Article 35 and Legal Responsibilities
Review New York use-of-force and deadly-physical-force concepts, lawful limitations, judgment, accountability, duty considerations, reporting, and the need to follow current law and policy.
8 Hour Annual Firearms Training Course for Security Guard
Course Code: 8HRSAF
The 8 Hour Annual Firearms Training Course for Security Guard is a mandatory annual refresher for armed security guards in New York State. Guards routinely make critical decisions regarding the use of force—often in challenging circumstances—and this course strengthens judgment, legal knowledge, and weapons proficiency to meet state standards.
Eligibility requires a valid NYS pistol license (NY Penal Law §400.00) and a current NYS security guard registration. The program includes classroom instruction on NYS Penal Law Article 35 (Use of Force/Deadly Physical Force) and range-based handgun training and qualification. To successfully complete the course, students must pass the written Article 35 examination and qualify on the live-fire course.
This course covers the following topics:
- NYS Penal Law Article 35: use of force & deadly physical force
- Legal responsibilities, decision-making, and duty considerations
- Firearms safety, handling, and weapon readiness
- Range protocols, marksmanship fundamentals, and proficiency checks
- Qualification with duty-type handgun using service/duty ammunition
- Documentation, reporting, and compliance expectations
- Professional conduct and public safety considerations
- Annual refresher/renewal timelines and licensing requirements
Examinations & Qualification:
• Written Examination (Use of Force/Deadly Physical Force): 10 questions based on Article 35; minimum passing score: 90%.
• Range Qualification: 50-round course of fire with a duty-type semi-automatic pistol or revolver; minimum passing score: 70% (at least 35 rounds within the designated target area).
Students currently employed as armed security guards must train and qualify with the handgun(s) they are authorized to carry, using service/duty ammunition. If a student fails the first attempt, one retest is permitted. A second failure requires retaking the entire course, per DCJS regulations.
Course Requirements (bring to class):
• Certificate of Completion for the 47-Hour Firearms Training Course for Armed Guards
• Valid NYS pistol license (copy)
• Valid NYS security guard registration; clean police record (no felony)
This course must be completed within 12 calendar months after completing the 47-Hour Firearms course, and annually thereafter to maintain armed guard status.
| Date | Morning 1 Day | Date | Afternoon 2 Days | Date | Evening 2 Days | Date | Weekend 1 Day |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Monday - Friday 9:00 am - 6:00 pm | Tues and Wed 2:00 pm-6:15 pm | Wed and Thu 6:00 pm -10:15 pm | Saturday 9:00 AM-6:00 PM | ||||
| Monday - Friday 9:00 am - 6:00 pm | Tues and Wed 2:00 pm-6:15 pm | Wed and Thu 6:00 pm -10:15 pm | Saturday 9:00 AM-6:00 PM | ||||
| Monday - Friday 9:00 am - 6:00 pm | Tues and Wed 2:00 pm-6:15 pm | Wed and Thu 6:00 pm -10:15 pm | Saturday 9:00 AM-6:00 PM | ||||
| Monday - Friday 9:00 am - 6:00 pm | Tues and Wed 2:00 pm-6:15 pm | Wed and Thu 6:00 pm -10:15 pm | Saturday 9:00 AM-6:00 PM | ||||
| Monday - Friday 9:00 am - 6:00 pm | Tues and Wed 2:00 pm-6:15 pm | Wed and Thu 6:00 pm -10:15 pm | Saturday 9:00 AM-6:00 PM | ||||
| Monday - Friday 9:00 am - 6:00 pm | Tues and Wed 2:00 pm-6:15 pm | Wed and Thu 6:00 pm -10:15 pm | Saturday 9:00 AM-6:00 PM | ||||
| Monday - Friday 9:00 am - 6:00 pm | Tues and Wed 2:00 pm-6:15 pm | Wed and Thu 6:00 pm -10:15 pm | Saturday 9:00 AM-6:00 PM | ||||
| Monday - Friday 9:00 am - 6:00 pm | Tues and Wed 2:00 pm-6:15 pm | Wed and Thu 6:00 pm -10:15 pm | Saturday 9:00 AM-6:00 PM | ||||
| Monday - Friday 9:00 am - 6:00 pm | Tues and Wed 2:00 pm-6:15 pm | Wed and Thu 6:00 pm -10:15 pm | Saturday 9:00 AM-6:00 PM | ||||
| Monday - Friday 9:00 am - 6:00 pm | Tues and Wed 2:00 pm-6:15 pm | Wed and Thu 6:00 pm -10:15 pm | Saturday 9:00 AM-6:00 PM | ||||
| Monday - Friday 9:00 am - 6:00 pm | Tues and Wed 2:00 pm-6:15 pm | Wed and Thu 6:00 pm -10:15 pm | Saturday 9:00 AM-6:00 PM | ||||
| Monday - Friday 9:00 am - 6:00 pm | Tues and Wed 2:00 pm-6:15 pm | Wed and Thu 6:00 pm -10:15 pm | Saturday 9:00 AM-6:00 PM |
*Please call the school to see if the schedule is available
PAYMENT PLANS AVAILABLE - TOTAL COST $1,200.00
Include complete training, Books, Range, ammunition, NYS Application Fee and Fingerprint are included
#1 Payment Plan - Daily class program
Down Payment: $1,200.00
#2 Payment Plan - Afternoon class program
Down Payment: $1,200.00
#3 Payment Plan - Evening class Program
Down Payment: $1,200.00
#4 Payment Plan - Weekend: Saturday class program
Saturday Down Payment: $1,200.00
8-Hour Annual Firearms Course Overview
Refresh the legal knowledge, judgment, safety practices, professional responsibilities, documentation, and demonstrated firearms proficiency applicable to eligible New York armed security guards.
