How to Become an Armed Security Guard in California

Private security can be a structured career for many, with the wages and perks making it an attractive option. You do have to go through a rigorous process, though, since the job may require carrying a firearm and dealing with high-risk environments. Licensing, training, and legal matters are a significant part of this process; it is also helpful to be aware of the various training requirements and potential responsibilities before starting this career.

The guide will guide you on this path, whether you’re a novice, a veteran guard, or currently employed as an unarmed guard.

What Is an Armed Security Guard?

Armed security guards are licensed professionals who are trained to protect your property and all its assets, including staff, residents, visitors, customers, and so on. They also have the legal authority to use and carry firearms, keeping within legal and safety limits. As an armed guard, you may expect to be deployed in several kinds of settings, such as healthcare facilities, government offices, private homes, high-value properties, retail stores, and so on.

When required, such guards are meant to act swiftly and effectively in response to any threat of damage or harm to the property and what it contains. Just their presence is also valuable, since it deters many petty criminals and prevents unwanted incidents from occurring in the first place. While they are licensed to use a firearm when absolutely necessary, it’s essential to minimize risk and legal liability in each case.

What Are the Requirements to Become an Armed Security Guard?

Before getting into the details of licensing and training, any potential armed security guards in California must fulfill the following requirements:

• Be 18 years of age or older.
• Be legally authorized to work in the United States.
• Have a clean criminal record (will have to undergo a background check through DOJ/FBI Live Scan in most cases).
• Have a GED, high school diploma, or equivalent degree or higher.
• Complete the necessary courses from a training provider with BSIS approval.

What Disqualifies You From Being an Armed Security Guard?

Yes, some factors can disqualify candidates from becoming armed guards. These include, but are not limited to, the following:

• Any criminal record with felony convictions or incidents of violence, especially if they were registered within the last 7 years.
• Any criminal charges, open cases, or unresolved legal problems that are still ongoing.
• Any retraining orders, especially related to domestic violence or similar legal actions against the candidate.
• Dishonorable military discharges, mental health issues, or legalities that prohibit the candidate from carrying, using, or owning a firearm.

Your firearm license may also be compensated by past factors, which the BSIS (Bureau of Security and Investigative Services) considers. For instance, they might check your history with firearms and whether you exercised good judgment and self-control in relevant situations or not. Knowing these disqualifiers is essential if you are considering getting an armed security guard license.

How to Become an Armed Security Guard in California

Ready to learn how to become an armed security guard in this state? Here are the steps you need to consider:

Step 1: Meet Basic Eligibility Requirements

The basic requirements for eligibility include the right age group, work authorization, education level, and clearance of your background check. If any of these are missing, you can’t go forward with the process of becoming an armed security guard.

Step 2: Complete Your Guard Card Training

Next, you have to obtain a Guard Registration Card or guard card through training with the BSIS. Here are some factors to remember about this step:

• Classroom-based training is included, with courses teaching candidates about matters such as the appropriate use of force.
• By law, in-person training is required for some of the courses.
• The training costs start from $50 to more than $200.

The guard card alone won’t guarantee an armed guard position, but it can authorize you for an unarmed post.

Step 3: Apply for a California Guard Card

After your training, you’ll have to submit your application for the guard card to BSIS and pay the required fee. The system will take your Live Scan fingerprinting for the purpose of clearance by the DOJ/FBI.

Step 4: Complete Firearms Training

Before getting a firearm license, you have to take and pass a training course for handling exposed firearms. This course should also be backed by the BSIS. Some of the usual course features should be:

• Training in firearm handling safety
• Qualification from the live fire range
• Ethics and legalities of using force as an armed guard

Most of these training courses will take about 16 hours of classes, with live-fire exercises for gaining practice.

Step 5: Apply for an Exposed Firearm Permit

Here’s what you need to qualify for an exposed firearm permit:

1. Pass the 16PF psychological assessment.
2. Submit the application for the permit to BSIS.
3. Pay the relevant fee (usually from $100 to $110 at present).
4. Clear the Live Scan background check that’s especially related to firearm usage.

Step 6: Get Approved & Start Working

Once you get your firearm permit, you can start applying for positions as an armed security guard in California. At Professional Security Guard Inc, we like our candidates to have a track record of unarmed security experience. Build up your experience now, and we can help you get the most advanced role possible.

Step 7: Maintain & Renew Licenses

Your firearms permit and guard card aren’t for life; they have to be renewed from time to time. Both licenses usually require renewal every two years, with the firearms permit also requiring re-qualification processes and refresher courses. If you don’t renew the licenses in time, your post might be compromised.

What Are Armed Security Officer Responsibilities?

Armed security guards usually have to carry out the following responsibilities:

• Staying vigilant at their post to protect the property, assets, people, etc.
• Observing, recording, and responding to any suspicious activity.
• Go on regular patrols to prevent crime and damage.
• Control access through checking credentials.
• Documenting security events and incident reporting.
• Responding quickly in an emergency.
• Knowing when to call back or services such as firefighters, the police, or paramedics.
• Armed response is unavoidable in situations where the threat is serious, but always within legal limits and according to employer protocols.

How Much Do Armed Security Guards Make in California?

Your salary as an armed security guard might depend on several factors, such as the employer, your experience, the location, and the level of risk. In California, the average hourly wages for armed security guards are around $24 an hour, bringing the annual earnings up to $40,000 to $52,000.

Employment in a major urban centre might get you higher wages than usual. The same is true for high-risk posts in banks, armored car services, jewelry stores, designer retail stores, and VIP events such as major festivals and concerts.

How Much Does Armed Security Guard Training Cost?

Here are most of the costs to expect when you start preparing for a career in armed security. Remember that the exact costs will depend on the kind of provider you use, along with other factors:

• Training for the guard card: $40 to $200+.
• Firearms training: $150 to $400+ with separate range fees.
• 16PF psychological assessment: Around $65.
• Live Scan fingerprinting: $60 to $120.
• Application fees: $100 to $110

Overall, you may expect your training and licensing investment to cost around $400 to $1,000 or more just for the initial steps. There might be more expenses depending on the provider you choose.

Why Professional Armed Security Guards Matter in California

California has a wide variety of sites and properties that require different levels of security. There are high-value locations, entertainment venues, and events happening all over the state, which means a high demand for security guards (both armed and unarmed).

Many landowners and managers seek out armed security guard teams with professional licensing with the aim of safeguarding their property and people. That’s where Professional Security Guard Services Inc comes in; our licensed and trained armed security guard servicess are always available to provide a safe, controlled environment on any occasion.

Before hiring, it’s important to understand the difference between armed and unarmed security guards to ensure you choose the right type of protection for your needs.

FAQs About Becoming an Armed Guard