Getting Your Security License in New York City

Recently, I obtained my security guard license. Since no other jobs or professions were biting the bait, I decided that this was the next best thing. At least it's not some weird or shitty odd job. And it's one of those jobs that's always hiring because businesses always need some kind of protection. A security blanket, if you will.

But like everything in this life, obtaining this license isn't free and it isn't cheap. It is nearly $400 with trainings and fingerprints included. In this economy, that is just not feasible. SO your best bet is to apply for a voucher or ITG (Individual Training Grant) through a NYC program called Workforce1.

There four locations based in the boroughs of the Bronx, Manhattan, Brooklyn, and Queens. So you'll get to choose which center you work with. Here is the site in which you can find the location closest to you: http://www.unitedsecuretraining.com/training/free-training/. Don't bother calling the number though because more than likely, no one will answer. It's better to just get the ball rolling on this process and head over to the establishment.

First things first, make sure you have your ID, high school diploma or GED, and your most recent resume. And you have to be 18 years old or older. Have your social security number on you too. After signing in, your career advisor will then call you and ask you a series of questions. Things like are you employed, how much you may be making, how many people in your household, etc. Just to see if you're eligible for the voucher you'll eventually be awarded with. They'll build your folder and file right there.

After that, you'll have to attend three classes/courses before they even entertain the idea of you receiving this voucher. One course focused on your resume, one on acing your interview, and the final class on your appearance for said interview and how you should carry yourself going forward. Once that's said and done, they'll have you create a Workforce1 account and then take a test to see if you qualify for the ITG. If you pass (trust me, it's not hard), then you will choose three schools within the five boroughs that you qualify for.

Just FYI, the voucher only rewards you with $500. Now, there are certain requirements to obtain your security license. An 8 hour security guard training course, a 16 hour security guard course, and the optional fireguard safety course which will lead to your F01 certification. You'll need to find schools that offer those three courses at the price of $500.

After you've chosen your three schools, you work with your career advisor again. They'll review your file, make sure you've attended every Workforce1 course, and then send everything to their supervisor. From there, the supervisor will decide whether you get approved for the voucher or not. But first you'll need to choose one school. They initially make you pick three just so that you have options.

You'll need to reach out to one of these schools to obtain a proposal letter from them. This proposal letter must contain a couple of things. The proposal letter has to have three separate start and finish dates, and the last date should be 4-5 weeks from the first date.

Here's an example of what it could look like:

You will bring this in to your advisor, and depending on whether you get approved or not, your advisor will tell you to come in so that they can print out the voucher, and sign it. You should get the approval via email. Then you're on your way! Well kinda. You still have to go through with the security training. But that's easy. As easy as just bringing your signed voucher to the school to get the show on the road.

I'm going to assume every school teaches differently, as they will have different instructors but the instructor at this location was very straight, and to the point. Basically what they teach you are the expectations and responsibilities of security, which will vary depending the type of position you choose or are assigned. Rule number one though: DO NOT TOUCH ANYONE. Unless you have to pat someone down, you don't have to tackle anyone or anything. The thing that was constantly reiterated is that security are not police. So don't burden yourself too much. They might give you or quiz or two, so just pay attention to specific details; such as what you're reaction should be when someone brings in a fake ID.

After two grueling days of eight hour classes (8 a.m. - 5 p.m.), you're finished! You'll get your certificates and your checks for fingerprinting, the application for the license, and the application for the F01. From there, you just travel to the locations that the school hand to you and it's just a waiting game after that.

It's almost a month long process and it can get tedious, but you got this! Don't get discouraged like I almost did. Power through it and hopefully you get reward with little to no risk.