Armed Security Guard Training Requirements in South Carolina

Armed security guards in the state of South Carolina are required to obtain a license. The authority which regulates and administers all issued licenses is the SLED or South Carolina Law Enforcement Division. Personal acquisition or application is not allowed. This must be processed through the hiring company in which the applicant has applied for. To be legally able to perform this, the company or agency must also be licensed by the state. The submitted requirements will then be forwarded to the SLED for approval.

Like in all other states, there are common standards and requirements that are needed to be met by each applicant.  

• All applicants for armed security guard position must be 21 years and above.
• He or she must possess a high school diploma or any equivalent.
• He or she must be a citizen of the United States or a resident alien with a valid working permit within the state of South Carolina.
• He or she must be of good moral character.
• The applicant must not be drug and alcohol dependent, or have history involving abuse and distribution of such items.
• The applicant must pass the required drug test.
• The applicant should not be found with records of criminal conviction, misdemeanors and acts of crime involving illegal use of firearms.
• He or she must undergo criminal background check.
• He or she must be able to submit a set of fingerprints.
• He or she must complete the required training under a SLED-certified instructor.

Application Information

A filled-out application form must be submitted along with other supporting proof and documents. This will be used to properly evaluate the applicant’s credibility and qualifications. It can be obtained by downloading at the South Carolina Law Enforcement Division Website. The form will hold specific information about the applicant like personal, contact and mailing addresses, employment records and criminal background. This should be notarized and submitted along with the necessary fees required by the state. As of 2011, armed security guard applicants’ license fee is worth $110 and is non-refundable. Police officers and sheriffs are not allowed to work as security guards until retirement.

Security Guard Training Course

4 hours of basic security guard training is required for both armed and unarmed security guards. For armed guards however, an additional 4 hours of handgun training must be completed. The use of rifles and shotguns are prohibited for this position. The training course must be in accordance to the curriculum of the South Carolina Technical College Private Security Training School, and must be overseen by a certified trainer from the same hiring company. An examination taken after the training will conclude if the applicant is ready to take on the job. Passers will be given 2 hours of orientation training upon application.

Basic and further training covers the following subjects:

• The roles of private security
• Legal and Ethical Issues on the job
• Legal use of force
• Response to Emergencies
• Surveillance
• Dealing with the public
• Firearms training and safety

Armed guards can find employment in both private and public areas of the security sectors such as hotels, museums, private properties and government facilities.