, learn about the licensing requirements and start your courses with our state-approved security training instructors today!

Start Courses Now
Benefits

Kickstart your career with a Security Officer License and unlock job opportunities, higher earning potential, and the professional skills needed to succeed in the growing security industry!

Legal Compliance

In most states, it is a legal requirement to hold a Security Officer License for certain security roles. This certification ensures you meet industry standards, receive proper training, and are qualified to perform your duties professionally and responsibly.

Increased Employability

Earning your Security Officer License opens doors to a wide range of job opportunities in security and public safety. Many employers require prior training and experience, giving you a competitive edge in the public safety industry.

Increased Credibility

Holding a Security Officer License shows employers and clients that you are committed to professionalism and industry standards. This can lead to greater trust, responsibility, and career growth.

Professional Development

Obtaining a Security Officer License is an investment in your growth, leadership, and career advancement. The training and hands-on experience build essential skills in communication, situational awareness, and crisis management, empowering you to take initiative, make informed decisions, and lead effectively in the security industry.

Jumpstart Your Career In Public Safety

Many public safety professionals, including police officers, firefighters, and correctional officers, began their careers in security. Gaining experience as a Security Officer helps develop essential skills, strengthen your resume, and can improve your chances of being hired in law enforcement and related public safety fields.

* The process changes by state you selected. By default California state is selected.

The Licensing Process Simplified

California

01

Meet Basic eligibility requirements

  • Must be at least 18 years old.
  • Be a U.S. citizen or legal resident.
  • Have a clean criminal background (no disqualifying convictions), such as felonies or certain misdemeanors

04

Pass The Course

  • To meet the basic requirements for initial licensing, one must pass an 8-hour Power of Arrest and appropriate use of force course from an approved CA BASIS training provider, such as the National Institute of Public Safety.
  • After receiving your license, 32 hours of continuing training must be completed within six months

02

Start License Application & Live Scan

  • Complete the CA BSIS Security Officer application form.
  • Submit fingerprints for a background check processed by the California Department of
    Justice (DOJ) and FBI.
  • Pay the application fee.

05

Submit Application

Submit the application for a security license and pass a background check.
Note:

The Bureau of Security and Investigative Services typically takes approximately 10–20 business days to process a security officer license.

03

Receive Your License

Upon approval from the BSIS, you will receive your California Guard Card, which is your official license to work as a security officer in the state. This card is valid for two years, after which an 8-hour refresher training is required for renewal.

Start the First Step in the Security Licensing Process Today!

Start Your Courses Today

Important links

* The Links changes by state you selected. By default California state is selected.

Bureau of Security & Investigative Services

Guard Card
FACT SHEET

California Department of consumer affairs

Guard Card
Live Scan form

Bureau of Security & Investigative Services

Guard Card
Paper Application

California Department of consumer affairs

Guard Card
Online Application

Ready to make the first step towards a rewarding career?

01

Start Training

Enroll in the required courses for security licensing in your state.

Start Course

02

Apply For Licensing

Find your states security officer application link

Start Appliaction

03

Start Working

Find a career with Guardally the #1 job board for Security Professional

Find a career with Guardally

Frequently Asked Questions

Common questions and their answers about security

Sentinel provides consectetur adipiscing elit. Etiam eu turpis molestie, dictum est a, mattis tellus. Sed dignissim, metus nec fringilla accumsan, risus sem sollicitudin lacus, ut interdum tellus elit sed risus. Maecenas eget condimentum velit, sit amet feugiat lectus. Class aptent taciti sociosqu ad litora torquent per conubia nostra, per inceptos himenaeos. Praesent auctor purus luctus enim egestas, ac scelerisque ante pulvinar. Donec ut rhoncus ex. Suspendisse ac rhoncus nisl, eu tempor urna. Curabitur vel bibendum lorem. Morbi convallis convallis diam sit amet lacinia. Aliquam in elementum tellus.

Anim pariatur cliche reprehenderit, enim eiusmod high life accusamus terry richardson ad squid. 3 wolf moon officia aute, non cupidatat skateboard dolor brunch. Food truck quinoa nesciunt laborum eiusmod. Brunch 3 wolf moon tempor, sunt aliqua put a bird on it squid single-origin coffee nulla assumenda shoreditch et. Nihil anim keffiyeh helvetica, craft beer labore wes anderson cred nesciunt sapiente ea proident. Ad vegan excepteur butcher vice lomo. Leggings occaecat craft beer farm-to-table, raw denim aesthetic synth nesciunt you probably haven't heard of them accusamus labore sustainable VHS.

Anim pariatur cliche reprehenderit, enim eiusmod high life accusamus terry richardson ad squid. 3 wolf moon officia aute, non cupidatat skateboard dolor brunch. Food truck quinoa nesciunt laborum eiusmod. Brunch 3 wolf moon tempor, sunt aliqua put a bird on it squid single-origin coffee nulla assumenda shoreditch et. Nihil anim keffiyeh helvetica, craft beer labore wes anderson cred nesciunt sapiente ea proident. Ad vegan excepteur butcher vice lomo. Leggings occaecat craft beer farm-to-table, raw denim aesthetic synth nesciunt you probably haven't heard of them accusamus labore sustainable VHS.

Anim pariatur cliche reprehenderit, enim eiusmod high life accusamus terry richardson ad squid. 3 wolf moon officia aute, non cupidatat skateboard dolor brunch. Food truck quinoa nesciunt laborum eiusmod. Brunch 3 wolf moon tempor, sunt aliqua put a bird on it squid single-origin coffee nulla assumenda shoreditch et. Nihil anim keffiyeh helvetica, craft beer labore wes anderson cred nesciunt sapiente ea proident. Ad vegan excepteur butcher vice lomo. Leggings occaecat craft beer farm-to-table, raw denim aesthetic synth nesciunt you probably haven't heard of them accusamus labore sustainable VHS.

Anim pariatur cliche reprehenderit, enim eiusmod high life accusamus terry richardson ad squid. 3 wolf moon officia aute, non cupidatat skateboard dolor brunch. Food truck quinoa nesciunt laborum eiusmod. Brunch 3 wolf moon tempor, sunt aliqua put a bird on it squid single-origin coffee nulla assumenda shoreditch et. Nihil anim keffiyeh helvetica, craft beer labore wes anderson cred nesciunt sapiente ea proident. Ad vegan excepteur butcher vice lomo. Leggings occaecat craft beer farm-to-table, raw denim aesthetic synth nesciunt you probably haven't heard of them accusamus labore sustainable VHS.


Want to get special offers and Course updates?

Join the National IPS insider community and be the first to access  exclusive discounts, cutting-edge industry insights, and priority access to new courses.  As a bonus, enjoy  10% off your first course  just for signing up! Don’t miss this opportunity to advance your security career

Follow Us
Address

8 The Green STE A ,Dover, DE 19901

Working Hour Working Hours

9am-5:30pm

The National Institute of Public Safety is an Equal Opportunity Employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, age, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity / expression, national origin, protected veteran status, or any other characteristic protected under federal, state or local law, where applicable, and those with criminal histories will be considered in a manner consistent with applicable state and local laws.

Our License

Denver. CO

ID Number - 260

© 2025 E-learn.sentinelpsc