NY Security Guard Training Requirements
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, followed by a 16 Hour On-the-Job Training Course for Security Guards within 90 days of initial employment as a security guard, and annually complete an 8 Hour Annual In-service Training Course for Security Guards every year thereafter.
Armed guard applicants must possess a valid NYS 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 must annually complete an 8 Hour Annual In-service Training Course for Armed Security Guards every year thereafter.
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.If you have questions about registration, you must direct them to the Division of Licensing Services. You can reach them by phone at (518) 474-7569, by fax at (518) 474-7739, or by email at licensing@dos.state.ny.us. You can also get answers to many of your licensing questions at the Department of State.
The Security Guard Act of 1992 mandates the training and registration of security guards and the approval of private security training schools. The Act also requires that certain private security training must be approved and that all private security trainers must be certified. The Division of Criminal Justice Services, Office of Public Safety provides administrative oversight for private security training in New York State. The New York State Department of State, Division of Licensing Services has oversight responsibility for the registration of all security guards.