47 Hour Firearms Training Course for Armed Security Guards

This is a 47 hour course required by New York State as the first step in obtaining a special armed guard registration card from the New York State Department of State. To attend the course students must possess a valid pistol license pursuant to NY Penal Law Section 400.00 and a valid NYS security guard registration card. The course consists of 7 hours of NYS Penal Law Article 35 (Use of Force/Deadly Physical Force) and 40 hours of range instruction and qualification. To successfully complete the course the student must pass a written examination on Article 35 and qualify with a handgun. 

Required Documentation

Students must bring the following to participate in this course:

• Social Security card AND driver’s license AND

One of the following:

• Valid NYS pistol permit
• LEOSA credentials
• Contingent letter of need from the police agency processing your pistol permit

Required Equipment

Students must report with duty‑appropriate gear, including:

• Pen and notepad
• Baseball style hat
• Proper and comfortable footwear
• Proper and comfortable clothing
• Deep dark / blacked out sunglasses
• Duty type firearm
• Duty‑style hip holster (outside of the waistband)
• Duty belt with belt keepers
• Duty‑type flashlight with holder
• A total of 3 magazines minimum. 
• Duty style magazine holders that attach to your duty belt
• Eye protection and ear protection (product recommendation)
• Recommend 1000 rounds of ammunition (minimum 750 required -- do not carry around 750 rounds to every class session or you will break your back. The instructor will tell you at class the day before how much ammo to bring to the range for the next day)
• Water & snacks (especially if you have sugar issues)

Special Considerations

• If you are an active police officer or retired of no more than 10 years, you may take this course or contact DCJS for a training waiver or exemption.
• "Duty type firearm" is defined as a semi-automatic pistols, 9mm or larger caliber with a magazine capacity of at least seven rounds, or double action revolvers, .38 special or larger caliber with a capacity of at least five rounds.
• You must complete this course with the firearm you intend to carry for work. Confirm any employer‑specific requirements before attending.
• You may qualify with multiple firearms; additional qualification fees apply per firearm.
• Duty‑type firearms only. No snub‑nose revolvers, subcompacts, dart guns, blow guns, airsoft, paint guns, simunitions, laser or “Dirty Harry”‑style guns.
• No thigh rigs. Low‑ride holsters are acceptable.
• If you own a ballistic vest, bring it on range days.
• Attendance is required for all training days. No exceptions.
• Unsafe firearm handling or failure to follow instructions will result in immediate dismissal from the course.
• You may take the rifle & shotgun qualification at an additional fee.