New York Armed Guard
The 47-Hour Armed Guard Course in New York.
If you want to work an armed post in New York, the 47-Hour Armed Guard Training Course is the training the state requires before you apply for an armed registration. Here is what it is, who needs it, and how the whole armed path fits together.
What the 47-Hour course is
The 47-Hour Armed Guard Training Course combines classroom instruction in New York firearms law, safe handling, and use of force with live range qualification under a certified firearms instructor. You finish with a certificate of completion that goes to New York State with your armed application.
Who needs it
Any guard who wants to carry a firearm on post in New York. You build on top of your unarmed registration, so most people take the 8-Hour Pre-Assignment and get registered as an unarmed guard first, then add the armed training.
What is covered
- New York and federal firearms law for armed guards
- Safe handling, storage, and maintenance
- Use of force and deadly physical force under New York law
- Judgment and decision making under pressure
- Live range qualification with a certified instructor
The armed path, in order
- Get your unarmed Security Guard Registration first.
- Apply for a pistol permit through your county or the NYPD.
- Complete the 47-Hour Armed Guard Training Course.
- Apply to add the armed endorsement to your registration with NY DOS.
- Keep it current with two Annual Firearms In-Service courses each registration period.
For the full picture of becoming a guard in New York, read our step-by-step guide.
Common questions
- Do I need the 47-Hour course to carry on the job?
- Yes. New York requires the 47-Hour Armed Guard Training Course before you can apply for an armed Security Guard Registration. You also need an unarmed registration and a pistol permit first.
- Does the school give me my armed license?
- No. The school provides the training and a certificate of completion. New York State (the Department of State) issues the armed registration after you apply and meet every requirement.
- How do I get a pistol permit?
- The pistol permit is separate from your guard registration. Outside New York City, your county issuing officer handles it; in New York City it is the NYPD License Division. Start early, since it can take months.
- How do I keep the armed registration current?
- Two Annual Firearms In-Service courses inside your two-year registration period, on top of the unarmed 8-Hour Annual In-Service requirement.
Going armed
Tell us you are interested.
The 47-Hour course runs by request. Leave your details and we will let you know the next available dates.