Initial 8-Hour Guard Training
People starting a security career who need help understanding their initial training path.
1. Complete your initial training — $60.00
Civilian Protection Services offers the initial 8-hour Power to Arrest and Appropriate Use of Force class for $60.00. This includes 3 hours of Power to Arrest and 5 hours of Appropriate Use of Force training. Keep your completion certificate for your application and employer records.
The class price is separate from Live Scan and BSIS application fees.
2. Complete Live Scan fingerprinting.
Use the BSIS Security Guard Request for Live Scan Service form. Bring the completed form and acceptable identification to a Live Scan operator. Using the correct BSIS form helps route the results to the Bureau. Keep your receipt and ATI number.
Pay the operator $32.00 for DOJ + $17.00 for FBI = $49.00, plus the operator’s fingerprinting service fee. The operator sets that additional fee; ask for the full total before your visit.
BSIS Live Scan forms and instructions ↗ · Find a Live Scan location ↗
3. Apply to BSIS — $60.00
Submit your initial Security Guard Registration application through California BreEZe. The current BSIS initial application fee is $60.00, paid directly to the state. Have your training certificate and Live Scan receipt available.
Use your legal name consistently. If you already have a BreEZe account, use it; contact BSIS for help recovering access rather than creating another account.
Your starting cost breakdown.
| Item | Cost | Paid to |
|---|---|---|
| Initial 8-hour class | $60.00 | Civilian Protection Services |
| DOJ and FBI processing | $49.00 | Live Scan operator |
| Live Scan service fee | Varies | Live Scan operator |
| BSIS initial application | $60.00 | BSIS |
Total: $169.00 + the Live Scan operator’s service fee. This covers the listed initial class, background processing and application costs. Additional courses are separate.
4. Track your application and keep training records.
BSIS reviews your application and background check and issues the registration. Completing a class does not itself issue a guard card. Check your application status and keep copies of your documents.
After registration, complete at least 16 hours of security officer skills training within 30 days and another 16 hours within six months, for 32 hours total. Guards also complete 8 hours of annual skills training. Explore 32-hour training and annual refresher training.
Ready to enroll?
Request the initial 8-hour class and we will confirm your appointment, training location and preparation instructions.
Request the $60 Guard Class ↗Official application resources.
BSIS fees and licensing information ↗
Security Guard application and training requirements ↗
State fees checked October 12, 2026. Confirm current fees with BSIS and the Live Scan operator before paying.