How to Pass the New York 8 Hour Pre-Assignment Training Course for Security Guard Exam: Requirements & Preparation

Posted by

james

June 5, 2025

On June 20, 2024

You’ve decided to take the first step toward becoming a licensed security guard in New York State. That means completing the mandatory 8-Hour Pre-Assignment Training Course approved by the New York State Division of Criminal Justice Services (DCJS). We understand that exams can feel nerve-wracking, but with focused preparation and the right mindset, you’ll leave this course not just ready to pass the test, but ready to excel on the job.

Below, we’ll walk through exactly what you need to know: why the 8-hour class exists, what the exam covers, how to study efficiently, and why choosing SSC Security Guard Training Center’s 8-Hour Pre-Assignment Course will help you feel confident every step of the way.

1. Why the 8-Hour Course Is Required in New York

New York State law mandates that all prospective security guards complete this 8-hour classroom (or interactive online) training before applying for their Security Guard Registration Card. Here’s what you’ll gain:

Legal Foundations: You’ll learn exactly what powers you have—and don’t have—under New York criminal and civil statutes.
Emergency Response Protocols: From medical emergencies to fire evacuations, you’ll study step-by-step procedures that keep you and others safe.
Communication & De-Escalation: Security work isn’t just about observing—it’s also about effectively talking through conflicts, handling difficult individuals, and representing your employer’s image with confidence.
Access Control & Professional Conduct: You’ll master the fundamentals of controlling facility access, writing clear incident reports, and maintaining professional ethics at all times.

Every lesson directly reflects the real demands you’ll face on the job in New York. Completing these 8 hours ensures you know how to act—and how to keep both yourself and the public safe.

2. What to Expect on the Exam (and Why It’s Fair)

At the end of your second session (whether you’re in-person or online), you’ll take a multiple-choice exam covering the material from all eight hours. The DCJS requires a passing score of 70% (so you need to answer at least seven out of every ten questions correctly).

No Trick Questions
- DCJS designs the exam to confirm you’ve absorbed the key facts, not to catch you off-guard.
- Every question corresponds directly to a topic you will have covered—legal duties, emergency protocols, communication strategies, etc.
How to Know You’re Ready
- If you attend each session, take clear notes—especially on New York statutes—and ask questions whenever something isn’t crystal-clear, you’ll enter the exam calm and prepared.
- Our instructors at SSC Security Guard Training Center have guided thousands of New Yorkers through this exact exam. We’ll share realistic sample questions, hold brief review sessions, and make sure every concept is explained in plain English.

3. Key Topics to Master (Without Feeling Overwhelmed)

Below are the most important areas—focus on these to build confidence. Spend extra time reviewing any section where you feel unsure.

Legal Powers & Limitations
- You’ll learn when it’s appropriate to use “reasonable force,” what constitutes a lawful detention, and how to document any use of force under New York law.
- Tip: Rewrite legal definitions in your own words. For example, “reasonable force” means the minimum amount of force necessary to keep a situation from escalating.
Emergency Situations
- From a fire alarm in a Midtown high-rise to a medical crisis in a busy store, you need to follow a clear, step-by-step process:
  1. Secure the scene
  2. Call 911 or on-site medical staff
  3. Provide accurate location details
  4. Assist first responders and control crowds
- Tip: Visualize yourself in each scenario. Imagine announcing, “Attention, please. Fire alarm activated. Please exit calmly by the nearest stairwell.” That mental rehearsal will stick with you.
Communication & Conflict Resolution
- You’ll study methods for de-escalating angry or confused individuals—whether it’s a tenant refusing to leave a building after hours or a delivery driver disputing access credentials.
- Tip: Practice a few key phrases out loud:
  - “I understand your frustration. Let me help you find a solution.”
  - “I’m sorry for the inconvenience; here’s what I need from you right now.”
Access Control & Professional Conduct
- You’ll cover how to check IDs, maintain a visitor log, and report any suspicious activity without jumping to conclusions.
- Tip: Think of it like following a recipe—if you check credentials exactly as taught, keep calm, and log every detail clearly, you’ll avoid mistakes on exam day.

