Security Guard Requirements in North Carolina

 

The following information reviews the requirements necessary for each license, permit or certificate issued by Private Protective Services. In addition, license applicants are responsible for complying with relevant North Carolina law, Private Protective Services N.C.G.S. 74-C, and the Board's Administrative Rules and Regulations under Private Protective Services 14B N.C.A.C. 16.

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Requirements To Obtain a License

All applicants must:

• Be at least 18 years of age with a high school degree or equivalent.

• Be a US citizen or a resident alien.

• Be of good moral character with temperate habits (no criminal record, etc.).

 

Security Guard and Patrol License

Three years of experience as a manager, supervisor, or administrator with a contract security company, a proprietary security organization or law enforcement agency performing a guard and patrol function. (See G.S. 74C-3(a)(6), 74C-8, 74C-9, 74C-10, 14B NCAC.0301)

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Polygraph License

Successful completion of a Polygraph course at a Board approved school, successful completion of an examination and performance test administered by a panel of polygraph examiners designated by the Board, and one year of experience within the past three years. Note: If you do not have one year of experience, you will be required to complete six months as a trainee. (See G.S. 74C-3(a)(5), 74C-8, 74C-9, 74C-10, 14B NCAC 16 .0501, 14B NCAC 16 .0502, and 14B NCAC 16 .0503.)

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The PPSB relies on the N.C. Polygraph Association (NCPA) to administer polygraph testing for license applicants. The testing consists of three parts: a written test, a chart review, and a panel interview. For more information about testing, please review the NCPA’s study guide. Testing will be administered twice in 2022: Wednesday, March 30, and Wednesday, Sept. 28. The testing will take place at the Private Protective Services office, located at 3101 Industrial Dr, Suite 104, Raleigh, NC 27609.

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List of Polygraph Schools

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• Reciprocity
  The Board currently has reciprocal licensing agreements with several states. These agreements allow for currently licensed polygraph operators in these states to obtain a license in North Carolina without having to take the examination and performance test administered by the Board. Likewise, currently licensed North Carolina polygraph operators may obtain a license in these states without having to take their examination and performance test.

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  IMPORTANT NOTE: These agreements do not exempt persons from obtaining a license, but rather, only from the testing requirements. See Reciprocal Agreements.

 

Guard Dog Service License

Two years of experience as a manager, supervisor, administrator, or dog handler with a contract security company, proprietary security organization or a governmental agency performing guard dog functions. (See G.S. 74C-3(a)(7), 74C-8, 74C-9, 74C-10, 14B NCAC.0302).

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Armored Car Profession License

No experience required.

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Courier Service Profession License

No experience required.