Need Your California Guard Card Fast?
Get certified in one day at our BSIS-approved training facility
Trusted by Hundreds of Students Across California
See why students choose Public Safety Institute to get certified quickly and start their security careers.
"Martin is a wonderful instructor. Got hands on training that in critical areas that will be very useful on the job.
Great thing is that there is good support for help in finding you a job. Also help filling out the government forms is great because it would have taken me a long time to figure it out.
If you want to get a guard card quickly and land a job quickly in security, I highly recommend this place".
"Martin was an amazing instructor who made getting my guard card a simple and smooth process. He explained everything clearly and made sure everyone understood each step.
His kind and approachable personality made it easy to ask questions and feel comfortable during the process. Martin truly cared about helping us succeed, and his guidance and support made all the difference.
He wasn't just a great teacher he was also a genuinely good person, and I'm grateful for the chance to learn from him.
"I came in and right away was helped by Public Safety Institute.
The great thing about this location is if you can't afford it right away, they offer payment plans.
The process was easy, and they help you step by step every part of the way. They don't only want you to get your guard card but be prepared to find a job as soon as possible. I will definitely recommend this place to others"!
Need Your California Guard Card Fast?
Get certified in one day at our BSIS-approved training facility.
"Official BSIS-Approved 8-Hour “Power to Arrest” Training"
✔ Same-Day Completion Certificate
✔ State-Approved Power to Arrest Training
✔ Flexible Payment Options
✔ Career Placement Support
✔ $75 to Start
This 8-hour class is the required BSIS “Power to Arrest & Appropriate Use of Force” training needed before applying for your Guard Card
Stop waiting. Start working.
👉 Enroll Now“No experience needed. We’ll walk you through the entire process.”
Pricing
💰 Guard Card Pricing
Total Cost: $264
✅ Start Today for Only $125
✅ Includes "State Fees": Live Scan Fingerprints $79 + State fees $60
✅ May be paid at class same day (or within 3 months)
Secure your seat and begin training.
No hidden fees — live scan + state fees included in total cost.
📝 How It Works
1️⃣ Complete this 8-hour “Power to Arrest” training
We make the process simple and fast.
2️⃣ Receive your Same-Day Certificate
3️⃣ Complete Live Scan fingerprinting
4️⃣ We Submit your Guard Card application to the state online!
Career Path After Your Guard Card
Job Opportunities
Getting your California Guard Card isn’t just a class — it’s your entry into one of the fastest-growing industries in the state.
Security professionals are in high demand across California, and many companies are actively hiring new officers every week.
After completing this course, you can apply for positions such as:
✅ Retail & Shopping Center Security
✅ Apartment & Community Patrol
✅ Event & Venue Security
✅ Corporate & Office Security
✅ Hospital & Campus Security
✅ Construction Site Security
Many of our students begin working within weeks of completing their training.
How Much Can You Earn?
Entry-level security officers typically earn:
💵 $18 – $25 per hour (unarmed positions)
💵 $22 – $35+ per hour (after armed certification)
Your Guard Card is the first step that unlocks these opportunities.
Your Career Can Grow Quickly
Once you have your Guard Card, you can advance into higher-paying roles:
➡️ Armed Security Officer (BSIS Firearms Permit)
➡️ Supervisor or Lead Officer
➡️ Executive Protection
➡️ Government or Contract Security
➡️ Private Patrol Operator (company owner pathway)
➡️ Law Enforcement preparation pathway
Many professionals start with a Guard Card and build long-term careers in public safety.
Why Students Choose Public Safety Institute
We don’t just train you — we help you understand the process.
✔ Step-by-step guidance
✔ Industry insight
✔ Real instructors with field experience
✔ Support after class if you have questions
Our goal is simple: help you move from training → certification → employment as smoothly as possible.
Frequently Asked Questions
Yes. Public Safety Institute is a California BSIS-licensed training facility (TFF #1751). This course satisfies the required 8-hour Guard Card training mandated by the state.
No experience needed.
This course is designed for beginners entering the security industry for the first time. We walk you through the entire process step-by-step.
You will receive:
Same-day Certificate of Completion
Step-by-step guidance
Proof of Guard License Submission to State
Ongoing support if you have questions
You’ll leave knowing exactly what to do next.
The class is one full day (9:00 AM – 5:00 PM).
Please arrive 15 minutes early for check-in.
Your total program investment covers:
8-Hour BSIS Guard Card training
Certificate of Completion
Same Day Application submission to BSIS
Support from our team
State application fee and Live Scan fees are paid separately or can be paid same day.
You may complete fingerprints immediately during class.
You may also complete fingerprints any time when you are ready to complete this step as well.
✅ We will give a Certificate of Completion Same Day.
After we submit your application and fingerprints, processing typically takes 1–4 weeks, depending on the state’s processing time, on average 2 weeks.
You can begin applying for security jobs immediately after completing the course and submitting your application. Many employers allow you to start once your application is in process.
Valid government-issued ID
Notebook and pen
Lunch or snacks (breaks are provided)
We understand life happens.
Contact us and we’ll work with you to move you into the next available class.
No refunds, you may reschedule for a later date or transfer the course to another person.
With your Guard Card, you can apply for:
Retail security
Event security
Residential/community patrol
Corporate security positions
Entry-level armed training pathway (after additional certification)
Guard Card holders typically start around $18–$25 per hour, depending on the company and location.
What our Graduates are Saying
"I just completed my security academy today and had an amazing experience! As someone who’s naturally shy, I really appreciated how welcoming and comfortable the environment was. Mr. Martin and Mr. Aguila are incredible instructors — they make you feel like family and go above and beyond to make sure you understand everything. I learned so many valuable things, and their teaching style was both professional and down-to-earth. This was honestly the best training experience I’ve had. Highly recommend the Public Safety Institute to anyone looking to get their security licensing! I'll definitely be coming back for other certifications soon!"
"Excellent Instruction! Mr. Martin & Mr. Aguila thoroughly explained concepts, provided in classroom practice until all my nerves faded away. They were kind in their corrections always encouraging with a safety first approach to their lessons. On day 2 qualifying at the range, I was nervous but they went slow and steady checking me every step of the way. This enabled me to pass the class with confidence. I highly recommend PSI and cant wait to sign up for the next class!! Stop procrastinating. They will help you!
The classroom itself was clean and organized. I never had to guess about what to do next. The pre class communication was great!"
"Man, these fellas are legit, I’m only done with the class portion and I’m writing this review fully confident I will be satisfied with my training. They have the lesson, personal stories and great class material that tied everything together in the end. It felt like you were kicking it with your homies who take their job serious and you learning while kicking it. I checked out 3 other places before settling here. They are by far the most professional and actually wanna help you not just take your money"
Instructor Mr. Martin
⭐ 30+ Years Experience
⭐ Former U.S. Marine & Police Officer
⭐ NRA Training Counselor
⭐ State-Approved Instructor
Credentials & Certifications
- NRA Training Counselor
- CA POST Police Officer Firearms Instructor
- NRA Law Enforcement Firearms & Shotgun Instructor
- NRA Pistol Instructor
- NRA Concealed Carry (CCW) Instructor
- NRA Personal Protection Inside & Outside the Home Instructor
- SIG SAUER Pistol-Mounted Optics Instructor
- Los Angeles County CCW Training Provider
- California DOJ Approved CCW Instructor
- California DOJ Approved Firearms Instructor
- BSIS Licensed Firearms Instructor
- BSIS Licensed Baton Instructor
- Police Academy Graduate
- Advanced Patrol Officer Graduate