Frequently asked questions

First time and returning applicants must apply online with the New Jersey State Police via the following link https://eapps.njsp.org/applicant/logon.do

You should use your personal email for the application. Do not use work, company, or instructor emails.

No. If you have EVER made an application, regardless if it was "withdrawn", "denied", "expired", or "accepted", you are in the SORA database and therefore need to enter as a returning applicant.

A first time applicant will need to pay a fee of $75. A returning applicant will need to pay a fee of $78.75.

Payment must be made using a credit or debit card issued by Visa, MasterCard or Discover. If you do not have one, you can use a Visa gift card. All fees are non-refundable.

You can call the phone number at the bottom of the application form or go to www.bioapplicant.com/nj

Yes. 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: New Jersey State Police Private Detective Unit SORA/Fingerprinting PO Box 7068 West Trenton, NJ 08628

You have 30 days to complete fingerprinting and training from when you submit your application online with the NJ State Police.

If you fail to complete the fingerprinting and/or 24 hour training class within 30 days, you must submit a new application. You will have to pay the application fee again, and you will need to apply as a returning applicant.

The Security Officer Certification is good for a period of 2 years at which time a renewal application must be submitted prior to the expiration of the certification. A first time applicant ONLY receives a (30) day Temporary Certification. Upon expiration, applicant must discontinue work until SORA certification is approved.

Enter the system as a "Returning Applicant". Log into the application, under the "Security Officer" tab click on "Submit Renewal." The renewal must be paid using Visa, MasterCard or Discover. In addition to the renewal application, an 8 hour refresher training course provided by a SORA certified instructor must be completed prior to the expiration date.

Yes. Ninety days prior to expiration, you will be notified via email that it is time to renew. Subsequent emails are sent at 60 days and 30 days prior to expiration. Emails are sent to the email address that is listed on your personal profile.

Active law enforcement officers are only exempt from the 24 hour mandated training course. Fingerprinting is required via the vendor MorphoTrust.

Upon retirement/termination of employment as a law enforcement officer, the training exemption is no longer applicable and completing the twenty-four (24) security officer training course provided by a certified SORA instructor is mandatory for the continued validity of the SORA certification. Fingerprinting is required via the vendor MorphoTrust.

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. There is NO statute of limitations on fingerprint hits. All applicants will be responsible for providing court documentation of any/all open cases, warrants and final court dispositions. Applicants with expunged and/or sealed criminal records may be considered.

1. www.njsp.org 2. Click on Services drop down menu 3. Click on (SORA) 4. Click on the "Security Officer Application". 5. Access your account as "Returning Applicant" and make your request for a duplicate.

Yes. The replacement card fee is $20.00. Fee will be waived if a Police Report was generated. If applicable, send Police Report with cover letter via Fax (609) 777-0509 and/or email pdu@gw.njsp.org

Courses for first time applicants will be held twice a month, and courses for renewal applicants will be held once a month.

Classes will be held virtually online.

The training course for first time applicants is 24 hours and will be held over two days. The renewal course is 8 hours.

Yes. NJ Sora Professionals offers private consultation sessions. These can be booked online.

Mark Tagliareni is a certified Security Officer Instructor. Tagliareni has 26 years experience in law enforcement who also has a background in security operations and teaching and is currently employed as a sergeant with the Wyckoff Police Department.