Becoming A Security Guard

Anyone who wishes to work as a security guard in New York State has to go through the process of registering with the NYS Department of State and complying with all of their requirements for eligibility and training. These requirements apply to school security guards, commercial security guards, and bouncers in bars, clubs, and restaurants.

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In New York State, the definition of a security guard is any person whose duties include the following:

• Protecting people and/or property from harm, theft, or any unlawful activity;

• Deterring, observing, detecting, and/or reporting unauthorized or unlawful activity;

• Serving as a street patrol;

• Responding to a security system alarm (does not include those who install or service such systems)

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At BSIs Long Island Training Center, we help our students to navigate their way through all of the requirements of becoming a security guard. Not only do we provide the best security guard training program in New York, but we make it easy on you by working with you every step of the way.

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Minimum Requirements for Security Guards

The minimum requirements to get started are: you must be 18 years of age, not have been convicted of any serious crime, passed a New York State Department of Justice background check and be a citizen of the United States; have a resident alien card (a green card), or have a work authorization card. If you meet these requirements, the first step is to sign up for the 8-hour pre-assignment security guard training course.

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Begin Your Training at BSI

Once you have completed your 8-hour pre-assignment security guard training class, you will be given a proof of completion form, which you will need in order to apply to the NYS Department of State for a Security Guard Registration Card.

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Submit Your Application and Fees

At the time that you submit your application and proof of completion of the 8-hour training class, you will need to pay a $36.00 application fee. There is also a fee of $102.25 for the required electronic fingerprinting and a $25.00 service fee. All of these fees are required by New York State and are not related to your security guard training courses. The Long Island Training Center will make sure that your application and fees are done right the first time, saving you time, energy, and money.

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Landing a Job as a Security Guard

Here at BSI, we can't guarantee you a job as a licensed security guard, but we can guarantee that we will do our best to help you find one via our sister company APB Guards. We work with our students to help them locate positions, complete applications, prepare a resume, dress for success, and learn how to have a successful interview process. We care about your success and will coach you through the process.

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NYS Requires Additional Training

Once you get a job as a security guard, you must complete a 16 Hour On-the-Job Training Course for Security Guards within 90 days. These courses only have to be taken once, but you will need to take an 8 Hour Annual In-service Training Course for Security Guards every year for as long as you work as a security guard.

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Special Circumstances

People who are currently employed as police officers, court officers, corrections officers or any other aspect of law enforcement may not be required to comply with all of these requirements. Those who have worked in law enforcement in the past but no longer do so may also have different requirements. Visit https://www.criminaljustice.ny.gov/ops/sgtraining/ for the specifics of your situation.

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If you wish to become an Armed Security Guard, you must hold a valid NYS pistol license and complete a 47 Hour Firearms Training Course for Security Guards before you can apply for a Special Armed Guard Registration Card.

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Maintaining Your Registered Security Guard Status

In order to maintain your status as a Registered Security Guard, you have to sign up for the 8 Hour Annual In-service Training Course for Security Guards every year. Once you sign up for any of our security guard training courses, we'll remind you each year when it's time to take your Annual 8 Hour In-Service Training, so there's no chance your registration will lapse.

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All of BSIs security guard training courses meet the New York State requirements for security guard training. We offer security guard training classes at convenient times and we can help you get through the process of security guard training and registration quickly and with no hassles. Check our schedule of classes and get on your way to a new career as a security guard today.