CA Private Security Officer (PSO)

PSO Guard Training in California

Tips about & Benefits of PSO Classroom Courses

Complete Your PSO Card Training in a Classroom

The Bureau of Security and Investigative Services (BSIS) allows you to complete the training classes be attending a class taught in a physical classroom as well as online. The class must be taught be an approved and licensed PSO Training Provider.

Benefits of Taking Your PSO Card Training in a Classroom

  1. You can can ask the instructor questions.
  2. You might be able to take the courses on site at your work location.

Drawbacks of Taking Your PSO Card Training in a Classroom

  1. You can’t go at your pace.
  2. You may have to take time off work to go to a class held at another location.
  3. If you don’t live in a big city, you may have to drive a long ways to complete your PSO training requirements. Gas is expensive.

Recommended and BSIS Approved PSO Training Providers

The BSIS law and PSO training syllabus was only recently put into place. Hence, not many licensed PSO Training Providers exist yet. But here’s a table that compares some of the PSO Training Providers we’ve found.

We won’t be able to review classroom based training due to costs and logistics.

Ask your employer if they offer PSO training. If not, we recommend completing your PSO training online.

Tips for Choosing a Classroom-based Training Provider

  1. Check on the training provider’s website for the provider’s BSIS PSO Training License number. This number should start with a capital P and be followed by 5 numbers, such as P12345. Sometimes this PSO Training Approval number can be difficult to find on a website. So, if you don’t see the PSO Training License number on the website, contact the training provider through email or phone and ask for their BSIS license number.
  2. Verify that the PSO Training License number on the PSO training provider’s website is valid and current with the BSIS  by calling (916) 322-4000. In the future you’ll be able to use the state of California’s BSIS website to verify a PSO Training License online using by clicking here. Right now, the BSIS site isn’t setup to allow you to verify the PSO Training Licenses online.
  3. Check if there is a training location near where you live or work.
  4. Check if the company is offering training on the days you can go to class.
  5. Verify that the training provider maintains a record that you’ve completed the training in case you lose your PSO Training Completion Certificate.

What should You Read Next?

  • If you think you want to get online PSO training, read Take Online Courses.
  • If you want to know more about additional training requirements after you become a private security officer, read PSO Continuing Education.
  • If you want to read the general steps to registering as a private security officer, read How to Become a PSO.