BSIS Exposed Firearms Permit

The initial BSIS exposed firearms permit course is a 16-hour course. The State of California mandates this course for all security officers who want to work as an armed security officer in California. Successful completion of this course allows otherwise legally qualified and licensed security officers to obtain an exposed firearms permit and to carry an exposed firearm in the course and scope of their duties.

In order to maintain the exposed firearms permit, the State of California mandates that security officers take a 2-hour refresher course and qualify with their firearms twice during each year of their 2-year permit cycle. Qualifications must be no less than 4 months and no more than 6 months apart. Officers may qualify using an approved firearms training simulator once during each year of their 2-year permit cycle. 

Prerequisites for the initial class: Students must have either a current and valid Security Guard Registration "Guard Card," or are applying for the Guard Card and Firearms Permit at the same time.

What you need bring for the classroom portion of the class:

• Valid California Driver License or ID card
• Current and valid Guard Card
• Proof of United States citizenship or permanent residency
• Your firearm(s), if using them for the qualification. Please leave your firearms secured in your vehicle until told to bring them into the classroom - do NOT bring any live ammunition into the classroom at any time.
• At least 3 magazines or speed loaders for each firearm
• Holster and magazine or speed loader pouch/holder
• Note pad and pen
• Positive and safe attitude and an open mind

What you need to bring for the range portion of the class:

• Your firearm(s), if using them for the qualification
• At least 3 magazines or speed loaders for each firearm
• Holster and magazine or speed loader pouch/holder
• At least 100 rounds of ammunition for each caliber listed on the permit
• Eye protection
• Ear protection
• Note pad and pen
• Positive and safe attitude and an open mind

In order to maintain a safe and sterile classroom training environment, I ask that you do NOT bring any firearms or ammunition into the classroom. This includes current CCW holders. We will be using training firearms in class and do not want to have a live firearm or ammunition introduced  into the training environment. You will be instructed on when to bring your firearm(s) into the classroom.  

NOTE:  A BSIS Exposed Firearms Permit does not allow a security officer to carry a concealed firearm on duty. A valid concealed weapons permit (CCW) is required for concealed carry.

Please visit the following BSIS page for the most up to date Exposed Firearms Permit licensing requirements: 

Exposed Firearms Permit