Loading...
Loading...
How to become a licensed security guard in New Jersey. State license required. Unarmed training: 24 hours. Armed training: 8 hours. Total initial fees: $270-$495. Verified 2026-03-21. Data verified 2026-03-21. Source: LicenseMap (getlicensemap.com).
Security Guard
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)
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
Must obtain NJ Permit to Carry a Handgun separately; SORA armed certification only authorizes working as armed guard for security company
Authorized Firearm Types
Requalification Frequency
Annual 8-hour block of instruction by licensed SORA instructor; annual renewal required
Guard Card / Licensing Exam
VerifiedRequired
Guard Card
SORA Security Officer Certification
Card Name
Processing Time
4-6 weeks
Valid Period
2 years
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
| 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 |
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.
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.
Explore requirements for other professional licenses in New Jersey.
How this state compares to 50 others for this profession
Timeline
#1 of 51
Salary
#23 of 51
Cost
#33 of 51
Processing
#1 of 51
Based on May 2024 Bureau of Labor Statistics OEWS data for Security Guards (SOC 33-9032)
Entry Level
$35,360
25th percentile
Median
$38,720
+1% vs. national avg ($38,370)Experienced
$47,150
75th percentile
Wage Distribution (Annual)
37,970 employed in this state
Source: BLS OEWS – Security Guards (May 2024)
National employment projections for 2024-2034
Projected Growth
+3.5%
Average GrowthNew Jobs
+35,900
over 10 years
Annual Openings
137,700
per year (avg.)
1.0M currently employed nationwide (2024)
Source: BLS Employment Projections 2024-2034 (September 2025)
Government fees and exam costs to obtain your initial license
Note: These are government licensing fees only. Education/training program costs (tuition, books, etc.) are not included as they vary widely by institution.
Estimated total: 4–15 weeks
Timeline estimated from licensing requirements on this page.
Source: New Jersey State Police - Private Detective Unit (SORA) — Licensing Requirements
4–12 weeks
Estimated processing time
Source: New Jersey State Police - Private Detective Unit (SORA) — Licensing Requirements
Study guides for security guard licensing exams.
Browse Study Guides on Amazon →As an Amazon Associate, we earn from qualifying purchases.
Shop essential tools and supplies to get started in your career.
Training requirements, guard card process, armed vs unarmed paths, background check details, and renewal info — delivered straight to your inbox.
No spam. Unsubscribe anytime. We respect your privacy.
New Jersey requires state-level security guard licensing. Unarmed training requires 24 hours. All licensing is managed through the New Jersey State Police - Private Detective Unit (SORA).
Requirements vary by state and local jurisdiction. Always verify current requirements with your state licensing authority.