100+ Free CA Security Guard Practice Questions
Pass your California BSIS Guard Card Exam exam on the first try — instant access, no signup required.
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Key Facts: CA Security Guard Exam
8 hrs
Pre-Assignment Training
BSIS
$60
Application Fee
BSIS (eff. 10/1/2025)
2 years
Registration Validity
BSIS
100%
Passing Score
BSIS
$5,000
Max Fine (Unlicensed)
BPC 7583.24
32 hrs
Skills Training (6 mo.)
BSIS
California requires an 8-hour pre-assignment course covering Powers to Arrest and Appropriate Use of Force before BSIS Guard Card issuance. The $60 application fee covers 2-year registration. Guards must complete 32 hours of skills training within 6 months and 8 hours of annual continuing training. As of January 2026, a single provider must deliver the full 8-hour course.
About the CA Security Guard Exam
The California BSIS Guard Card exam tests knowledge of the Powers to Arrest (Penal Code 837), Appropriate Use of Force, and state security regulations. Required for all unarmed security guards working in California.
Questions
100 scored questions
Time Limit
No time limit
Passing Score
100%
Exam Fee
$60 (California BSIS)
CA Security Guard Exam Content Outline
Legal Authority & Arrest Powers
Penal Code 837 citizen's arrest, shopkeeper's privilege, false imprisonment, and guard vs. peace officer authority
Use of Force & De-escalation
Force continuum, reasonable force, Appropriate Use of Force training, and de-escalation techniques
BSIS Regulations & Licensing
Guard Card requirements, training timelines, BSIS enforcement, uniform regulations, and renewal procedures
Patrol & Emergency Response
Patrol types, emergency procedures, fire safety, bomb threats, and suspicious package protocols
Report Writing & Ethics
Incident reports, daily activity reports, professional ethics, confidentiality, and court testimony
How to Pass the CA Security Guard Exam
What You Need to Know
- Passing score: 100%
- Exam length: 100 questions
- Time limit: No time limit
- Exam fee: $60
Keys to Passing
- Complete 500+ practice questions
- Score 80%+ consistently before scheduling
- Focus on highest-weighted sections
- Use our AI tutor for tough concepts
CA Security Guard Study Tips from Top Performers
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the California BSIS Guard Card exam?
The BSIS Guard Card exam is part of the required 8-hour pre-assignment training course. It covers Powers to Arrest under Penal Code 837 and Appropriate Use of Force. You must pass the exam to receive your training certificate, which is required for your Guard Card application.
How much does a California Guard Card cost in 2026?
The BSIS application fee is $60 (effective October 1, 2025). Additional costs include Live Scan fingerprinting ($32 DOJ + $17 FBI plus a site fee) and training course tuition, which varies by provider. Total costs typically range from $150 to $300.
What training is required for a California Guard Card?
California requires 8 hours of pre-assignment training (Powers to Arrest + Appropriate Use of Force), 32 hours of skills training within 6 months of registration (16 hours within the first 30 days), and 8 hours of annual continuing training.
What changed for California Guard Card training in 2026?
As of January 1, 2026, a single BSIS-licensed training provider must deliver the full 8-hour Powers to Arrest and Appropriate Use of Force course. The training must be completed within 6 months before the application is submitted.
Can a California security guard carry a firearm?
Not with just a Guard Card. To carry a firearm on duty, you need a separate BSIS Firearms Permit (Firearms Qualification, FQ), which requires additional firearms training, a written test, and range qualification. A concealed carry permit may also be required.