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MANDATED SECURITY GUARD TRAINING COURSES

Training for security guards was mandated by the Security Guard Act of 1992. The Act requires that all security guards complete three training courses. Armed guards are required to complete two additional training courses.

 

REQUIREMENTS TO BECOME A NYS SECURITY GUARD: MUST BE 18+ YEARS OLD, HAVE VALID NY STATE DRIVER LICENSE OR ID CARD, AND MUST NOT HAVE BEEN CONVICTED OF A FELONY.

UNARMED SECURITY GUARD TRAINING

8-HOUR PRE-ASSIGNMENT COURSE

COST: $50

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, and ethics and conduct. The passing of an examination is required for successful completion of this course.

16 HOUR ON THE JOB TRAINING COURSE

COST: $85

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 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, incident command system, and terrorism. The passing of an examination is required for successful completion of this course.

PRE-REQUISITES: 8 HOUR PRE-ASSIGNMENT COURSE

JOB-READY COURSE PACKAGE

INCLUDES 8 AND 16 HOUR COURSES

COST: $120

8 HOUR ANNUAL IN-SERVICE TRAINING COURSE

COST: $50

This is an 8 hour course that must be completed each calendar year you hold a security guard registration, and annually thereafter. Your registration is issued for two years; therefore, you must complete two 8-hour Annual In-Service training courses within your registration effective and expiration dates to be eligible for renewal. 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.

PRE-REQUISITES: NYS SECURITY GUARD LICENSE

ARMED SECURITY GUARD TRAINING

47 HOUR ARMED GUARD TRAINING COURSE

COST: $400

Guards who carry firearms are required to complete a 47-hour firearms course before they can be licensed as an armed security guard. This course includes seven hours of classroom instruction in the Use of Force (NYS Penal Law Art. 35) followed by a written examination, and 40 hours on the firing range followed by weapons qualification. Upon successful completion of this course the guard is issued a training certificate. This certificate must accompany the security guard’s registration application when submitted to the Department of State.

PRE-REQUISITES: NYS SECURITY GUARD LICENSE, VALID PISTOL PERMIT, 21 YEARS OF AGE +

8 HOUR ANNUAL FIREARMS TRAINING COURSE FOR ARMED GUARDS

COST: $99

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 Armed security guard registration card. The course consists of 3 hours of NYS Penal Law Article 35 (Use of Force/Deadly Physical Force) and 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.

Waivers: Applications for a waiver of firearms training for unarmed and armed security guards may be reviewed up to a maximum of 10 years after separation from a sworn law enforcement position in New York. For the purpose of registration, you may be granted a waiver from training if you can demonstrate completion of training that meets or exceeds the minimum standards for the 8-Hour Pre-Assignment, OJT, or 47-hour Firearms courses. To request a waiver, call DCJS directly at (518) 457-4135, or contact them in writing at 80 South Swan Street, 3rd Floor, Albany, NY 12210-8002. If approved, DCJS will send you a waiver letter to submit with your security guard application to DOS.

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