FAQs - Page 5 of 6 - Piedmont Security Training

Q: Q: Is there a test at the end of the training course?

Yes. All NC PPSB and SC SLED training courses include a written examination covering the legal, procedural, and ethical material taught in class. Armed courses also include a live-fire range qualification (day and night) requiring a minimum 80% accuracy score with at least 50 rounds per session . Students who do not pass on the first attempt may schedule a remedial session.

Q: Q: Do I need to attend in person, or is there an online option?

PPS security guard training is conducted in person at our Charlotte and Wilmington training locations. Hands-on, scenario-based classroom instruction is a core part of the PPS training model — and a key reason PPS graduates are deployment-ready rather than simply certificate-ready. Some competitor providers offer virtual-only options; however, PPS believes in-person instruction produces significantly better officer performance in real-world security environments.

Q: Q: Where are PPS training classes held?

PPS training is offered at classroom locations in Charlotte, NC and Wilmington, NC , with scheduling also available for Greensboro, NC . Corporate and group training can be arranged on-site at your facility. Contact PPS at 704-548-2728 to discuss scheduling and location options.

Q: Q: What is the difference between a security guard and a security officer?

The terms are used interchangeably in most professional contexts, though "security officer" is increasingly preferred as the industry standard title reflecting the professional and legal responsibilities of the role. In North Carolina, the official state designation is "security officer" under PPSB regulations.

Q: Q: Is security guard work a growing field in North Carolina and South Carolina?

Yes. The security industry is one of the fastest-growing employment sectors in North Carolina and across the Carolinas. Demand for professional security officers is increasing across commercial real estate, healthcare, retail, hospitality, and government-contracted properties in Charlotte, Greensboro, Wilmington, Rock Hill, and Myrtle Beach. PPS offers a direct employment pipeline for training graduates.

Q: Q: Do I need prior security experience to enter the field?

No. Prior experience is not required to start a career in security in North Carolina or South Carolina. Both states provide a clear licensing pathway for individuals with no prior background. PPS training is specifically designed to take candidates from zero experience to deployment-ready in the shortest time allowed by state law.

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