As a first-timer that only got the level one guard card class for now, my experience was pretty straightforward and neutral since I arrived early and on a Saturday. When I was scheduling, it said that there was like 25 spots open so I jumped in on it. When you actually get there though on a Saturday, there's actually a decent amount of students. There will be a line to get checked in. There is a lot of parking and a 7-Eleven across the street if you get hungry during one of the couple of breaks that they give you during the class. Everything was extremely efficient from my point of view. They were able to condense 8 hours of material into around four to five. I mean, level 1 is extremely common sense as some say, but I did learn some things about the do's and don'ts about being a security guard. Not a lot of people had questions so it went by pretty quick. The test itself is pretty easy so as long as you're taking notes on important things and pay attention to the practice questions. I'm looking forward to my level two and three guard card classes and will update my review accordingly read more

So I was sent to this location to complete training for a job I'm doing which requires the powers to arrest certificate and live scan services. Pro: the class is offered Tuesdays, Thursdays and Saturdays at 7am. Con: I came on a Saturday and the class was ridiculously packed. I mean, it's a cramped little office space with people in every square inch. Pro: the course, exam, certificate and live scan services are all done at the same location "at the same time." Pro: the staff is friendly, patient and very efficient in their operations in spite of the crazy amount of people. McGraw & Associates offers more than powers to arrest training. They also offer firearms training, baton, CPR and so much more. Definitely worth looking into if you have any training requirements for your line of work. Definitely the best bang for your buck! read more

McGrew & Associates - Cramped room! Make sure you show up early! - Adult Education Near Me - Santa Clara, California

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Best prices in the Bay Area, but the training you get out of it is nothing special. I only took the guard card and the pepper spray class, and the classroom was ridiculous small. The desk that they use appear more like something you would see in an elementary school. Most of the stuff taught was common sense, so despite the fact that they blasted through it all super quickly, I don't think that for a person of normal intelligence, it required much more. If you truly feel like you need real training, then this place might not be the best. But if you just need to go through the formalities to get your guard card, this place is the best price in town. 8 hour class took under 4 hours. I will probably do my exposed firearm permit with them as well due to them being $100 cheaper than everywhere else read more

Unable to attend due to some major life events, so I can't speak on the class itself any other reviews on here can speak to the class itself. However, beware of their strict policy canceling six days in advance cost me 100% of my money. I'm sure they have their reasons for the policie existence but it feels a bit dishonorable to take 100% of my money for doing nothing. read more

I am out of San Mateo County and during my application process was given a list of 10+ CCW renewal coarsest to choose from which to chose. This is about my 6th time renewing and it pretty much sucks each time due to the current California restrictions. "These guys", however made it pretty pretty, pretty, good. The Sports Field in San Jose is a great spot for the gun enthusiast. Properley run range in a world class setting. Just don't shoot the Swainsons Hawks. The class to take for a CCW Renewel was a little awkward ( due to coordination with Exposed Carry security guard qualifications." Attitude of staff made it flow a little easier, as this class was scheduled 1200 to 2000 hrs. The mood was dark. The class began with aa bit of waiting and then some basic gun training. Hard to hang in due to hearing issues ( skeet next door, live fire to the right ) Any way : excellent tips,pointers, reminders, lessons. Live Fire: This section of the class was handled safely and professionally. Each county had to qualify for their particular range scenario. I was taught a good lesson during this qualification process. I have to say that this was the first Renewel I had been to that didn't kick someone out due to just being dumb and unsafe At the end: pick up brass, go to front dude, computer bs, done. Good to go. If this is a convenient local to get to. go with McGrew and Associates Good Experience Highly Recommend. read more

