Security Officer Training Center (SOTC) — Guard Card & Firearms Training in Spring Valley, CA

Who is Security Officer Training Center (SOTC)?

Security Officer Training Center (SOTC) is a BSIS-approved security guard training school at 123 Worthington St #201, Spring Valley, CA 91977. It teaches the California guard card class (from $125), the required AB 2880 course, BSIS firearms permits, CCW initial and renewal, CPR, taser, baton and more. Open Mon–Fri 9 AM–6 PM and Sat 8 AM–4 PM. Call (619) 303-3104.

SOTC has trained more than 2,000 security officers in the San Diego area over 20+ years, according to the school. Classes are small and taught live by instructors with law enforcement and field security experience, led by Mike, who teaches the guard card, BSIS firearms permit and CCW courses. SOTC files students' BSIS BreEZe applications for them, and its training certificate lets new guards start working under California's 90-day rule while BSIS processes the guard card.

Security Officer Training Center (SOTC) at a glance

Services offered by Security Officer Training Center (SOTC)

• California Guard Card Class

  The BSIS-required 8-hour Powers to Arrest and Use of Force class — one day, certificate the same day. $125 tuition.

• AB 2880 Course

  The AB 2880 course California has required for every new guard card applicant since 2024. $200.

• BSIS Exposed Firearms Permit

  Classroom and live-fire range qualification for the BSIS exposed firearms permit armed guards need. $225; requalification $75.

• CCW Training (Initial & Renewal)

  16-hour initial CCW course ($450) and 8-hour renewal ($225), including live-fire qualification.

• CPR, First Aid & AED

  CPR, first aid and AED certification for security officers and workplace teams. $80.

• Taser, Baton, OC Spray & Handcuffing

  Taser ($225), baton ($200), OC spray ($100) and handcuffing ($80) certifications that qualify guards for more posts.

• Guard Card Career Packages

  Package #1 ($800) adds firearms and CPR to the guard card; Package #2 ($1,000) adds taser, baton and handcuffing.

• Workplace Violence Prevention & Group Training

  Workplace violence prevention (SB 553), church and school security, and group training for businesses, property managers and organizations.

Photos from Security Officer Training Center (SOTC)

How to get started at SOTC

Have these details ready when you call (619) 303-3104 or email — it saves a site visit or a second call:

• Pick your path: guard card only, or a package with firearms and CPR for armed posts.
• Book the 8-hour guard card class and the AB 2880 course — both are required by California.
• Get Live Scan fingerprinting (a third-party service, about $49).
• SOTC files your BSIS application; you can work under California's 90-day rule while the card is processed.
• Finish the remaining 32 hours of BSIS-mandated training within 6 months of getting your card.

Hours & location

Where does Security Officer Training Center (SOTC) work?

Based in Spring Valley, Security Officer Training Center (SOTC) serves spring Valley and students from across San Diego County. Towns with a Great Local Pros page are linked.

What customers say about Security Officer Training Center (SOTC)

Read recent customer reviews of Security Officer Training Center (SOTC) where they were posted:

Testimonials published by Security Officer Training Center (SOTC)

• “Learning from Mike for my CCW was amazing. I gained real knowledge and real confidence.”— A.A., CCW graduate

• “I had no idea where to start. SOTC made it simple. Got my guard card in a month.”— Marcus T., guard card graduate

• “Guard card, firearms cert, now employed.”— Lisa R., graduate

Frequently asked questions about Security Officer Training Center (SOTC)

Before you choose a security training school in California

Guard card training must come from a school approved by the California Bureau of Security and Investigative Services (BSIS), and firearms permit training must be taught at a BSIS-licensed firearms training facility. Check any school's license on the California DCA License Search, and ask for the full cost, including state fees and Live Scan, before you enroll.