How to Become a Security Guard in Minnesota (2025 Updated)

Minnesota security guards are overseen by the State of Minnesota Board of Private Detective and Protective Agent Services, a division of the Minnesota Department of Public Safety (DPS). Unarmed security guards are officially referred to as protective agents in the state.

The security industry in Minnesota is experiencing significant growth, with increasing demand for qualified security professionals across the Twin Cities metro area and throughout the state. Unlike many other states, Minnesota does not require individual security guards to obtain personal licenses. Instead, the state operates under a unique Protective Agent system that offers both flexibility and comprehensive oversight.

How Minnesota's Security Guard System Works

Understanding Protective Agents

Minnesota's security industry operates through licensed Protective Agents - state-authorized companies that provide security services. Individual security guards must be employed by these licensed companies rather than obtaining personal licenses.

What This Means for You:

• Simplified Entry: No individual licensing fees or complex application processes

• Employer Responsibility: Your employer handles licensing compliance and ongoing requirements

• Career Flexibility: Easy to switch between different security companies

• Professional Support: Licensed companies provide ongoing training and development

The Role of the Minnesota Board

The Minnesota Board of Private Detective and Protective Agent Services oversees the industry by:

• Licensing protective agent companies

• Setting training standards

• Monitoring compliance

• Ensuring public safety standards

Step-by-Step Process to Become a Minnesota Security Guard

Step 1: Meet Basic Requirements

Age Requirements:

• 18+ years: Unarmed security positions

• 21+ years: Armed security positions (if applicable)

Background Requirements:

• Clean criminal record, free of felony convictions

• Good character and integrity

• Legal residency in the United States

• High school diploma or GED

Step 2: Complete Required Training

12-Hour Pre-Assignment Training Must be completed within the first 21 days of employment and includes:

• Minnesota security laws and regulations

• Professional ethics and communication

• Emergency response procedures

• Security industry overview

• Report writing and documentation

• Legal limitations and use of force

Step 3: Find Employment with a Licensed Protective Agent

Where Security Guards Work in Minnesota:

• Corporate Security: Office buildings, business centers, headquarters

• Healthcare Security: Hospitals like Mayo Clinic, medical centers, care facilities

• Retail Security: Mall of America, shopping centers, major retailers

• Educational Security: University of Minnesota, colleges, K-12 schools

• Industrial Security: 3M facilities, manufacturing plants, warehouses

• Event Security: Target Center, concerts, festivals, sporting events

• Residential Security: Apartment complexes, gated communities

Step 4: Complete Background Check Process

Your employing protective agent will:

• Conduct comprehensive background screening

• Process fingerprinting requirements

• Verify employment eligibility

• Issue company identification card

Step 5: Begin Your Security Career

Once hired, you'll receive:

• Company-issued identification card (must be carried on duty)

• Specific assignment training

• Ongoing supervision and support

• Career development opportunities

Entrepreneurial Opportunities

Protective Agent License Path After accumulating 6,000 hours of security experience, professionals can apply for their own protective agent license to start a security business.

Requirements for Protective Agent License:

• 6,000 hours of verified security experience

• Clean background check

• Financial responsibility requirements

• Comprehensive business knowledge

Building Your Security Career in Minnesota

Minnesota's unique protective agent system creates excellent opportunities for security professionals at all career levels. Whether you're starting your first security job or advancing to a supervisory role, the state's growing economy and diverse industry sectors provide numerous pathways for career growth.

The key to success in Minnesota's security industry is starting with proper training, maintaining professional standards through continuing education, and building experience with reputable protective agents. With dedication and the right preparation, a security career in Minnesota can provide stable employment, competitive wages, and opportunities for advancement.

Take the first step today by completing your required training and joining the thousands of security professionals protecting Minnesota's communities, businesses, and institutions.

Defencify’s Minnesota Online Security Guard Training Gives you an Edge

Defencify is one of the state-approved providers of unarmed protective agent training and refresher training in Minnesota. The difference is Defencify courses are remote, self-paced classes, not live instructor-led training.

Defencify’s Minnesota New Security Guard Training Course (12 hours) and Renewal Security Guard Training Course (6 hours) are approved by the Minnesota Board of Private Detective and Protective Agent Services and guaranteed to satisfy Minnesota’s protective agent training requirements.

The courses are created by Defencify instructional designers working together with the Minnesota PDS licensing personnel to ensure the training covers all the topics you need to work as a protective agent in the state of Minnesota. It uses modern eLearning technologies and adult learning concepts tied to interactive lessons and games to make training engaging and fun.

Upon successful course completion, you’ll receive a Minnesota-approved certificate of completion to be used as proof of education to show potential employers.

Visit defencifytraining.com to learn more about registering for the training you need to get your career started as a protective agent in Minnesota today!

For Minnesota Protective Agent Services providers, Defencify can help streamline the training process for your entire workforce. Sign up for a trial of defencify courseware to see how Defencify can get your new hires into the field faster.