Frequently Asked Questions
General Questions
If I have a felony from another state, will it show up during the California background check? –
Yes. When determining whether to issue a firearms permit, BSIS reviews criminal history information reported by the California Department of Justice (DOJ) and the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI). This review may include criminal records from other states.
Even convictions that have been expunged may still appear on DOJ or FBI records and may be considered during the application review. However, BSIS evaluates each applicant on a case-by-case basis and considers factors such as the seriousness of the offense, the amount of time that has passed, and evidence of rehabilitation. Having a criminal record does not automatically disqualify an applicant.
I am an active duty peace officer, how can I get my guard card and firearms permit? +
Certain peace officers and qualifying reserve officers may be exempt from BSIS fingerprinting and some training requirements when applying for a guard card or firearms permit. To qualify, applicants must submit documentation verifying their peace officer status and applicable POST training.
Applicants seeking a firearms permit must still meet BSIS firearms training, qualification, and assessment requirements. Peace officers should consult the BSIS website for the most current instructions and documentation requirements, as eligibility and exemptions may vary depending on status and agency.
How do I get a CCW or concealed weapons permit in California? +
A concealed carry weapon (CCW) permit in California is issued by a local law enforcement agency, typically the county sheriff or a city police department where you live. It is separate from the BSIS exposed firearms permit used for security guards.
To apply for a CCW, you must submit an application to your local issuing agency, complete a background investigation, undergo fingerprinting, and complete an approved firearms training course. Applicants must also meet eligibility requirements under California law and demonstrate that they are not prohibited from possessing firearms.
Each county or city may have slightly different application procedures, fees, and training requirements, so applicants should contact their local sheriff’s office or police department for specific instructions on how to apply.
I have a concealed weapons permit from another state, can I carry a concealed firearm in California? +
No. California does not recognize concealed carry permits issued by other states.
If you want to carry a concealed firearm in California, you must apply for and obtain a California-issued CCW permit through the local sheriff’s office or police department in the county or city where you reside. Until a California permit is issued, carrying a concealed firearm in California is not authorized.
Does your company offer military discounts? +
No. We do not offer separate military discounts. We provide fair pricing for all security training for every student.
However, assistance may be available for veterans through military assistance programs. No matter how the training is paid for, every student pays the same price for our courses.
Do I need a guard card if I’m only going to work for one company? +
If you are working in an unarmed security position for only one company, you may be able to work under either a California guard card or a Proprietary Private Security Officer (PPSO) registration, depending on the type of employer.
A PPSO registration allows a person to work as an in-house security officer for a single company that employs its own security staff. However, a PPSO registration only allows you to work for that specific employer.
We generally recommend obtaining a California guard card instead, because it allows you to work for any licensed security company or proprietary security employer anywhere in the State of California.
Are you a legitimate training company and how can I tell? +
Yes. Valley Guard Training is a legitimate training facility licensed by the Bureau of Security and Investigative Services (BSIS). We have been a BSIS-licensed training provider since December 1993. Our credentials can be verified through the Department of Consumer Affairs license search on the BSIS website.
Do you get me a job when I finish my training? +
No. Valley Guard Training does not place students into jobs after training.
However, we do help point you in the right direction. We provide information about security companies that are hiring, the types of positions available, and where to apply. We also maintain a job board at our Van Nuys location where students can review current security job opportunities.
Can I make payments for my training? +
Yes. We allow students to start training with as little as $50 down.
However, the full balance must be paid before we complete processing your fingerprints and applications.
What types of payments does Valley guard training except? +
Valley Guard Training accepts cash and major credit cards, including American Express, MasterCard, Visa, and Discover. We also accept Apple Pay and tap-to-pay.
The credit card must be in the name of the student or the person paying for the course at the time of payment. We do not accept credit card payments over the phone and personal checks are not accepted.
Is a DMV printout okay to bring in as proof of a current identification? +
No. A DMV printout is not accepted as identification.
For Live Scan fingerprinting and training, you must bring a current, valid, and physical U.S. state-issued driver’s license or state identification card. Temporary DMV printouts or paperwork cannot be used as a substitute for the actual ID card.
