Security Guard Training
New York State law requires registration and training of security guards in the state. The DCJS Office of Public Safety provides administrative oversight for mandated security training and approves security guard training schools. The New York State Department of State Division of Licensing Services has oversight responsibility for the registration of all security guards.
Visit the Division of Licensing Services’ Security Guard page or contact the Division of Licensing Services by completing this form or calling (518) 474-7569 for more information.
Questions about training should be directed to dcjsopssecurityguard@dcjs.ny.gov or (518) 457-2667.
Training Requirements
The following courses are the only ones required to become a security guard in New York State.
All security guards are required to complete an 8 Hour Pre-Assignment Training Course prior to applying to the Department of State for a Security Guard Registration Card. That course must be followed by a 16-Hour On-the-Job Training Course for Security Guards within 90 days of initial employment as a security guard. Guards also must complete an 8-Hour Annual In-service Training Course for Security Guards every year.
Armed guard applicants must have a valid New York State pistol license pursuant to Penal Law 400.00 and must complete a 47-Hour Firearms Training Course for Security Guards prior to applying for a Special Armed Guard Registration Card. Starting one year from the date of completion of the 47-hour firearms training course, holders of a Special Armed Guard Registration Card also must annually complete an 8-Hour Annual In-service Training Course for Armed Security Guards.
Mandated Training Courses
Section 89-n of the General Business Law of New York State provides for various exemptions and/or waivers of training based on previous Municipal Police Training Council approved law enforcement training.
Publications and Forms
Training Matrix
- Locate the title and the status that identifies your experience;
- Click on the link below the appropriate training column to be directed to the appropriate list of approved security guard training schools, waiver form or contact information.
| Title (Status1) |
Initial Training | Annual Training | ||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 8-Hour Pre-assignment Training Course | 16 Hour On-the-Job Training Course | 47 Hour Firearms Training Course | 8 Hour Annual In-service Training Course | 8 Hour Annual In-service for Armed Guards (if armed) | ||
| No previous New York State law enforcement training | Prior to Applying for a Security Guard Registration Card | Within 90 days of initial employment as Security Guard | Prior to applying for Special Armed Guard Registration Card | Annually | ||
| Police Officer (CPL 1.20) (currently serving) |
Exempt from training and licensing requirements | Exempt from training and licensing requirements | ||||
| Former Police Officer (separated <10yrs) |
Exempt: Proceed to Dept of State | Exempt: Proceed to Dept of State | Police, or Peace Officer, or Security Guard Anual Firearms | |||
| Former Police Officer (separated >10yrs) |
Exempt: Proceed to Dept of State | Prior to Applying for a Security Guard Registration Card and Annually | Prior to Applying for a Special Armed Guard Security Guard Registration Card and Annually | |||
| Correction Officer (NYS DOCS) (currently serving) |
Exempt: Proceed to Dept of State | Exempt: Proceed to Dept of State | ||||
| Former Correction Officer (NYS DOCS) (separated <10yrs) |
Exempt: Proceed to Dept of State | Exempt: Proceed to Dept of State | *Prior to Applying for a Special Armed Guard Security Guard Registration Card and Annually | |||
| Former Correction Officer (NYS DOCS) (separated >10yrs) |
Exempt: Proceed to Dept of State | Prior to Applying for a Security Guard Registration Card and Annually | Prior to Applying for a Special Armed Guard Security Guard Registration Card and Annually | |||
| Bridge and Tunnel Officer, Sergeant or Lieutenant of the TBTA | Exempt: Proceed to Dept of State | Exempt: Proceed to Dept of State | ||||
| Former Bridge and Tunnel Officer, Sergeant or Lieutenant of the TBTA (separated <10yrs) |
Exempt: Proceed to Dept of State | Exempt: Proceed to Dept of State | *Prior to Licensing and Annually | |||
| Former Bridge and Tunnel Officer, Sergeant or Lieutenant of the TBTA (separated <10yrs) |
Exempt: Proceed to Dept of State | Prior to Applying for a Security Guard Registration Card and Annually | Prior to Applying for a Special Armed Guard Security Guard Registration Card and Annually | |||
| Court Officer or Clerk of the Unified Court System | Exempt: Proceed to Dept of State | Exempt: Proceed to Dept of State | ||||
| Former Court Officer or Clerk of the Unified Court System (separated <10yrs) |
Exempt: Proceed to Dept of State | Exempt: Proceed to Dept of State | *Prior to Applying for a Special Armed Guard Security Guard Registration Card and Annually | |||
| Former Court Officer or Clerk of the Unified Court System (separated >10yrs) |
Exempt: Proceed to Dept of State | Prior to Applying for a Security Guard Registration Card and Annually | *Prior to Applying for a Special Armed Guard Security Guard Registration Card and Annually | |||
| Sheriff, Undersheriff, or Deputy Sheriff of the NYC Sheriff's Office | Exempt: Proceed to Dept of State | Exempt: Proceed to Dept of State | ||||
| Former Sheriff, Undersheriff, or Deputy Sheriff of the NYC Sheriff's Office (separated <10yrs) |
Exempt: Proceed to Dept of State | Exempt: Proceed to Dept of State | *Prior to Applying for a Special Armed Guard Security Guard Registration Card and Annually | |||
| Former Sheriff, Undersheriff, or Deputy Sheriff of the NYC Sheriff's Office (separated >10yrs) |
Exempt: Proceed to Dept of State | Prior to Applying for a security Guard Registration Card and Annually | *Prior to Applying for a Special Armed Guard Security Guard Registration Card and Annually | |||
| Other Peace Officer (CPL §2.10, §2.15, or §2.16) (Currently employed) |
Eligible for a Waiver of Training through DCJS | Annually | May utilize Annual Peace Officer In-service Training. (*excludes Federal peace officers in CPL §2.15). Active Federal officers must complete armed annual in-service training | |||
| Former Other Peace Officer (CPL §2.10, §2.15, or §2.16) (separated less than 10 years) |
Eligible for a Waiver of Training through DCJS | Annually | *Prior to Applying for a Special Armed Guard Security Guard Registration Card and Annually | |||
| Former Other Peace Officer (CPL §2.10, §2.15, or §2.16) (separated more than 10 years) |
Waiver eligibility period expired - no waiver available | --- | --- | |||
1Separation from service is defined as retirement or resignation in good standing from the position. Decertified and terminated officers are not eligible for waivers.
*Applicants for Special Armed Guard Registration cards who have completed initial training in firearms and deadly physical force more than 12 months prior to being employed as a security guard must complete the 8 Hour Annual In-service Training Course for Armed Security Guards or a Police Annual Firearm Qualification, or a Peace Officer Annual Firearm Qualification prior to applying for a Special Armed Guard Registration Card.
For more information about private security training, please select from the Local Menu options.