Frequently Asked Questions
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Categories
- All
- About PPS
- Free Site Assessment
- Hiring & Careers at PPS
- NC Armed Security Guard Certification
- NC Unarmed Security Guard Certification
- SC Armed Security Guard Certification (SLED)
- SC Unarmed Security Guard Certification (SLED)
- Security Guard Services
- Team/Group Training
- Training Programs Overview
A PPS Free Site Assessment is a no-obligation security review conducted in-person at your property by a PPS security professional. The assessment covers:
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Property walk-through reviewing entry points, blind spots, and critical areas
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Recommendations for armed or unarmed guards, patrol posts, and routes
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Options for GPS-tracked vehicle patrols and technology-assisted monitoring
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Incident reporting, real-time alert, and escalation protocol recommendations
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A written summary you can share with internal stakeholders or ownership
This service is ideal for office buildings, retail centers, warehouses, medical facilities, and multifamily or mixed-use commercial properties across Charlotte, Greensboro, Wilmington, Rock Hill, Myrtle Beach, and throughout the Carolinas.
📞 Call 704-548-2728 or visit ppsprotects.com to schedule your free assessment today.
Per NC PPSB regulations, all security officer uniforms must include at least 1.5-inch lettering reading “SECURITY” or “SECURITY OFFICER” on both the chest and the back. Badges or patches resembling law enforcement are prohibited. The word “POLICE” may not appear on any PPS uniform.
PPS uses a multi-step process designed to evaluate temperament, integrity, and professionalism — and hires fewer than 10% of applicants. Typical steps:
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Application submission at ppsprotects.com
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Initial screening interview
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Background check and drug test
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Training enrollment and state registration
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Site-specific orientation before first deployment
No. PPS will guide eligible candidates through the entire certification process from application to guard card. PPS offers PPSB and SLED training in-house. You must be at least 18 years old, pass a background check, have a valid driver’s license and reliable transportation, and have a clean criminal record.
Yes. PPS is actively recruiting security officers across North Carolina and South Carolina. Open positions include part-time and full-time unarmed and armed security officer roles. Joining PPS includes:
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Paid ongoing training beyond state-required certifications
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Industry-recognized PPSB and SLED certifications
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Clear advancement pathways into supervisory and specialized security roles
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A culture built on professionalism, skill-building, and long-term career growth
Yes. Because PPS holds both NCPPSB and SLED certifications, officers who need dual-state authorization — particularly those working in the Charlotte/Rock Hill corridor or the Wilmington/Myrtle Beach region — can complete all required training through PPS in one place.
No. PPS training is open to individuals and teams from other security companies. Competitors, independent security officers, and corporate security departments are all welcome to enroll. Contact PPS at 704-548-2728 for corporate training consultations and multi-course pricing.
Yes. PPS provides corporate group security training designed for property management companies, corporate facilities, hospitality businesses, and government contractors needing NCPPSB or SLED compliance for their security teams.
Corporate group training benefits include:
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10–20% group discounts for corporate teams
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Flexible on-site or classroom scheduling to minimize operational disruption
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Team cohesion — Officers trained together perform better together
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Rapid certification — Get entire teams through PPSB and SLED certification efficiently
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Deployment-ready officers — All graduates meet or exceed state requirements
Step 1 — Hold SC unarmed registration first
You must hold or be in the process of obtaining a valid SC Security Officer Registration Certificate before applying for a weapons permit.
Step 2 — Meet armed-specific requirements
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Be at least 21 years old
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Be legally eligible to possess firearms under state and federal law
Step 3 — Complete SLED armed training and demonstrate firearm proficiency
SLED requires proof of proficiency with the specific type of firearm authorized by your employer before any weapons permit is issued.
PPS SLED Armed Training — $225.00 | 4 hours + range fees | ppsprotects.com/security-training-at-piedmont
SC SLED armed training covers:
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Legal authority for armed security in South Carolina
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Firearm safety and handling
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Firearm proficiency demonstration (SLED-required)
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Use-of-force policy under SC law
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Open carry rules and concealed weapons permit eligibility for credentialed SC security officers
Step 4 — Employer submits application to SLED
Includes: completed SLED Security Weapons Permit application, one full fingerprint set, and proof of firearm proficiency.
Step 5 — Annual permit renewal
The Security Weapons Permit is valid for one year and requires annual re-demonstration of firearm proficiency.
Step 6 — Understand carry rules
A permitted SC armed security officer may carry only in an open and fully-exposed manner while in uniform and on duty, or traveling directly to or from a security post. SLED may issue a concealed weapons permit where assignment duties specifically require it.
