California Code, Business and Professions Code - BPC § 7583.1

(a) An applicant, or their manager, for a license as a private patrol operator shall have had at least two years, which shall consist of not less than 4,000 hours of experience as a patrolperson, guard, or watchman, or the equivalent thereof as determined by the director, and one year, which shall consist of not less than 2,000 hours as manager or in an administrative position with a licensed and current private patrol operator. An applicant shall substantiate the claimed three years, which shall consist of not less than 6,000 hours of qualifying experience and the exact details as to the character and nature thereof by written certifications from the employer, subject to independent verification by the chief as they may determine. In the event of inability of an applicant to supply the written certifications from the employer in whole or in part, applicants may offer other written certifications from other than employers substantiating employment for consideration by the chief.

(b) An individual who, upon the determination of the chief, has served in the armed services and possesses the proper skills may be eligible to take the private patrol operator licensing examination. In that case, the chief may waive any other required training courses, as they determine. However, if the applicant fails the licensing examination, the chief may not thereafter waive completion of any required training courses.