What the Course Reviews
Firearms Safety and Readiness
Reinforce safe handling, secure storage and transport awareness, equipment condition, authorized duty equipment, range commands, protective equipment, and immediate reporting of unsafe conditions.
Range Procedures and Qualification
Review controlled range conduct, instructor commands, approved equipment, course requirements, qualification standards, documentation, and corrective instruction under certified supervision.
Professional Conduct and Public Safety
Examine decision-making, de-escalation, restraint, situational awareness, communication, post-incident responsibilities, integrity, and the armed guard’s heightened public-safety obligations.
Annual Requirements for Armed Security Guards
New York DOS identifies annual firearms training as an additional requirement for armed guards and also lists annual in-service training. Verify the applicable calendar-year timing, certificates, reporting, exemptions, waivers, pistol-license status, and registration requirements for your circumstances.
Completion Does Not Renew or Issue a License
A course certificate does not itself issue or renew a pistol license or security guard registration, authorize employment or carrying a firearm, or replace employer requirements. Confirm IDI’s current DCJS approval and all applicable agency requirements before enrolling.
Frequently Asked Questions
- What is the 8-Hour Annual Firearms Training Course?
- It is recurring New York training for eligible armed security guards that reviews legal responsibilities, judgment, firearms safety, handling, range procedures, and required qualification.
- Who is this course intended for?
- It is intended for eligible holders of a New York armed security guard registration who must satisfy the applicable annual firearms training requirement.
- Is annual firearms training required every year?
- New York DOS states that armed security guards generally must complete the 8-hour annual firearms course each calendar year, subject to current exemptions, waivers, and individual requirements.
- Is this the same as the 8-hour annual in-service course?
- No. DOS lists the annual firearms course as an additional requirement for armed guards; the general 8-hour annual in-service requirement may also apply.
- How long is the course?
- The program contains eight hours of training and includes classroom and range components. The page displays one-day and two-day schedule formats.
- What is the course code?
- The course code shown on this page is 8HRSAF.
- What topics are covered?
- The page describes New York use-of-force law, legal responsibilities, judgment, firearms safety, handling, range procedures, qualification, documentation, professional conduct, and annual compliance.
- What documents does the page require?
- The page lists a 47-hour firearms course completion certificate, valid New York pistol license, and valid New York security guard registration. Confirm all current originals, copies, endorsements, and employer documentation with IDI.
- Does the course include a written examination and range qualification?
- The page describes a written Article 35 examination and live-fire qualification. Confirm the currently approved curriculum, scoring, ammunition, equipment, and retest policies directly with IDI.
- Does completion automatically renew my armed guard registration?
- No. Training completion does not itself renew, issue, or upgrade a registration or pistol license. The responsible state agencies control licensing and registration.
- Can an unarmed security guard enroll without the armed-guard prerequisites?
- This course is not a substitute for initial armed-guard eligibility and training. Confirm the required pistol license, registration, 47-hour training, and other prerequisites before enrolling.
- How much does the course cost?
- The page currently displays a total cost of $1,200. Confirm tuition, range fees, ammunition, included items, refund terms, and additional costs directly with IDI.
- What schedules are displayed?
- The page displays morning, afternoon, evening, and Saturday formats. The table does not show confirmed dates, so contact IDI for current availability.
- Does completion guarantee renewal or employment?
- No. Completion does not guarantee registration renewal, licensing, employment, wages, authorization to carry, or employer acceptance.
- How can I verify the course and provider?
- Confirm the school and course through current DCJS resources and verify your individual licensing and registration requirements with the New York Department of State.
