Course Code: 47HRFASG
The 47-Hour Firearms Training Course for Armed Security Guards is required by the New York State Division of Criminal Justice Services (DCJS) as the first step toward obtaining a Special Armed Guard Registration Card from the New York State Department of State. This comprehensive course provides students with the legal knowledge, firearm-handling skills, and judgment necessary to safely and lawfully carry a firearm while performing armed security duties.
To enroll, students must possess a valid New York City or New York State pistol license and a valid NYS security guard registration card. The course includes 7 hours of classroom instruction on NYS Penal Law Article 35 (Use of Force/Deadly Physical Force) and 40 hours of range instruction and qualification. To successfully complete the course, participants must pass a written examination and demonstrate proficiency in firearms handling and accuracy during live-fire qualification.
This course covers the following topics:
• Justification and limits of physical and deadly physical force
• Proper firearm handling and trigger discipline
• Defense of premises and persons under NYS Penal Law
• Use of verbal commands for de-escalation
• Use of force to prevent or terminate larceny or criminal mischief
• Pistol shooting positions and firing techniques
• Proper judgment in drawing and discharging a weapon
• Inspection, cleaning, and care of soft body armor
• Range qualification procedures and marksmanship fundamentals
• Legal, ethical, and professional responsibilities of armed guards
Range & Qualification:
Students must complete live-fire training with duty-type handguns. Successful qualification requires a minimum score of 70% (175 out of 250 points) across at least two qualifying rounds. The qualification course evaluates marksmanship, firearm safety, and control under realistic conditions.
Course Requirements:
• Valid 8-Hour Pre-Assignment and 16-Hour On-the-Job Training Certificates of Completion
• Valid NYC or NYS Pistol License
• Valid NYS Security Guard Registration Card
• Must have a clean police record (no felony convictions)
Upon successful completion, students will be eligible to apply for their Special Armed Guard Registration Card through the New York State Department of State, Division of Licensing Services.
Note: Armed security-guard registration is issued by the New York State Department of State upon submission of required documentation.
Date | Section : Morning 1 Week | Date | Section : Afternoon 3 Weeks | Date | Section : Evening 3 Weeks | Date | Section : Weekend 7 Weeks |
| March 10 | Monday – Sunday 9:00 am - 4:45 pm | Mon to Thur 2 pm– 6:15 pm | Mon to Thur 5 pm–9 pm | April 26 | Saturday 9:00 am 5:00 pm | ||
| May 27 | Monday – Sunday 9:00 am - 4:45 pm | Mon to Thur 2 pm– 6:15 pm | Mon to Thur 5 pm–9 pm | May 31 | Saturday 9:00 am 5:00 pm | ||
| June 30 | Monday – Sunday 9:00 am - 4:45 pm | Mon to Thur 2 pm– 6:15 pm | Mon to Thur 5 pm–9 pm | June 28 | Saturday 9:00 am 5:00 pm | ||
| July 28 | Monday – Sunday 9:00 am - 4:45 pm | Mon to Thur 2 pm– 6:15 pm | Mon to Thur 5 pm–9 pm | July 26 | Saturday 9:00 am 5:00 pm | ||
| August 25 | Monday – Sunday 9:00 am - 4:45 pm | Mon to Thur 2 pm– 6:15 pm | Mon to Thur 5 pm–9 pm | August 30 | Saturday 9:00 am 5:00 pm | ||
| September 29 | Monday – Sunday 9:00 am - 4:45 pm | Mon to Thur 2 pm– 6:15 pm | Mon to Thur 5 pm–9 pm | September 27 | Saturday 9:00 am 5:00 pm | ||
| October 27 | Monday – Sunday 9:00 am - 4:45 pm | Mon to Thur 2 pm– 6:15 pm | Mon to Thur 5 pm–9 pm | October 25 | Saturday 9:00 am 5:00 pm | ||
| November 24 | Monday – Sunday 9:00 am - 4:45 pm | Mon to Thur 2 pm– 6:15 pm | Mon to Thur 5 pm–9 pm | November 29 | Saturday 9:00 am 5:00 pm | ||
| December 29 | Monday – Sunday 9:00 am - 4:45 pm | Mon to Thur 2 pm– 6:15 pm | Mon to Thur 5 pm–9 pm | December 27 | Saturday 9:00 am 5:00 pm |
47-Hour Armed Security Guard Firearms Course Overview
Develop the legal knowledge, safety discipline, judgment, professional responsibility, supervised range experience, and demonstrated qualification applicable to eligible New York security guards pursuing armed registration.
