State license required
How to become a security guard in North Carolina
Last reviewed August 28, 2026 · Regulator: North Carolina Private Protective Services Board (PPSB)
North Carolina registers guards through the Private Protective Services Board. Unarmed guards complete a 16-hour state-approved course within a year before applying; armed guards add a 20-hour armed course.
At a glance
Steps to get started
- Complete the 16-hour unarmed course (in-person or live-virtual) within one year before applying.
- Submit fingerprints, a registration affidavit, and a digital photo with the $30 application.
- For armed work, add the 20-hour armed training course.
- Renew annually with an updated criminal-history check; complete 12 hours of continuing education per 2-year cycle.
Unarmed Security Guard Registration: Training must be in-person or live-virtual with real-time instructor interaction — no self-paced online courses.
Working armed in North Carolina
Armed guards (21+) complete both the 16-hour unarmed and 20-hour armed courses, and take a 4-hour armed renewal course within 180 days of each annual renewal.
Armed Security Guard Registration: 16-hour unarmed course plus a 20-hour armed course; renewal requires a 4-hour armed refresher within 180 days of submission. Must be 21+.
Sources
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