Your Questions, Answered

  • Our courses are open to new security officer applicants, currently licensed officers, and individuals seeking certification or recertification. Some courses are also available to agencies, companies, and organizations requesting group training. Any prerequisites will be clearly listed in the course description.

  • Not always. Some entry-level and elective courses are open to the public. Others require current employment with a licensed security company, employer sponsorship, or active or pending SLED registration. If you’re unsure, contact us before registering.

  • Yes. All courses are taught by experienced, credentialed instructors with backgrounds in private security, training, and field operations. Instruction follows state requirements, industry best practices, and real-world application standards.

  • South Carolina Law Enforcement Division (SLED) is the state agency that regulates private security licensing and training in South Carolina.

  • Many of our courses are designed to meet SLED training requirements or support them. Course descriptions will clearly indicate whether the training is SLED-required, SLED-recognized, or supplemental.

  • No. Completing a course does not grant a license. Licensing is issued by SLED after required training, background checks, fingerprints, paperwork, and fees are completed. We provide the training — SLED issues the license.

  • No. Officers may only carry equipment they are trained, certified, and approved to use by both SLED and their employer. Training does not override company policy or state regulations.

  • Sometimes. When applicable, upon successful completion, students receive a course completion certificate. Some courses require full attendance, skills demonstrations, or evaluations to receive certification.

  • If course requirements are not met, certification may be withheld. Some courses may allow remediation or re-attendance. Refunds are not guaranteed in these situations.

  • Cancellations must be made within the posted cancellation window to be eligible for rescheduling or refund consideration. Late cancellations and no-shows may result in forfeited tuition.

  • Refunds are not guaranteed and depend on timing, course type, and resources already allocated. Some hands-on or equipment-based courses may be non-refundable.

  • No-shows typically result in loss of tuition and may require full re-registration to attend a future class.

  • In some cases, yes. Rescheduling depends on availability and notice provided prior to the course start time.

  • Yes. We proudly offer military discounts for active-duty service members and veterans. Valid military identification is required.

  • Yes. Group discounts are available for agencies, companies, and organizations enrolling multiple students. Contact us directly for custom pricing.

  • Some courses include hands-on skills, movement, or scenario-based training. We focus on safety and realism, not excessive physical strain. Contact us ahead of time if you have concerns.

  • Students are expected to behave professionally, follow instructor guidance, and comply with safety rules. Disruptive or unsafe behavior may result in removal from the course without refund.

  • Approval for security officer registration and certain certifications is determined by the South Carolina Law Enforcement Division (SLED) — not by East Coast Security Institute.

    To be approved, applicants must meet state background and eligibility requirements set by SLED. These requirements help ensure public safety and professional standards within the private security industry.

  • While every application is reviewed individually, common reasons for denial may include:

    • Felony convictions (including violent or weapons-related offenses)

    • Certain misdemeanor convictions, depending on severity and recency

    • Pending criminal charges

    • False or incomplete information on the application

    • Prohibited firearm status (for firearm-related registrations)

    • Failure to meet age, identification, or legal eligibility requirements

    SLED evaluates applications on a case-by-case basis, and outcomes depend on the applicant’s full background and compliance with state law.