BSIS Powers to Arrest (Guard Card)

This 8-hour course covers Powers to Arrest and Appropriate Use of Force for security officers. Upon successful completion of this state mandated Powers to Arrest course, legally qualified applicants may obtain a security guard registration license, or "Guard Card" as it is commonly called, from the Bureau of Security & Investigative Services (BSIS). This license allows the license holder to work as an unarmed security officer. However, additional training is required to continue to work as a security officer.

In addition to this Powers to Arrest course, security officers must also:

1.  Complete 32 hours of security officer skills training within 6 months of employment as a security officer. 16 of the 32 hours must be completed within 30 days of employment as a security officer. Most security officers complete the 32 hours of training via an online training facility. 

2.  Complete 8 hours of annual continuing training.

NOTE: As of January 1, 2024, BSIS no longer allows the Appropriate Use of Force portion (part B) of this class to to be taken online. It must be taken in person with an authorized instructor. Part A, Powers to Arrest (3 hours), may still be taken online.

Please visit this BSIS page for the most up to date security officer licensing requirements:

Security Guard Registration