There are two main security credentials held by California that are often mixed up. It is time, money and legal hassle saved by understanding the difference between a PPO license vs a guard card. In addition, picking the wrong credential to work in your position can lead to severe consequences by the state.
This is one of the mistakes that many would-be security professionals and business owners commit each year. As such, this guide simplifies both licenses so that you have the exact knowledge of what you require. Read all the sections and you will be in a full understanding and then proceed to the next steps.
Understanding the Basics: What Each License Actually Means
The two qualifications are both issued by the Bureau of Security and Investigative Services (BSIS) of California. They are, however, absolutely different in purpose and to absolutely different individuals. In addition, a single license permits you to work as a security guard and the other one is to operate a security business. Also, the basics will enable you to prevent the most widespread and expensive licensing errors in California.
What Is a Guard Card in California?
The license issued by the state permitting a person to work as a security guard is called a guard card. It is the minimum legal threshold of anyone who offers any type of security services in California. Moreover, all security guards are to keep their guard card with them whenever they are on duty. The BSIS issues guard cards following completion of mandatory training and passing a background check by applicants.
What Is a PPO License in California?
PPO license is an abbreviation of Private Patrol Operator license which is issued to businesses by BSIS. It enables an individual or company to run a private security business in California legally. Any individual who hires security guards or outsources security services, must have a valid PPO license. In California, without this license it is entirely illegal to operate a security company under the state law.
Who Issues These Licenses and Why It Matters
BSIS is a department of consumer affairs and the enforcer of all the laws regarding private security. Moreover, the state only recognizes BSIS-related credentials when it comes to working in the field of private security. Hence, any security license obtained by an unofficial source is not legally binding in California. As a result, the only sure method of verifying legitimate licensing is by verifying the BSIS credentials.
PPO License vs Guard Card: The Core Differences Explained
The only essential question of role that can be used to differentiate the PPO license vs guard card is a matter of role. Do you work as a security guard or do you have a security business? Moreover, all licenses open the door to various legal rights and obligations according to the California law. Hence, the choice of the appropriate credential actually hinges on your particular position in the security sector. In addition, being a wrong license holder in California does not relieve you of legal actions.
Purpose and Scope of Each License
A guard card is the license that gives a person the permission to work in security under the oversight of an employer. A PPO license permits a commercial enterprise to hire guards and provide security services. Moreover, the holder of a PPO license is directly liable to any legal action against any guard he or she hires in the industry. Thus, a PPO license is much larger in scope and more complicated under the law. Also, the guard card holders are not licensed businesses and are under the authority of the PPO.
Who Needs a Guard Card and Who Needs a PPO License
You will require a guard card in case you personally do any security work with any employer in California. You require a PPO license when you own, manage or operate a private security company. Moreover, a person operating as an independent contract security provider must have a PPO license. Additionally, a single person security operation needs to be licensed as a PPO prior to taking up paid contracts. Thus, your presence in the industry is the most crucial aspect in this decision.
Legal Consequences of Working Without the Right License
Operating as a security guard, without an authentic guard card is a misdemeanor in California. Conduct of security business without a PPO license is even more severely criminally and civilly punishable. In addition, those employers that are aware of employing unlicensed guards can incur huge fines and be denied the license.
Guard Card Requirements in California: What You Need to Get One
The process of receiving a guard card in California is a certain procedure that each candidate has to undergo. Moreover, failure to take any of the necessary steps will make your application rejected by BSIS. So, it is better to get to know the complete requirements in advance and save time and unwarranted frustration.
Minimum Age and Eligibility Requirements
In California, the minimum age when one can apply to be a guard card holder is 18 years. Also, you should be legally eligible to work in the United States when you are applying. You also cannot possess a felony conviction that would disqualify you according to California Business and Professions Code.
How to Apply for a Guard Card with BSIS
Apply to the BSIS online portal with all documents to your guard card application. You will be required to provide evidence of the number of hours of training completed and a valid photo ID issued by the government. In addition, you will be required to sign a Live Scan fingerprint background check application.
PPO License Requirements in California: What You Need to Qualify
The PPO license conditions are quite strict in comparison with a typical guard card application. Moreover, this is a testimony to the increased legal responsibility involved in running a business of security. As such, potential security business owners need to get ready to go through the application process.
Experience and Background Requirements for a PPO
The candidates should ensure that they have a minimum of 2,000 hours of paid security experience prior to the application. In addition, all applicants of PPO licensing in California must have a comprehensive criminal background check. Also, an applicant will be disqualified in case of any conviction of any kind of dishonesty, fraud, or violence.
Insurance, Bond, and Business Requirements
The minimum required general liability insurance among the PPO license applicants is 1,000,000. Moreover, they should provide the state with a 10,000 as surety bond prior to issuance of the license. Furthermore, one needs to have the business duly registered with the California Secretary of State prior to application.
How to Apply for a PPO License with BSIS
Log in to the BSIS online licensing portal and apply with all documents needed by PPO. You will then provide evidence of experience, certificate of insurance, bonds and business registration in your application. In addition, all the principals on the application should also undergo a Live Scan background check.
Can One Person Hold Both a Guard Card and a PPO License?
Numerous small security business owners do just this to remain field-ready. A PPO license, however, does not permit you to go out in the field, and conduct guard work yourself. So, when you are a security company owner, and a shift worker at the same time, you require both qualifications.
FAQs
What is a PPO license and guard card?
A guard card permits a person to legally work as a guard in California. A PPO license is given to a business or individual to run a private security company and hire guards. Moreover, they are both published by BSIS and have entirely different legal purposes and audiences.
What is the cost of a PPO license in California?
PPO license application fee is at an estimate of $400, excluding insurance and bonding fees. Moreover, the liability insurance policy of one million dollars and surety bond of 10,000 are extra costs on its start-up costs. Thus, to become a legal PPO license holder, you will need to spend between $1,500 to 3,000 or more.
Am I required to have a PPO license to commence a security company in California?
Yes, before you get to operate any business of private security in California, you must take out a PPO license. Moreover, hiring even one security guard without PPO license contravenes the California state law. Hence, the most important step before starting any security company is to take your PPO license.
Conclusion
You now have a full and clear idea of the difference between the PPO license and guard card in California. In addition, you are aware of the needs, expenses, and legal implications of each type of credential. Thus, consider your license to your position before you do anything in the security industry. Besides, do not think that a single credential will benefit two aspects: personal work and business simultaneously.
When you are intending to venture in the field of security in whatever way, then it is all about the proper licensing. US Training Guard is a security training firm based in California. It assists prospective guards and individuals wishing to own businesses in acquiring the appropriate credentials with confidence. Finally, the key to a successful and legally-approved security career is the knowledge of the PPO license vs guard card difference.
