How To Become a Security Guard in New York

The state of New York requires that security guards be trained and licensed through fully approved private security training school. Information regarding this requirement can be found in the Security Guard Act of 1992. The New York Division of Criminal Justice Services, Office of Public Safety regulates and oversees private security training in New York and the New York State Department of State, Division of Licensing Services has oversight responsibility for the licensing and registration of all security guards. (Source: New York Division of Criminal Justice)

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Prospective security guards in New York must complete an 8 hour training course before applying for their security guard license. Once hired security guards must attend a 16 hour training course within 90 days of being hired. To maintain a valid security guard license, security guards must again attend and 8 hour training each year.

Security guard applicants seeking an armed guard license 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, and annually complete an additional 8 Hour Annual In-service Training Course for Armed Security Guards every year thereafter. (source: New York Division of Criminal Justice)