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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 16-hours of BSIS mandatory course training within 6 months 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.
This information has been confirmed by the BSIS, although it's not reflected on their latest FACT sheet.
PSO Courses for First Year Training Requirements:
- 8-Hours Power to Arrest and Appropriate Use of Force (Same as Security Guards)
PART A: 3-hours online and PART B: 5-hours in the classroom (See course offering)
- 16-Hours of BSIS Mandatory Courses - We have a 16-hour package available for this, PK-105, which contains the
following four mandatory courses:
- 4-Hour Communication & its Significance
- 4-Hour Public Relations
- 4-Hour Observation and Documentation
- 4-Hour Liability/Legal Aspects
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16-hour BSIS Mandatory Courses Package (Reguired For First Year PSOs)
Combines with 8-Hour PTA/AUOF Course to Complete New BSIS PSO 24-hr Requirement
(PK-105) -
$45.00
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New BSIS PSO Annual (Yearly) Training Requirements:
- 8-Hours of refresher (continuing education - CE) training each year - This is the same as security guards. (See package offering)
The following is the new PSO FACT Sheet was updated in August 2024. BSIS PSO
FACT SHEET.
For
full details and information about PSO licensing, please see our PSO FAQs section at the bottom of this page.
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..
2023 and Earlier 16-Hour Online PSO Course:
The 2023 and earlier 16-hour online PSO course is no longer available as it does not meet 2024 and later BSIS training requirements.
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Frequently Asked Questions about PSOs
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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.
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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.
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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
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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.
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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.
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How can I check the status
of my application?
You can contact the
BSIS at (800) 952-5210 or (916)
322-4000.
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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.
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Can I work on a temporary registration?
No, you must have a valid PSO registration in your
possession before going on duty.
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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.
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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).
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Can a PSO carry a firearm or baton?
No, under no circumstances can a PSO carry a deadly
weapon.
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