Required Courses to Become a Security Guard in New York State
Becoming a security guard in New York means that you have to meet certain requirements. One of the key requirements is taking three specific training courses. With a job where people’s safety and wellbeing are at stake, it is important that security guards receive proper training.
Classes must be taken in a specific order, and there are specific time frames that must be followed. These classes must be taught by people approved of and licensed by New York State. All class fees must be paid for by the individual; the company employing them cannot pay for nor reimburse these training class fees.
The first course is the 8-Hour Pre-Assignment. You need to take and pass this course before starting your employment as a security guard. It is taught in a single day and provides a general overview of the duties and responsibilities of the position. Topics include:
Role of the security guard
Legal powers and limitations
Emergency situations
Communications and public relations
Access control
Ethics and conduct
There is a brief exam that must be taken (which will be given at the end of the 8-Hour Pre-Assignment course). Attendees need to score 70% or higher on the exam to pass. After successfully completing this course, you will be able to submit your security guard’s registration application to the Department of State. (The training certificate is required when submitting the application, so do not forget this vital piece.)
The next course is the 16-Hour On-the-Job Training. This course needs to be completed within 90 days of employment. The course is completed over two days. This course is tailored to the work site; it will go over the requirements of the work site, as well as the employer’s needs. Topics include:
Role of the security guard
Legal powers and limitations
Emergency situations
Communications and public relations
Access control
Ethics and conduct
Incident command center
Terrorism
The 8-Hour Annual In-Service course, unlike the other two courses, must be taken every year for the entirety of your security guard career. Your security guard license is a two-year license and within that time frame, two 8-Hour Annual In-Service courses must be completed to receive your renewal. The course is taught in a single day. Not only does the course review topics, but it will also contain updates to the field. Topics include:
Role of the security guard
Legal powers and limitations
Emergency situations
Communications and public relations
Access control
Ethics and conduct
These three courses are required to obtain and maintain your security guard registration in New York State. There are two additional security guard designations: special armed guard and armored car guard. Both designations require additional courses. A special armed guard must complete the 47-Hour Firearms course and the Annual 8-Hour Firearms Training course. An armored car guard must take the same courses as a special armed guard, as well as have a valid driver’s license.
While these are required courses, there are additional courses you can take to excel in your position. Basic Life Support and De-escalation are just some of the courses Premium Investigations offers for security officers.
Learn more about PI’s training academy here.