The following answers are provided to help students better understand North Carolina PPSB registration, training, renewals, and related requirements. Spartan Training Solutions provides training and support services, but final registration, application review, card issuance, and approval decisions are handled by the North Carolina Private Protective Services Board.
For questions not covered here, please contact Spartan Training Solutions at 980.253.8365 or refer directly to the North Carolina PPSB.
North Carolina PPSB Security Guard Registration FAQs
The following answers are provided to help students better understand North Carolina PPSB registration, training, renewals, and related requirements. Spartan Training Solutions provides training and support services, but final registration, application review, card issuance, and approval decisions are handled by the North Carolina Private Protective Services Board.
For questions not covered here, please contact Spartan Training Solutions at 980.253.8365 or refer directly to the North Carolina PPSB.
General Registration Questions
I’m licensed or registered as a security guard in another state. Is that transferable to North Carolina?
No. Out-of-state security guard credentials are not valid in North Carolina. If you plan to work as a security guard in North Carolina, you must meet North Carolina PPSB requirements.
Do I have to be hired by a company before taking the training class?
No. You may complete the required training and receive your training certificate before being hired by a security company. In fact, some companies may require training before considering an applicant for employment.
What is the difference between a license and a registration?
A license is typically issued to a company executive and allows a company to provide private protective services in North Carolina. A registration is typically issued to an employee who works for a licensed company, such as a security guard.
How do I get registered as a security guard in North Carolina?
The company you work for is responsible for submitting your registration application. Individuals cannot submit their own security guard registration applications directly to PPSB.
What is the status of my registration application?
Your application status may be checked through the company’s Permitium Dashboard. The company’s qualifying agent or approved designee has access to that dashboard.
Can I be registered with more than one company at a time?
Yes. Security guards may be registered with more than one company at a time.
Application Status, Cards & DocumentsWhat is the status of my registration application?
Your application status may be checked through the company’s Permitium Dashboard. The company’s qualifying agent or approved designee has access to that dashboard.
Can you send me my guard card, or can I pick it up?
No. Guard cards are the property of the company the guard works for and are mailed to the company’s mailing address.
How long does it take to become registered?
Most registration applications are processed within 45 days of submission, and ID cards are mailed within 60 days of submission by PPSB. New registrations may take longer because of the time required for the North Carolina SBI to process fingerprint checks.
What registration documents need to be mailed to the PPSB office?
The completed FD-258 fingerprint card and a copy of the registration application receipt from Permitium should be mailed. Other application documents should be uploaded through the application process.
Training Requirements
What training is required for an unarmed security guard registration?
Unarmed security guards must complete a 16-hour unarmed security guard training course.
What training is required for an armed security guard registration?
Armed security guards must complete the 16-hour unarmed security guard course and the 20-hour armed security guard course.
I am a Private Investigator and currently unarmed. What do I need to become armed?
You must complete the first four hours of the unarmed PPSB training and complete the full 20-hour armed PPSB training course.
Renewals & Expired Registrations
How do I renew a security guard registration?
The company you work for is responsible for renewing your registration. Individuals cannot renew their own registrations directly.
My unarmed security guard registration expired. What should I do?
An unarmed security guard registration may be renewed up to 90 days late with a late fee. Your company is responsible for handling the renewal process.
My armed security guard registration expired. What should I do?
An armed security guard registration cannot be renewed late. If an armed registration expires, a new application must be submitted. This includes completing the 20-hour armed security guard course and submitting a fingerprint card.
Firearms & Equipment
What firearms can a registered armed guard carry on duty?
North Carolina PPSB allows specific firearms for registered armed guards, including certain standard revolvers, semi-automatic pistols, 12-gauge shotguns, and approved rifle calibers. The firearm must meet PPSB requirements and be authorized for duty use.
Can I carry my personal firearm while on duty?
Yes, but only under specific conditions. The guard must be registered as an armed security guard, the weapon must be leased to the guard’s employer, and the weapon’s caliber must be authorized by PPSB rules.
What non-lethal weapons or tools can a security guard carry?
The North Carolina PPSB does not regulate non-lethal weapons or tools. A security guard may carry non-lethal equipment authorized by their employer.
However, proper training is important. Without training on less-lethal tools, both the security professional and the company may face increased civil or criminal liability.
Firearms & Equipment
What firearms can a registered armed guard carry on duty?
North Carolina PPSB allows specific firearms for registered armed guards, including certain standard revolvers, semi-automatic pistols, 12-gauge shotguns, and approved rifle calibers. The firearm must meet PPSB requirements and be authorized for duty use.
Can I carry my personal firearm while on duty?
Yes, but only under specific conditions. The guard must be registered as an armed security guard, the weapon must be leased to the guard’s employer, and the weapon’s caliber must be authorized by PPSB rules.
What non-lethal weapons or tools can a security guard carry?
The North Carolina PPSB does not regulate non-lethal weapons or tools. A security guard may carry non-lethal equipment authorized by their employer.
However, proper training is important. Without training on less-lethal tools, both the security professional and the company may face increased civil or criminal liability.
Criminal Charges & Reporting
I was recently charged with a crime. Do I need to report it?
Reporting criminal charges is encouraged, but PPSB requires reporting only for certain types of charges. These may include crimes involving dishonesty, fraud, controlled substances, firearms, assault, breaking and entering, burglary, or larceny.
When in doubt, contact your employer, the PPSB, or a qualified advisor to determine whether reporting is required.
Still Have Questions?
If you are unsure which class you need, Spartan Training Solutions can help you choose the right training path.
Call 980.253.8365 or use our class registration page to view upcoming PPSB, SLED, armed, unarmed, renewal, long gun, ASP, and firearms training options.