4. How to Study Efficiently (Even with a Busy NYC Schedule)

Divide & Conquer
- Split the content into two or three manageable chunks —no more than 20–30 minutes each day—so you’re not cramming at the last minute.
- Example: Day 1: Legal Powers; Day 2: Emergency Protocols; Day 3: Communication Strategies; Day 4: Access Control & Recap.
Use SSC’s Sample Questions
- As soon as you enroll, you’ll receive a short practice quiz keyed to DCJS standards. Take that quiz once without looking at notes, then use your results to identify exactly which sections need a second glance.
Create Simple Flashcards
- A few index cards or digital flashcards (e.g., on your phone) can keep critical facts front-and-center—like “Reasonable Force = minimum necessary to control a situation” or “Fire Alarm: Call 911 → Evacuate → Assist.”
Attend Our Live Review Session
- SSC offers a free, 45-minute live review (in person or via Zoom) the evening before your exam. We’ll highlight the areas that new trainees often find tricky and show you how each exam question maps back to course material.
Ask Questions—Seriously
- If a term feels confusing or a scenario seems unrealistic, stop and ask. Our instructors expect questions. When you’re in doubt, speak up. That’s the fastest way to clear confusion and avoid guessing on test day.

5. What If You Don’t Pass on Your First Try? (Spoiler: You’ll Still Succeed)

It’s rare, but if you do fall short of 70%, here’s our straightforward plan to get you across the finish line:

Free Retake
- At SSC, your initial exam fee includes one free retake—usually available later that same day or within the week. No surprise charges, no extra course fees.
Targeted Second Session
- We’ll give you a quick, one-hour “pointer session” focusing exactly on the questions you missed. Maybe you struggled with a legal definition or mixed up two emergency steps. We’ll clarify each point until it’s clear.
Reschedule Your Retake
- Pick the earliest available slot that fits your calendar (even if that’s next morning). Many students retake before lunchtime and pass that same afternoon.
Walk Out With Confidence
- After your retake, you’ll receive your certificate of completion, which is exactly what you need to apply for your New York Security Guard Registration Card through the NYS Department of State.

Remember: Not passing right away isn’t a reflection of your ability to be an outstanding security professional. It simply means we’ll spend a little extra time on whatever concept felt uncertain. We’re here to support you until you’re ready.

6. Refund Policy & Additional Support

Refunds for Not Passing?
- SSC’s policy: We focus on providing you with every resource to pass—tools, review sessions, one-on-one help—not on issuing refunds. In practice, we do not issue tuition refunds for failing the exam, but we do ensure your free retake and targeted support. This approach has helped hundreds of New Yorkers feel confident and avoid surprise expenses.
Additional Tutoring
- If you feel you need more personalized attention, our instructors are available for a short, paid tutoring session (typically under $50) to cover any sticking point. We’ve seen that targeted coaching often lifts your score from the high-60s into a comfortable passing range.

7. Online vs. In-Person: Which Format Works Best for You?

Online (Interactive & Self-Paced)

Flexibility: Complete the content when you have the time—late at night after your shift, early mornings, or weekends—without leaving home.
Live Instructor Support: Although it’s online, we offer live chat during class hours. If something isn’t clear, you can send a question and get a response within minutes.
Automatic Progress Tracking: The system saves exactly where you left off—no need to worry about losing your place. Simply log back in and resume.

In-Person (Classroom Setting)

Real-Time Interaction: Ask questions face-to-face, observe body language, and engage in live role-play scenarios.
Structured Schedule: If you prefer a set Monday/Tuesday morning routine, joining a Midtown Manhattan or Queens location can help you stay disciplined.
Peer Learning: Sometimes hearing a classmate describe a situation differently is the key to making a concept click.

Whichever format you choose, you’ll receive the same DCJS-approved curriculum and a clear roadmap to passing the exam on your first (or second) attempt.

