Step 1: Is California Guard Card online training for me?

Hey, my name is Joel and I need a job.

I am going to take online security courses using eduGuard so I can work as a Security Officer.   I can see there are jobs for security guards with flexible hours, that don’t require a lot of experience.  It looks pretty fast and simple to get a California Guard Card or a Proprietary Private Security Officer Registration because the training is online.   I have no prior experience in security so I thought it would be cool to share my whole experience.  Hey, there might be some other people just like me.

Here’s where I started:

Step #1 – How do I decide if I want to become a Security Guard that needs a Guard Card, or to become a Registered Proprietary Private Security Officer?

First, I needed to know the difference between the two before I decided which course work I would take. These are the definitions of each from the BSIS website.

What is a “Security Guard?”

A “contract” Security Guard is any person providing services as a security guard, is registered by the Bureau of Security and Investigative Services as a security guard, required to have a current California Guard Card, and employed by a licensed Private Patrol Operator that contracts security services to multiple clients.

• Requires 40 hours of BSIS approved security training
• Requires a background check with fingerprints submitted to the FBI and DOJ
• Requires 8 hours of Annual Training to keep Guard Card current

What Is A “Proprietary Private Security Officer?”

A Proprietary Private Security Officer, a PSO, works exclusively for one employer providing security services for this single employer only and meet both of the following criteria: a) You are required to wear a distinctive uniform clearly identifying you as a security officer, and b) You are likely to interact with the public while performing your duties, and is registered by the Bureau of Security and Investigative Service. Registration as a Proprietary Private Security Officer is required for this job.

• Requires 16 hours of BSIS approved security training
• Requires a background check with fingerprints submitted to the FBI and DOJ
• Requires 2 hours of Annual Training to keep Registration current

What I have learned is that if you Register to become a PSO you CANNOT be hired as a Security Guard, but if you are a Security Guard you can be hired as a PSO.

My Next Blog: Step #2 – Deciding which eduGuard course package to buy.