How to Become a Licensed Security Guard Firearms Instructor in California

As a provider of approved BSIS training materials, Security Training Center^® receives many calls and emails regarding the process of becoming a licensed trainer. This page was established to address the most common questions and misconceptions about instructor licensing.

Two (2) BSIS licenses are required to teach a security guard firearms course:

1. Training Instructor - Firearms (TIF)
2. Training Facility - Firearms (TFF)

A firearms trainer cannot use just any facility to teach. The facility must be licensed by the BSIS in addition to the firearms instructor. Furthermore, the instructor must be officially associated with the facility license (registered with the BSIS).

Each training facility must have a separate/distinct license. For example, Security Training Center^® has three (3) training facilities in the Los Angeles area. We must pay for and maintain three (3) separate TFF licenses, one for each facility.

A business entity must hold the TFF license. This can be any type of legitimate business formation. For example, LLC, sole proprietorship, partnership, s-corporation, etc.

A licensed firearms instructor can be associated with multiple TFF licenses and multiple companies.

There is no "BSIS train-the-trainer" or "BSIS trainer certification class" requirement in order to become a BSIS licensed firearms instructor. Individuals must meet the minimum experience and qualification requirements (listed below).

• We cannot stress enough the need for firearms instructor insurance. There are many companies that offer insurance specific to firearms instruction. Security Training Center^® cannot recommend one over another.

Security Guard Courses

There are multiple security guard licensing courses in California. Some courses may be taught by Private Patrol Operators (security guard employers) and others must be taught exclusively in licensed training facilities by licensed instructors. The table below outlines the various courses and which type of facility may teach the course.

Training Facilities can teach any weapons course for which they hold a facility license plus all unarmed courses. Private Patrol Operators may only teach unarmed courses.

Certified firearms and/or baton instructors are approved to administer the Powers to Arrest Examination and all other training; a certificate or other written approval is not necessary.

Course/License	Proprietary Private Security Employer	Private Patrol Operator	Firearms Facility	Baton Facility
8-hours, Powers to Arrest and Appropriate Use of Force
40-hours Unarmed Guard Card
8-hours Unarmed Annual Refresher
20-hours School Security Officer
16-hours Proprietary Security Guard
Exposed Firearms Permit
2-hours Armed Requalification
Baton Permit
Chemical Agents (defensive spray)

Firearms Trainer Minimum Qualifications

In accordance with California Business and Professions Code Section 7585.5, a firearms training instructor applicant must:

Possess:

• An associate of arts degree in administration of justice

OR

• One year of teaching

OR

• Training experience in firearms or its equivalent

AND

Possess:

• A police or security firearms training instructor certificate issued by the National Rifle Association

OR

• A firearms training instructor certificate issued by a federal, state, or local agency

Application Fees

Firearms Instructor Fees (TIF)

There is a non-refundable $350 application fee that must accompany the application.

There is a non-refundable $300 application fee that must accompany the renewal application (every two years).

Course Materials

The California BSIS provides mandatory training materials and examinations for firearms and baton training.

Firearms Forms and Course Materials

Back to top

• BSIS Firearms Training Manual
• Application for Training Instructor Certificate
• Notification of Facility Instructor Association/Disassociation

California Business and Professions Code

Chapter 11.5, Private Security Services
Article 4. Private Patrol Operators

Section 7583.6.

1. Each applicant for a security guard registration shall complete a course in the exercise of the power to arrest and the appropriate use of force as a condition for the issuance of the registration. A course provider authorized to provide the training pursuant to Section 7583.7 shall issue a certificate of completion to the person upon satisfactory completion of the training. The course provider shall conduct the training in accordance with Section 7583.7 and any applicable regulations adopted by the bureau.
2. Except for a registrant who has completed the course of training required by Section 7583.45, a security guard registrant shall complete not less than 32 hours of training in security officer skills within six months from the date an initial registration is issued. A security guard registrant shall complete 16 of the 32 hours within 30 days from the date the registration is issued.
3. A course provider, which is authorized to provide the training required by subdivision (b) pursuant to subdivision (f), shall issue a certificate of completion to a registrant after the registrant completes each training course. The course provider shall conduct the trainings in accordance with any applicable regulations adopted by the bureau subject to this chapter.

...

Section 7583.7.

1. The course of training in the exercise of the power to arrest and the appropriate use of force may be administered, tested, and certified by any licensee or by any organization or school approved by the department. The department may approve any person or school to teach the course in the exercise of the power to arrest and the appropriate use of force. The department may review and provide more guidance on courses of training when best practices are updated. The course of training shall be approximately eight hours in length and shall cover all of the following topics: ...

Private Patrol Operator MAY NOT teach Chemical Agents course:

Section 7583.36. A licensee [Private Patrol Operator] shall not permit any employee to carry tear gas or any other nonlethal chemical agent prior to ascertaining that the employee is proficient in the use of tear gas or other nonlethal chemical agent. Evidence of proficiency shall include a certificate from a training facility approved by the Department of Consumer Affairs, Bureau of Security and Investigative Services that the person is proficient in the use of tear gas or any other nonlethal chemical agent.

Article 5. Firearms and Baton Training Facilities

Section 7585.5.

1. Any individual who desires certification by the bureau to instruct a firearms course shall complete an application for a firearms training instructor certificate. An application shall be made on a form provided by the bureau.
2. An applicant for a firearms training instructor certificate shall meet the following minimum qualifications:
   
   1. Possess an associate of arts degree in the administration of justice or one year of teaching or training experience in firearms or the equivalent thereof.
   2. Possess a police or security firearms instructor training certificate issued by the National Rifle Association or a firearms instructor training certificate issued by a federal, state, or local agency.
3. The application shall be accompanied by the fee prescribed in this chapter.
4. Upon approval by the bureau of an applicant for certification as a firearms training instructor, the chief shall issue to the applicant a "Firearms Training Instructor Certificate." The certificate shall be posted at the training site.

Power To Arrest Training

Firearms Instructor/Firearms Training Facility; Baton Instructor/Baton Training Facility Application
(Rev. 11/2020)
Page 3

Certified firearms and/or baton instructors are approved to administer the Powers to Arrest Examination and all other training; a certificate or other written approval is not necessary.

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Disclaimer

Security Training Center^® is not a government department or organization. The information and links on this page and site are provided as a courtesy. Although great pains have been taken to collect the information provided here, Security Training Center^® does not guarantee the accuracy, currency, or completeness of the information provided.

All questions regarding trainer licensure, applications, notices, and announcements should be directed to the Bureau of Security and Investigative Services (BSIS):

https://bsis.ca.gov/webapplications/apps/contact/index.shtml

Information provided on this site is for educational purposes. It is not legal advice.