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8-Hour Annual Firearms

8-Hour Annual Firearms

Maintain Your Certification

The 8-Hour Annual Firearms Training Course is a mandatory requirement for all armed security professionals in New York State who wish to maintain their firearms certification. This annual refresher ensures that you remain fully compliant with NYS Division of Criminal Justice Services (DCJS) standards while keeping your skills sharp and your knowledge up to date.

 

Our program blends classroom instruction with hands-on range practice, giving you the opportunity to review safety protocols, legal responsibilities, and marksmanship fundamentals.

Armed security officer with holstered firearm standing near patrol vehicle

Overview

This one-day course is designed for currently certified armed security guards and covers essential topics such as:

  • Firearms safety and handling — reinforcing critical safety measures.

  • Legal updates — ensuring you are aware of any changes in state laws or regulations.

  • Marksmanship skills — live-fire drills to maintain accuracy and control.

  • Use of force review — understanding situational judgment and legal constraints.

 

By the end of the training, participants will have demonstrated both the technical skills and the legal awareness required to continue carrying a firearm in the course of their duties.

Security training participant practicing handgun fundamentals at indoor firearms range

What To Expect

  • Duration: 8 hours (single day)
  • Format: Classroom instruction + live-fire qualification
  • Location: Provided upon registration
  • Required Materials: Valid NYS Security Guard registration, government-issued photo ID, and current firearm license.

Who Should Attend

This course is for armed security professionals in New York State whose annual training requirement is due.


It is not intended for first-time firearm certification—those individuals should enroll in the 47-Hour Firearms Training Course.

Ready to Get Started?

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.

Overview

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.

What You'll Learn

  • 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.

State Requirement

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.

Schedule & Location

All training is conducted in person at our Rochester facility. Class schedules vary.

Who Should Take This Course?

These courses are for currently registered armed security guards in New York State, or those seeking to add firearms certification to their existing license.