Overview

The DCJS Office of Public Safety provides administrative oversight for mandated security training and approves security guard training schools.

Security Guard Forms & Documents

Become a Security Guard

The New York State Department of State Division of Licensing Services has oversight responsibility for the registration of all security guards. 

Most information for individuals to begin the process of becoming a security guard is available at the DOS website.

New York State Security Guard Information

Security Guard Training Schools

Only a New York State Division of Criminal Justice Services (DCJS) approved security guard training school may provide required New York State security guard training.

DCJS approves entities as security guard training schools when they have met specific criteria. Training courses offered by these schools must meet minimum standards set forth in rules and regulations. DCJS only approves security guard training schools to provide security guard training required by NYS General Business Law Article 7-A, section 89-n.

DCJS certifies individuals as security guard instructors and armed security guard instructors when they have met minimum requirements set forth in rules and regulations.

Issues with Security Guard Training Schools

If you completed mandated security guard training and it is not reflected on the Department of State website, please contact the Security Guard Training school you attended to correct the missing record(s).

Use this mailbox if the training school refuses to assist in the rectifying of training records. [email protected]

Please include the following data:

  • your name,
  • date of birth,
  • course name(s),
  • course date(s),
  • school name, and
  • the person you spoke to at the school

Unfortunately, if the security guard school where you attended training is no longer in business, and has not submitted required records to DCJS, you will need to take the training again.

Security Guard Training School Directors and Instructors

For all questions concerning security guard training courses, schools, and instructors, contact [email protected].

FAQs

Frequently Asked Questions about New York State security guard training.
What training courses are required to be employed as a security guard?

Find Security Guard Training Requirements here.

Must I complete the 8 Hour Pre-Assignment Training Course and the 47 Hour Firearms Training Course for Armed Security Guards more than once?

These courses need only be taken one time. However, a new employer could require you to retake these courses. Requiring the retaking of these courses should be dictated by the new employer, not a security guard training school.

When do I have to complete the 16 Hour On-the-Job Training Course?

The 16 Hour On-the-Job Training Course is required for all security guards in New York State and must be completed within 90 days of being employed as a security guard. This course is designed to be taken after an individual is employed as a security guard since the training is to occur while on-the-job and is specific to the individual’s job duties and assignments.

A security guard training school is offering a “package” of training courses, including the 8 Hour Pre-Assignment Training Course, the 16 Hour On-the-Job Training Course, and the 8 Hour Annual In-Service Course for one price. Should I purchase this “package”?

No. The 8 Hour Pre-Assignment Training Course is a general course designed to be taken to obtain a NYS security guard registration card. Most individuals complete this course prior to employment. The 16 Hour On-the-Job Training Course is intended for employed individuals working in a specific security environment, and the 8 Hour Annual In- Service training Course must be completed within 12 calendar months from completion of the 16 Hour On-the-Job Training Course for Security Guards, and annually thereafter.

I have completed the 8 Hour Pre-Assignment Training Course, but a security guard training school is telling me that I must complete additional training (for example, metal detection training, terrorism training, fire guard training, CPR, homeland security training etc.) to obtain a New York State security guard registration card, or to obtain a higher level security guard registration card. Must I complete these courses to become a registered guard or to obtain a higher level security guard registration card?

No. In New York State (NYS) an individual can only apply for a security guard, special armed guard, or armored car guard registration card. There is NO other designation or levels of security guards in NYS. An individual is either registered as a security guard, special armed guard, or armored car guard. The 8 Hour Pre-Assignment Training Course is the only course required to obtain a New York State security guard registration card. To obtain a special armed guard registration card, the completion of the 8 Hour Pre-Assignment and 47 Hour Firearms Training Courses is required before applying to the NYS Department of State.

A school is telling me that I need or should take some additional courses. Is that true?

NYS General Business Law Article 7-A, Section 89-n (Training Requirements) requires the completion of only five (5) training courses. An individual seeking a security guard registration card must first complete the 8 Hour Pre-Assignment Training Course. 


Once employed, completion of the 16 Hour On-the-Job Training Course must be completed within 90 days of hire. The 8 Hour Annual In-Service Training Course must be completed within 12 calendar months from completion of the 16 Hour On-the-Job Training Course for Security Guards, and annually thereafter. 


An individual seeking an armed security guard registration card must also complete the 47 Hour Firearms Training Course and then the 8 Hour Annual Firearms Training Course on an annual basis. 


You should carefully research what courses you are required to complete and when they must be completed. You should also weigh the benefits of completing additional security guard training courses not required by law.

A security guard school located in New York City is telling me I need to complete fireguard training. Is this true?

Fireguard training is not required by NYS General Business Law Article 7-A, section 89-n, to obtain a NYS security guard registration card. It is also important to note that there is a difference between a security guard and a fireguard. In NYC, individuals must have a Certificate of Fitness issued by the NYC Fire Department to obtain employment as fireguards.


There are a number of security guard training schools that offer fireguard training and/or fireguard preparation courses. You must be aware that you are not employable as a fireguard by completing these courses. You must first take and pass the NYC Fire Department Certificate of Fitness examination.

How much does security guard training cost?

Security guard training schools establish their own fees for the courses they offer. There is no regulatory oversight for fees associated with security guard training required by NYS General Business Law Article 7-A, section 89-n.

What should I do if I have a dispute over fees charged?

Disputes over fees and other consumer issues should be referred to your local consumer affairs agency, Better Business Bureau or other similar organization that is responsible for responding to these issues.

A security guard training school says they can help me find a job or have a job for me if I complete their training courses.

You should THOROUGHLY SCRUTINIZE any promises or guarantees of job placement by security guard training schools or others before you sign a contract or pay a sum of money. You may contact DCJS if you have questions or concerns about promises or guarantees being made by a security guard training school(s).

What does the school give me when I complete a course?

Security guard training schools are required to issue a DCJS approved certificate of completion to students who successfully complete required security guard training courses according to New York State Compilation of Codes, Rules and Regulations (NYCRR) Part 6027.12(c).

What is a Student Advisory Notice?

Approved security guard training schools are required to provide students attending one of the five courses listed in question #1 with a copy of the DCJS Student Advisory Notice. The Notice outlines several conditions of the training program that will affect them immediately and in the future.

Do I need a pistol license to attend the 47 Hour Firearms Training Course for Armed Security Guards?

Individuals must possess a valid pistol license pursuant to Penal Law Section 400.00 and a valid security guard registration card to attend the 47 Hour Firearms Training Course for Armed Security Guards. A valid pistol license and security guard registration card is also required to attend the 8 Hour Annual Firearms Training Course for Armed Security Guards.

Can I get a security guard registration card if I have a criminal record?

NYS Department of State, Division of Licensing Services is responsible for the registration of security guards. 

Do I have to complete required security guard training if I have previous law enforcement training?

New York State General Business Law Article 7-A, section 89-n, provides for various exemptions of security guard training requirements based on employment and completed Municipal Police Training Council approved law enforcement training.