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How to become a licensed security guard in South Carolina. State license required. Unarmed training: 6 hours. Armed training: 8 hours. Total initial fees: $215-$365. Verified 2026-03-21. Data verified 2026-03-21. Source: LicenseMap (getlicensemap.com).
Security Guard
Yes
License Required?
6 hrs
Unarmed Training
8 hrs
Armed Training
$215-$365
Total Initial Fees
1 year
Renewal Period
18+
Min Age (Unarmed)
State Regulation
VerifiedRequired
License Requirement
state
Regulation Level
Regulation Notes
South Carolina requires security officer registration through SLED under Title 40, Chapter 18 of the South Carolina Code.
Training Hours
Additional Requirements
Training Hours
Additional Requirements
6 hrs
Hours Required
Training Topics
Provider Requirements
4-hour SLED-approved basic training + 2-hour certified company training officer orientation
Armed training available
8 hrs
Firearms Training Hours
Qualification Requirements
Must demonstrate proficiency with duty firearm and be issued a firearms registration permit by the Board
Authorized Firearm Types
Requalification Frequency
Annual firearms requalification required
Guard Card / Licensing Exam
VerifiedRequired
Guard Card
Security Officer Registration Certificate
Card Name
Processing Time
4-6 weeks
Valid Period
1 year
18+
Unarmed Min Age
21+
Armed Min Age
Yes
Required
Yes
Fingerprinting
Yes
Federal Check
Yes
State Check
Disqualifying Offenses
Drug screening required
SLED-approved drug screen required with application; results submitted with color photograph
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 | $75-$150 |
Unarmed License Fee | $50 |
Armed License Fee | $75 |
Renewal Fee | $50 |
Total Initial Fees Total varies based on training provider selected | $215-$365 |
Renewal & CE Requirements
Verified1 year
Renewal Period
4 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
South 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.
South Carolina is unique in requiring a SLED-approved drug screen for all security guard applicants and requiring 10 years of address and employment history on the application.
South Carolina requires a drug screen for all applicants.
Registration certificates expire annually.
Guards must carry their registration certificate while on duty.
The application requires 10 years of address and employment history.
Armed employees must be registered with firearms within 30 days.
Explore requirements for other professional licenses in South Carolina.
How this state compares to 50 others for this profession
Timeline
#1 of 51
Salary
#47 of 51
Cost
#9 of 51
Processing
#1 of 51
Based on May 2024 Bureau of Labor Statistics OEWS data for Security Guards (SOC 33-9032)
Entry Level
$29,710
25th percentile
Median
$34,820
-9% vs. national avg ($38,370)Experienced
$38,230
75th percentile
Wage Distribution (Annual)
16,180 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.
Source: South Carolina State Law Enforcement Division (SLED) — Licensing Requirements
4–12 weeks
Estimated processing time
Source: South Carolina State Law Enforcement Division (SLED) — Licensing Requirements
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South Carolina requires state-level security guard licensing. Unarmed training requires 6 hours. All licensing is managed through the South Carolina State Law Enforcement Division (SLED).
Requirements vary by state and local jurisdiction. Always verify current requirements with your state licensing authority.