Step 1 — Get hired by a licensed SC security company
You cannot apply independently in South Carolina. Apply and be hired by a company with a valid SC security business license. PPS is actively hiring across the Carolinas — apply at ppsprotects.com or call 704-548-2728.
Step 2 — Pass a drug test and background check
Your employer will arrange a SLED-approved pre-employment drug test and submit fingerprint cards for a national criminal records check.
Step 3 — Complete SLED-approved training
PPS SLED-certified instructors deliver the SC Primary Basic and Plus classroom training (6 hours) covering:
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The role of private security in South Carolina
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Legal aspects, authority, and limitations under SC law
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Patrol techniques and observation
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Incident response and emergency procedures
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Surveillance and documentation
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Report writing
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Working with the public and customer service
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First aid overview
PPS SLED Primary Basic and Plus Training — $125.00 | 6 hours | Charlotte, NC location | ppsprotects.com/security-training-at-piedmont
Step 4 — Employer submits application packet to SLED
The employer (not the employee) submits: completed SLED registration application, training certificate, two fingerprint cards, passport-style photo, and $65 non-refundable application fee.
Step 5 — Begin working while application is processed
After SLED receives your application, you may begin working provisionally for up to 30 days. During this period, you have no arrest authority and may not carry a firearm.
Step 6 — Receive your SC Security Officer Registration Certificate
Once approved, SLED issues your Security Officer Registration Certificate. Annual renewal requires completion of additional SLED-approved training each year.
Application Fee: $65 (non-refundable)
To qualify for a South Carolina Security Officer Registration Certificate, you must:
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Be employed by a licensed SC security business
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Be at least 18 years old
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Be a United States citizen
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Have no felony convictions or crimes involving moral turpitude
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Be of good moral character
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Pass a SLED-approved pre-employment drug test
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Have a high school diploma or GED equivalent
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Not have been discharged from military service under other than honorable conditions
SLED stands for the South Carolina Law Enforcement Division — the state agency responsible for licensing and regulating security officers in South Carolina. Both unarmed and armed security officers must be registered through SLED to legally perform security duties in the state. Unlike North Carolina, the employer — not the individual — is responsible for submitting the registration application to SLED.
Step 1 — Complete NC unarmed certification first
You must hold your NC unarmed security officer registration before pursuing armed certification.
Step 2 — Confirm armed eligibility
Must be at least 21 years old. A 60-month criminal history check is required.
Step 3 — Complete the 24-hour PPSB armed security officer training course
Required classroom topics:
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Legal authority and limitations of firearm use by security officers
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Handgun safety
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Handgun operation and maintenance
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Handgun fundamentals and marksmanship
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Night firing techniques and safety
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Use-of-force decision making
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Threat assessment under stress
PPS NC Armed Security Officer Training — $225.00 (plus range fees) | Prerequisite: NC Unarmed certification required | ppsprotects.com/security-training-at-piedmont
Note: The 24-hour armed training certificate must be dated within 90 days of your PPSB application.
Step 4 — Pass day and night live-fire range qualification
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Minimum 50 rounds in both daytime and nighttime qualification shoots
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Minimum 80% accuracy required on both qualifications
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Must use duty weapon and duty ammunition (or ballistic equivalent)
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Required personal equipment: duty firearm, duty holster (minimum Level II retention), duty belt, magazine pouches, flashlight, minimum 250 rounds of duty ammunition
Step 5 — Employer applies for your Firearm Registration Permit through PPSB
It is unlawful to carry a firearm in the performance of security duties without this PPSB permit.
Step 6 — Annual requalification and continuing education
Armed guards must requalify on the range annually (day and night) and complete 4 hours of continuing education (CE) each year to maintain the Firearm Registration Permit.
PPS NC Armed Recertification — $135.00 (4 hours, plus range fees)
Estimated Armed Training Cost: $175–$275 + range fees
NC armed security certification is a two-part process. You must complete full unarmed certification first, then meet additional armed-specific requirements.
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Be at least 21 years old
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Hold an active NC unarmed security guard registration
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Pass a 60-month (5-year) criminal history check
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Complete a 24-hour PPSB-approved armed training course
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Pass both daytime and nighttime live-fire range qualifications
Step 1 — Confirm eligibility
Be at least 18, a U.S. citizen or legal resident alien, and have no disqualifying criminal history.
Step 2 — Get hired by a licensed NC security company
In North Carolina, individuals cannot apply independently. You must be employed by a company holding a valid Security Guard and Patrol License. PPS is a licensed NC employer and can sponsor your registration — apply at ppsprotects.com or call 704-548-2728.
