NYS 8 Hour Pre-Assignment Unarmed Security Guard Training
š What It Is
An 8āhour refresher training course mandated by the New York State Department of State (DOS) under General Business Law ArticleāÆ7āA, SectionāÆ89ān. It must be completed within 12 calendar months after finishing the 16āHour OnātheāJob Training (OJT) and every year thereafter to maintain a valid security guard registration (either armed or unarmed) (dos.ny.gov).
š ļø Purpose & Content
Designed to reinforce and update essential knowledge and skills, the course covers:
- The role and responsibilities of a security guard
- Legal powers and limitations (e.g., arrest authority, use of force)
- Emergency response (medical, fire, evacuation)
- Communication & public relations skills
- Access control techniques
- Ethics and professional conduct
Topics often mirror those in the initial training but include new developments, legal updates, and industry best practices.
šÆ Who Needs It
- All licensed security guards (unarmed or armed) operating in New York State.
- Must be completed within the first year after OJT, and then again each subsequent year while holding a registration. Given registrations are valid for two years, guards must complete two of these annual courses before renewal (dos.ny.gov).
ā Format & Certification
- Offered by NY State DCJSāapproved training providers, either in-person or online/Zoom, depending on provider.
- Requires 100% attendance and typically ends with a multipleāchoice exam (usually 70%+ passing score).
- Upon passing, participants receive a certificate of completion, required for license renewal.
š Why It Matters
- Keeps guards current with law changes, best practices, and evolving security challenges.
- Ensures compliance with state licensing requirements, avoiding lapsed or invalid registration.
- Promotes ongoing professional development and higher standards in the field.