How to become a security guard in New Jersey
Here's exactly what New Jersey requires, and the official portal to apply. Finish it and you can start getting booked on XGuard.
New Jersey SORA Card
Apply through a SORA-licensed employer that sponsors you. (This SORA FAQ is a dated PDF — fees may differ after the Oct-2024 SORA modernization; confirm current figures when you apply.)
- 1Get hired/sponsored by a SORA-licensed agency
- 2Register at eapps.njsp.org and pay ~$75 + fingerprints (~$66)
- 3Complete the 24-hour initial training within 30 days
- 4Receive your SORA cardValid 2 years.
New Jersey armed (SORA + Permit to Carry)
SORA is the guard certification; carrying a firearm on duty additionally requires a SEPARATE Permit to Carry from your local municipal police (N.J.S.A. 2C:58-4), not NJSP.
New Jersey Security Agency License
Administered by the NJSP Private Detective Unit (page may migrate to njsp.gov).
Once you're licensed
Create your free XGuard profile now — upload your license the moment you have it, and we'll verify it and start matching you to paid security work near you.
Start your XGuard profileXGuard guides you to the official process; the state issues your license. Figures are sourced from official regulators and verified before publishing, but requirements can change — always confirm on the official portal linked above.