Certified Executive Security Specialist Program (CESS)
Certified Protection Specialist Program (CPS)
COURSE DESCRIPTION
What is a California exposed firearms permit?
Even if you are licensed or registered in the security field, you may not carry a gun on duty whether loaded or unloaded unless you have been issued an exposed firearm permit by the Department of Consumer Affairs. California Exposed Firearms Permit must be kept on your person at all times while on duty.
Our California Exposed Firearms Permit training seeks to provide essential education and certification to those wishing to work in the security field. Even if you are already licensed and registered in this field, you are not able to carry a gun on duty. This applies to both loaded and unloaded weapons. However, you can obtain the right to carry a firearm if you are issued with an exposed firearm permit by the Department of Consumer Affairs. Our California Exposed Firearms training is designed to provide you with the knowledge and experience required to obtain this permit. (Training provided by Advanced Security Concepts Inc. BSIS TFF #1305 and #1498)
What does the California exposed firearms permit training involve?
Earn your California firearms permit and carry with confidence.
The CA BSIS Exposed Firearms Permit course provides the foundational firearms training required to obtain your California BSIS Exposed Firearms Permit. Spanning 16 hours of classroom instruction and live-fire range work, this course ensures students develop the knowledge, discipline, and technical proficiency needed to carry a firearm safely and lawfully in a professional security context.
This course is designed for security professionals seeking to add firearms authority to their credentials. It fulfills the BSIS training requirement for the Exposed Firearms Permit and serves as the entry point into Pacific West Academy’s broader firearms curriculum.
Students begin with a comprehensive study of the moral and legal aspects of firearm use — including California laws governing the possession, carrying, and deployment of firearms, the concept of avoidance of deadly force, and the real-world consequences of firearm incidents. A strong legal grounding is essential before any student touches a weapon.
From there, the course moves into firearm nomenclature and maintenance, covering both revolvers and semi-automatic pistols. Students learn general safety principles, proper weapon handling, loading and unloading procedures, and the fundamentals of shooting — including grip, stance, draw position, and sight picture.
Practical exercises include simulator training and dry-fire drills, followed by live qualification at MB Tactical in Piru, CA. Students must pass an 85% written exam in addition to the range qualification to earn their permit.
CA Exposed Firearms Permit Course Overview
CA BSIS Exposed Firearms Permit (FA 1, 2) — Students Will Learn:
- California laws governing firearm possession, carrying, and use.
- Firearm nomenclature and maintenance for revolvers and semi-automatics.
- General firearm safety and weapon handling.
- Loading, unloading, and shooting fundamentals.
- Grip, stance, and draw techniques.
- Simulator training and live-fire range qualification.
What are the requirements for a California exposed firearms permit?
Requirements: Must be at least 18 years of age to enroll; 21 to earn the permit. Valid ID required. CA BSIS Guard Card training must be completed. Must be a U.S. citizen or permanent legal resident. Must not be prohibited from firearm possession under state or federal law.
What BSIS firearms permit do you receive?
- California Exposed Firearm Permit through BSIS.
Duration: 16 hours
Why Choose Pacific West Academy?
When providing security services, approval and regulatory recognition is key. Pacific West Academy is approved by a number of organizations. These include the Bureau for Private Postsecondary Education and the California State Approving Agency for Veterans Education. We also offer financial assistance for veterans who may wish to take our courses. Please contact us for more information on these programs if required.
BPPE APPROVED – Approval to Operate means compliance with state standards as set forth in the California Private Postsecondary Education Act of 2009. Bureau for Private Postsecondary Education: https://bppe.ca.gov/
Students who choose Pacific West Academy for their security training benefit from the wisdom of our instructors. All of our instructors are vastly experienced and benefit from comprehensive educational grounding. This allows them to achieve excellent results with the students under their tutelage. We are proud of the reputation of our instructors. We are particularly confident they can provide a comprehensive guide to the field of executive protection for you.
Finally, students who choose the Pacific West Academy benefit from our years of experience in delivering outstanding results for our students. Our parent company has offices throughout the world. It has provided security and protection services to governments, law enforcement, and many more besides. We at Pacific West Academy have continued this dedication to excellence. Furthermore, we have forged a distinct history that has been hugely beneficial to the students we have taught. In fact, over 1,700 students have successfully completed our courses. This helps to demonstrate the absolute efficacy of the courses and methods of teaching that we have been able to develop over the years.
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