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Security Guard
Total cost: $215-$365
Yes
License Required?
6 hrs
Unarmed Training
8 hrs
Armed Training
$215-$365
Total Initial Fees
1 year (annual)
Renewal Period
18+
Min Age (Unarmed)
Application Fee
$50
Fingerprint / Background Check Fee
$40
Training Fee
$75-$150
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
South Carolina requires security officer registration through SLED under Title 40, Chapter 18 of the South Carolina Code of Laws.
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 requalification confirmed; 'Security Guard Requalifications Memo 4-6-2023' referenced
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Guard Card / Licensing Exam
VerifiedRequired
Guard Card
Security Officer Registration Certificate (with a physical Registration Card)
Card Name
Processing Time
4-6 weeks
Valid Period
1 year (annual renewal confirmed)
Overall licensing difficulty: 1/100
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 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
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 | $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 |
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Renewal & CE Requirements
Verified1 year (annual)
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.
Moving to another state? Use our Transfer Tool to see what you need →
Compare South Carolina with other states →
See how requirements, costs, and timelines differ across all 50 states.
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.
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Official Sources
Security Guard requirements in South Carolina verified against South Carolina State Law Enforcement Division (SLED), March 2026.