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Updated 2025

The complete guide to getting SORA certified in New Jersey

Everything you need to know about the Security Officer Registration Act — from NJSP registration to receiving your E-SORA card. Follow these steps and you'll be working as a licensed security officer in New Jersey.

Security officer on duty in New Jersey after completing SORA certification
$263–$543

Total Estimated Cost

24 hrs

Training Required

4 Steps

To Get Licensed

Total cost at a glance

$75

NJSP Registration

$68

IdentoGo Fingerprinting

$120–$400

Training Class Fee

Total estimated cost: $263–$543 for initial certification. Renewal is cheaper ($60–$200 for the 8-hour class + $75 re-registration).

1

Register with the NJ State Police

Visit the official NJSP SORA application portal to start your registration. You'll need:

  • A valid government-issued photo ID (driver's license, passport, etc.)
  • A credit or debit card for the $75 registration fee
  • Be at least 18 years of age

After completing the application, you'll receive a 30-day temporary Application ID number. All remaining steps (fingerprinting and training) must be completed within this 30-day window.

NJSP SORA Application Portal: eapps.njsp.org/applicant/logon.do

Important: Certain criminal convictions may disqualify you. The NJSP Superintendent makes the final determination on eligibility.

2

Schedule fingerprinting (IdentoGo)

All SORA applicants must complete a biometric fingerprint screening. This is handled by IdentoGo (formerly MorphoTrust).

  • Schedule your appointment through the IdentoGo website
  • Fee: $68 (payable at the appointment)
  • Bring your valid photo ID and your NJSP Application ID number
  • Multiple IdentoGo locations available across New Jersey

Pro tip: Schedule your fingerprinting and training class around the same time to complete everything within the 30-day window. A credit card is highly recommended but not always required.

3

Complete your 24-hour SORA training

Enroll in a 24-hour initial SORA training class with an NJSP-approved instructor. Classes are available in-person and virtually across all 21 New Jersey counties. Typical cost ranges from $120–$400.

The 24-hour curriculum includes:

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

Find an instructor near you

Use NJ SORA Portal to compare 400+ verified instructors by county, price, class type, and schedule.

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4

Receive your E-SORA card

After you complete training, your instructor submits your roster to the NJ State Police. Once the NJSP processes your application (registration + fingerprints + training verification), you'll receive your Electronic SORA ID (E-SORA) card digitally.

E-SORA Card (New as of Nov 2024): New Jersey replaced physical SORA cards with digital E-SORA cards. Your E-SORA is available through the NJSP portal and serves as your official authorization to work as a security officer in NJ.

Processing time is typically 2–4 weeks. Once issued, your SORA certification is valid for two years.

SORA Renewal / Recertification

Your SORA certification expires every two years. To renew, you must complete an 8-hour recertification class with an NJSP-approved instructor before your current card expires.

Do not let your certification lapse. If your SORA card expires, you cannot legally work as a security officer until you recertify.

Armed SORA Training

If you need to carry a firearm on duty, you must obtain an Armed SORA certification in addition to your standard (unarmed) SORA. The armed training process includes:

Find armed SORA classes

Ready to get certified?

Search for NJSP-approved SORA training classes near you. Compare prices, schedules, and reviews across all 21 NJ counties.