Rochester Personal Defense

If you are seeking to become a NYS Licensed Armed Guard. This is the course you’ll need.

After completing the 8 Hour Pre Assignment course and receiving your NYS Guard card, you can then attend and complete the 47hr Armed Guard Licensing course. The course involves classroom and range exercises, Article 35 (use of force laws) and other legal issues affecting your role as an armed guard.

The tutition covers one qualification with one pistol. If you wish to qualify on additional pistols, there will be an additional $25 fee per pistol (let us know in advance)

You must pass a NYS mandated range qualification to complete the course.  In order to stay current, you must complete (2) two 8hr Armed Annual In Service courses during the 2 year certification cycle. (One per year).

You must also complete two(2) 8hr Unarmed Annual In Service courses during your certification cycle (1 per year)


Rochester Personal Defense, LLC has assembled a full team of NYS Department of Criminal Justice Services (DCJS) certified instructors who have the updated knowledge and skills to train and certify you. They know the job and the demands and they also know how rewarding it can be. Their approach is easy to take but also serious about the material and helping you become a Security guard of the highest quality possible.

We even offer follow up training in spray, Taser, unarmed skills, advanced shooting development, and more. Once you become certified, you'll want to do more training, we're here to help you get better!

Required Materials:
1. Your NYS Guard card (must be current)

2. Valid NYS CCW Pistol License

3. A working and reliable mid-size pistol (9mm or higher caliber)

IMPORTANT NOTE: As of July 10, 2025, any Sig-Sauer P320 variant (m17, m18, 320, compact, x carry, legion, etc) is banned from any training course, competition, or event that Rochester Personal Defense, LionsPride Training Group, or DFJ is conducting or has purview over.

If you have a Sig-Sauer P320 or variant, I apologize if this affects you, but I cannot risk the safety of attendees should an uncommanded discharge occur. (defined as the pistol firing without the trigger being pressed)

If a student with a P320 or variant shows up at a class, they cannot participate in the course with that pistol. They are welcome to borrow a different brand/model from another attendee, but they will not be allowed to use their Sig-Sauer P320 variant pistol in the course.

4. A quality holster made specifically for your pistol.

*Note: As of 4/4/2012, ANY holster that utilizes the index or trigger finger of the shooting hand to disengage a locking device to release the handgun is now disallowed from ANY Rochester Personal Defense, LLC class, training, event, or any function

5. A belt

6. At least 3 magazines

7. Magazine holders

8. Pants with belt loops

9. Range appropriate clothing and footwear

10. Adequate eye and ear protection

11. 500 rounds of practice/range ammunition

12. A minimum of 50 rounds of JHP/Duty ammunition

13. A cleaning kit for your pistol

If you do not yet have anything listed above, please contact us and we can assist you in obtaining the gear you need. We are also able to supply ammunition at a slightly discounted rate if you need it.

IMPORTANT NOTE: As of July 10, 2025, any Sig-Sauer P320 variant (m17, m18, 320, compact, x carry, legion, etc) is banned from any training course, competition, or event that Rochester Personal Defense, LionsPride Training Group, or DFJ is conducting or has purview over.

If you have a Sig-Sauer P320 or variant, I apologize if this affects you, but I cannot risk the safety of attendees should an uncommanded discharge occur. (defined as the pistol firing without the trigger being pressed)

If a student with a P320 or variant shows up at a class, they cannot participate in the course with that pistol. They are welcome to borrow a different brand/model from another attendee, but they will not be allowed to use their Sig-Sauer P320 variant pistol in the course.