CredentialCompassJump to FAQ
Verified by SC Board of Public Safety

Security Guards Licensing in South Carolina

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

Last verified: Feb 18, 2026

Current

Application Fee

See agency

Exam Requirement

State exam required

Renewal Cycle

See board renewal rules

Licensing Blueprint for Security Guards in South Carolina

Estimated timeline: Varies by board

Core Requirements

  1. 1

    Education: Specific course required.

  2. 2

    Experience: Work experience required.

  3. 3

    Background/Criminal Review: Felony convictions prohibited.

  4. 4

    License Type: Stand-alone license.

Exam and processing details

  • State exam required

Continuing education and program notes

  • No continuing education requirement to maintain license

Application Snapshot

  1. Licensing Authority

    There is some indication that this license exists in South Carolina, but it has not yet been confirmed by state experts

  2. Current Filing Fee

    See agency

  3. Renewal Cycle

    See board renewal rules

  4. Salary Position

    $34,820 median (9% below national)

  5. State Salary Rank

    #46 of 50 states

Step-by-Step Process (7)

  1. 1. Meet South Carolina eligibility requirements for Security Guards licensure.
  2. 2. Complete required education or training: Specific course required.
  3. 3. Document required supervised experience: Work experience required.
  4. 4. Pass required examination steps: State exam required.
  5. 5. Prepare supporting documentation (background check: Felony convictions prohibited; Background/Criminal Review: Felony convictions prohibited.).
  6. 6. Submit the application to There is some indication that this license exists in South Carolina, but it has not yet been confirmed by state experts and monitor board communications.
  7. 7. Maintain post-licensure compliance (continuing education: No continuing education requirement to maintain license).

Salary Insights in South Carolina

With a median salary of $34,820, Security Guardss in South Carolina earn 9% below the national median of $38,370. South Carolina ranks #46 among 50 states. The typical licensing timeline is Varies by board.

State Hiring Climate (QCEW)

Steady

QoQ Employment Change

+1.3%

Average Weekly Wage

$1,186

Median annual salary

$34,820

Hourly estimate

$16.74
9% below national median

Difference: -$3,550

Percentile Distribution

Annual compensation
  • P1010th percentile$26,270
  • P2525th percentile$29,710
  • P50Median$34,820
  • P7575th percentile$38,230
  • P9090th percentile$47,180

State vs National Median

State: $34,820
National: $38,370

Total employment: 16,180 | Annual openings: N/A

Security Guards Salary Ranking

#46 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
South Carolina$34,820Specific course requiredState exam requiredVaries by board
North Carolina$35,900No educational requirementsNo exam requiredVaries by board
Georgia$35,670Degree requiredState exam required2 years

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

Official Licensing Agency

Agency website unverified

There is some indication that this license exists in South Carolina, but it has not yet been confirmed by state experts

See official licensing board website

Phone: N/A

Website Pending Verification

Related Careers in South Carolina

ProfessionMedian SalaryEducationTimeline
Corrections Officer$48,470Varies by state boardVaries by board
Firefighter$45,960Varies by state boardVaries by board
Police Officer$58,020Varies by state boardVaries by board
Acupuncturist$78,140Varies by state boardVaries by board

FAQ

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

South Carolina lists State exam required as part of the licensure process for Security Guardss.

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

The board typically expects Specific course required for Security Guards licensure in South Carolina.

What is the typical Security Guards salary in South Carolina?

The median annual salary for Security Guardss in South Carolina is $34,820. Salaries range from $26,270 (10th percentile) to $47,180 (90th percentile).

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

Security Guardss in South Carolina earn 9% below the national median of $38,370, with a state median of $34,820.

How many Security Guardss work in South Carolina?

South Carolina employs approximately 16,180 Security Guardss according to BLS data.

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

Transfer requirements vary by board. License status indicator: Active. Continuing education indicator: No continuing education requirement 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 South Carolina?

The licensing agency is There is some indication that this license exists in South Carolina, but it has not yet been confirmed by state experts. The official board website is currently under manual verification.

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

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