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How to become a licensed security guard in North Carolina. State license required. Unarmed training: 16 hours. Armed training: 20 hours. Total initial fees: $240-$415. Verified 2026-03-21. Data verified 2026-03-21. Source: LicenseMap (getlicensemap.com).
Security Guard
Governing Authority
North Carolina Private Protective Services Board (under Dept 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)
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 within 1 year of 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
Guard Card / Licensing Exam
VerifiedRequired
Guard Card
Security Guard Registration
Card Name
Processing Time
4-6 weeks
Valid Period
2 years
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
| 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 |
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
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.
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.
Explore requirements for other professional licenses in North Carolina.
How this state compares to 50 others for this profession
Timeline
#1 of 51
Salary
#44 of 51
Cost
#19 of 51
Processing
#1 of 51
Based on May 2024 Bureau of Labor Statistics OEWS data for Security Guards (SOC 33-9032)
Entry Level
$30,420
25th percentile
Median
$35,900
-6% vs. national avg ($38,370)Experienced
$45,970
75th percentile
Wage Distribution (Annual)
29,360 employed in this state
Source: BLS OEWS – Security Guards (May 2024)
National employment projections for 2024-2034
Projected Growth
+3.5%
Average GrowthNew Jobs
+35,900
over 10 years
Annual Openings
137,700
per year (avg.)
1.0M currently employed nationwide (2024)
Source: BLS Employment Projections 2024-2034 (September 2025)
Government fees and exam costs to obtain your initial license
Note: These are government licensing fees only. Education/training program costs (tuition, books, etc.) are not included as they vary widely by institution.
Estimated total: 4–15 weeks
Timeline estimated from licensing requirements on this page.
4–12 weeks
Estimated processing time
Study guides for security guard licensing exams.
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North Carolina requires state-level security guard licensing. Unarmed training requires 16 hours. All licensing is managed through the North Carolina Private Protective Services Board (under Dept of Public Safety).
Requirements vary by state and local jurisdiction. Always verify current requirements with your state licensing authority.