How Do I Become a Registered Security Guard in New York?
In order to become a security guard in New
York State, you must complete certain training prerequisites before you can receive
your security guard registration and begin employment for the following:
·
New York State
Security Officers
·
Armed Security Guards
·
Unarmed Security
Guards
Do I Need to Take the NYS Security Guard Training Courses?
If you are currently serving or retired law
enforcement, or you are a veteran, you may be eligible for a waiver from
certain security training requirements. Use the questionnaire below to see your
eligibility:
What Training Do I Need to Become a Security Guard?
To Become a
New York Registered Unarmed Security Guard, You Must Complete the Following NYS
Certified Security Training Courses
8 Hour
Pre-Assignment Security Training: This is the first course in the
series you must complete in order to apply for the NYS Unarmed Security Guard
Registration Card.
16 Hour
On-The-Job Security Training: This course must be completed within 90 days of beginning employment as
a security guard. The 16-Hour On-The-Job Training course is
broken down into two 8-hour classes over the course of two days. Both days MUST be completed in order to receive a certificate of
completion.
8 Hour
Annual In-Service Security Training: Once
employed in security, New York State requires that security guards must
complete the Annual In-Service Training Course every calendar year as
part of their training requirements and a prerequisite for guard registration renewal. Participants
must bring their NYS Security Registration to class.
To Become a
New York State Registered Armed Security Guard, You Must Additionally Complete
the Following Requirements:
NYS Pistol Permit: You must have an NYS Pistol Permit or License that has always been in good standing in order to enroll in any armed guard training courses and become a Registered Armed Guard, even if you are a veteran or former law enforcement. We offer pistol permit assistance to help you navigate the difficult process.
47 Hour
Firearms Training: This
course must be completed before you can apply for an armed guard registration
or upgrade to your unarmed registration. The 47 Hour Firearms Training includes
classroom instruction, as well as practice and examination at the gun
range. Ammunition is not included,
you must separately purchase 600 rounds of ammo (15 boxes of 50 rounds). This course is typically
broken down into 6 or 8-day sessions, that can vary between weekends,
weeknights, and/or weekdays.
8 Hour ANNUAL Firearms Training: Registered armed guards must complete this course every calendar year they hold their registration. Failure to complete this requirement may result in a denial of renewal and loss of your registration. Participants must bring their N.Y.S. Security Registration and NYS Pistol Permit to class.
What do I
need to apply for an NYS Security Guard Registration?
To submit an unarmed guard application to the Department of
State, you must:
- ·
Be at least 18 years old
- ·
Have not been convicted of a serious criminal offense
- ·
Be a citizen or resident alien of the United States
- ·
Have completed the 8 Hour Pre-Assignment Training
Course
- ·
Get fingerprinted through IdentoGO — see below for
more information
- ·
$36 fee made payable to the NYS Department of State
- ·
To apply for armed guard registration, you must:
- ·
Have completed the 47 Hour Firearms Training Course
for Armed Guards
- ·
Be at least 18 years old
- ·
Have not been convicted of a serious criminal offense
- ·
Be a citizen or resident alien of the United States
- ·
Get fingerprinted through IdentoGO — see below for
more information
- ·
$36 fee made payable to the NYS Department of State
- ·
If you want to upgrade your registration from an
unarmed security guard to armed security guard, you must:
- ·
Have completed the 47 Hour Firearms Training Course
for Armed Guards
- ·
Send your current security guard ID card with your
application
- ·
$25 fee by check, money order, Mastercard, or Visa,
made payable to the NYS Department of State
Fingerprinting Information
All NYS Security Guard applicants must be fingerprinted by the Department of State, even if you have been fingerprinted before for New York State.
Fingerprinting must be completed through an IdentoGO vendor. You
must contact IdentoGO to make an appointment by calling 1-877-472-6915 or book an appointment online. You must use service code 1545R1 to make the
appointment and ensure your fingerprinting information goes to the correct
department.
Once you complete your fingerprinting, attach a copy of your
receipt to your security guard application as a form of proof to New York State
that you completed this requirement.