For complete instructions on each of the three steps to getting a guard card, see our detailed instructions page.

8-Hour Guard Card Course Overview:
The 8-hour Power to Arrest and Weapons of Mass Destruction course provides the basic information that is necessary for any security guard to know before they are allowed to start working as a CA state licensed security guard. Power to Arrest and Weapons of Mass Destruction Course consists of four hours of training in both of the following two (2) subjects:

• Power to Arrest - 4 Hours: The objective of this 4-hours is to familiarize and instruct the individual on the training topics delineated at Business and Professions Code section 7583.7, including, without limitation, legal aspects, techniques, liability, and company requirements relating to the arrest of an individual. The training will utilize the Department of Consumer Affairs' Power to Arrest Training Manual and may include lecture, discussion, exercises and role-playing.
• Weapons of Mass Destruction & Terrorist Awareness - 4 Hours: The objective of this 4-hours is to familiarize and instruct the individual on the training topics delineated at Business and Professions Code section 7583.7, including, without limitation, legal aspects, techniques, liability, and company requirements relating to the arrest of an individual. The training will utilize the Department of Consumer Affairs' Power to Arrest Training Manual and may include lecture, discussion, exercises and role-playing.

With this first 8-hours, you can get a guard card, but remember that there is a requirement for all first year guards to take a full 40 hours. The other 32-hours of security guard training does not need to be completed until after you start working, although it is recommended and helpful to take it before you start working.