Licensing RequirementsGet Your California Guard Card CALIFORNIA gUARD cARD bASICS Here's What You Need To Get Started... Be Over 18 You must be at least 18 years old Undergo a Background Check You must undergo a criminal background check through the California Department of Justice (DOJ) and the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI), and Complete The Required Training You must complete 40-hours of mandatory training. Required Training Hours Before Working Prior To Working As a Security Officer You need a total of 8 hours of training prior to working After Guard Card Approval Within 30 Days of Guard Card Approval You need a total of 16 hours of training prior to working Within 6 Months of Guard Card Approval You need a total of 16 hours of training prior to working