How to Be a Security Guard in New York State
- 1). The first thing you need to do is get Certified. To do this, you will need to take a training class called the "8 hour pre assignment course for security guards". To find a training school certified by the NYS Division of Criminal Justice Services to perform these trainings, simply go to http://criminaljustice.state.ny.us/ops/docs/sgtraining/pubs/sgpapprovedschls.pdf Here, you will find approved schools, listed by county. Once you contact a school, ask them about their training schedule, how much the class will cost, location etc. Find a school you are comfortable with. I've seen prices range from $25 to $125 so shop around! Here, you will also see if a school does armed security training for those of you seeking that. If you are seeking armed, I strongly suggest you have your pistol permit FIRST.
- 2). At the certification class, you will need to pass a written exam consisting of 25 questions, usually true and false. You must pass the test with a %70 or better. Once you pass you will receive a certificate showing that you have passed. The school MUST give you that certificate upon completion and you will need that to get your security license!
- 3). Hopefully, the school will provide you with a security guard licensing application. If not, you can get the application at the NYS Department of State web site at http://www.dos.state.ny.us/lcns/guard.htm
Fill out the application carefully. You will also need to get your fingerprints taken, either electronically or rolled, again, all of that information is on the NYS DOS website. Once you do that, send in your application, along with your certificate of completion of the 8 hour course and you will receive in the mail, shortly after the DOS receives your application, a unique ID number which will be your security guard license number. You can now be hired as a guard! Within a few weeks of that you will receive in the mail your actual license! - 4). Brush up that resume and get it out there! A lot of places that hire security don't always advertise. Good places to look for security jobs are local hospitals, colleges, schools and of course malls and supermarkets.
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