Is a BSIS firearm qualification card the same as a CCW permit?

• A. Yes
• B. It depends on the state
• C. Only for certain agencies
• D. No

Answer: (D)

The key idea is that credentials for carrying a firearm serve different purposes and come from different authorities. A BSIS firearm qualification card is issued by the Bureau of Security and Investigative Services specifically for armed security guards. It shows the guard has met the firearm training and qualification requirements to carry while performing duties for a licensed security employer, and it is tied to employment and agency policies.

A CCW permit, on the other hand, is a private citizen license that allows carrying a concealed firearm in public. In California, CCW permits are issued by county sheriff or police departments and involve broader criteria, including background checks and a justification for needing the permit, and they are not limited to work-related carry.

Because they serve different purposes, are issued by different authorities, and have different scopes, a BSIS firearm qualification card is not the same as a CCW permit. Having one does not grant the other.