If you’ve recently completed your initial 8-hour security guard training in California, congratulations! You’re one step closer to starting your career in the security industry.
But did you know that your initial 8-hour guard card training is only the beginning?
California requires most newly registered security guards to complete an additional 32 hours of security officer skills training, commonly divided into two 16-hour training courses.
At A & C Security Group, we refer to these additional courses as Module B and Module C.
Whether you’re a new security guard, recently received your BSIS guard card, or have been working in security for a few months, understanding these training requirements is essential.
Need 32-hour security guard training in California? If you’ve completed your initial 8-hour guard card course, you’re not finished with your training requirements. California generally requires newly registered security guards to complete an additional 32 hours of security officer skills training, commonly organized into Modules B and C.
In this guide, we’ll explain what Modules B and C are, why they’re required, when you must complete them, and how to enroll in California security guard training.
What Are Modules B and C in Security Guard Training?
Modules B and C are two 16-hour training courses that help California security guards complete their required security officer skills training.
These courses build upon the initial 8-hour Power to Arrest and Appropriate Use of Force training.
While the initial training focuses on the legal authority and responsibilities of a security guard, the additional training develops practical skills needed to perform security duties professionally.
Here’s how California’s 40-hour security guard training requirement is divided:
| Training Course | Hours | Completion Deadline |
|---|---|---|
| Module A: Initial Guard Card Training | 8 hours | Before registration is issued |
| Module B: Additional Skills Training | 16 hours | Within 30 days of initial registration |
| Module C: Remaining Skills Training | 16 hours | Within 6 months of initial registration |
| Total Required Training | 40 hours | Within required BSIS deadlines |
The California Bureau of Security and Investigative Services (BSIS) establishes the training requirements for registered security guards.
Although training providers may use names such as Module A, B, and C to organize their courses, BSIS officially describes the additional training as mandatory and elective security officer skills training.
Important: Completing only your initial 8-hour training does not satisfy the full 40-hour training requirement.
What Is Module B Security Guard Training?
Module B is the first 16 hours of additional security officer skills training.
Under California Business and Professions Code Section 7583.6, newly registered security guards generally must complete at least 16 of their additional 32 training hours within 30 days after their initial registration is issued.
This training helps security guards develop the knowledge and practical skills necessary to perform their duties safely and professionally.
What Do You Learn in Module B?
Depending on the approved curriculum offered by the training provider, Module B may cover topics such as:
1. Public Relations and Professionalism
Security guards regularly interact with employees, customers, visitors, and members of the public.
Training helps guards understand professional conduct, communication, respect, and conflict prevention.
2. Observation and Documentation
Security officers must recognize unusual activity and accurately document incidents.
Training may include observation techniques, report writing, and identifying suspicious behavior.
3. Communication Skills
Security guards need to communicate effectively with supervisors, emergency responders, coworkers, and the public.
Topics may include radio communication, reporting procedures, and emergency notifications.
4. Legal Responsibilities
Understanding legal limitations, liability, and professional responsibilities helps security guards perform their duties appropriately.
5. Security Procedures
Additional skills training may address patrol procedures, post orders, emergency situations, and workplace security practices.
These subjects help security guards become more prepared for real-world assignments.
When Do You Have to Complete Module B?
For most newly registered guards, the first 16 hours of additional training must be completed within 30 days of the date their initial BSIS registration is issued.
For example:
If your initial guard card registration is issued on October 1, 2026, you should complete your first 16 hours of additional training no later than October 31, 2026.
Don’t confuse your registration issuance date with the day your physical guard card arrives in the mail.
The training deadline is based on the applicable legal requirements, not simply when you receive your physical card.
Who Should Enroll in Module B?
Module B is designed for individuals who:
- Recently completed their initial 8-hour guard card training.
- Have received their first California BSIS guard card.
- Need to complete their first 16 hours of additional skills training.
- Want to continue meeting California security guard training requirements.
If you’ve already completed your initial training and need the next 16 hours, Module B may be the appropriate next step.
Ready to Complete Your First 16 Hours?
Already completed your initial 8-hour guard card training? Don’t wait until your training deadline approaches!
A & C Security Group offers 16-hour Module B training to help California security guards complete their additional training requirements.
What Is Module C Security Guard Training?
