Frequently asked questions

SORA stands for the Security Officer Registration Act, enacted in 2006 in New Jersey. It requires all security officers working in NJ — whether armed or unarmed, full-time or part-time — to register with the NJ State Police and complete mandatory training. New officers need 24 hours of initial classroom training, while existing officers need 8 hours of renewal training every two years. Without a valid SORA certification, you cannot legally work as a security officer in New Jersey.

There are three main types of SORA classes:

• 24-Hour Initial SORA Certification — For first-time security officers. Completed over 3-4 days of classroom instruction.
• 8-Hour Renewal / Recertification — For officers renewing their SORA card every two years. Typically completed in one day.
• Armed SORA Training — Additional qualification for officers who carry a firearm on duty. Includes range time and firearms proficiency.

Some instructors also offer bundled CPR/First Aid/AED certification with SORA classes.

The 24-hour initial SORA training curriculum includes, but is not limited to:

• NJ Attorney General's Use of Force Policy
• Terrorism Awareness
• Cargo Theft Prevention
• Security Measures & Deterrence
• Critical Infrastructure Awareness
• Suspicious Letters & Packages
• First Aid Awareness
• Incident Command System
• Ethics & Professional Conduct
• Report Writing
• Street Gang Awareness
• Verbal Judo / De-Escalation

Yes. Many NJSP-approved instructors now offer virtual SORA classes conducted via live video conferencing. These online classes meet the same state requirements as in-person training. Virtual classes are especially popular for the 8-hour renewal. Check individual instructor profiles on NJ SORA Portal for virtual class availability and scheduling.

The total cost of getting SORA certified includes three parts:

• 1. NJSP Registration: $75 (paid online at the NJ State Police portal)
• 2. Fingerprinting: $68 (paid at your IdentoGo appointment)
• 3. Training Class: $120–$400 for 24-hour initial; $60–$200 for 8-hour renewal

Armed SORA training typically costs more due to range time, ammunition, and additional instruction. Use our search tool to compare prices across all 21 NJ counties.

To get SORA certified in New Jersey you must:

1. Be at least 18 years of age
2. Possess a valid government-issued photo ID (driver's license, passport, etc.)
3. Register on the NJ State Police SORA portal and pay the $75 application fee — you'll receive a 30-day temporary Application ID
4. Complete fingerprinting at an IdentoGo location ($68)
5. Successfully complete a 24-hour training class with an NJSP-approved instructor within the 30-day window

Certain criminal convictions may disqualify applicants. The NJSP Superintendent makes the final determination.

Your SORA certification is valid for two years from the date of issuance. Before it expires, you must complete an 8-hour renewal/recertification class with an NJSP-approved instructor to maintain your active status. Letting your certification lapse means you cannot legally work as a security officer until you re-certify.

As of November 1, 2024, the New Jersey State Police replaced the physical SORA card with an Electronic SORA ID (E-SORA). Your E-SORA card is available digitally through the NJSP portal after your training and background check are processed. This electronic format makes it easier to verify credentials and reduces processing delays.

After you complete your training class, the instructor submits your training roster to the NJ State Police. Once the NJSP processes your application (including registration, fingerprints, and training verification), you'll receive your E-SORA card digitally. This card authorizes you to work as a security officer in New Jersey. Processing time varies but is typically 2–4 weeks.

Fingerprinting is handled by IdentoGo (MorphoTrust). After registering on the NJSP SORA portal, you can schedule your fingerprint appointment through the IdentoGo website. The fee is $68, payable at the time of your appointment. Bring your valid photo ID and your NJSP Application ID number. Appointments are available at multiple locations across New Jersey.

No. NJ SORA Portal is an independent marketplace. We are not affiliated with, endorsed by, or sponsored by the New Jersey State Police (NJSP) or any government agency. We aggregate publicly available information about NJSP-approved instructors to help students find training more easily.

No. Searching, comparing, and contacting instructors is completely free for students. No account is required to browse. You pay only the instructor's published class price — there are no additional platform charges or hidden fees.

Every instructor listed on our platform has been imported from the official NJSP-approved instructor database. Instructors with the "Verified" badge have completed our additional verification process, which confirms their credentials, facility compliance, and active teaching status. We regularly update our database to ensure accuracy.

If you're an NJSP-approved instructor, your profile may already be pre-built in our system. Search for your name in our directory, then click "Claim" to start the verification process. Once approved, you can customize your storefront with pricing, schedule, photos, and class details. There are no upfront fees — see our pricing page for details.