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Verified by NC Board of Public Safety

Security Guards Licensing in North Carolina

Review current requirements, exam details, renewal cycle, and salary outlook for security guards in North Carolina, including See agency and board contact links.

Last verified: Feb 18, 2026

Current

Application Fee

See agency

Exam Requirement

No exam required

Renewal Cycle

See board renewal rules

Licensing Blueprint for Security Guards in North Carolina

Estimated timeline: Varies by board

Core Requirements

  1. 1

    Education: No educational requirements.

  2. 2

    Experience: Work experience required.

  3. 3

    Background/Criminal Review: Background check required.

  4. 4

    Physical Requirement: No physical requirements.

  5. 5

    License Type: Stand-alone license.

  6. 6

    Any person, firm, association, or corporation which, for a fee or other valuable consideration, provides or offers to provide security measures to ensure the safety of a business executive, elected or appointed public official, celebrity, or other individ.

Exam and processing details

  • No exam required

Continuing education and program notes

  • celebrity, or other individ

Application Snapshot

  1. Licensing Authority

    NC Department of Public Safety • Private Protective Services

  2. Current Filing Fee

    See agency

  3. Renewal Cycle

    See board renewal rules

  4. Salary Position

    $35,900 median (6% below national)

  5. State Salary Rank

    #43 of 50 states

Step-by-Step Process (7)

  1. 1. Meet North Carolina eligibility requirements for Security Guards licensure.
  2. 2. Complete required education or training: No educational requirements.
  3. 3. Document required supervised experience: Work experience required.
  4. 4. Pass required examination steps: No exam required.
  5. 5. Prepare supporting documentation (background check: Background check required; Background/Criminal Review: Background check required.).
  6. 6. Submit the application to NC Department of Public Safety~Private Protective Services and monitor board communications.
  7. 7. Maintain post-licensure compliance (continuing education: Continuing education required to maintain license).

Salary Insights in North Carolina

With a median salary of $35,900, Security Guardss in North Carolina earn 6% below the national median of $38,370. North Carolina ranks #43 among 50 states. The typical licensing timeline is Varies by board.

State Hiring Climate (QCEW)

Steady

QoQ Employment Change

+1.4%

Average Weekly Wage

$1,298

Median annual salary

$35,900

Hourly estimate

$17.26
6% below national median

Difference: -$2,470

Percentile Distribution

Annual compensation
  • P1010th percentile$28,930
  • P2525th percentile$30,420
  • P50Median$35,900
  • P7575th percentile$45,970
  • P9090th percentile$58,010

State vs National Median

State: $35,900
National: $38,370

Total employment: 29,360 | Annual openings: N/A

Security Guards Salary Ranking

#43 of 50 statesfor Security Guards median salary
RankStateMedian Salary
#1Alaska$48,620
#2Washington$48,010
#3Colorado$46,080
#4Minnesota$46,020
#5Massachusetts$44,950

Nearby States Comparison

Security Guards licensing across the region
StateMedian SalaryEducationExamTimeline
North Carolina$35,900No educational requirementsNo exam requiredVaries by board
Virginia$43,440Specific course requiredNo exam requiredVaries by board
Tennessee$36,090No educational requirementsState exam required1-18 years
Georgia$35,670Degree requiredState exam required2 years
South Carolina$34,820Specific course requiredState exam requiredVaries by board

License by Endorsement

Transfer requirements are state-specific. Use this quick matrix as a planning signal, then verify final endorsement rules with each board.

StateReciprocity ScoreTierNotes
North Carolina15LowLimited or restricted active licensing status. State-specific exam conditions may apply.
Virginia60MediumState-specific exam conditions may apply. Documented experience may be required.
Tennessee50LowState-specific exam conditions may apply. Documented experience may be required.
Georgia54LowState-specific exam conditions may apply. Documented experience may be required.
South Carolina54LowState-specific exam conditions may apply. Documented experience may be required.
  • License status indicator: No new Licenses.
  • Continuing education indicator: Continuing education required to maintain license.
  • Reciprocity and transfer rules vary by state board. Verify directly with the agency.

Official Licensing Agency

Official website verified

NC Department of Public Safety • Private Protective Services

3101 Industrial Drive, Ste. 104, Raleigh, NC, 27609

Phone: 9197885320

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Related Careers in North Carolina

ProfessionMedian SalaryEducationTimeline
Corrections Officer$49,080Specific course requiredVaries by board
Firefighter$37,250Varies by state boardVaries by board
Police Officer$58,030Specific course requiredVaries by board
Acupuncturist$73,100Degree requiredVaries by board

FAQ

How long does it take to become a Security Guards in North Carolina?

Most applicants finish the licensing path in about Varies by board, but timing can change based on education track, exam scheduling, and board processing.

What exams are required for Security Guardss in North Carolina?

North Carolina lists No exam required as part of the licensure process for Security Guardss.

What education do you need to become a Security Guards in North Carolina?

The board typically expects No educational requirements for Security Guards licensure in North Carolina.

What is the typical Security Guards salary in North Carolina?

The median annual salary for Security Guardss in North Carolina is $35,900. Salaries range from $28,930 (10th percentile) to $58,010 (90th percentile).

How does the Security Guards salary in North Carolina compare to the national average?

Security Guardss in North Carolina earn 6% below the national median of $38,370, with a state median of $35,900.

How many Security Guardss work in North Carolina?

North Carolina employs approximately 29,360 Security Guardss according to BLS data.

Can I transfer my Security Guards license to North Carolina from another state?

Transfer requirements vary by board. License status indicator: No new Licenses. Continuing education indicator: Continuing education required to maintain license. Reciprocity and transfer rules vary by state board. Verify directly with the agency.

Who is the licensing agency for Security Guardss in North Carolina?

The licensing agency is NC Department of Public Safety / Private Protective Services. Review agency details at https://www.ncdps.gov/about-dps/boards-commissions/private-protective-services-board.

How often do you renew a Security Guards license in North Carolina?

Current guidance indicates a renewal cycle of See board renewal rules.