Module C is the remaining 16 hours of additional security officer skills training required for most newly registered California security guards.
After completing the first 16 hours of additional training, guards must finish their remaining 16 hours within six months of initial registration.
Module C builds upon previous training and provides additional instruction in security-related responsibilities and workplace procedures.
What Do You Learn in Module C?
Depending on the provider’s approved curriculum and the courses already completed, additional training may cover:
1. Post Orders and Assignments
Understanding assigned duties, following site-specific instructions, and maintaining security procedures.
2. Emergency Response Procedures
Recognizing emergencies, notifying appropriate personnel, and responding according to established procedures.
3. Access Control
Understanding visitor procedures, monitoring entry points, and maintaining controlled access to facilities.
4. Workplace Safety
Recognizing hazards, following safety procedures, and maintaining awareness of workplace risks.
5. Employer Policies and Professional Conduct
Understanding workplace expectations, reporting responsibilities, and security company policies.
6. Additional Security Skills
Other approved elective subjects may address topics such as handling difficult situations, workplace violence awareness, and specialized security assignments.
The specific subjects included in Module C depend on the training provider’s approved course structure.
When Do You Have to Complete Module C?
The remaining 16 hours must generally be completed within six months after the initial security guard registration is issued.
For example:
If your registration was issued on October 1, 2026, your additional 32 hours of training generally must be completed by April 1, 2027.
This means your first 16 hours must be completed within the initial 30-day period, and the remaining hours must be completed within the six-month period.
You do not have to wait six months to complete Module C.
Students may complete their additional training earlier, provided the courses satisfy BSIS requirements.
Finish Your Remaining 16 Hours of Security Training!
You’ve completed your initial training and Module B. Now it’s time to finish your remaining security officer skills training.
Complete Module C with A & C Security Group and stay on track with your California BSIS training requirements.
What Is the Difference Between Module B and Module C?
Both modules contribute toward California’s additional 32-hour security guard training requirement.
The primary difference is how A & C Security Group organizes the training and the deadlines associated with completing the required hours.
| Feature | Module B | Module C |
|---|---|---|
| Training Hours | 16 hours | 16 hours |
| Purpose | First portion of additional skills training | Remaining portion of additional skills training |
| Deadline | Within 30 days of initial registration | Within 6 months of initial registration |
| Who Needs It? | Newly registered guards who have not completed the first 16 hours | Guards who still need the remaining 16 hours |
| Counts Toward 40 Hours? | Yes | Yes |
Together, Modules B and C provide the additional 32 hours needed to complete the standard 40-hour training requirement.
Is Module B and Module C Training Mandatory in California?
Yes. For most newly registered security guards, the additional 32 hours of security officer skills training are mandatory under California law.
The requirement is established by California Business and Professions Code Section 7583.6.
The law generally requires:
- Initial Power to Arrest and Appropriate Use of Force training before registration is issued.
- At least 16 additional hours within 30 days after initial registration.
- The remaining 16 hours within six months after initial registration.
- Eight hours of continuing security guard training annually.
Certain statutory exceptions and specialized training requirements may apply.
These requirements help ensure California security guards receive training beyond the initial guard card course.
What Happens If You Don’t Complete Modules B and C?
Failing to complete the required additional training can create licensing and employment compliance problems.
California requires security guards to satisfy their training obligations and maintain proof of completion.
Incomplete training may affect your ability to demonstrate compliance with BSIS requirements and can create problems when renewing your registration.
Employers also have responsibilities regarding security guard training documentation.
Important: Do not assume that an issued guard card means you have completed every training requirement.
Your guard card registration and your training certificates serve different purposes.
If you’ve missed a training deadline, complete the outstanding training promptly and contact BSIS if you need clarification about your compliance status.
Can You Complete Module B and Module C at the Same Time?
Yes. Students may complete their additional training before the final deadlines rather than waiting until the end of the 30-day or six-month periods.
For example, a student who has already completed the initial 8-hour course may choose to complete the additional 32 hours as soon as practical.
This can be helpful for students who want to finish their training requirements before beginning a busy work schedule.
At A & C Security Group, students can enroll in individual additional training modules or choose a comprehensive training package.
Do You Need Module B and Module C to Renew Your Guard Card?