What the Course Covers
Article 35 and Legal Responsibilities
Study New York use-of-force and deadly-physical-force concepts, lawful limitations, decision-making, accountability, reporting, restraint, and the need to comply with current law and employer policy.
Firearms Safety and Handling
Reinforce safe handling, secure storage and transport awareness, equipment condition, authorized equipment, protective equipment, range commands, and immediate reporting of unsafe conditions.
Supervised Range Training and Qualification
Complete range instruction under certified supervision, following controlled procedures, approved equipment requirements, qualification standards, documentation, and corrective instruction.
Professional Conduct and Public Safety
Address situational awareness, communication, de-escalation, judgment, post-incident responsibilities, integrity, documentation, and the heightened obligations associated with armed security work.
Eligibility and Armed-Guard Registration
The page requires a valid New York pistol license and security guard registration. Course completion may support an armed-registration upgrade application, but DOS controls eligibility and approval. Verify all current training, licensing, fingerprinting, documentation, fee, and employer requirements.
Completion Does Not Issue a License or Armed Registration
A training certificate does not itself authorize firearm possession or carrying, issue or renew a pistol license, upgrade a guard registration, or guarantee employment. Confirm IDI’s current DCJS approval and all agency requirements before enrolling.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the 47-Hour Firearms Training Course?
It is initial firearms training for eligible New York security guards seeking an armed-guard registration upgrade, combining legal instruction, safety, supervised range training, and qualification.
How is the 47-hour course structured?
The page describes 7 hours of classroom instruction addressing New York Penal Law Article 35 and 40 hours of supervised range instruction and qualification.
Who may enroll?
The page requires a valid New York City or New York State pistol license and a valid New York security guard registration. Confirm all current eligibility requirements with IDI and the responsible agencies.
What is the course code?
The course code shown on this page is 47HRFASG.
What topics are covered?
Topics include Article 35, legal responsibility, decision-making, firearms safety and handling, range procedures, qualification, documentation, professional conduct, and public-safety responsibilities.
Are written and range assessments required?
The page states that students must pass a written examination and demonstrate proficiency during live-fire qualification. Confirm the currently approved assessment and retest standards with IDI.
Does completing the course automatically issue an armed guard card?
No. Completion is one step. DOS controls applications and armed-registration upgrades, and applicants must satisfy all current licensing, documentation, fingerprinting, eligibility, and fee requirements.
Does the course replace a New York pistol license?
No. The course does not issue, replace, or renew a pistol license and does not independently authorize firearm possession or carrying.
What training is required after the 47-hour course?
New York identifies recurring annual firearms training for armed guards, along with applicable annual in-service training. Verify timing and reporting requirements for your registration.
How much does the course cost?
The payment accordion currently displays a total cost of $3,500. Confirm tuition, range, equipment, ammunition, included materials, payment terms, and refund policies directly with IDI.
What schedules are shown?
The page displays morning, multiweek, evening, and weekend formats. Contact IDI for current dates, range scheduling, prerequisites, and seat availability.
Do I need to bring identification and licensing documents?
Yes. Confirm which original government identification, security guard registration, pistol license, training records, and other documents IDI requires before attending.
Does completion guarantee an armed security job?
No. Completion does not guarantee licensing, registration approval, employment, wages, an armed assignment, employer authorization, or authorization to carry.
Is this course appropriate for someone seeking only unarmed guard registration?
This is specialized armed-guard firearms training. Unarmed applicants follow a different initial and annual training pathway.
How can I verify the provider and requirements?
Use current DCJS approved-school resources and New York DOS security guard training guidance, and verify your individual pistol-license and registration status before enrollment.
