Security Guard Training Requirements
This training is required prior to Guard Card issuance and forms the foundation of a security guard’s legal authority and limitations.
Total Hours: 8
- Power to Arrest – 3 hours
- Appropriate Use of Force – 5 hours
Core Topics Include:
- Legal authority and limitations of citizen’s arrest
- Relationship between private security and law enforcement
- Search and seizure restrictions
- Criminal and civil liability (personal and employer)
- Ethics and professional conduct
- Emergency response and officer safety
- Legal standards for use of force
- De-escalation techniques and interpersonal communication
- Implicit and explicit bias and cultural competency
- Mental health awareness and disability interaction
- Active shooter awareness
- Duty to intercede
- Use-of-force scenario training
Examination Requirement:
Guards must pass the Power to Arrest & Appropriate Use of Force examination with a score of 100% to successfully complete this training
These courses provide a standardized body of knowledge and must be completed within specific timeframes after employment or registration.
Completion Timeline:
- 16 hours within 30 days of registration or employment
- Remaining 16 hours within 6 months
Mandatory Courses (4 courses × 4 hours each = 16 hours):
- Public Relations (Community & Customer Service)
- Observation & Documentation
- Communication and Its Significance
- Liability / Legal Aspects
Each course includes instruction in professionalism, ethics, report writing, observation techniques, communication protocols, and legal responsibilities
The remaining 16 hours of the required 32-hour skills training may be satisfied by BSIS-approved elective courses, selected by the employer or training provider to match job duties.
Examples of Approved Elective Topics:
- Post orders and site-specific assignments
- Employer policies and orientation
- Evacuation procedures
- Officer safety
- Arrests, search, and seizure (advanced)
- Access control
- Trespass law
- First Aid / CPR / AED
- Handling difficult people
- Workplace violence
- Crowd control
- Radio procedures
- Introduction to executive protection
- Weapons of mass destruction (WMD) and terrorism awareness
Each elective course has a maximum allowable hour limit, as defined by BSIS, and must be documented with a certificate of completion
Once initially registered, security guards must complete 8 hours of continuing education annually.
Annual Training Requirements:
- Minimum of 2 hours reviewing Appropriate Use of Force topics
- Remaining hours may consist of:
- Mandatory courses
- Elective courses
- Refresher or advanced training relevant to private security work
Annual training:
- May be provided by the employer or an independent training provider
- May repeat prior courses or introduce new material
- Must be supported by documentation and skill evaluation where applicable
Certificates of completion must be issued for all annual training.
For every completed course:
- A Certificate of Completion must be issued
- Certificates must comply with Title 16 CCR § 643(b) formatting requirements
- Guards must retain certificates until registration expiration or cancellation
- Employers must retain records for the duration of employment
Summary Table
Training Component
Power to Arrest & Use of Force
Mandatory Skills Training
Elective Skills Training
Annual Continuing Education
Hours
8
16
16
8
Timing
Before registration
First 30 days / 6 months
Within 6 months
Every year
RESOURCES FOR SECURITY OFFICERS
RESOURCES FOR SECURITY AGENCIES
CPSO is here to help you succeed!
Reach out to us and learn more about what we can do for you
The security services industry is continually evolving, driven by advancements in technology and changing regulatory requirements. Our team is committed to supporting you through every stage of this transition, ensuring you remain equipped and prepared to meet the demands of a modern security environment.