The 18‑Hour NYS Concealed Carry Permit Course is a state‑mandated requirement for anyone applying for a New York State concealed carry handgun permit. This program combines 16 hours of in‑person classroom instruction with 2 hours of live‑fire training, meeting the minimum standards set by NYS law.
This comprehensive course includes:
16 hours of live, instructor-led classroom training covering:
Legal requirements for concealed carry, including NYS and federal laws
Firearm safety, handling fundamentals, storage, and maintenance
Situational awareness and conflict de‑escalation strategies
Use‑of‑force considerations and safe posture
2 hours of live‑fire qualification at the range, including:
Safe loading/unloading, holster draw, target acquisition, and proper re‑holstering
Demonstrating marksmanship under instructor supervision
To enroll in either course, students must possess:
A valid NYS pistol license (per Penal Law §400.00), and
A valid NYS security guard registration card.
Register today for one of Signal’s firearms certification courses — required by New York State for individuals pursuing or maintaining an armed guard registration. Choose the course that matches your certification status, and we’ll follow up to confirm next steps.
Signal offers two firearms training programs approved by the New York State Division of Criminal Justice Services:
47-Hour Firearms Training Course — For individuals obtaining an armed guard registration for the first time.
8-Hour Annual Firearms Training Course — For currently certified armed guards who must recertify each year.
Each course is led by certified instructors and includes NYS Penal Law training and range qualification.
47-Hour Firearms Training Course:
7 hours of NYS Penal Law Article 35 (Use of Force), plus 40 hours of live range instruction and qualification.
8-Hour Annual Firearms Training Course:
3 hours of NYS Penal Law Article 35 and 5 hours of live range instruction and qualification.
A written exam and handgun qualification are required for successful course completion.
To enroll in either course, students must possess:
A valid NYS pistol license (per Penal Law §400.00), and
A valid NYS security guard registration card.
All training is conducted in person at our Rochester facility. Class schedules vary.
These courses are for currently registered armed security guards in New York State, or those seeking to add firearms certification to their existing license.
