Course Code: 8HRSGPA
The 8-Hour Pre-Assignment Training Course for Security Guard is a mandatory program approved by the New York State Division of Criminal Justice Services (DCJS). This course provides students with the foundational knowledge and responsibilities required to apply for New York State Security Guard Registration with the Department of State.
The course covers the legal powers and limitations of security guards, emergency response procedures, communications and public relations, and the importance of ethical behavior. Students will learn how to maintain professionalism while safeguarding people and property, responding effectively to incidents, and working collaboratively with law enforcement and the public.
This course covers the following topics:
• Legal aspects and limitations of security powers
• Communications and report writing
• Public relations and professionalism
• Emergency response procedures
• Ethics and integrity in the security profession
• Recognizing and responding to suspicious activity
• Liaison with law enforcement and emergency personnel
• NYS Security Guard Act and licensing requirements
Upon completion of this course, students will receive a certificate of completion required to apply for New York State Security Guard Registration with the Department of State. This training is a mandatory prerequisite for employment as a security guard in New York State.
Admission Requirements:
1. Be at least eighteen (18) years of age.
2. Present a valid government-issued photo identification.
3. Submit a High School Diploma, High School Equivalency (GED). Applicants who do not possess a High School Diploma or GED must successfully pass the school’s Entrance Examination.
Date | Section : Morning 1 Day | Date | Section : Afternoon 2 Days | Date | Section : Evening 2 Days | Date | Section : Weekend 1 Day |
| Monday-Friday 9:00 AM-5:00 PM | Mon and Tues 1:00-4:30 pm | Mon and Tues 6:00-9:30 pm | Saturday 9:00 AM-5:00 PM | ||||
| Monday-Friday 9:00 AM-5:00 PM | Mon and Tues 6:00-9:30 pm | Mon and Tues 6:00-9:30 pm | Saturday 9:00 AM-5:00 PM | ||||
| Monday-Friday 9:00 AM-500 PM | Mon and Tues 6:00-9:30 pm | Mon and Tues 6:00-9:30 pm | Saturday 9:00 AM-5:00 PM | ||||
| Monday-Friday 9:00 AM-5:00 PM | Mon and Tues 6:00-9:30 pm | Mon and Tues 6:00-9:30 pm | Saturday 9:00 AM-5:00 PM | ||||
| Monday-Friday 9:00 AM-5:00 PM | Mon and Tues 6:00-9:30 pm | Mon and Tues 6:00-9:30 pm | Saturday 9:00 AM-5:00 PM | ||||
| Monday-Friday 9:00 AM-5:00 PM | Mon and Tues 6:00-9:30 pm | Mon and Tues 6:00-9:30 pm | Saturday 9:00 AM-5:00 PM | ||||
| Monday-Friday 9:00 AM-5:00 PM | Mon and Tues 6:00-9:30 pm | Mon and Tues 6:00-9:30 pm | Saturday 9:00 AM-5:00 PM | ||||
| Monday-Friday 9:00 AM-5:00 PM | Mon and Tues 6:00-9:30 pm | Mon and Tues 6:00-9:30 pm | Saturday 9:00 AM-5:00 PM | ||||
| Monday-Friday 9:00 AM-5:00 PM | Mon and Tues 6:00-9:30 pm | Mon and Tues 6:00-9:30 pm | Saturday 9:00 AM-5:00 PM | ||||
| Monday-Friday 9:00 AM-5:00 PM | Mon and Tues 6:00-9:30 pm | Mon and Tues 6:00-9:30 pm | Saturday 9:00 AM-5:00 PM | ||||
| Monday-Friday 9:00 AM-5:00 PM | Mon and Tues 6:00-9:30 pm | Mon and Tues 6:00-9:30 pm | Saturday 9:00 AM-5:00 PM | ||||
| Monday-Friday 9:00 AM-5:00 PM | Mon and Tues 6:00-9:30 pm | Mon and Tues 6:00-9:30 pm | Saturday 9:00 AM-5:00 PM |
8-Hour Security Guard Pre-Assignment Course Overview
Begin the New York unarmed security guard training pathway with an introduction to professional duties, lawful authority, emergency response, communication, access control, ethics, reporting, and public interaction.
What You Will Learn
Role, Duties and Professional Conduct
Review core responsibilities, observation, deterrence, reporting, appearance, reliability, confidentiality, ethics, impartial conduct, and appropriate interaction with the public.
Legal Powers and Limitations
Understand the limits of security guard authority, appropriate escalation, protection of people and property, incident documentation, and the importance of following current law and employer procedures.
Emergencies and Communication
Practice clear communication, emergency notifications, situational awareness, basic response priorities, cooperation with first responders, conflict awareness, and accurate reporting.
Access Control and Security Procedures
Study identification and authorization procedures, visitor and delivery control, patrol awareness, keys and credentials, suspicious activity reporting, and post orders.
New York Registration and Next Training Steps
DCJS states that this course is completed before an unarmed guard applies to the Department of State for a registration card. It is generally followed by the 16-hour on-the-job course within 90 days of initial employment and annual 8-hour in-service training. Confirm all current requirements and exemptions with the responsible state agencies.
Course Completion Is Not a Security Guard Registration
A training certificate does not itself issue a registration card, establish eligibility, authorize armed work, or guarantee employment. Verify IDI’s current DCJS approval, application steps, fees, documentation, and subsequent training requirements before relying on completion.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the 8-Hour Pre-Assignment Training Course?
It is the New York State introductory course for people seeking registration as an unarmed security guard.
Is this course required before applying for a New York security guard registration card?
New York DCJS states that an unarmed security guard applicant must complete the 8-hour pre-assignment course before applying to the Department of State for a registration card.
How long is the course?
The course contains eight hours of instruction. The page lists one-day and two-day schedule options.
What is the course code?
The course code shown on this page is 8HRSGPA.
What topics are covered?
Topics include the security guard role, legal powers and limitations, emergencies, communications and public relations, access control, ethics and conduct, and related responsibilities.
Is there an examination?
DCJS describes an examination as part of the mandated 8-hour pre-assignment course. Confirm the current completion and testing process with IDI before enrolling.
Will I receive proof of completion?
Students who satisfy the provider’s current attendance, identity, assessment, and payment requirements should receive the applicable training certificate. Confirm document details directly with IDI.
Does the course certificate itself make me a registered security guard?
No. Course completion is one step. The New York Department of State handles security guard registration applications and eligibility.
What training follows the 8-hour course?
DCJS states that unarmed guards generally complete a 16-hour on-the-job course within 90 days of initial employment and an 8-hour in-service course each year, subject to current rules and any applicable exemptions.
Does this course qualify me to work as an armed security guard?
No. Armed guard work has separate eligibility, firearms, training, licensing, and registration requirements.
What identification should I bring?
The page requires valid government-issued photo identification. Ask IDI what original documents and additional enrollment records are currently required.
How much does the course cost?
The payment section on this page lists a total cost of $500. Confirm current tuition, included items, refund terms, and payment options before registering.
Are morning, afternoon, evening, and weekend schedules available?
The schedule table lists multiple sections. Dates and availability can change, so confirm an open section directly with IDI.
Does completing this course guarantee employment?
No. Training completion does not guarantee registration approval, employment, wages, assignment, or employer acceptance.
How can I verify that a training school is currently approved?
Use the current New York DCJS approved security guard training school resources and confirm the provider and course before relying on the training for registration.
