How to become a security guard in South Carolina

Get your South Carolina Security Officer Registration Certificate

In SC, 'guard' work runs through this employee registration certificate under a licensed contract security business — self-employed officers instead need SC's Contract Security Business License to also be the licensee.

1. 1Get hired by a licensed contract security businessMost officers register as employees of an already-licensed SLED contract security company, which typically files the registration paperwork for you (or become the licensee yourself — see the agency option below).
2. 2Complete required trainingComplete the 4-hour SLED-approved basic training course, plus 2 hours of orientation/training from a certified company training officer.
3. 3Submit registration paperworkProvide fingerprints, a color photo (taken within 6 months), SLED-approved drug-screen results, and 10 years of address/employment history.
4. 4Work under the 30-day provisional windowYou may perform duties for up to 30 days while SLED processes your application, but you have no arrest authority and can't carry a firearm until the registration certificate actually issues.

Get South Carolina's Security Weapons Permit for armed guard work

This permit is layered on top of the base Security Officer Registration — it's issued only to someone already licensed or registered as a security officer, not as a standalone credential.

1. 1Know a personal CWP isn't enoughA regular South Carolina Concealed Weapons Permit does NOT qualify you to carry as a security officer — armed guard work requires SLED's separate Security Weapons Permit.
2. 2Hold (or apply alongside) your guard registrationYou must be licensed or registered as a security officer, and be at least 21 years old, to apply.
3. 3Complete firearms proficiency trainingComplete SLED-approved firearms training and submit a Proof of Training for Firearms form with your application.
4. 4Submit fingerprints and the feeSubmit one complete set of fingerprints on SLED's forms and pay the required fee (a $45 upgrade if you're already registered unarmed).

South Carolina Contract Security Business Licence

Application must be notarised, with a Judgment Statement Affidavit. SLED runs a background investigation.