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Security Guard
Total cost: $240-$415
Governing Authority
North Carolina Private Protective Services Board (under NC Department of Public Safety)
Official website →Yes
License Required?
16 hrs
Unarmed Training
20 hrs
Armed Training
$240-$415
Total Initial Fees
2 years
Renewal Period
18+
Min Age (Unarmed)
Application Fee
$50
Fingerprint / Background Check Fee
$40
Training Fee
$100-$200
Varies by training provider
Unarmed License Fee
$50
Armed License Fee
$75
Renewal Fee
$50
State Regulation
VerifiedRequired
License Requirement
state
Regulation Level
Regulation Notes
North Carolina requires registration for security guards through the Private Protective Services Board under the Department of Public Safety.
Training Hours
Additional Requirements
Training Hours
Additional Requirements
16 hrs
Hours Required
Training Topics
Provider Requirements
First 4 hours within 20 calendar days of placement; training certificate must be dated less than one year from date of registration application
Armed training available
20 hrs
Firearms Training Hours
Qualification Requirements
Must complete 20-hour armed training and obtain firearms registration permit from the Board; training certificate must be dated within 90 days of application
Authorized Firearm Types
Requalification Frequency
Annual firearms requalification required
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Guard Card / Licensing Exam
VerifiedRequired
Guard Card
Security Guard Registration
Card Name
Processing Time
4-6 weeks
Valid Period
2 years
Overall licensing difficulty: 2/100
Study recommendation: 1–2 weeks of focused review is usually sufficient
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Security Guard Exam Prep
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Difficulty rating based on education, exam, and experience requirements. Individual experience may vary.
18+
Unarmed Min Age
21+
Armed Min Age
Yes
Required
Yes
Fingerprinting
Yes
Federal Check
Yes
State Check
Disqualifying Offenses
Drug screening not required by state
Yes
Company License
Yes
Insurance Required
Yes
Bonding Required
Employer Training Obligations
Not sure if you need a security guard license? Check whether your state requires one.
| Fee | Amount |
|---|---|
Application Fee | $50 |
Fingerprint Fee | $40 |
Training Fee Varies by training provider | $100-$200 |
Unarmed License Fee | $50 |
Armed License Fee | $75 |
Renewal Fee | $50 |
Total Initial Fees Total varies based on training provider selected | $240-$415 |
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Renewal & CE Requirements
Verified2 years
Renewal Period
8 hrs
CE Hours Required
Refresher Training
Refresher training required
Firearms Requalification
Annual firearms requalification required
Renewal Fee
$50
Regulatory Board
Security guard licenses must be renewed on schedule. Most states require refresher training covering updated laws, use-of-force guidelines, and emergency procedures.
Out-of-State Reciprocity
VerifiedDoes Not Accept Out-of-State Credentials
Transfer Details
North Carolina does not offer reciprocity for out-of-state security guard licenses.
Security guard license reciprocity varies significantly by state. Most states require new applicants to complete state-specific training and background checks regardless of prior credentials.
Moving to another state? Use our Transfer Tool to see what you need →
Compare North Carolina with other states →
See how requirements, costs, and timelines differ across all 50 states.
North Carolina has strict training certificate validity windows: unarmed certificates are valid for 1 year, but armed certificates expire after just 90 days. The employer must register each guard within 30 days of hire.
Training is phased: first 4 hours within 20 days of placement, remainder within employment period.
Unarmed training certificates are valid for 1 year from date of training.
Armed training certificates are only valid for 90 days from date of training.
It is unlawful to carry a firearm in private protective services without Board-issued firearms registration permit.
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Official Sources
Security Guard requirements in North Carolina verified against North Carolina Private Protective Services Board (under NC Department of Public Safety), March 2026.