Step 3 — Begin work as a probationary employee (up to 20 days)
Your employer may place you on post for up to 20 calendar days while you complete required training. The first 4 hours of training must be completed within 20 days of your duty station placement.
Step 4 — Complete the 16-hour PPSB-approved unarmed training course
All NC unarmed security guards must complete a minimum 16-hour PPSB-approved course covering all required state curriculum.
PPS NC Unarmed Security Officer Training — $125.00 | Charlotte and Wilmington locations | ppsprotects.com/security-training-at-piedmont
Step 5 — Employer submits registration to PPSB
Your employer submits your registration packet to the PPSB online portal including: completed application, fingerprints (LiveScan or card), photo ID, training certificate, application fee, and signed statement of good moral character.
Step 6 — Continue working while your application is processed
You may continue working using a copy of the submitted application while the PPSB processes your registration — typically 2–3 months.
Step 7 — Receive your guard card and renew annually
Once approved, your guard card is mailed to your employer. It is valid for 1 year and must be carried on your person while on duty. Unarmed renewal requires application within 90 days of expiration — no additional classroom training required for renewal.
Estimated Unarmed Training Cost: $100–$175
To qualify for a North Carolina security guard registration through the NC Private Protective Services Board (PPSB), you must:
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Be at least 18 years old
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Be a U.S. citizen or legal resident alien
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Have no disqualifying criminal convictions (felonies or certain misdemeanors involving moral turpitude, violence, or dishonesty)
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Be of good moral character
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Have no history of drug or alcohol addiction that would impair job performance
“I work for a competing security company. Our corporate office is in Nashville so we are limited in office and training space. I was able to get all of my North Carolina and South Carolina officers through the Piedmont training course — about 25–30 people total. Vincent Cardieri was the instructor. He delivered a strong class supported by years of job experience. I saw a visible improvement in my officers’ awareness and attention to detail. I now use this Piedmont team for all of our Charlotte area needs.”
— J.P., Archangel Security
“I had zero security experience when I signed up for the unarmed course at PPS. Two weeks after finishing, I was working my first post as a certified security officer. The instructors made the legal material easy to understand and the classroom environment was professional.”
— Will Shepard, Security Officer, Charlotte, NC
“After completing my unarmed training with PPS, I came back for the armed course. The firearms instruction was hands-on and safety-focused. I passed my day and night qualifications on the first attempt. The pricing was the best I found in the Charlotte area.”
— Katie Simpson, Armed Security Officer, Wilmington, NC
Yes. PPS offers flexible scheduling for both individual students and corporate teams. Corporate group rates (10–20% discounts) are available for teams of officers being trained together. Contact PPS at 704-548-2728 to discuss scheduling options for your team.
Most training providers focus only on delivering the state minimum for certification. PPS training is built to produce deployment-ready officers — not just certificate holders.
Key advantages of PPS training:
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Field-experienced instructors — Active security professionals, not classroom-only academics
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Scenario-based, hands-on learning — Real situations, not just lecture and multiple-choice testing
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Industry-specific knowledge — Tailored to the environments PPS guards actually protect: retail, healthcare, commercial office, manufacturing, and hospitality
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Dual-state certification — PPSB (NC) and SLED (SC) certification available from a single provider in Charlotte
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Employment pathway — Training graduates are immediately eligible for consideration for open PPS guard positions
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Continuous development — PPS officers receive ongoing training after hire, not just at onboarding or renewal
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Best pricing in the Charlotte area — Competitive rates with corporate and group discounts available
All PPS training courses meet or exceed state minimums. Core subjects covered include:
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Armed and Unarmed Security Guard Certification curriculum
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Legal authority, powers, and limitations of security officers in NC and SC
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Patrol and observation techniques
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Access control — entry points, checkpoints, visitor screening
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Incident response and emergency procedures
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Report writing and incident documentation
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Professional communication and customer interaction
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Verbal Judo and ethical de-escalation (beyond state minimums)
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Mental agility and judgment under pressure (beyond state minimums)
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Threat assessment and pre-attack indicator recognition (beyond state minimums)
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Site-specific mastery — pre-assignment orientation to each client property
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Use-of-force law and legal compliance updates
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Armed: Firearms safety, operation, maintenance, and live-fire qualification
PPS offers in-house NCPPSB and SC SLED certified training at locations in Charlotte and Wilmington, NC. Courses are available for individuals entering the security field and for corporate teams needing state-required certification or ongoing professional development.
| Course | State | Hours | Price |
|---|---|---|---|
| NC PPSB Unarmed Classroom Training | North Carolina | 16 hours | $125.00 |
| NC PPSB Armed Classroom Training | North Carolina | 24 hours | $225.00 + range fees |
| NC PPSB Armed Recertification | North Carolina | 4 hours | $135.00 |
| SLED Primary Basic and Plus Classroom Training | South Carolina | 6 hours | $125.00 |
| SLED Armed Training | South Carolina | 4 hours | $225.00 + range fees |
Armed courses do not include range fees, ammunition, targets, or additional costs that may be required. Multiple course and corporate group rates available.
