Which 8-Hour Security Guard Course Do I Need?
Pre-assignment and annual in-service are both eight hours, but they serve different students. Choose by your training history and the step you need to complete—not by the course length alone.
Updated November 9, 2026 • Live online options throughout New York State • Classroom training in Queens
Start with your training history
I am applying for my first unarmed guard registration
Review the 8-Hour Pre-Assignment course. It is the initial training step for most first-time applicants. Completing the course does not itself issue your state registration.
See the Pre-Assignment CourseI already completed initial training
If you need your recurring annual training, review the 8-Hour Annual In-Service course. Keep your previous course records nearby so the office can help confirm the correct booking.
See the Annual In-Service CourseOnline course tuition and next steps
8-Hour Pre-Assignment · $95
For students beginning the unarmed guard training pathway.
View Online Pre-Assignment Dates8-Hour Annual In-Service · $65
For existing guards who need annual in-service training.
View Online Annual Dates16-Hour OJT · $160
Review the separate employment-related OJT requirement and scheduled class days.
View Online OJT DatesThese are Tribune’s current listed self-pay tuition amounts. Open the selected course page to review the live price, available dates, delivery format and completion requirements before you pay.
Where does the 16-hour OJT fit?
The 16-Hour On-the-Job Training is a separate course designed for employed guards and is generally due within 90 days of employment. Annual in-service follows within 12 calendar months of OJT completion and annually thereafter. Review your own record and any exemption with the school or the appropriate state agency.
Our 8-hour versus 16-hour guide explains the course sequence in more detail. You do not need to buy an annual course merely because you are starting your first license application.
If you need both pre-assignment and OJT, the online 8 + 16-hour package is $255, with a $100 reservation payment and $155 balance due by class start. Review whether both courses fit your current training stage; each course can also be booked separately.
A course certificate and state renewal are separate
Annual training records support the registration-renewal process, but paying for or finishing the class does not itself renew a state registration. Use the security guard renewal guide for the separate state step.
Before booking, have your course names, completion dates and registration information available. If you trained with another school, gather those records too. This helps identify the course you actually need and avoids paying for the wrong class.
Attend live online or in Queens
Tribune’s online options are scheduled, instructor-led Zoom classes. They require live attendance; they are not prerecorded courses to complete whenever you choose. Read how live Zoom training works before selecting a date.
Prefer a classroom? Review the Queens training options and confirm the format shown in registration. Online and in-person event dates can differ.
Ready to choose your 8-hour class?
Open the matching course, review the date and format, and register through the existing secure checkout.
Check the course requirements at the source
Read the official NYS DCJS training guidance and Department of State registration information. For school credentials and official listings, visit Tribune’s provider credentials page.