The most common question is how much is a guard card overall. The truth is that it is not a single fee but a number of different fees. Of course, it all depends on training options, time, and type of card. This guide separates each fee into an easy to understand format.
You will observe application fees, training fees, and renewal fees. We also include additional charges that most applicants do not remember to put into their budget. At the end, you will be able to know how much to budget.
What Determines a Guard Card’s Total Cost?
The resultant aggregate cost is a combination of three cost categories. As a result, every category would be a different charge on your total cost. Knowing these categories will enable you to plan your budget accurately in advance. Failure to do this planning usually results in costs which come as a surprise in the future.
It is also interesting to note that the amount of applicants that are first time applicants often significantly undervalue their total. This is best done by checking all the categories in advance so that you do not get frustrated by unexpected financial expenses in the future.
The Three Main Cost Categories
In particular, the initial one is the application fee in the state. Second, this type includes your necessary training on Power to Arrest. Also, Live Scan fingerprinting and background check fees are listed in the third category. Combined, the three categories respond to the question of how much does a guard card cost. Moreover, optional fourth and fifth categories are also experienced by some applicants. These involve substituting cards and an extra permit of armed guards.
The BSIS Application Fee
BSIS now charges sixty dollars when you first apply the guard card. In particular, this payment will take care of your registration within the state system. This payment is made when you file via BreEZe online portal. This fee is therefore maintained irrespective of the provider of training that you select. All applicants are subject to the same fee (sixty dollars today).
What This Fee Covers
This charge is used to review your application materials submitted to BSIS. It also includes checking your training and background records submitted. This fee however does not cover your training or fingerprinting expenses. Those are costs that come as totally different line items in your budget. Simply put, this distinction will help you not to get confused when your bill comes.
Training Costs for Your Guard Card
Further, training tuition is the most variable guard card cost. The amount your guard card will cost largely depends on your provider. Comparing providers can save you significant money in general. In the meantime, the prices, too, differ by region with urban areas generally being more expensive. In some cases, rural providers charge dramatically lower tuition to the guards.
8-Hour Pre-Application Training Pricing
Power to Arrest courses usually range between fifty and one-fifty, most being 8 hours. The pricing is based on the location, format and the materials included in the study. An example is that face-to-face sessions can be more expensive than hybrid. There are providers who charge exam preparation materials as part of the price.
32-Hour Skills Training Pricing
Once you are registered, you will have an additional 32 hours of training. This training is usually one hundred to three hundred dollars. In the meantime, other employers pay this amount to new security guards. Before paying yourself, always enquire with your employer on training reimbursement.
Live Scan Fingerprinting Costs
Live Scan fingerprinting can be done between thirty and sixty dollars. Of course, this charge is dependent on the location where you would like to roll. This background check is mandatory to all new applicants in BSIS. This means that this expense does not depend on the training provider of your choice. Certain Live Scans also have a small rolling fee on its own. Shop around, as prices may vary significantly over a very short distance.
Renewal and Delinquent Fees
Knowing the renewal costs would make you save on unnecessary future guard card costs. You can easily pay more in terms of renewal due to missed deadlines. Finally, planning helps to save your wallet and your registration.
Standard Renewal Cost
Today, BSIS has a fee of forty-four dollars to renew guard cards on time. This is a fee that will be charged when renewing your card before it goes out of date. Normally, you should submit your renewal at least 60 days before expiry preferably. Otherwise, your renewal may take too long to get in before it runs out.
Delinquent Renewal Cost
Renewing late adds up to sixty-nine dollars to your fee. Generally, BSIS will only be renewed within sixty days of expiry. When you close that window, your registration becomes forever, and irreversible. Hence, it is highly probable that you will have only one choice to reapply as a fresh applicant. This implies having to pay the total application fee and training fees once more.
Extra Costs to Budget For
In addition to regular charges, there are some optional expenses that can be charged to you. On the whole, these upfronts will make you know beforehand about any budget surprises at the end.
Replacement Card Fee
A replacement of a lost physical card costs twenty-five dollars. In total, order replacements via the BreEZe online portal system. To prevent this, you should keep your card in a place that is safe and memorable. Normally, it takes a couple of weeks to have your replacement.
Armed Guard Permit Fee
The armed guards should have another firearms permit outside the regular card. This license normally increases two and a half to three and a half hundred dollars. It also involves segregated range qualification and extra hours of classroom training. As a result, the cost of armed guards is very high as compared to that of unarmed guards. There is also the requirement of guards to requalify on the range approximately after every six months.
Total Estimated Cost Breakdown
Adding all the fees provides an actual response to the question of how expensive a guard card is. Finally, the average amount of money spent by most applicants is one hundred and fifty to three hundred dollars. This is an estimate that covers application fee, training tuition, and Live Scan. Armed guards are to budget an extra two hundred to three hundred and fifty dollars.
Does Location Affect Guard Card Cost?
How much does a guard card cost? In big metro regions, training providers often have a greater cost of tuition. In the meantime, rural providers occasionally have lower costs because they have less overhead. The Live Scan rolling charges are also determined by your preferred place of fingerprinting. A mere trip to a nearby city can reduce your total at times even on a short drive. As such, it can make sense to compare local providers prior to enrolling in order to reduce your overall price.
Common Mistakes That Increase Cost
- Selecting a provider without ensuring complete BSIS compliance prior to selection.
- Failing to pay on time with the renewal charge and becoming a delinquent.
- Overlooking the need to budget specifically on Live Scan fingerprinting expenses.
- Forgetting your card and having to pay a rush replacement fee.
Why US Training Guard Recommends Budgeting Early
At US Training Guard, we have been of the opinion that unexpected frustrations can be avoided by proper budgeting. It is worth mentioning that it is better to know all the fees in advance to have no financial problems in the subjects of applicants. We urge all future guards to shop providers prior to enrolling anywhere. How much does a guard card cost? After all, it is thoughtful planning that will save you valuable amounts of money in your career.
FAQs
What is the cost of renewing a guard card?
Through the BreEZe portal, on time renewal is now forty-four dollars.
What is the price of Live Scan on applicants?
Live Scan fingerprinting normally ranges between thirty and sixty dollars.
What is the cost of a delinquent renewal?
Late renewals are now sixty-nine dollars in the sixty-day grace period.
How much does an armed guard permit cost?
Armed permits will generally increase two to three hundred and fifty dollars.
Are training fees included in the guard card fee?
No, training tuition and Live Scan is not part of the charge.
Are there any differences in the total cost of armed and unarmed guards?
No, armed guards are much higher because of the cost of firearms permits.
Is it possible to pay guard card fees in installment?
The majority of the BSIS fees are paid in advance via the BreEZe portal.
Conclusion
Knowing the exact price of a guard card will avoid unpleasant financial shocks. In sum, you pay the application fee, training tuition, and Live Scan. Additional expenses are imposed in the future with renewal and optional armed permits. As a result, provider comparison will assist you in managing your expenditure measures prudently.
Late deliveries will only add to your overall expenses unnecessarily. The only best measure to contain expenses is planning ahead. At the US Training Guard, we make sure that applicants are aware of all fees. Finally, budgeting is a wise choice nowadays that can smooth down the whole process of licensing.
