A security guard can help protect people and property.You only need a high school degree to get a job.Security guard licenses are required in New York to get a job in the state.If you are employed to protect people and/or property, you need a security guard license in New York.
Step 1: The minimum requirements are met.
To be a security guard in New York state, you have to meet a number of requirements.You will not be admitted to a licensing program if you can't achieve these.You have to be at least eighteen years old.You must be a citizen or resident alien of the U.S.No serious convictions or felonies are included in the FBI background check.
Step 2: Make sure you have a license.
Some people who are involved in security matters are not required to register as a security guard in New York.You don't need to apply for the New York license if you fulfill one of the following requirements.A person is a security guard.Police officers are active.You don't need to be fingerprints if you are employed by a contractual entity.Peace officers who work security for their employer are called peace officers.You have to register if you are moonlighting.
Step 3: You should get your fingerprints.
You can use L-1 Enrollment Services to do electronic fingerprints in New York.Scan your fingerprints and give your receipts to include with your application if you work with the state.
Step 4: You should take an eight hour class.
Private security companies and accredited colleges offer courses.This course can be different depending on where you take it, but should cover issues including the role of a security officer, legal powers and limitations, emergency preparedness, communications and public relations, access control, and ethics and conduct.A list of approved schools is provided by the state.You should avoid schools that have had their approval revoked or suspended.
Step 5: The application should be submitted.
The application for becoming a security guard in New York can be found on the Department of State website.You will need to provide personal information, show you meet the requirements, and provide additional documentation.The 8-hour training course certificate is included.There is a section for your employer to fill out if you have a job lined up and your employment depends on getting a license.The application can be filled out in English, Spanish, Haitian/Creole, Italian, Korean, Russian, or Chinese.You have to pay the required fees.There is an application fee and a fee for fingerprints.The fees must be paid in the form of mail orders, company checks, or cashier's checks only and sent to the "NYS Department of State."
Step 6: Sixteen hours of on-the-job training is required.
New York requires you to complete an additional course after 90 days of working as a security guard.This course will give you more information on the duties and responsibilities of a security guard, and will end with you needing to pass an exam.Most of your work in the course is related to your regular job, so you can only take this course while employed.
Step 7: You should get your annual in-service training.
New York requires you to get eight hours of annual in-service training.For annual renewal, this course will review basic information from your training, update you on changes and new information, and is required.After finishing your OTJ training, you need to take the course.Talk to your employer to make sure you keep up with this requirement, as they will probably not want to lose you just because your license expires.
Step 8: Your license should be renewed.
It's important to keep your license up to date.The state will mail you a renewal form 90 days before your license expires.The license must be renewed by the end of the year.Documentation from your in-service training is required when you re-apply.You must re-qualify for the license if you haven't renewed your registration in 6 months.
Step 9: You have to get a New York pistol permit.
In order to apply for an armed security guard license in New York, you must have a valid license.You have to be licensed to carry a gun in New York.You can apply for a permit at the State Police Department.You need to fill out a form.The form will ask for basic personal information, along with criminal history, references, full-face photograph, and fingerprints.
Step 10: You should take a firearms training course.
You need to take this course to upgrade your license to an armed security guard.The course consists of seven hours reviewing state laws on the use of force and deadly physical force, plus 40 hours of range instruction and qualification.You need a valid security guard registration card to take the course.If you want to do this work at the same place as your eight-hour course, make sure the school you choose offers firearms training.Waivers or exemptions for firearms training can be obtained from some prior jobs.Depending on your professional experience, you may not need to take the firearms course.You can find a full list of waivers and exemptions on the state website.
Step 11: You have to apply for the upgrade.
Documentation for your firearms training course will be included on the Security Guard Change of Status form.This can be either a copy of the certificate for the course, or documentation that shows you have an exemption.You have to include your current security guard license and a $25 fee.
Step 12: Get eight hours of training.
You will need eight more hours of training each year.There are five hours of range instruction and qualification on the course.Since your armed security guard registration is good for two years, you will need to complete two sets of eight hour courses between renewal.
Step 13: Your license needs to be renewed.
You must have an armed license if you want to work as a security guard.The state will mail you a renewal form 90 days before your license expires.The license must be renewed by the end of the year.Documentation from your annual training courses are required when you re-apply.The training for the regular license is included in the armed security guard license.You have to re-qualify for the license if you haven't renewed your registration in six months.
Step 14: Gain more skills.
Obtaining a state license is not enough to get a job as a security guard.You can increase your chances of getting hired by earning an associate degree or learning a second language.When you apply for a job, these will help you stand out.Previous experience with the military or law enforcement could be helpful.It isn't a good idea to join the military just so you can become a security guard later, but if you have experience that can help you find a job.
Step 15: You should look for a job.
Most security guards work for private companies.Most of the work is done by companies that specialize in security services.These jobs can be found in newspapers and job search websites.Instructors and classmates from your licensing courses can help you find open positions.
Step 16: Fix your resume.
If you are applying for a job, make sure your resume is clean and up to date.It's important to highlight the skills you have acquired that will make you a good fit for the position you want.Tailoring your resume depends on the job you apply for.A good resume can help you find a job.
Step 17: Interview for a job.
If the company likes your resume and thinks you might be a good fit, they will bring you in for an interview.Prepare yourself before you go to increase your chances of doing well.You can talk about how you can help in the new job if you learn a little about the company.Being able to talk about your strengths and weaknesses in an interview is usually a tough question.When you are asked, keep your answers short and to the point, and practice saying them that way.If you learn about the company culture, you can dress appropriately.If they are a suit-and-tie company, you don't want to wear polo and khakis.It is always good to overdress when you are unsure.