Are There Exemptions From Security Guard Training Requirements in New York?



If you’re interested in security companies in NYC hiring, or considering a career as a security guard here, it’s important to understand how New York’s training rules work—and when some people might be exempt from them. The Department of State (DOS) and the Division of Criminal Justice Services (DCJS) lay out clear regulations, but there are specific exemptions you should know about.

What Are the Standard Training Requirements?

In New York State, security guards must usually complete:
  • An 8-hour Pre-Assignment Training course before starting work.
  • A 16-hour On-the-Job (OJT) training within 90 days of employment.
  • Annual training: for unarmed guards, 8 hours of in-service training each year; armed guards also need an additional 8 hours of firearms training annually.
  • For armed guards, a 47-hour Firearms Training course is required.
These are the minimum requirements under New York’s General Business Law Section 89-n.

Who is Exempt From These Training Requirements?

Despite the strict training rules, not everyone must do all of these courses. Here are the main exemptions:
  1. Active Police Officers Current police officers are fully exempt from security guard training and licensing when working additional security jobs (secondary employment).
  2. Retired Police Officers Retired officers may be exempt from some training—but conditions apply. For example, if they carry a firearm in the security role, they need to show recent equivalent police training If their original firearms training was more than a year ago, they have to complete an 8-hour annual firearms course If they retired more than 10 years ago, they must also complete the 8-hour annual in-service training regularly.
  3. Peace Officers Certain categories of peace officers may be exempt from parts of the training. If they’ve held peace officer status and can show their police or peace officer training meets DCJS standards, they can apply for a waiver or exemption. Those exempt categories include some sheriffs, court officers, and other designated peace officers. For firearms training specifically, peace officers may qualify for a waiver if they’ve already done similar training.
  4. Federal Law Enforcement Officers There is a law under consideration (or recently passed) that could exempt retired federal law enforcement officers from some training if they left their job less than 10 years ago.
  5. Higher Education Exemption (Proposed) A bill (2023-A8309) proposes that security guards with a bachelor’s degree (especially in criminal justice) be exempt from annual in-service training.
  6. It’s not yet fully law in all cases, but it shows how exemptions may grow for those with formal education.

How Do These Exemptions Work in Practice?

  • If someone qualifies, they don’t need to re-take the full training courses. Instead, they apply for a waiver through DCJS
  • Waiver applications require documentation—such as past training certificates or proof of having been a police/peace officer.
  • Even with an exemption, some annual or firearms-related trainings might still apply, depending on when their prior training was completed.

Why These Exemptions Matter for Security Companies and Applicants

  • For security companies in NYC hiring, knowing these exemptions can help when evaluating very experienced candidates. Someone coming from a law-enforcement background might need less initial training, which saves time and cost.
  • For applicants, it can mean a faster route to working as a security guard or armed guard. If you’ve already done police training, you can use that to your advantage.

Conclusion

Yes, there are exemptions from New York’s security guard training requirements—but they are specific and carefully regulated. Active police officers, certain peace officers, and former law-enforcement personnel who can prove their training meets DCJS standards are the main groups who may skip or waive some mandatory training. Prospective security guards should check the rules closely and apply for a waiver if they qualify, because it can make a big difference.
If you are considering applying to security companies in NYC hiring, check whether your background gives you a training waiver. And if you want to work with a trusted, professional security provider, you can learn more about training, guard deployment, and full services by contacting Knight Security, who provides comprehensive guard services across New York.

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