Firearm & San Diego CCW Training | Focal Point Academy

BSIS Exposed Firearm Permit Course in San Diego

BSIS Exposed Firearm Permit Course in San Diego
Security guard training with a firearm in BSIS exposed firearm permit course

In-Person Initial Firearms Training for California Security Professionals

Book Your BSIS Exposed Firearm Permit Course in San Diego Below

Why Train With Us?

Our courses are designed for students who want more than a basic check-the-box class. We focus on delivering instructor-led, immersive training that helps students understand the material, ask questions, and leave with greater confidence in both their legal responsibilities and practical decision-making. Whether you are pursuing a BSIS certification or completing CCW training, our goal is to provide a professional learning experience that is engaging, clear, and grounded in real-world application.

** We understand there are lower-cost options in the market. Our focus is not on being the cheapest option, but on providing a higher-quality training experience for students who want more professional guidance, better engagement, and stronger preparation. **

Service Description

Course Introduction

If you are looking for a BSIS Exposed Firearm Permit in San Diego, this course provides the required training for eligible security professionals seeking authorization to carry an exposed firearm while on duty in California.
The initial BSIS Exposed Firearm Permit course is completed entirely in person. Students may register or schedule in advance, but the required classroom instruction, written examination, and live-fire qualification are completed with Focal Point Academy in person.
Focal Point Academy does not provide simulator training for this course. Firearms qualification is completed on a live range using live ammunition.

Why Train With Focal Point Academy in San Diego

Carrying an exposed firearm while working security is a serious responsibility. This course is designed to help eligible security professionals understand the law, firearm safety, decision-making, and live-fire requirements before working in an armed security position.
Training is led by Focal Point Academy instructors with BSIS, DOJ, NRA, and CCW training experience. The goal is to help students complete the required training while building safer habits, stronger judgment, and a clearer understanding of the responsibilities of an armed security professional.
Our BSIS Exposed Firearm Permit San Diego course provides professional instruction that meets California training requirements while preparing students for real-world security duties.

Course Description

The BSIS Exposed Firearm Permit course is a 14-hour initial training program for eligible security professionals who want authorization to carry an exposed firearm while on duty in California.
The course includes in-person classroom instruction, firearm safety training, range preparation, a written examination, and live-fire qualification. Classroom instruction is completed first. After passing the written examination, students proceed to the live-fire range qualification.
This course follows BSIS firearms training requirements, including California Code of Regulations Section 635.
Whether you are pursuing an exposed firearm permit in San Diego or advancing your security career, this course provides the required training and qualification process.

What Students Learn

Classroom instruction covers:

  • Laws and standards regarding the use of deadly force
  • Avoidance of deadly force
  • De-escalation techniques
  • Moral and legal responsibilities of carrying a firearm while on duty

Students also review:

  • Firearm safety
  • Firearm nomenclature
  • Firearm maintenance
  • Weapon handling
  • Shooting fundamentals
  • Emergency procedures
  • Preparation for the BSIS written examination

Range training includes:

  • Safe firearm handling
  • Loading and unloading
  • Reloading procedures
  • Drawing and holstering
  • Dry practice with an unloaded firearm
  • Live-range preparation
  • BSIS live-fire qualification

Students must qualify with each approved caliber they intend to carry while working in an armed security role.
Our  firearm permit San Diego  training emphasizes safe firearm handling, legal compliance, and professional readiness.

How the Course Works

  1. Complete or schedule the PSI Firearms Assessment as part of the BSIS Firearms Permit process.
  2. Attend the in-person classroom training with Focal Point Academy in San Diego.
  3. Complete the required classroom instruction.
  4. Take the BSIS written examination after the classroom portion is completed.
  5. After passing the written examination, proceed to the live-fire range qualification.
  6. Qualify with each approved caliber intended for duty use.
  7. Receive course completion documentation for your BSIS application submission through BreEZe.

Before You Book

Students should confirm they meet the basic requirements before registering.

  • Be at least 21 years old.
  • Be legally eligible to own and possess a firearm.
  • Have a qualifying BSIS license or registration. For most security guard applicants, this means holding a valid BSIS Guard Card.
  • Complete the required Power to Arrest training.
  • Complete the PSI Firearms Assessment as part of the BSIS Firearms Permit process.
  • Bring a firearm in a BSIS-approved caliber. Approved calibers include .380, .357, .38, 9mm, .40, .45, and 10mm.
  • Bring a duty holster, belt, and the required ammunition for qualification. Focal Point Academy generally recommends 100 rounds per caliber unless otherwise instructed.

Who This Course Is For

This course is designed for security guards seeking authorization to carry an exposed firearm while on duty in California. It is also an excellent fit for:

  • BSIS Guard Card holders preparing to advance into armed security roles
  • Security professionals seeking a  BSIS Exposed Firearm Permit San Diego 
  • Applicants preparing to submit a BSIS Firearms Permit application
  • Individuals pursuing a career in armed private security

Students receive the required classroom instruction, written examination, and live-fire qualification needed to complete the California BSIS firearms training requirements.

Cancellation and Rescheduling Policy

Schedules can change. If you need to cancel or reschedule, please contact Focal Point Academy at least 48 hours before your scheduled class.
Eligible cancellations or rescheduling requests may receive full credit toward a future class. Class credit must be used within 60 days and cannot be transferred to another student.

Prefer a Private Session?

Prefer a Private Session? This course is also available as a private one-on-one or small-group session for students who want more flexibility, a quieter learning environment, or more personalized instruction. Private scheduling is subject to instructor and range availability.

Cancellation Policy

Life happens, and we understand! If you need to cancel or reschedule, just let us know at least 48 hours before your class, and we’ll be happy to offer you full credit toward a future class. Please note that the credit must be used within 60 days and can’t be transferred. Thank you for your understanding!

Contact Details

1717 East Vista Way, Vista, CA, USA

FAQs

Training That Goes
Beyond the Minimum

Professional, immersive training for students who want more than the minimum. At Focal Point Academy, our courses are designed to go beyond passive lecture-only instruction. We provide instructor-led, interactive training built to help students better understand the material, build confidence, and leave better prepared for real-world responsibility.

Get In Touch

Our Courses

In-Person 8-Hour CCW Renewal Training for San Diego County Permit Holders

8 hr

$268

In-Person Power to Arrest and Appropriate Use of Force Training

8 hr

$207

Does Focal Point Academy offer simulator training for this course?

No. Focal Point Academy conducts this course on a live firing range. Qualification is completed using live ammunition, not a simulator.

Do I need a Guard Card before taking this course?

For most security guard applicants, yes. A BSIS Firearms Permit must be connected to a qualifying BSIS license or registration. In most cases, this means holding a valid BSIS Guard Card and completing the required Power to Arrest training.

When do I take the written exam?

The written examination is completed after the classroom instruction. Once you pass the written exam, you may proceed to the live-fire qualification.

What calibers can I qualify with?

Approved calibers include:.380, .357, .38, 9mm, .40, .45, 10mm. Students must qualify with each caliber they intend to carry while working in an armed security role.

Is this the same as a CCW course?

No. This course is designed for eligible security professionals seeking a BSIS Exposed Firearm Permit San Diego to carry an exposed firearm while working in a security role. A CCW course is intended for individuals applying for a concealed carry permit under California law.

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