FAQs - Piedmont Security Training

Q: Q: How does PPS support officer development beyond state-required renewal?

PPS officers receive continuous professional development after hire — not just at onboarding or annual renewal. Ongoing development includes: Site-specific refresher training when officers transition to new posts or client accounts Legal compliance updates as NC and SC security statutes change Firearms safety and proficiency reinforcement for armed officers De-escalation and communication technique refreshers Supervisory development for officers on a leadership track

Q: Q: What ongoing training is required for SC security officers after initial certification?

South Carolina SLED requires annual renewal with additional SLED-approved training for all registered security officers — both unarmed and armed. SC Security Weapons Permits (armed) require annual renewal with re-demonstration of firearm proficiency. PPS offers annual SLED renewal training through its Charlotte training location.

Q: Q: What ongoing training is required for NC security officers after initial certification?

Unarmed NC officers: No additional classroom training is required at annual renewal — only a timely renewal application submitted within 90 days of expiration. Armed NC officers: Must complete 4 hours of continuing education (CE) annually and requalify on the live-fire range (day and night, 50 rounds each, 80% accuracy) every year to maintain their PPSB Firearm Registration Permit. PPS NC Armed Recertification — $135.00 | 4-hour classroom + range qualification | ppsprotects.com/security-training-at-piedmont

Q: Q: What does a long-term career in security look like?

Security is a growing, diversified profession with multiple specialization paths. Long-term career development for PPS officers can include: Advancing from unarmed to armed certification Moving into supervisory, operations management, or training instructor roles Pursuing specialized assignments in healthcare security, retail loss prevention, or government contracts Building a record of professional certifications and state-required continuing education that compounds in career value over time

Q: Q: Does PPS offer paid training for new hires?

Compensation during training is discussed as part of the individual hiring agreement. PPS provides in-house training at competitive pricing and includes a direct employment pipeline for training graduates. Corporate clients who send teams through PPS training for group certification receive group discounts. Contact PPS for details specific to your situation.

Q: Q: What advancement opportunities are available within PPS?

PPS is part of the broader Piedmont Group security ecosystem — an organization that values internal growth. Advancement pathways available to PPS officers include: Lead/Senior Security Officer — Officers who demonstrate leadership, reliability, and situational mastery can advance to senior roles with higher compensation Supervisory and Field Management — Site supervisors and field supervisors coordinate patrol operations, post scheduling, and officer evaluations Armed Certification — Unarmed officers can pursue NC or SC armed certification through PPS training and move into higher-paying armed posts Corporate Security — Officers with experience and professional development can transition into corporate, institutional, or government-contract security assignments

Q: Q: What does PPS pay security officers?

PPS compensation is competitive within the Charlotte and Carolinas security market. Open positions start from $16/hour in select markets. Rates vary by post, shift, and certification level (unarmed vs. armed). Contact PPS at 704-548-2728 or apply at ppsprotects.com/careers for current role-specific compensation details.

Q: Q: Does having prior military service help with a PPS application?

Yes. Honorably discharged military veterans are strongly encouraged to apply. Military experience — especially in security, law enforcement, or force protection roles — is highly valued by PPS. Veterans often enter with situational awareness, discipline, and professionalism that directly translate to high-performing security careers.

Q: Q: Will a past arrest that didn't lead to a conviction disqualify me?

Not automatically. In North Carolina, arrests without convictions may not be considered under state law in many circumstances. However, the PPSB reviews full criminal history and exercises discretion. If you have concerns about your background, contact PPS at 704-548-2728 before enrolling in training to discuss your specific situation.

Visit us

8430 Medical Plaza Dr # 100,
Charlotte, NC 28262

Phone us

Monday – Friday : 8am to 5pm
+1 704 548 2728

Email us

ppsinfo@pgrpnc.com

State-Certified Security Guard Training in Charlotte & Wilmington, NC

Piedmont Protective Services Training

Serving the following counties:

North Carolina: Mecklenburg, Cabarrus, Gaston, Union, Iredell, Lincoln, Rowan, Anson, New Hanover, Brunswick, Pender, Onslow, Columbus, Guilford, Forsyth, Randolph, Alamance, Rockingham, Stokes, Davidson
South Carolina: York, Lancaster, Chester

Family of Companies

Vincent M. Cardieri- Training and Compliance Manager

PPSB Unarmed
SLED Unarmed
SLED Armed

Tommy R. Furr- Lead Instructor

PPSB Unarmed
PPSB Armed
SLED Unarmed
SLED Armed

Michael J. Gallagher- Regional Director of Wilmington

PPSB Unarmed
PPSB Armed

Briana Smith- Field Operations Manager

PPSB Unarmed
SLED Unarmed