8. Step-by-Step Roadmap to Becoming a Licensed Security Guard in New York

Enroll in SSC’s 8-Hour Pre-Assignment Training
- Secure your spot: Enroll Now
- Pay attention to our schedule; choose the date and format that fit your life.
Attend All Sessions & Complete the Course
- Day 1 (In-Person): 9:00 AM – 2:00 PM
- Day 2 (In-Person): 9:00 AM – 1:00 PM + Exam
- OR follow the equivalent live online schedule posted on our site.
Pass the 8-Hour Exam (70% or Higher)
- Use SSC’s practice questions, flashcards, and live review.
- If you don’t pass on your first try, attend the free review session and retake the exam.
Receive Your Certificate of Completion
- SSC will provide a DCJS-approved certificate immediately after you pass.
Complete the 16-Hour On-The-Job Course
- Once you have your 8-hour certificate, sign up for the 16-hour practical, hands-on portion. (Dates, times, and locations are listed on our site.)
- After passing that exam, you’ll have both certificates needed to move on.
Apply for Your New York Security Guard Registration Card
- With both certificates in hand, fill out the application on the New York Department of State website or by mail.
- Pay the state processing fee and submit your fingerprints.
- The DOS site confirms you must submit:
  - A copy of your 8-Hour Pre-Assignment Training certificate
  - Appropriate application forms (Form DOS-1596 or DOS-1648)
  - Fingerprint results (rolled or electronic)
  - A non-refundable $36 application fee (check or money order payable to NYS Department of State)
Begin Your Career
- Once your Registration Card arrives (typically within 4–6 weeks), you’re fully licensed and ready to work as a security guard anywhere in New York State.

9. Building Confidence: Remember These Facts

DCJS Approval Means Consistency
- Every NY security training school follows the same DCJS syllabus. By choosing SSC, you’re getting an approved curriculum that meets New York State’s exacting standards.
Instructors with Real-World Experience
- All SSC trainers have worked as licensed, armed or unarmed security professionals in New York. That means they know exactly how NY laws apply on-the-job. They’ll share anecdotes—like how to handle a basement fire alarm in a Lower East Side building—so you’re not just memorizing textbook scenarios.
Low-Pressure Environment
- Our goal is to see you succeed. We never embarrass or rush you. You’re allowed to ask questions at any point—seriously, right in the middle of class. That’s how we ensure you leave confident, not stressed.
Free Resources & Ongoing Support
- After you finish the 8-hour course, SSC keeps you on our email list with short “tip emails” (e.g., “3 Key Phrases to Use When De-Escalating a Workplace Dispute”) and reminders about upcoming 16-hour sessions. You’re never on your own.

10. Final Encouragement

You’re not just taking an exam. You’re building a career that helps protect people, property, and communities across New York. By completing this 8-hour course, you demonstrate responsibility, attention to detail, and a commitment to public safety.

You’ve got what it takes—and SSC Security Guard Training Center is here to guide you every step of the way. Enroll now, study smart, and walk into that exam room confident that you know the material and are ready to succeed.

Ready to get started?
➔ Enroll Today: 8-Hour Pre-Assignment Training Course

When you choose SSC, you’re choosing a proven path to passing your New York security guard exam on the first try. We look forward to helping you earn your license and begin a rewarding career in security.

Resources & Government Links

New York State Division of Criminal Justice Services (DCJS): Official guidelines on security guard training and licensing
New York State Department of State: Apply for your Security Guard Registration Card once you have both certificates

Your safety and success matter. Let’s make sure you step into this course prepared, calm, and ready to take charge.

Sources

New York State Division of Criminal Justice Services – Security Guard Training FAQ
Sec-Curity Safety Center New York
DCJS and DOS both require that:
- Applicants be at least 18 years old.
- Applicants must have a high school diploma or GED (or can verify equivalent).

This comprehensive article provides valuable insights and practical advice for prospective security guards in New York, ensuring they are well-prepared and confident in their ability to pass the exam and fulfill their duties effectively.