subject: California Guard Card Requirements. [print this page] If you have a California guard card and work actively in security, there are some regulations that you should be aware of to make sure that you are in compliance with California State law.
First, State law requires you have you guard card on your person when working. There are no exceptions to this rule. The card is, for all intents and purposes, a license to work. If you get caught without it, you put not only yourself in jeopardy but your employer as well. The Bureau of Security and Investigative Services, the overseeing body that governs security guard rules and regulations, is known to send out investigators who visit sites and fine those who are not properly licensed. The fines can be very steep. Its simply not worth it.
A California guard card will enable you to work only in California. Every state has their own guard requirements, and issues their own guard cards. Some states do not have guard cards at all; become familiar with the state licensing requirements of where you plan to work. Every now and then there are discussions on the Federal level about creating a national license, but as of now, one does not exist.
At www.guardtrainingonline.net we issue only California guard cards. The process is fairly straight-forward and if you visit our homepage to apply for your training certificate. The security industry is growing. There are more opportunities than ever. The threat of terrorism is at an all time high and, unfortunately, it doesnt look like it will be diminishing anytime in the near future.
California is considered by many experts to be a target point. The tough economy we are in creates a lot of anxiety and desperation. Crime is on the rise in many urban cities. All of this forces employers to hire more security. The sooner you get your license, the faster you can take advantage of many job opportunities.
Your California guard card is good for two years. Then you have to renew your license. Failure for you to do so will mean that you are working with an invalid license and, again, that puts yourself and your employer at risk for fines and possibly other penalties.
If you have any questions pertaining to the validity of your card, call the Bureau of Security and Investigative Services. Again, they issue the license and are quite helpful. Like most state agencies, they are often inundated with phone calls, so you may have to wait a while on the phone to get through.
Once you receive your card, take care of it. It is advisable to protect it with a plastic covering because its made out of paper and easily bends and can tear. If you lose your California guard card the state will issue another one at a nominal fee.
If you are looking for work, most employers will want to make copies of the card itself, so remember to bring it with you even to job interviews. Also bring any other licenses you have.It goes without saying that the more training and qualifications you have, the more likely you are to get better career opportunities. So when you are applying for a position, it is always a good idea to find out what qualifications they are seeking ahead of time.
There is such a thing as being overqualified. Employers feel that candidates with too much experience or who have advanced training may not stay around long because they can find higher paying work elsewhere. At www.guardrainingonline.net we will provide you some great interviewing tips and offer a lot of advice on how to get good security jobs. Take a look at our articles. They cover many categories, all relating to the security guard industry.
It all starts with deciding whether the security profession is right for you. That takes some research, but it may also require simply trying it out. You have nothing to lose and working as a security professional can offer many rewards beyond mere financial. It simply feels good to know that you are helping people feel safe and secure.
