How to become a security guard in North Carolina
Here's exactly what North Carolina requires, and the official portal to apply. Finish it and you can start getting booked on XGuard.
North Carolina Unarmed Security Guard Registration (PPSB)
mode:agency — registration is filed by your employing PPSB-licensed company, not by the individual directly.
- 1Get hired by a PPSB-licensed guard & patrol companyNC guards must be employed by a company holding a Private Protective Services Board (PPSB) Guard & Patrol license — you cannot self-register as an individual (G.S.74C-11).
- 2Complete 16-hour unarmed trainingTake the 16-hour unarmed security guard/armored car guard course from a PPSB-certified trainer within 30 days of hire; the completion certificate must be dated less than 1 year before your application.
- 3Employer files your registrationYour employer submits the online Security Officer Application, an FBI applicant fingerprint card, and a 60-month criminal history record check on your behalf.
- 4Receive and renew your registration cardPay $30 application + $38 fingerprinting. The pocket registration card expires 1 year after issuance and must be renewed annually (12-month criminal history check on renewal).
North Carolina Armed Security Guard Registration (PPSB Firearms Endorsement)
Armed registration is an add-on to the employer-filed unarmed registration under the same PPSB employee-registration process (G.S.74C-13).
- 1Hold or file for unarmed PPSB registration firstComplete the 4-hour unarmed security guard 'legal block' (certificate <1yr old) through your PPSB-licensed employer.
- 2Complete the 20-hour Firearms Training CourseTake the PPSB-approved 20-hour armed course and qualify on the range at ≥80% accuracy. Must be at least 21 years old.
- 3Provide concealed carry permit if applicableIf you'll carry concealed, submit a copy of a valid NC concealed carry permit with your application.
- 4Employer registers you as armed within 30 daysPay $45 + $38 fingerprinting; armed registration is valid 1 year. Renewal requires a 4-hour armed renewal course and cannot be filed late.
North Carolina Guard & Patrol Company License (Self-Employed Route)
This is North Carolina's sole-trader route: a one-person operator can qualify and license their own Guard & Patrol company (mode:agency framework — employed guard insurance is NONE, company carries it).
- 1Confirm qualifying experienceYou need 3 years' experience as a manager, supervisor, or administrator with a contract security company, proprietary security organization, or law-enforcement guard-and-patrol function.
- 2Submit the company license applicationFile the PPSB Guard & Patrol company license application with required disclosures, ownership/manager background documentation, and the $188 application fee.
- 3Pass the background investigationPPSB conducts an extensive background investigation of the applicant/qualifying agent; the process typically takes 2-4 months.
- 4Carry required insurance and pay issuance feeMaintain the $50k/$100k/$20k company liability insurance required under G.S.74C-10, then pay the $550 issuance fee once approved. License is valid 2 years.
Once you're licensed
Create your free XGuard profile now — upload your license the moment you have it, and we'll verify it and start matching you to paid security work near you.
Start your XGuard profileXGuard guides you to the official process; the state issues your license. Figures are sourced from official regulators and verified before publishing, but requirements can change — always confirm on the official portal linked above.