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100+ Free NY Security Guard Practice Questions

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2026 Statistics

Key Facts: NY Security Guard Exam

70%

Passing Score

DCJS

$36

Application Fee

NY DOS

2 years

Registration Validity

NY DOS

8 hrs

Pre-Assignment Training

DCJS

16 hrs

OJT (90 days)

DCJS

$40

Renewal Fee

NY DOS

New York requires an 8-hour DCJS-approved Pre-Assignment Training Course before DOS registration. The exam requires 70% to pass. Registration costs $36 with a 2-year validity. Guards must complete 16 hours of OJT within 90 working days and 8 hours of annual in-service training. Total initial costs range from $188 to $388 including fingerprinting.

About the NY Security Guard Exam

The New York security guard exam concludes the DCJS-approved 8-hour Pre-Assignment Training Course. It tests knowledge of a guard's legal powers and limitations, emergency procedures, communications, access control, and professional ethics required for DOS registration.

Questions

100 scored questions

Time Limit

Varies by school

Passing Score

70%

Exam Fee

$36 (New York DOS / DCJS)

NY Security Guard Exam Content Outline

20%

Legal Powers & Limitations

CPL 140.30 citizen's arrest, Penal Law Article 35 use of force, false imprisonment, and guard vs. peace officer authority

20%

Emergency Procedures

Fire response, medical emergencies, bomb threats, active threats, and evacuation procedures

20%

Communications & Public Relations

Active listening, de-escalation, report writing, radio communication, and public relations

20%

Access Control & Security Procedures

Visitor management, identification verification, patrol techniques, observation skills, and post orders

20%

Ethics, Conduct & Regulations

Professional ethics, confidentiality, DOS/DCJS requirements, training obligations, and license maintenance

How to Pass the NY Security Guard Exam

What You Need to Know

  • Passing score: 70%
  • Exam length: 100 questions
  • Time limit: Varies by school
  • Exam fee: $36

Keys to Passing

  • Complete 500+ practice questions
  • Score 80%+ consistently before scheduling
  • Focus on highest-weighted sections
  • Use our AI tutor for tough concepts

NY Security Guard Study Tips from Top Performers

1Master CPL 140.30 — know the two conditions for a citizen's arrest: crime in your presence OR reasonable cause to believe a felony was committed
2Study Penal Law Article 35 (justification for use of force) — understand when force and deadly force are legally justified
3Learn the DCJS training timeline: 8-hour pre-assignment → 16-hour OJT within 90 days → 8 hours annual in-service
4Know the difference between assault (PL 240) and battery — assault is the threat; battery is the physical contact
5Focus on de-escalation as the FIRST response to any confrontation — verbal techniques before physical intervention
6Understand false imprisonment (PL 135.05) and how improper detentions create criminal and civil liability

Frequently Asked Questions

What score do I need to pass the New York security guard exam?

You need a score of 70% (at least 7 out of every 10 questions correct) to pass the examination at the end of the 8-hour Pre-Assignment Training Course. The exam is administered by your DCJS-approved training school.

How much does a New York security guard registration cost?

The DOS application fee is $36 for initial registration. Additional costs include fingerprinting (~$102) and training tuition ($50-$250 depending on provider). Total initial costs range from $188 to $388. The 2-year renewal fee is $40.

What training is required for New York security guards?

New York requires an 8-hour Pre-Assignment Training Course before registration, 16 hours of On-the-Job Training (OJT) within 90 working days of starting employment, and 8 hours of annual in-service training each year.

What is the difference between DOS and DCJS for security guards?

The Department of State (DOS) handles the actual registration and licensing of security guards. The Division of Criminal Justice Services (DCJS) approves training schools and curricula. Both agencies work together to regulate the private security industry in New York.

Can New York security guards carry firearms?

Only with a valid New York State pistol permit and employer authorization. The standard 8-hour Pre-Assignment Training does not authorize firearms. Carrying a firearm without a pistol permit is a serious felony in New York.