NJ SORA licenses are necessary if you intend to pursue a career as a security guard.
You must be licensed to become an armed security guard and apply to get a weapon permit at your local New Jersey police department.
Next, you must attend and complete a state approved firearms safety course.
With an NJ SORA license, you can earn approximately $43,677 per year.
Your earning potential depends on the specific job, your employer, and your seniority on the job.
What do I need to become a security guard in NJ?
The Security Officer Registration Act, SORA, is the law that governs security guards in New Jersey. The first step in becoming a security guard is to earn your NJ SORA license.
What is a NJ SORA License?
To work as a security guard, you must have a NJ SORA license.
We’ve gone the extra mile by providing you with two “must-read” documents.
What are the steps to earn my NJ SORA?
SORA has specific requirements.
You must:
- complete an application;
- successfully complete an approved training program; and
- be fingerprinted.
Do I have to be NJ SORA certified to be a security guard?
Yes. NJ SORA licenses are a necessary requirement for any security job. By obtaining a NJ SORA license, you will have demonstrated that you are familiar with NJ SORA law and that you will be a responsible security officer.
Where can I get the application for a NJ SORA license?
Go to the New Jersey State Police website.
There is a drop-down menu that will take you to the application.
Please Note: You complete the application online.
What is the process to become NJ SORA certified?
To earn your NJ SORA License, you need to complete and submit the online application.
After you do this, you have 30 days to pass an approved training program, and pass a certification test.
Finally, you must be fingerprinted.
Do I have to be fingerprinted to get my NJ SORA license?
Yes.
After you complete and submit your application, you have 30 days to submit your fingerprints.
Here’s the language taken directly from the NJ State Police website:
You must be fingerprinted using the MorphoTrust form provided at the end of the Security Officer application.
This form is already filled out with the required information for fingerprinting. I
f you do not use the correct form provided, we will not receive your fingerprint information and you will need to be printed again.
Out of state or those applicants who work or reside beyond a twenty (20) mile radius of the New Jersey border will be permitted to submit “ink and roll” fingerprint cards.
These applicants may submit cards directly to the Private Detective Unit.
These cards must be accompanied by the completed Universal Form and a check payable to MorphoTrust,
Do NOT submit fingerprint cards directly to MorphoTrust.
Please forward the two (2) “ink and roll” fingerprint cards per application, the properly completed Universal Form and check or money order payable to MorphoTrust in the correct amount to:
NJ SORA CONTACT INFORMATION
New Jersey State Police
Private Detective Unit SORA/Fingerprinting
PO Box 7068
West Trenton, NJ 08628
important: NJ SORA LAW
- No person shall be issued a certificate of registration as a security officer under the provisions of this section if the person has been convicted, as indicated by a criminal history record background check performed pursuant to the provisions of this section, of:
- a crime of the first, second, third or fourth degree;
any offense involving the unlawful use, possession or sale of a controlled dangerous substance as defined in N.J.S.2C:35-2; - or any offense where the registration of the individual would be contrary to the public interest, as determined by the Superintendent.
Each applicant shall submit to the Superintendent the applicant’s fingerprints and written consent for a criminal history record background check to be performed.
How long is the NJ SORA training class?
The NJ SORA license training lasts roughly 3 days.
Where can I find an approved NJ SORA training class?
The New Jersey State Police website has a list of classes that you can take to become NJ SORA certified.
The New Jersey Firearms Academy is a highly respected facility and offers NJ SORA license training.
It provides a whole range of training programs for people interested in the security and the law enforcement field.
All classes are led by Master Instructor Lateif Dickerson.
Chief Dickerson has an extremely impressive resume.
The New Jersey Firearms Academy includes NJ SORA approved classes in both the security guard course and the armed security guard course.
I have a criminal record, can I become NJ SORA certified?
The law does not allow a person who has been convicted of certain crimes from getting a NJ SORA license.
However, there is a method to clear your record and allow you to become SORA certified.
What crimes would prevent me from obtaining my NJ SORA certification?
In New Jersey, there are four felony degrees.
The most serious is First-degree.
An example is murder.
Then there is Second-degree.
An example is kidnapping.
Next is Third-degree.
An example is the possession of controlled substances (drugs).
Finally, there is Fourth-degree.
An example is some robbery offenses.
NJ SORA does not allow anyone with a conviction for a first, second, third, or fourth-degree felony from becoming certified.
Also, if you are convicted of certain drug offenses, specifically the unlawful sale, possession, or use of a controlled dangerous substance (CDS) you cannot be certified.
I have a felony conviction, can I receive my NJ SORA certification?
You may be able to become certified.
It depends on a number of factors.
The degree and nature of the felony, the number of convictions, and when it (they) occurred.
If you believe that you have a criminal conviction on our record, please visit our practice areas to learn more about how you can erase your criminal record.
How do I clean my criminal record to become NJ SORA certified?
Your criminal record must be expunged.
What is expungement?
An expungement is a process that asks the court to seal the records of your criminal history.
Click here to learn more about expungements.
Is an expungement expensive?
Lawyers usually charge thousands of dollars for an expungement.
However, we became lawyers to help people and this is why we offer the lowest rates in New Jersey.
Contact us today to see how we can help you.
Go ahead, see for yourself!
