FAQs - Page 3 of 6 - Piedmont Security Training

Q: Q: What are the carry rules for armed security officers in North Carolina and South Carolina?

North Carolina: Armed security officers may carry their registered duty firearm while on duty and in uniform. Carrying a firearm in the performance of security duties without a PPSB Firearm Registration Permit is unlawful. South Carolina: SC armed security officers may carry their permitted weapon only in an open and fully-exposed manner while in uniform and actively on duty, or traveling directly to or from a security post. SLED may issue a concealed weapons permit for officers whose specific assignment duties require concealed carry.

Q: Q: Can I carry any type of firearm as an armed security officer?

Your authorized firearm type is determined by your employer and specified on your PPSB Firearm Registration Permit (NC) or SLED Security Weapons Permit (SC). You may only carry the specific weapon type for which you are authorized and qualified.

Q: Q: What score do I need to pass the range qualification?

In North Carolina, armed security officers must shoot a minimum of 50 rounds on both a daytime and nighttime qualification course and achieve a minimum 80% accuracy score on both . Failing either course requires a remedial qualification session before the armed application can be submitted.

Q: Q: Do I need to complete unarmed training before taking the armed course?

Yes — in both states. NC PPSB unarmed certification is a hard prerequisite for the NC armed course. SC SLED unarmed registration (or active application) is required before applying for a SC SLED Security Weapons Permit. There are no shortcuts to this sequence.

Q: Q: How often does SC SLED certification need to be renewed?

SC Security Officer registrations require annual renewal with additional SLED-approved training each year. SC SLED Security Weapons Permits (armed) are also valid for one year and require annual re-demonstration of firearm proficiency.

Q: Q: Does South Carolina recognize out-of-state security certifications?

No. South Carolina does not accept out-of-state security certifications for SLED registration. Officers must complete SLED-approved training regardless of credentials held in other states.

Q: Q: How long can I work while my SC SLED application is being processed?

After your employer submits your completed application to SLED, you may begin working provisionally for up to 30 days . During this provisional period, you have no arrest authority and may not carry a firearm.

Q: Q: Does South Carolina have a high school diploma requirement for security guards?

Yes. A high school diploma or GED equivalent is required to obtain a South Carolina Security Officer Registration Certificate. North Carolina does not have an explicit diploma requirement for PPSB registration.

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