How to become a NYS Security Officer

 

 

Q. What training courses are required to be employed as a NYS Unarmed Security Guard?
A. New York State General Business Law Article 7-A, section 89-n requires Security Guard  applicants and/or Security Guard to complete the following training courses:

• 8 Hour Pre-Assignment and the 16 Hour On-the-Job Training Course (applicants need only complete these courses once)
• 8 Hour Annual In-Service Training Course (this course must be completed each calendar year you hold a security guard registration)

Q. What training courses are required to be employed as a NYS Armed Security Guard?
A. In addition to the above training you will need to complete the following training courses

• Hand gun safety course 
• 47 Hour Firearms Training Course
• 8 Hour Annual Firearms Training Course (this course must be completed each calendar year you hold a Security Officer registration)

Q. What does the school give me when I complete a course? 
A. Security Guard Training Schools are required to issue a DCJS approved certificate of completion to students who successfully complete required Security Officer Training courses according to New York State Compilation of Codes, Rules and Regulations (NYCRR) Part 6027.12(c).

Q. Do I have to bring anything with me when I attend a training course?
A. You must bring a valid Driver’s License or a Government Issued ID.

Q. Does the school provide the NYS Security Officer Application?
A. Yes, when you take the 8 Hour Pre-Assignment Course you will be given a packet which includes the NYS Security Officer Application as well as instructions for fingerprinting. If you need further assistance with the application process contact our main office. 

Q. Can I take the 16 Hour On-the-Job Training Course before the 8 Hour Pre-Assignment Course?
A. NO, you must complete the 8 Hour Pre-Assignment Course first. This is the required course needed to obtain your Security License. 

Q. Do I need a pistol license to attend the 47 Hour Firearms Training Course for Armed Security Officers?
A. Individuals must possess a valid pistol license pursuant to Penal Law Section 400.00 and a valid NYS 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. 

Q. Can I get a Security Guard registration card if I have a criminal record?
A. 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: https://www.dos.ny.gov/licensing/securityguard/sguard.html 

Q. Do I have to complete required Security Guard training if I have previous law enforcement training? 
A. 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. A matrix outlining these exemptions can be viewed by clicking on the following link:https://www.dos.ny.gov/licensing/securityguard/sgtraining.html 

Q. Can I start working right after I take the NYS Eight Hour Pre-Assignment Class? 
A. Yes, after you successfully complete the Eight Hour Pre-Assignment class, receive your certificate, get electronically fingerprinted and submit your NYS Security Guard Application to the state, it is possible to start working for any employer authorized to hire Security Guards by New York State. We tell you more about this in class or you can check with the New York State Department of State Division of Licensing Services.

Q. Do I need to be fingerprinted if I already have fingerprints on file? 
A. The answer is YES unless you are an active duty police officer as defined under CPL 1.20 (retired does not count), but if you have further questions about this you may call the New York State Department of State Customer Services unit at 518-474-7569.