If you were required to complete the additional 32 hours after your initial registration, you must satisfy that requirement as part of your licensing obligations.
California’s security guard renewal application requires applicants to certify completion of the applicable initial skills training.
However, Modules B and C are not the same as annual security guard training.
Once you’ve completed the required initial 40 hours, California generally requires eight hours of continuing security guard training each year.
Annual training includes required review of appropriate use of force and other approved security officer skills.
If your guard card is approaching expiration, review your training records before submitting your renewal application.
Where Can You Take Module B and Module C Training in Los Angeles?
If you’re looking for 16-hour security guard training in Los Angeles, A & C Security Group offers training for individuals completing their additional BSIS security officer skills requirements.
Our training center is conveniently located in Downtown Los Angeles.
A & C Security Group
1605 W. Olympic Blvd., Suite 850
Los Angeles, CA 90015
Phone: 877-714-8701
Hours: Monday–Saturday, 10:00 AM–6:00 PM
Walk-in Check-in: 10:00 AM–10:30 AM
Students can register for available training dates online.
Whether you need your first 16 hours, your remaining 16 hours, or the complete 40-hour training program, we offer options to help you meet your training requirements.
How Much Does Module B and Module C Training Cost?
At A & C Security Group, students can select the training they need.
| Training Option | Training Hours | Price |
|---|---|---|
| Initial Guard Card Training | 8 hours | $125 |
| Module B Training | 16 hours | $100 |
| Module C Training | 16 hours | $100 |
| All-in-One Training Package | 40 hours, plus included services | $515 |
The All-in-One package includes initial guard card training, the additional 32 hours of skills training, Live Scan fingerprinting, and application assistance.
Not sure which course you need?
If you’ve already completed your initial 8-hour training, you may only need Module B, Module C, or both.
If you’re just starting your security guard career, consider our All-in-One package.
Frequently Asked Questions About Security Guard Modules B and C
Is Module B Required for a California Guard Card?
The first 16 hours of additional security officer skills training are generally required within 30 days after initial registration. Module B is A & C Security Group’s name for this portion of the training.
Is Module C Required in California?
Yes. Most newly registered guards must complete the remaining 16 hours of security officer skills training within six months after initial registration.
How Many Hours Are Modules B and C Combined?
Modules B and C total 32 hours of additional security guard training.
Combined with the initial 8-hour course, they complete the standard 40-hour training requirement.
Can I Take Module B and Module C Before My Guard Card Is Approved?
Students may complete additional approved training early. However, completing training does not authorize someone to perform security guard duties before the required registration is issued.
Can I Take Module C Before Module B?
The state establishes required subjects and deadlines rather than a universal course sequence called Module B and Module C. Contact your training provider to confirm its course structure and any prerequisites.
Do Modules B and C Expire?
The additional training is part of the initial security guard training requirement. It is separate from the eight hours of annual continuing training.
Keep your certificates as required by BSIS, and confirm whether additional or remedial training applies to your circumstances.
Do I Have to Take Modules B and C at the Same School?
California generally permits required training through authorized providers. However, students should maintain certificates documenting all completed courses and verify that their combined training satisfies BSIS requirements.
Is the 40-Hour Security Guard Training Required Every Year?
No. The initial 40-hour requirement is different from the annual continuing education requirement.
Registered guards generally must complete eight hours of continuing training annually.
Complete Your Security Guard Training With A & C Security Group
Don’t wait until your training deadline approaches.
Whether you need your first 16 hours, your remaining 16 hours, or the full 40-hour security guard training program, A & C Security Group is here to help.
We offer convenient training options for new and existing security guards throughout Los Angeles County.
Choose the Training That Fits Your Needs:
Module B — 16-Hour Security Guard Training
Complete your first 16 hours of additional security officer skills training.
Module C — 16-Hour Security Guard Training
Finish your remaining 16 hours of required security officer skills training.
All-in-One 40-Hour Security Guard Training — $515
Get started with your initial training, additional skills training, Live Scan, and application assistance in one package.
Ready to Complete Your Security Guard Training?
Enroll with A & C Security Group today.
Call 877-714-8701 or register online to reserve your training date.
A & C Security Group
1605 W. Olympic Blvd., Suite 850
Los Angeles, CA 90015
Complete Your Training. Meet Your Requirements. Advance Your Security Career.