If you’re interested in becoming a security guard in New York City, now is an excellent time to review your training options and connect with employers. Demand for security guard services has never been higher. Organizations of all sizes are now investing in private security to safeguard construction sites, events, and commercial buildings.
Prospective guards in New York State must take both an eight-hour introductory course and sixteen hours of on-the-job training before being deployed as working security guards. Armed guards must take additional training, and generally earn more than their unarmed counterparts. Guard courses offer the opportunity to undergo specialized training such as fire watch certification, first aid, and de-escalation techniques for school environments. Guards with the most training and experience will have their pick of deployments and opportunities for advancement over time.
However you decide to proceed with your career as a security guard, you’ll have to meet a few basic requirements in New York State in order to submit your application. We’ve put together this quick guide to help you navigate your path to becoming a security guard in NYC.
Take an 8-Hour Course & Meet Basic Requirements
Each state sets its own standards for security guard training and certification, which is one reason the cost of security guards varies so widely across the USA. In New York, the Department of State requires each prospective guard to begin by taking an eight-hour pre-assignment training course. Courses can be taken in person or online and range from $50-100.
That’s a key detail – prospective guards must take a state-approved eight-hour course before proceeding with their applications. The Department of State’s website provides the links you’ll need to submit an application and pay the $36.00 fee. Alongside the application, applicants must meet a few conditions:
- Be 18+
- Have a Government Photo ID
- Have a High School Diploma or GED
- Submit Fingerprints & Criminal Record Checks to the Department of State
- Complete the 8-Hour Pre-Assignment Training Course
Take Additional Training & Connect With Employers
Completing the steps above will allow you to register as a guard with the State of New York. Unarmed guards need an additional sixteen hours of on-the-job training to complete the registration process. This can be achieved through a security guard training program or employers offering on-the-job training per the state’s requirements.
To work as an armed security guard in New York City, you must also take forty-seven hours of specialized training. Guards who carry firearms as part of their duties can expect higher hourly pay rates, but also assume tremendous responsibility, liability, and risk.
Security guard registrations are issued for two-year periods. Guards in NYC must renew their registration every other year, and to do so, you’ll need to take an additional eight hours of annual training. Once again, even more is expected of armed guards in New York City, as their annual requirement involves sixteen hours of training.
While in training, you can connect with employers to see what opportunities are available in your neighborhood. Some security companies can put you in the field before your training is completed. Other employers will require you to complete your training before sending you out on your first deployment.
Contact The Guard Alliance
The Guard Alliance deploys guards with decades of experience protecting every Borough in NYC and throughout the Empire State. Currently, we only hire guards who have completed their training and are fully registered with NYS. We pride ourselves on deploying veteran guards to protect our clients’ personnel and property.
We support all new guards who are eager to join the ranks and protect New York City. Feel free to visit our Careers Page once your training is complete. If you need guards at a job site today, please contact our sales team immediately.
