BSIS PSO TRAINING REQUIREMENT CHANGES - 2024: The required courses in the initial 16-hours of Proprietary Private Security Officer (PSO) training have been changed in 2024 due to CA State law changes. This includes the requirement to take 5-hours of the initial 8-hour course in a classroom setting, not online.

Please see below for details on the NEW PSO training requirements as of 2024:

• PSOs now require the same initial training (8-hour 2-part PTA course) as security guards before applying for a license, including:
  • PART A: 3-hour Power to Arrest (PTA) (can be online) and
  • PART B: 5-hour Appropriate Use of Force (AUOF) in-person (can't be completed online)
  See the CA state BSIS training change announcement.
• PSOs must complete an additional 8-hours of BSIS mandatory course training within 30 days of receiving their PSO license.
• PSOs are required to annually complete a minimum of 8-hours of continuing education (CE) training that is specifically dedicated to the review or practice of security officer skills. This annual training requirement is for each year after the first year.

PSO Courses for First Year Training Requirements:

• 8-Hours Power to Arrest and Appropriate Use of Force - Same as Security Guards, 3-hours online and 5-hours in the classroom. (See course offering)
• 8-Hours of BSIS Mandatory Courses - We have a NEW 8-hour package available for this, PK-110, which contains the following two mandatory courses:
• 4-Hrs Communication & its Significance
• 4-Hrs Public Relations.

8-Hour PSO Package (For First Year PSOs)

*Combines with 8-Hour Guard Card Course to
Complete New PSO 16-hr Requirement

PK-110 - $30

New BSIS PSO Annual (Yearly) Training Requirements:

• 8-Hours of refresher training each year - This is the same as security guards. (See course offering)

The following is the new PPSO FACT Sheet was updated in August 2024. BSIS PPSO FACT SHEET.

Company/Corporate Accounts

If your have multiple guards that need PSO training, we offer a free company course management system which allows you to create and manage student training accounts, and to insert courses and pay for them once they are completed. Please call (415) 754-8273 for more information.

The company management system which allows the companies to track their employee's training from start to finish, including being able to directly print the BSIS approved certificates for completed courses.

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How to Get a PSO License:

To get a PSO license, follow the same steps as in how to get a guard card. The only difference being the application that you select for the license type on the CA State Breeze license registration website. There is one for Security Guards and one for PSOs.

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Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs):

• What is a PSO License, and who needs one?
  If you work in a security capacity for any company that is not Private Patrol Operator (PPO or Security Company), you are now required to either have a Guard Card or a PSO License. With a Guard Card, you can work for any PPO or any non-PPO company in a security capacity. With a PSO license, you can work for a single non-PPO company. Any non-PPO company that hires guards in California is considered a Proprietary Private Security Employer (PSE), and they are required to have a BSIS PSE license. When you work for a specific night club, entertainment company, hotel, store, sports team, or any other business in a security capacity, you can get a PSO license that allows you to work as a proprietary private security officer for that specific company.
  
  IMPORTANT: If you have a Guard Card, you don't need a PSO license, you can work for any PSE employer with just the Guard Card. Many employers are sending employees with guard cards to get PSO licenses. They don't need it. However, some companies do require it so that their officers are licensed directly to their company.

• Does a PSO have to work for a PSE? YES, anyone hiring a PSO in the state of CA needs a PSO license. Make sure that your employer has their required PSE license, otherwise they are not even authorized by the BSIS to hire you. Many employers don't know that, as there are far fewer PSE licenses in the state of CA than there are places that hire security guards. Any employer in CA that hires someone as a security guard needs a PSE license. And, a PSE license is easy and inexpensive to obtain. See PSE Information for details.

• How do I get a PSO License/Registration?
  Submit a PSO Application to the BSIS, along with a check or money order for $50, and a PSO Live Scan form signed by the Live Scan operator. PSO Live Scan Form

• What are the training requirements for a registered PSO?
  All PSOs are requried to take the same training as security guards now. Please see ABOVE on this page for details.

• How long does the PSO application process take?
  Average processing time is approximately 30 days. Issuance of the PSO registration is dependent on several factors including the completion of the criminal history check by the Department of Justice and the FBI.

• How can I check the status of my application?
  You can contact the BSIS at (800) 952-5210 or (916) 322-4000.

• At what point am I required to obtain a PSO registration?
  With some exceptions, when you are working exclusively for one employer, your primary duty is to provide security services for his or her employer, your services are not contracted to any other entity or person, and you 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. For exceptions to these requirements, see Business and Professions Code section 7574.

• Can I work on a temporary registration?
  No, you must have a valid PSO registration in your possession before going on duty.

• If I have a conviction, can I still apply for a PSO registration?
  Yes, applicants with criminal histories will be considered and registration decisions are rendered on a case-by-case basis.

• If I have a CA State Guard Card, do I need a PSO registration?
  No, if you have a CA State Guard Card, you can work for any PSE or Private Patrol Operator (PPO).

• Can a PSO carry a firearm or baton?
  No, under no circumstances can a PSO carry a deadly weapon.

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See reference on the California State BSIS Website (BSIS PSO Fact Sheet).