Exposed Firearm Requirements

Legal Authorization: Must Be Eligible Under California Law

STEP #1

An applicant for an Exposed Firearms Permit must meet the following baseline legal eligibility criteria, as required by the California Business & Professions Code and BSIS regulations: 

Age: At least 21 years old.
Citizenship/Residency: Must be a U.S. citizen or permanent legal resident.
Not Prohibited from Possessing Firearms: Must not be barred from owning or possessing firearms under state or federal law (including felony prohibitions and certain misdemeanors).
Current BSIS License: Must hold one of the following:

  • A valid BSIS Security Guard Registration (Guard Card), or
  • Another eligible BSIS license (e.g., Private Investigator, Qualified Manager, Alarm Company Operator). 

Firearms Assessment Requirement

STEP #2

Before applying for the firearms permit, a security guard must complete a BSIS firearms assessment. This test is designed to evaluate whether the applicant demonstrates appropriate judgment, restraint, and self-control for carrying and potentially using a firearm in the course of duty. 

  • The assessment is the Sixteen Personality Factor Questionnaire (16pf) tailored for this purpose. 
  • Only individuals who “Demonstrate” the requisite characteristics may proceed with the Exposed Firearms Permit application. 
  • If someone does not demonstrate the required traits, they must wait at least 180 days before retesting. 

Required Firearms Training & Qualification

STEP #3

California law and BSIS regulations require that applicants complete approved firearms training before they can be issued an Exposed Firearms Permit. This includes: 

Training Components

  • Classroom Instruction: Typically, 8 hours, covering:
    • Legal and moral aspects of armed security
    • California firearms law
    • Safe handling and drawing techniques
    • Duty-related judgment standards
      ➤ This instruction must be delivered by a BSIS-certified firearms instructor at a BSIS-approved training facility. 
  • Range Training & Qualification: Typically 6 hours of live-fire practice and range qualification with the firearm the guard intends to carry on duty. 

Examinations

Applicants must pass both a written exam and practical range qualification as part of the training. 

Criminal History Background Check

STEP #4

Before the permit can be issued, the applicant must complete a criminal history background check through:

  • California Department of Justice (DOJ)
  • Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI)

This typically involves Live Scan fingerprinting. 

Application & Fees

STEP #5

Once all eligibility criteria, the assessment, training, and background checks are complete, the applicant must:

Submit the Exposed Firearms Permit application to BSIS.
Pay the required BSIS application fees.
Provide all supporting documentation (training certificates, assessment results, fingerprints).

Renewal & Ongoing Qualifications

STEP #6

Exposed Firearms Permits in California must be renewed periodically (commonly every two years), and renewal typically involves:

  • Range requalification — BSIS usually requires a certain number of range qualifications during the permit term (e.g., twice per year to renew once every two years). 
  • Renewals must be submitted before expiration to avoid reapplying from scratch. 

 Important Limitations

  • An Exposed Firearms Permit allows open (visible) carry of authorized firearms only while on duty performing security work under a valid BSIS license. It does not authorize concealed carry (that requires a separate CCW permit). 
  • Permits typically list specific caliber(s) the guard is qualified to carry, and they may only carry those firearms on duty. 

Exposed Firearms Permit Requirements in California

SUMMARY

To be issued an exposed firearms permit under California law, a security guard must:

  1. Be 21+, a U.S. citizen or permanent resident, and not disqualified from firearms possession. 
  2. Hold a valid BSIS license (commonly a Guard Card). 
  3. Complete and pass the BSIS firearms assessment demonstrating judgment and restraint. 
  4. Complete BSIS-approved firearms training and qualification (classroom + range). 
  5. Successfully complete a DOJ/FBI background check. 
  6. Submit the permit application and fees to BSIS.