How to become a security guard in New York

Every New York credential

All 7 individual credentials this regulator issues to security workers, from the entry-level card to specialty and instructor registrations. Rows marked ◇ are drafted from the regulator’s pages and await our reviewer’s sign-off.

Steps to get started

1. Complete the 8-hour pre-assignment training course at a DCJS-approved school.
2. Submit fingerprints ($102.50) and apply to the Department of State ($36).
3. Complete the 16-hour on-the-job training course within 90 days of starting work.
4. Complete the 8-hour annual in-service course every year and renew every 2 years ($25).

Security Guard Registration: All training must come from DCJS-approved schools and certified instructors.

Private Investigator License (Individual): Issued by NYDOS Division of Licensing Services under GBL Article 7 (same law as security guards). Must be 25+, a principal in the business, pass the DOS PI written exam within the prior two years, have 3 years' qualifying investigative experience (or 20 years as police officer/fire marshal), fingerprints, and a $10,000 surety bond; liability insurance required if employing security guards. Two-year term.

Security Guard Instructor Certification (DCJS): Issued by DCJS (not DOS) to teach the 8-hour pre-assignment, 16-hour OJT and 8-hour annual courses at approved schools. Requires HS diploma, a current DOS security guard registration (or PI/watch-guard-patrol/armored-carrier license, or police/peace officer status), a DCJS-approved instructor development course, and a minimum 70 points on the DCJS review worksheet for education/experience (9 NYCRR 6029.3). Certification valid five years; renewal application 30-60 days before expiration.

Special Security Guard Instructor Certification (DCJS): Discretionary DCJS certification (9 NYCRR 6029.4) for applicants who meet the regular security guard instructor requirements and have advanced academic credentials and demonstrated technical expertise; used for specialized subject matter. Five-year term.

Armed Security Guard Instructor Certification (DCJS): Teaches the 47-hour firearms course and 8-hour annual firearms in-service. Requires at least three years as a police officer, peace officer or armed security guard supervisor/manager while carrying a firearm on duty, a Penal Law 400.00 pistol license unless exempt, and completion of a DCJS-approved civilian or law-enforcement firearms instructor course (9 NYCRR 6029.5). Five-year term.

Working armed in New York

Armed guards must hold an NYS pistol permit (generally 21+) before enrolling in the 47-hour firearms training course with a written exam and range qualification, and take an 8-hour annual firearms course every year.

Armed Security Guard Registration: 8-hour pre-assignment plus a 47-hour firearms course (7 classroom hours on use of force with a written exam, 40 range hours with qualification), then an 8-hour annual firearms course every calendar year on top of the 8-hour in-service. The guard registration itself needs age 18; enrolling in the firearms course requires an NYS pistol permit, which generally requires age 21 (Penal Law 400.00(1)(a)).

Armored Car Guard Registration (Article 8-B): Required for an employee of a licensed armored car carrier who provides secured transportation / ATM cash services in a bullet-resistant vehicle AND possesses or has access to a firearm (unarmed drivers/helpers are exempt). Requires the DCJS-recognized 47-hour firearms training course and 8-hour annual firearms in-service; must hold a conditional letter of authority or registration card; NYS photo ID. Police/peace officer training waiver available. Firearm carry itself requires a Penal Law 400.00 pistol license.

Keep your New York credential alive

The free wallet computes your renewal deadline from New York's rules and reminds you at 60, 30, and 7 days. Exam prep for New York follows.