Security Guard Training Requirements

What training courses are required to be employed as a security guard?

New York State General Business Law Article 7-A, section 89-n requires security guard applicants and/or security guards to complete the following training courses:

 

8 Hour Pre-Assignment Training Course for Security Guards

This is an 8 hour course required by New York State as the first step in obtaining a security guard registration card from the New York State Department of State. The course provides the student with a general overview of the duties and responsibilities of a security guard.

Topics covered in this course include:

  • the role of the security guard
  • legal powers and limitations
  • emergency situations
  • communications and public relations
  • access control
  • ethics and conduct

The passing of an examination is required for successful completion.

16 Hour On-the – Job Training Course for Security Guards

This is a 16 hour course that must be completed within 90 days of employment as a security guard. The course provides the student with detailed information on the duties and responsibilities a security guard.

Topics covered in this course include:

  • the role of the security guard
  • legal powers and limitations
  • emergency situations
  • communications and public relations
  • access control
  • ethics and conduct
  • incident command system
  • and terrorism

The passing of an examination is required for successful completion.

8 Hour Annual In-Service Training Course for Security Guards

This is an 8 hour course that must be completed within 12 calendar months from completion of the 16 Hour On-the-Job Training Course for Security Guards, and annually thereafter. The course is structured to provide the student with updated and enhanced information on the duties and responsibilities of a security guard.

Topics include:

  • the role of the security guard
  • legal powers and limitations
  • emergency situations
  • communications and public relations
  • access control
  • and ethics and conduct

47 Hour Firearms Training Course for Armed Security Guards

This is a 47 hour course required by New York State as the first step in obtaining a special armed guard registration card from the New York State Department of State. To attend the course students must possess a valid pistol license pursuant to NY Penal Law Section 400.00 and a valid NYS security guard registration card.

The course consists of:

  • 7 hours of NYS Penal Law Article 35 (Use of Force/Deadly Physical Force)
  • and 40 hours of range instruction and qualification.

To successfully complete the course the student must pass a written examination on Article 35 and qualify with a handgun.

8 Hour Annual Firearms Training Course for Armed Guards

This is an 8 hour course that must be completed within 12 calendar months from completion of the 47 Hour Firearms Training Course for Armed Guards, and annually thereafter. To attend the course students must possess a valid pistol license pursuant to NY Penal Law Section 400.00 and a valid NYS security guard registration card.

The course consists of:

  • 3 hours of NYS Penal Law Article 35 (Use of Force/Deadly Physical Force)
  • 5 hours of range instruction and qualification

To successfully complete the course the student must pass a written examination on Article 35 and qualify with a handgun.

 

Frequently Asked Questions

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.

Who may provide New York State required security guard training?

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. These required security guard training courses are listed in question #1. Only the courses listed in question #1 are under the jurisdiction of DCJS. Individuals teaching New York State required security guard training courses must be DCJS certified instructors. DCJS certifies individuals as security guard instructors and armed security guard instructors when they have met minimum requirements set forth in rules and regulations.

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).

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. All questions concerning the registration of security guards must be directed to that office at (518) 474-7569. Information on the registration process can also be accessed at http://www.criminaljustice.ny.gov/ops/docs/index.htm.

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.

http://www.criminaljustice.ny.gov/ops/docs/index.htm

What is a Student Advisory Notice?

Approved security guard training schools are required to provide students attending one of the five courses listed above 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. Through this Notice, the school is advising the student of these conditions.