CA PSO Registration & Training Costs
Below is a summary of the fees involved in becoming a PSO and the training courses you must take to get a PSO Card. In order to work as a private security officer (PSO), California requires you to register with the BSIS, take security classes and go through a background check.
Initial PSO Training
Online training usually less expensive then in classroom training. PSO course cost set by training provider, not BSIS.
- Cost: $59.95 and up
- Hours: 8 (Prior to November 1,2023, the requirement was 16 hours of training.)
Additional 6 Months PSO Class Requirement
- Cost: $49 to $800
- Hours: 32 (Prior to November 1,2023, the requirement was no additional hours of training.)
- Additional Info: Again, classes don’t cost as much online. Guard Card training cost set by school, not the BSIS.
Annual PSO Continuing Education
Lower PSO class prices can be found online or your employer may offer in-house training.
- Cost: $29.95 and up
- Hours: 8 (Prior to November 1,2023, the requirement was 2 hours of training.)
PSO Fingerprinting and Background Check
Each Live Scan location sets its own fee, which isn’t regulated by the BSIS. The $51 is the set cost the Department of Justice charges to do your background check.
- Cost: $51 plus Live Scan fee
PSO Application
Application processed in 2 to 6 weeks depending on number of applications BSIS receives and how long your background check takes.
- Cost: $55 (Fees will be going up in late 2024 or early 2025.)
PSO Renewal
You must renew your proprietary private security officer registration every 2 years.
- Cost: $40
If you perform a security function at work, such as a bouncer at a bar, guard at a gated community checkpoint, parking lot surveillance at a medical care facility or group home, patrol a hotel, resort or other hospitality property or screen guests at a casino, you most likely will need to register as a PSO if you don’t already have a California Guard Card. Even if you’ve been working in this security job for a long time and haven’t had to be private security officer, you may need to do so now. This is because the California’s Bureau of Security and Investigative Services (BSIS) requires the PSO registration as of July 1, 2011.
PSO Info & Registration Process
- Definition of a Proprietary Private Security Officer (PSO) according to California’s Bureau of Security and Investigative Services (BSIS).
- Are you a PSO or security guard?
- Overview of steps required to become a PSO.
- Getting and completing training.
- Getting fingerprinted at a Live Scan location.
- Getting, completing and submitting the BSIS PSO registration form.
- Verifying you are registered as a private security officer.
- Updating or renewing your PSO registration.
PSO Training
- CA BSIS PSO training requirements and syllabus.
- Finding and taking PSO training online, tips for choosing an online PSO training provider and PSO online training provider reviews.
- Finding and taking PSO training in a classroom.
- PSO continuing education requirements.
Info about Becoming a PSE
- How to become a proprietary private security employer (PSE).
- Are you are a PSE or PPO (Private Patrol Operator)?
- Can you train PSOs who work for your or other PSEs and tips on choosing a PSO Training Provider?
- Information about insurance for PSEs.
Avoid $1000+ Fines – Get State Mandated Training Now
If you or your employees are providing private security, such as at nightclubs, bars, hotels, sporting events, concerts or homeowner communities, you could face CA state fines up to $1,000+ per person who doesn’t have the required state training. The state periodically does sting operations around the state to catch private security officers who have not taken the state required training. Easily and inexpensively get private security officer courses online now before you get slapped with expensive fines.