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Security Guard
Total cost: $270-$495
Yes
License Required?
24 hrs
Unarmed Training
8 hrs
Armed Training
$270-$495
Total Initial Fees
2 years (unarmed); 1 year (armed)
Renewal Period
18+
Min Age (Unarmed)
Application Fee
$60
Fingerprint / Background Check Fee
$50
Training Fee
$100-$250
Varies by training provider
Unarmed License Fee
$60
Armed License Fee
$75
Renewal Fee
$60
State Regulation
VerifiedRequired
License Requirement
state
Regulation Level
Regulation Notes
New Jersey requires SORA (Security Officer Registration Act) certification for all security guards through the NJ State Police.
Training Hours
Additional Requirements
Training Hours
Additional Requirements
24 hrs
Hours Required
Training Topics
Provider Requirements
Training must be provided by a certified SORA instructor
Armed training available
8 hrs
Firearms Training Hours
Qualification Requirements
Armed SORA certification does NOT authorize carrying a firearm; a valid NJ firearms carry permit is required separately
Authorized Firearm Types
Requalification Frequency
Annual 8-hour block of instruction by licensed SORA instructor; annual renewal required
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Guard Card / Licensing Exam
VerifiedRequired
Guard Card
SORA Security Officer Certification
Card Name
Processing Time
4-6 weeks
Valid Period
2 years
Overall licensing difficulty: 2/100
Study recommendation: 1–2 weeks of focused review is usually sufficient
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Security Guard Exam Prep
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Difficulty rating based on education, exam, and experience requirements. Individual experience may vary.
18+
Unarmed Min Age
21+
Armed Min Age
Yes
Required
Yes
Fingerprinting
Yes
Federal Check
Yes
State Check
Disqualifying Offenses
Drug screening not required by state
Yes
Company License
Yes
Insurance Required
Yes
Bonding Required
Employer Training Obligations
Not sure if you need a security guard license? Check whether your state requires one.
| Fee | Amount |
|---|---|
Application Fee | $60 |
Fingerprint Fee | $50 |
Training Fee Varies by training provider | $100-$250 |
Unarmed License Fee | $60 |
Armed License Fee | $75 |
Renewal Fee | $60 |
Total Initial Fees Total varies based on training provider selected | $270-$495 |
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Renewal & CE Requirements
Verified2 years (unarmed); 1 year (armed)
Renewal Period
8 hrs
CE Hours Required
Refresher Training
8-hour refresher course required before certification expiration
Firearms Requalification
Annual renewal and 8-hour instruction block required for armed
Renewal Fee
$60
Regulatory Board
Security guard licenses must be renewed on schedule. Most states require refresher training covering updated laws, use-of-force guidelines, and emergency procedures.
Out-of-State Reciprocity
VerifiedDoes Not Accept Out-of-State Credentials
Transfer Details
New Jersey does not offer reciprocity for out-of-state security guard certifications.
Security guard license reciprocity varies significantly by state. Most states require new applicants to complete state-specific training and background checks regardless of prior credentials.
Moving to another state? Use our Transfer Tool to see what you need →
Compare New Jersey with other states →
See how requirements, costs, and timelines differ across all 50 states.
New Jersey has a maximum age limit of 65 for security guards. Armed SORA certification does NOT authorize carrying a firearm -- guards must separately obtain a NJ Permit to Carry a Handgun. Armed certification renewal is annual, not biennial.
SORA certification card must be carried and visible at all times while on duty.
Armed SORA certification does NOT authorize carrying a firearm -- a separate NJ Permit to Carry is required.
Armed certification must be renewed annually.
Age limit: applicants must be between 18 and 65.
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Security Guard requirements in New Jersey verified against New Jersey State Police - Private Detective Unit (PDU) / SORA, March 2026.