South Carolina Security Guard Practice Exam 2026 - Free Security Guard Practice Questions and Study Guide

The key difference between armed and unarmed security guards lies in their ability to carry firearms. Armed guards possess the necessary training and permits to carry weapons as part of their security duties. This capability allows them to respond to situations that may require the use of force, providing a heightened level of security especially in high-risk environments such as banks, airports, or events where large crowds are present. In contrast, unarmed guards do not carry firearms and rely on other methods of conflict resolution, including communication and observation techniques. This distinction is crucial for understanding the varying responsibilities and levels of authority that come with each type of position in the security field.

The other choices present inaccuracies regarding roles and environments for security personnel. Armed guards do not have legal authority to enforce laws any more than unarmed guards; both types operate under the same legal framework. The claim about daytime and nighttime work schedules does not reflect the versatility in employment settings for both categories, and the suggestion that armed guards are restricted to retail while unarmed guards are limited to residential areas fails to acknowledge the variety of situations that both types of guards can be deployed in.