Security Guard Training
Introduction
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.
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 web site.
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. Locate the title and the status that identifies your experience, and then 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.
Separation from service is defined as retirement or resignation from the position.
| Title/Status | 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 | ||||||
Police Officer (CPL 1.20)(currently serving) |
Exempt
from training and licensing requirements. |
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| Former Police Officer (separated less than 10 years) | ||||||
Former Police Officer (separated more than 10 years) |
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Correction Officer (NYS DOCS)(currently serving) |
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Former Correction Officer (NYS DOCS) - (separated less than 10 years) |
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Former Correction Officer (NYS DOCS) - (separated more than 10 years) |
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| Bridge and Tunnel Officer, Sergeant or Lieutenant of the TBTA | ||||||
Former Bridge and Tunnel Officer, Sergeant or Lieutenant of the TBTA(separated less than 10 years) |
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Former Bridge and Tunnel Officer, Sergeant or Lieutenant of the TBTA(separated more than 10 years) |
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| Court Officer or Clerk of the Unified Court System | ||||||
| Former Court Officer or Clerk of the Unified Court System (separated less than 10 years) | ||||||
Former Court Officer or Clerk of the Unified Court System(separated more than 10 years) |
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| Sheriff, Undersheriff, or Deputy Sheriff of the NYC Sheriff’s Office | ||||||
Former Sheriff, Undersheriff, or Deputy Sheriff of the NYC Sheriff’s Office (separated less than 10 years) |
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Former Sheriff, Undersheriff, or Deputy Sheriff of the NYC Sheriff’s Office(separated more than 10 years) |
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Other Peace Officer (CPL 2.10 or 2.16)(currently employed) |
May utilize
Annual Peace Officer In-service Training |
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Former Other Peace Officer (CPL 2.10 or 2.16)(separated less than 10 years) |
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Former Other Peace Officer (CPL 2.10 or 2.16)(separated more than 10 years) |
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*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 prior to applying for a Special Armed Guard Registration Card.
For more information about private security training, please select from the Local Menu options.