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Security Guard Training

8 Hour Pre-Assignment Course for Security Guards in New York

Start your career in security with our state-approved training course. This mandatory course is your first step to becoming a licensed security guard in New York State.

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8 Hour Pre-Assignment Course for Security Guards in New York
Mandatory training to begin working as a security guard in NYC.

4.9

 (out of 5)

Customer rating of 400+ reviews.

Eligibility Screening

Step 1 of 6

Are you a U.S. citizen, a permanent resident (Green Card holder), or do you have valid work authorization (e.g., Red Card)?

Eligibility Screening

Step 2 of 6

Have you ever applied in this state for a security‑guard registration/license?

Eligibility Screening

Step 3 of 6

Has any license or permit issued to you ever been revoked, suspended, or denied?

Eligibility Screening

Step 4 of 6

Were you discharged or did you resign from law enforcement under charges of misconduct or incompetence?

Eligibility Screening

Step 5 of 6

Are you compliant with all child‑support obligations?

Eligibility Screening

Step 6 of 6

Would you like to proceed with obtaining a security license?

Eligibility Check

Disqualification Notice

Select Your Training Path

Please choose the service you need so we can direct you to the correct course.

First‑Time Security‑Guard License

Qualification Assessment

Are you an active or retired police/peace officer?

16‑Hour On‑The‑Job Training Course

As an officer you only need the 16‑Hour OJT Course to obtain your security license.

8‑Hour Pre‑Assignment Course

This mandatory course is the first step for new security guards.

Renew Unarmed License

Qualification Assessment

Is your license currently expired?

8‑Hour Annual In‑Service Course

Complete this refresher to renew your unarmed license.

License Reinstatement Required

Your license has been expired for more than 6 months. Reinstatement is required.

  • Fingerprinting
  • $36 money order
  • Form DOS‑1206‑f‑a

Armed‑Guard Training

Qualification Assessment

Do you have an active unarmed license?

Additional Training Required

You must take the 8‑Hour Pre‑Assignment Course to obtain an unarmed license before taking armed‑guard training.

NYS Pistol Permit Required

A valid NYS Pistol Permit is required. We can help you obtain one.

47‑Hour Armed‑Guard Course

You qualify for the 47‑Hour Armed‑Guard Course.

Fire & Safety Courses

Select the course that meets your needs.

31‑Hour Fire & Life‑Safety Director F‑89

To enroll you need one of these:

  • 3 years full‑time relevant experience
  • 18 months full‑time with 6 months at one site

Not Sure You Qualify?

Call or message us and we’ll confirm your eligibility.

31‑Hour Fire & Life‑Safety Director Course F‑89

Your experience meets the prerequisites for the F‑89 Course.

Fire Guard Prep Course

This class prepares you for FDNY F‑01/02/03/04 exams.

8‑Hour Pre‑Assignment Security Training Course

International Security Services, Inc. delivers an 8‑hour program that fulfils New York’s mandatory pre‑assignment requirement for security guards. This service goes beyond the classroom — we guide you from training through fingerprinting, paperwork, submission, and follow‑up until your licence is issued, plus job‑referral support.

Objective

Provide aspiring security guards with a seamless path from training to licensure and employment, supported at every step.

Course Requirements

  • Citizenship: US citizen or permanent resident
  • Age: 18 years or older
  • ID: Government‑issued photo ID
  • Materials: Note‑taking supplies
  • Attire: Comfortable clothing
  • Lunch: 1‑hour break (bring lunch or meal money)
  • Prerequisites: None – beginner friendly

What’s Included

  • 8‑Hour Classroom Training
  • Employment Assistance
  • Fingerprinting Coordination
  • Application Guidance & Submission
  • Ongoing Follow‑Up until licence approval

Comprehensive Course Curriculum

Module 1: Intro to Security Services

  • History & evolution of private security
  • Career paths in the industry
  • Integration with law‑enforcement & emergency services

Module 2: Legal Authority & Limitations

  • State laws, arrest powers & detention limits
  • Use‑of‑force continuum & liability
  • Privacy laws & confidentiality

Module 3: Emergency Procedures

  • Emergency response planning
  • Fire safety & evacuation
  • Medical & first‑aid awareness

Module 4: Communication Skills

  • Verbal & non‑verbal techniques
  • De‑escalation tactics
  • Professional report writing

Module 5: Security Awareness & Patrol

  • Observation & surveillance techniques
  • Patrol methods & approaches
  • Access control & threat detection

Module 6: Ethics & Professionalism

  • Professional appearance & conduct
  • Customer service orientation
  • Ethical decision‑making

Why Choose Our Service?