📞 Call 704-548-2728 or visit ppsprotects.com/security-training-at-piedmont to register.
Call 704-548-2728 or visit ppsprotects.com to schedule a free site security assessment. A PPS professional will conduct a property walk-through, assess entry points and vulnerabilities, recommend guard options and patrol patterns, and provide a written summary you can share with internal stakeholders.
PPS provides a full range of professional security solutions:
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Armed Security Guards — Licensed, certified officers trained in firearms safety, use-of-force decision-making, threat assessment, legal compliance, de-escalation, emergency response, and access control
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Unarmed Security Guards — Professional officers trained in de-escalation, access control, patrol, customer service, and emergency response
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Mobile Vehicle Patrols — GPS-tracked patrol vehicles covering larger properties and campuses
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Metropolitan Special Police — Specialized law enforcement-adjacent services for high-demand environments
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Security Guard Training & Certification — NCPPSB and SC SLED certified programs for individuals and corporate teams
PPS protects a wide range of commercial and institutional properties, including:
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Office buildings and business parks
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Retail centers and shopping plazas
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Warehouses, distribution centers, and industrial facilities
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Medical and healthcare facilities
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Multifamily and mixed-use commercial properties
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Manufacturing, hospitality, and government-contracted sites
Q: What makes Piedmont Protective Services different from other security companies in the Carolinas?
PPS holds itself to the PPS Standard — a quality control process that begins long before a guard ever arrives at your site.
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Selective Hiring: PPS hires fewer than 10% of applicants, choosing only those with the right temperament and integrity.
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Active Field Supervision: Management conducts random field inspections — not desk management.
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Real-Time Accountability: GPS-tracked patrols and real-time reporting provide verifiable, transparent proof of service.
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Training Beyond State Minimums: PPSB and SLED certified instructors cover Verbal Judo, de-escalation, site-specific protocols, and emergency response — well beyond what NC and SC require.
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Dual-State Certified Instructors: Officers can earn both NC PPSB and SC SLED certification through PPS — one provider, two states.
Piedmont Protective Services (PPS) is a professionally certified, technology-enabled security company protecting businesses, commercial properties, and communities across North Carolina and South Carolina. We deliver armed and unarmed security guards, mobile vehicle patrol services, Metropolitan Special Police, and comprehensive NCPPSB and SLED certified security guard training programs.
PPS currently provides services in Charlotte, NC | Greensboro, NC | Wilmington, NC | Raleigh, NC | Rock Hill, SC | Myrtle Beach, SC — and throughout both states.
NC vs. SC Certification — Quick Reference
| North Carolina (PPSB) | South Carolina (SLED) | |
|---|---|---|
| Governing Body | NC Private Protective Services Board | SC Law Enforcement Division (SLED) |
| Min. Age – Unarmed | 18 | 18 |
| Min. Age – Armed | 21 | 21 |
| High School Diploma | Not explicitly required | Required |
| Citizenship | Citizen or legal resident alien | U.S. citizen |
| Unarmed Training Hours | 16 hours (PPSB-approved) | 6 hours Primary Basic + Plus |
| Armed Training | 24 hours + range qualification | 4 hours SLED armed + proficiency demo |
| Who Submits Application | Employer | Employer |
| Provisional Work Period | Up to 20 days | Up to 30 days |
| Annual Renewal Training | None unarmed; 4-hr CE armed | Annual SLED training required |
| Armed Recertification | $135.00 (PPS) | Range fees apply |
| Out-of-State Reciprocity | None — full course required | None — full SLED training required |
| PPS Unarmed Training Price | $125.00 | $125.00 |
| PPS Armed Training Price | $225.00 + range fees | $225.00 + range fees |
The “PPS Standard” — Quality You Can See
Serving: Charlotte, NC | Wilmington, NC | Raleigh, NC | Greensboro, NC | North Carolina | South Carolina
Let’s talk about your security.
A uniform represents authority, but the person wearing it represents your brand. That’s why our hiring standards are among the strictest in North Carolina. We provide armed and unarmed security guards who are mentally agile, physically prepared, and customer-service oriented. Contact us today.
Phone: 704-548-2728
Email: ppsinfo@pgrpnc.com
