Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

 


Q. HOW LONG DOES THIS LICENSE LAST?

2 years


Q. WHAT HAPPENS IF I WORK SECURITY WITHOUT THIS LICENSE?

Unfortunately some companies will hire people without a SORA license. The unknowing security officer will be fined $1,000 and could be barred from working security in the future. Some companies try to get around this by changing their title, however, the officer will still be held liable for the fine.


Q. MANY COMPANIES HAVE THEIR OWN SORA TRAINERS, WHY SHOULD I GO TO AN INDEPENDENT SCHOOL?

These companies often charge VERY high rates for their classes. Although you are not paying up front for the class, you are still paying. Some companies even offer the class for free if you are with them for a period of time. However, if you leave the job within that time, you are often required to pay for the training. Independent schools are much cheaper, often have better training and offer employment referrals.


Q. WHAT HAPPENS IF I CAN NOT MAKE THE CLASS I HAVE REGISTERED FOR?

Your registration information to our SORA training program is entered into our database. The class roster will be sent to the NJ State Police the day before the class. If you fail to attend this class, you will be responsible for the seat you have purchased and possibly a reassignment fee. If you are unable to attend the class, simply contact our office and advise us of the issue. We can assign you to another class at a later date. However, please understand that you have purchased a service and are responsible for the fee.


Q. WHY DOES THE CLASS RATES VARY FROM LOCATION TO LOCATION?

We do our best to keep our prices as low as possible. The costs vary due to the different rate of each location. However, we are the largest SORA training program in the State and generally the most affordable.


Q. WHAT HAPPENS IF I FAIL TO COMPLETE ALL THREE STEPS OF THE SORA PROCESS?

If you fail to complete all three steps of the SORA process within 30 days, your 30-day Temporary Certificate will expire and the steps and money you have paid will not be refunded. You will be eligible to re-register with the NJ State Police, but you will not be issued a 30-Day Temporary Certificate and lose the right to work during this period.


Q. CAN I WORK AS A SECURITY OFFICER ONCE I REGISTER WITH THE NJ STATE POLICE AND HAVE A TEMPORARY CERTIFICATE?

Yes, if you have a 30-Day Temporary Certificate you may work as a security officer while you complete your three steps. Once the 30 days period is over, you must cease work until your steps are complete.


Q. HOW LONG DOES THIS PROCESS TAKE?

The time to complete each step depends greatly on you. The Registration with the NJ State Police is a 7 minute online process. The class is two full days and the fingerprints take about 2 minutes, it’s more a matter of getting the appointment. Once you have completed all three steps; the NJ State Police will issue you your SORA card via the mail within 15 business days.


Q. WHAT IF I HAVE A CRIMINAL HISTORY?

As a part of the process for SORA certification, a background check will be conducted. Crimes involving moral turpitude, controlled substances and any 4th degree crime or greater will prohibit an individual from receiving SORA certification. SoraAcademy does not have the authority to clarify any information regarding this area or any individual’s background. Questions pertaining to criminal history and/or background checks can only be addressed by the NJ State Police. Kindly submit all inquiries to the following email address: [email protected] . Since the NJSP does not do refund for ANY reason, if you have an issue in this area either contact the NJSP for guidance or play it safe and don’t apply for SORA. RECERTIFICATION INFO

 


Q. WHEN DO I HAVE TO RENEW?

All SORA security personnel can renew up to 90 days PRIOR to their expiration date. Renewing early will NOT affect or change your 2 year term. You must renew BEFORE your expiration date.

 


Q. WHAT HAPPENS IF I AM EXPIRED?

If you failed to register and complete the recertification process before your expiration date you must complete the original process over again. To see the original 3 step SORA training / SORA certification process click here https://www.soraacademy.com/frequently-asked-questions.html

 


Q. HOW DO I RENEW?

To renew, you must log into your NJ State Police account https://eapps.njsp.org/applicant/logon.do
Click on “Renewal Applicant” > “My Applications” > “Security Officer” > “Submit Renewal”
YOU MUST HAVE YOUR CREDIT CARD ON HAND BEFORE YOU START THIS PROCESS. (For your protection, the website will log you out if you take too long on any page)

 


Q. HOW MUCH DOES IT COST?

The cost is $83.55 to renew with the NJSP, PLUS the cost of the one day mandatory recertification class.

 


Q. WHY DOES IT COST MORE TO RENEW THEN MY INITIAL REGISTRATION?

With your original process the registration with the NJSP and the fingerprinting were two separate steps. With the renewal there is no need to get your fingerprints re-done, there for the processing of your background check and the renewal fee are blended together and therefore less then the original process of $75 + $70.25.

 


Q. DO I HAVE TO GO THROUGH TRAINING AGAIN?

Yes, you must obtain a one day refresher course by a NJSP certified instructor PRIOR to your expiration date.

 


Q. WHAT DO I HAVE TO BRING TO THE CLASS?

All students must bring their original SORA ID card, a government issued PHOTO ID, and a print out from the NJSP website which includes their renewal ID number.