End‑to‑End Support

Training, paperwork, fingerprinting & licence follow‑up handled for you.

Employment Assistance

Direct access to our job board & employer network.

Experienced Instructors

State‑of‑the‑art facilities & seasoned professionals.

Small Class Sizes

Maximum 20 students for personalised attention.

NYS DCJS‑Approved Certificate

Issued upon completion — required for licensing.

★★★★★
"I enjoyed the 8 hour pre assignment class with Angelo and the 16 hour on the job training course with Alex. The instructors were really helpful. I will be coming back for my yearly refresher at International Security Services (ISS). I also plan on upgrading my license from an unarmed security guard license to an armed security guard license through International Security Services."
G
Gregory Pierre-Louis
Verified Customer
★★★★★
"Everyone is very helpful and polite at international security services. Michael made sure to explain the process for getting my security license and helped me send in the application. Alex was very clear and thorough while teaching the class. He answered and explained every question well."
M
Mariella Largo
Verified Customer
★★★★★
"Simple walk in turned into a security guard license. Mike made everything very clear and it was pretty easy to sign up. Prices are a bit hefty, but their 8 hour includes job placement and a pistol permit consultation if you want to do armed. They keep in contact with me and they check in every now and then regarding my license and job opportunities."
T
Theodore Gabidullin
Verified Customer

Frequently Asked Questions

Each hour of the course is structured to cover a distinct area required by the New York State Division of Criminal Justice Services (DCJS): the role of private security, legal powers and limitations, emergency response, communication and de-escalation, patrol methods, ethics, and professional standards.

What distinguishes this program is its full-service guidance. Participants receive assistance not only with the 8-hour classroom portion but also with every step afterward — fingerprint scheduling, license application completion, document submission, and follow-up until approval. The school also offers employment support through direct connections to security firms, helping students transition from certification to job placement efficiently.

After completing the 8-Hour Pre-Assignment Course, you must submit your application to the New York State Department of State, Division of Licensing Services. The application includes proof of course completion, fingerprinting results from an approved vendor (IdentoGO), and the $36 application fee. Once processed, you’ll receive your official Security Guard Registration Card by mail.

You must include:

  • A completed Security Guard Application form (available on the NYS Department of State website)
  • A copy of your 8-Hour Pre-Assignment Training Certificate
  • Fingerprint receipt from IdentoGO
  • Government-issued photo ID (such as a driver’s license, state ID, or passport)
  • Application fee payment

You cannot begin working until you receive your official security guard registration card from the New York State Department of State. The processing time usually takes 3 to 4 weeks after all documents and fingerprints are submitted, though it can vary depending on background check times.

The 8-Hour Pre-Assignment Course is a mandatory first step before applying for a security guard license. It provides foundational knowledge about the industry, laws, and professional conduct. The 16-Hour On-the-Job Training (OJT) Course must be completed within 90 days of employment as a security guard. It offers practical instruction on handling real-world security situations, report writing, and job-specific procedures.

All licensed security guards in New York must complete an 8-Hour Annual In-Service Training Course every year to maintain their registration. The security guard license itself must be renewed every two years, which includes submitting the renewal form and fee to the Department of State.

To become an armed security guard, you must:

  1. Hold a valid unarmed security guard registration.
  2. Complete the 47-Hour Firearms Training Course for Armed Security Guards at a DCJS-approved school.
  3. Obtain a valid New York State pistol license.
  4. Submit an Armed Security Guard application with proof of firearm training and current registration to the Department of State.

Fingerprinting is conducted through IdentoGO, the state-authorized fingerprinting vendor. The total fee is $102.25, which covers both state and federal background checks. Appointments can be scheduled online at www.identogo.com using the security guard service code 15425Z for New York applicants.

After receiving your license, you qualify for entry-level unarmed security guard positions, including:

  • Retail and mall security
  • Residential building security
  • Office and corporate building security
  • Event and venue security
  • Construction site security
  • Front desk or lobby access control

If your license has expired, you must renew it within six months of the expiration date using the renewal form and paying the applicable fee. If more than six months have passed, you must reapply as a new applicant, including retaking the 8-Hour Pre-Assignment Course and completing fingerprinting again. If it was revoked, you must contact the NYS Division of Licensing Services to determine eligibility for reinstatement and comply with any specific reinstatement requirements they outline.

Related Security Training Courses

Security Guard Training Courses

Firearm and Concealed Carry Courses

Course Packages

Fire Safety Courses

NYS Security Guard License Reinstatement

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