Do I need a pistol permit first?

The pistol permit is a separate process handled by your county issuing officer or, in New York City, the NYPD License Division. Start it early, since it can take time, and take the 47-Hour course as part of qualifying for the armed registration.

Does finishing this make me an armed guard?

No. You receive a certificate of completion. New York State adds the armed endorsement to your registration after you apply and meet all requirements. The school trains you; the state registers you.

How do I keep the armed registration current?

Two Annual Firearms In-Service courses inside your two-year registration period, on top of your unarmed in-service requirement.

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47 hours

47-Hour Armed Guard Training Course

The full 47-Hour Armed Guard course required before you can apply for an armed guard registration in New York State.

Read the full New York guide →

Who needs this course

Guards working toward an armed registration. Required by NY DOS before you can apply for the armed registration alongside your pistol permit.

What is included

Classroom instruction in NY firearms law and safe handling
Range time with a certified firearms instructor
Course materials and assessments
Certificate of completion you can present to the issuing officer

Certificate you walk out with

Certificate of completion for the 47-Hour Armed Guard Training Course.

What is covered

New York and federal firearms law for armed guards
Safe handling, storage, and maintenance of a firearm
Use of force and deadly physical force under New York law
Judgment, de-escalation, and decision making on post
Live range qualification with a certified firearms instructor

What a session looks like

Forty seven hours of classroom and live range instruction with a certified firearms instructor, scheduled across multiple sessions. You finish with a certificate of completion. Offered by request, so tell us you are interested and we will let you know the next dates.

Questions about this course

Do I need a pistol permit first?: The pistol permit is a separate process handled by your county issuing officer or, in New York City, the NYPD License Division. Start it early, since it can take time, and take the 47-Hour course as part of qualifying for the armed registration.
Does finishing this make me an armed guard?: No. You receive a certificate of completion. New York State adds the armed endorsement to your registration after you apply and meet all requirements. The school trains you; the state registers you.
How do I keep the armed registration current?: Two Annual Firearms In-Service courses inside your two-year registration period, on top of your unarmed in-service requirement.