Great folks! Took the Guard 1, 2 and 3. Learned a lot about the process of getting a guard card. Guard Card 1, was done in a classroom setting, a little packed, but NOT the end of the world, what I do highly recommend is to wear a good N95 mask, which I did, after reading some of the reviews and seeing the photos (I don't have the luxury of getting sick) and Im glad I did, as there were two folks, who were not wearing a mask and coughing etc. And you could tell that they were miserable. After you successfully complete level 1, you are then required to take level 2 within 30 days of getting approved for a guard card and then level 3 within 6 months. I had purchased all three and got it all done within a couple of weeks. Level 2 and 3 is a study at your own pace with an open book tests after. McGrew's hours are from 7 AM till 12 PM, so if you do decide to take 2 and 3, they recommend you get there before 8 AM, in order not to disturb the class is session, which usually start at 8:30 AM. They put you in a different room, from the rest of the folks that are taking level 1. DRESS warmly, as that room was VERY cold! Again, the team there made it easy for everyone and most importantly everyone was extremely kind and supportive. read more

Hands down the best place in the Bay Area to get a guard card. Easy to follow. The commute was pain-less. The training was simple and straight-forward. If you are a returning customer, see if they offer a discount. Just show up early and don't be late. read more

TEN STARS!!! It's rare to find a school like this. Everyone was friendly, helpful, professional, respectful, and efficient. If you have questions or need assistance, you can reach out to john@mcgrewpi.com or erik@mcgrewpi.com. As long as you're professional and courteous, they'll do everything they legally can to help you. read more

I needed to get myself a Guard Card - Level 1 Doing a google search McGrew & Associates had the clearest website - I matched my availability with the class I needed. None of the companies closer to me posted specific days that I could make. (So I chose this place) When I arrived they were ready - Cat took care of getting everyone registered, (they offer LiveScan) Eric did the finger printing, later he taught the Level 1 class and administered the exam. The lesson was detailed and Eric included some of his own experiences in the field. Both Cat and Eric are true professionals. They managed a large group of adults and guided us through the process of taking the exam for a Guard Card. I definitely recommend this business and will return if I need additional classes in the future. read more

Excellent instructors and affordable courses! The process was quick, straightforward, and hassle-free. A super convenient way to get certified. Highly recommended! read more

Had to come here to renew a security license that had expired. Service from receptionist was great she had a whole system set up already and was very organized. As soon as I walked in(7am) I was greeted by her, asked my name, and she immediately got to work on my paperwork. The instructor was very kind and did exceptionally reviewing all material. I could tell he truly enjoyed his job. I do like that they let you take notes in order to pass the class. The class was give or take 4-6 hours can't remember exactly, however Instructor offered several breaks. Which was nice. Now for the class size. That is my only complaint I "reserved" my space online days before and website showed that only "18 spots" were available. However on the day of there was at least 30-35 people in that class. We were all packed in there like sardines and it was extremely uncomfortable. There was not enough desk and there were students all over the class. I will make note that this "class " is a very small space and everything takes place in the one room. Fingerprints, test , and class. The money spent on this particular class was a great value . They definitely have the best rates for all security certifications/classes. So that's a plus if you can look past the overcrowded class. read more

Nick was a fun and great instructor, he made the training fun by relating it to life and just being honest with the dos and donts, its 8hrs of material but you arent there for 8hrs, pretty quick just wear layers it gets cold in there! Test is super straight forward and nick made every answer worth remembering with his sense of humor, def 5 stars and def would recommend! i drove all the way from hayward and it didnt disappoint whatsoever! read more

Definitely recommend class is well executed no pressure relaxed environment smooth training process with video and verbal explanation post test, just pay attention and all the information discussed with you will be in the test take notes if you have a short memory no problem. Highly recommended. read more

McGrew & Associates - Remember Look observe and report - Adult Education Near Me - Santa Clara, California

Low quality instructors, low quality class materials. None of the classes start or end on time. Participants regularly disrupt instruction. Terrible "classroom" that wouldn't even pass as a budget porno set. It's one room with a flimsy divider to create an illusion of a separate office. It's not much bigger than a 1 bedroom apartment. If you're an employer / potential employee and you don't care about learning anything but want to get licensed this is the place to go. There is a REASON they have the lowest class prices. Owner practices predatory billing practices. If you need to reschedule a firearms class, even with adequate notice and someone else filling the spot, they will attempt to get you for a $50 fee. read more

