Security Guard License Cost in New York
In New York, documented Security Guard license fees total $36 — application $36. The state requires 8 hours of pre-license education; tuition for that training is set by each school and is not included above. Always confirm the current schedule with New York Department of State — Division of Licensing Services before paying.
Figures below come from the same dataset as the full guide and list only what the state publishes. Anything not published is marked “varies — check the board” rather than guessed.
Security Guard license cost — New York at a glance
| Pre-license education | 8 hrs required — tuition varies by school |
| Exam fee | Varies — check the board |
| Application fee | $36 |
| License fee | Varies — check the board |
| Documented fees total | $36 |
| BLS median annual wage | $37,160 (security guards) |
Official source: New York Department of State — Division of Licensing Services ↗
Fees vs. median pay
The BLS median annual wage for security guards is $37,160.The BLS median annual wage for security guards is $37,160. Documented Security Guard fees in New York are $36 — about 0.1% of one year's median pay. The bigger investment is usually tuition and time.
Frequently asked questions
What does a Security Guard license cost in New York?
Documented fees in New York total $36: application $36. Pre-license education is the biggest variable cost and is set by each school, not the board.
Are the exam fee and the license fee the same thing in New York?
No. The exam fee covers sitting for the test, while the application and license fees cover processing and issuing the credential. Each is listed separately in the table above where the state publishes it.
How much does Security Guard training cost in New York?
New York requires 8 hours of pre-license education. Tuition is set by each approved school and varies widely, so contact the programs on your state's approved list for current prices.
Is a Security Guard license in New York worth the cost?
The BLS median annual wage for security guards is $37,160, so documented fees are roughly 0.1% of one year's median pay. Earnings vary widely by state and market — treat this as a planning estimate, not a promise.
Budget your Security Guard licensing in New York
This page is informational and not legal advice. Fees, pass rates and retake rules change frequently — verify all figures with New York Department of State — Division of Licensing Services and your exam vendor before paying (retrieved 2026-08-20).