Mike is a five star teacher . His coworker was also great. Overall, I had an excellent experience and learned so much. I highly recommend going here for any of their services they provide. Definitely worth it and high-quality. read more

Nice place, down to earth. Teaching methods are to the point. Place is very clean. Staff is professional. Plenty of parking. Near many restaurants for lunch. read more

Great class. Very informative. The instructor was very nice and gave us great info and tips. All the staff there was very nice and super helpful, and friendly. I highly recommend this course if you want to get your guard card. The class went fast. Take a note pad for notes. Thank you for your great service. And the guard card is very affordable. read more

This is an excellent experience if you plan on obtaining your guard card. They are extremely nice and easy-going. Mike, the head guy, is all for staying on schedule and getting you in and out with your certification. Lots of free parking, old building but adequate nonetheless. Bring a notepad, pen, and plenty of water for the 8 hour course. Good location with a 7-Eleven right across street for your 15 minute and 30 minute breaks =). Professional and efficient altogether! Highly recommended! read more

Excellent class!!!! Good training by Mike and company. I greatly recommend the guard card class. I will be taking the level 2-3 next for exposed fire arm certification. read more

Best place to get security guard card and other certificates related to security services. Improvement of your skills guaranteed. Amazing instructors. read more

I got my guard card here some time ago after succesfully completing Power To Arrest Course, Level 1 Training. This is an excellent beginning training that is very informative, well planned out and at the end of the course there is test. After passing the test you can have the Live Scan Fingerprinting done right there on the spot as well as online submission of the Security Guard Application. During the course there are a few exercise that we physically participated in that were very helpful. read more

I recently did my training here for my guard card, handcuffing, baton certification, pepper spray certification and firearm certification. I was very pleased with the training that I was given! The instructors were very friendly and Mr. McGrew went above and beyond to ensure his trainees were fully prepared after each course. As an example, he provides contact information for security agencies currently hiring and he provides sample Resumes to help you land those jobs. In addition, they take care of the guard card paperwork for you...which makes it very convenient for the trainees. In summary, McGrew & Associates is very professional, very open to helping its trainees and very friendly. If you need to do security officer training, do it here. I highly recommend it and will be back for any additional training I may need in the future. read more

I began my Security career by getting my Guard Card here back in 2010. Very informative and Mike McGrew was able to provide great examples of real-life situations and how they apply to being more than what some refer to as a "mall cop". I ended up doing all my training here and now have pretty much every certification avaialble to a Security Officer. I am now the Contract Security Manager for a very large medical facility and refer everyone that needs a card to McGrew & Associates (just this week, I have sent 6 people to get going). The process is seamless and leaves no room for error. They do the livescan on site, electronically submit the applications, and you leave there knowing you are done. It's been so streamlined that several of my new hires have received their Guard Card numbers within two days! You can't find a better solution to get started on the path to being a Security Officer! The other training courses are extremely beneficial as most security firms will simply hand you a bunch of printed packets and expect you to complete the additional 32 hours of training on your own. The in-class approach is much better as you get the examples and learn how each of the topics affects you, personally in your job, and your employer. Report Writing, Legal & Liability, etc. these are things that unless you have a business degree, will benefit you greatly on your way to expanding your knowledge and experience. read more

Wow this place sure makes the guard card certification a breeze. I didn't need to pre register online. I simply woke up, came to the class, able to process my LiveScan, guard application, and everything else on site. The format was a little boring at first, watched a DVD but after our first break Mike's wife, who was a deputy sheriff for 25 years, started to lecture us on the protocols and scenarios one would find themselves in as a security professional. She really helped us prepare for the test at the end and even though I was expecting to be finished around 4:30, we were able to get out by 1:30 and I was able to catch my friend's baby shower. Definitely will be coming back here to finish levels 2 & 3 as well as do some of their specialization classes such as firearms & baton. read more

Thinking about a guard card? Stop thinking and sign up for one or all of them. Pretty cool guy this Mike is, relaxed environment, he offers multiple classes. The Level 2 and 3 classes are self paced and I knocked em out in less than two weeks. Mike is a pretty informative guy and it's not too difficult to pass. Just pay attention. Pay for the deal packages. You'll be saving a lot of money. You get brakes too which is good. Go for it! read more

http://www.mcgrewpi.com/ Mike McGrew is a true recommendable guy that runs a professional place that's extremely friendly and is there for all of your Guard Card needs, first time, or a renewal. If you are on the fence, unsure...have no worries Mike will make sure you understand or will stop and go over it again until you are confident. Thanks Mike Great Experience read more

Went in to start my Guard Card classes, Mike is a great guy and the class was very informative.

Fast efficient and best of all they take care of the whole application process for you. My dad got his guard card by the end of the month. I'm definitely recommending them. read more

Did some follow up training and got my baton license. As good as I remembered it. it's his personalization and humor that makes the classes fun and informative. read more

McGrew & Associates - Here's the building, it's not super easy to find but not super hard either - Adult Education Near Me - Santa Clara, California

I took a class here about 6 months ago and I didn't think about writing a review until now but this is a great deal and a wonderful opportunity. It's almost to good to be true! I make 18/ hour as a security guard and I'm making 800 a week with my company just by taking a 5 hour class. No experience necessary. Only catch 22 is no background or arrests. I don't think there's any way around it any better than this office! Try it out for yourself! The class is about $80 dollars and the online fee is $50 so with $140 dollars you can be making 800 a week! read more

This is where I git my California Guard Card, back in april of this year (2014) and the class was so quick and easy, but most importantly the class was very informative and really prepares you for a job in security. Mike is the man !! If you have any questions at all, he will help you very thoroughly. And the receptionist was also very helpful and beautiful I might add lol read more

Took my guard card class (twice) from Mike, then just recently my exposed firearm, baton, and OC permit classes. All the instructors are very experienced and friendly. All of their and the state's expectations are clearly explained and they are very willing to help clarify all questions. read more

I went to Mike Mcgrew to get my guard card really glad I went there the class was fun and made it as quick as possible. It had great knowledge and answered everyone of question with great detail and explained everything to make me understand. He is a funny guy and makes the class a lot better. He is very professional and goes over the top in making you have all the information you need and makes sure your fully prepared. He will give you agency you contact to start looking for work at which is very helpfully. He runs a very professional business and wouldn't recommend any other place than his to go and get your guard card. read more

I got my first guard card in 2012 from this establishment.Experienced tutors who teach their students with a goal of making them successful in the security industry rather than to make them pass required examinations. read more

Definitely the place to go for your certifications. I didn't do my guard card at McGrew, however I got my pepper spray, baton, and firearm certifications from McGrew. Mike is awesome and is an excellent teacher, John Chavoor is awesome with the firearm certifications and is very informative. Definitely the place to help advance a career in security. read more

I echo was others have said - dunno why 'suge' did not go to their office and ask about the issues he was having. The staff was clear about dealing with the state agency in Sac (BSIS) and I am guessing his issues were with Sac not doing their job (I know, shocking for a state agency...). Enjoyed my first class today and am looking forward to the other 2 classes I need to complete the project. read more

This is a great place to get your guard card and certifications. Mike makes the class as fun as it can be and as quick and painless as possible. He also offers discounts for returning students and great package deals. It is a one-stop shop and they take care of all the paperwork. read more

I recently went to McGrew & Associates for my guard card and they made the whole process very stress free. The staff is very friendly and helpful and make you really feel comfortable. They also offer the best deal I've found (and they offer handcuffing, baton, pepper spray and firearm training) for a great price as well. All around, this place was great. I highly recommend it if you want efficiency and a friendly experience at a great price. read more

After reading such great reviews and being referred by a friend, I decided to get my guard card through these guys! And I was NOT disappointed. Nothing but class from Mike, he made the whole process easy and enjoyable. I highly recommend this company if you are interested in acquiring your guard card with a friendly experience all through out! 5 stars! read more

Best place ever!! Mike is a very informative guy and funny. Attention in class and you'll fly out of there so fast it's retarded! Once again great place to go for a security guard card. I recommend it!! read more