MINNESOTA - PDB CURRICULUM - 100% ONLINE

Minnesota Security Guard Training

Minnesota licenses the protective agency, not the individual guard - but every guard still needs the Private Detective and Protective Agent Services Board's required pre-assignment training. Get that training online, on your schedule.

Browse coursesSee requirements
12 hrs
Unarmed pre-assignment training
18 hrs
Total armed pre-assignment training
21 days
Training window from date of hire

Getting licensed

Getting Trained as a Minnesota Security Guard

Five steps, start to finish.

1

Complete your 12-hour pre-assignment training. Minnesota's PDB requires 12 hours of pre-assignment training within 21 days of employment, unless you've completed equivalent training in the prior 3 years.

2

Add armed training if you'll carry a firearm. Armed guards complete an additional 6 hours (18 hours total), plus annual firearms range qualification and current first-aid/CPR certification.

3

Clear your background check. The Minnesota BCA runs a fingerprint-based background check - you can often start work conditionally while it's pending.

4

Work under a PDB-licensed agency. Minnesota licenses the protective agency itself, not individual guard employees - your employer holds the agency license with the Board.

5

Keep up with continuing education. License holders complete 6 hours per year, plus 6 more hours per year if armed, along with annual range requalification.

At a glance

Minnesota Security Guard Training, At a Glance

Who it's for
New Minnesota security guards completing pre-assignment training, armed guards adding firearms training, and license holders keeping up with continuing education
Important to know
Minnesota licenses the protective agency, not the individual guard - guards complete required training but aren't personally licensed by the state
Unarmed pre-assignment training
12 hours, required within 21 days of employment (or equivalent training completed in the prior 3 years)
Armed pre-assignment training
18 hours total (12-hour unarmed curriculum plus 6 additional hours), plus annual firearms range qualification and current first-aid/CPR certification
Continuing education
6 hours per year for all license holders, plus 6 additional hours per year for armed-specific training, plus annual range requalification
Licensing costs
Agency-level fees paid by the employer, not the individual guard
Background check
Fingerprint-based check through the Minnesota Bureau of Criminal Apprehension - employees can often begin work conditionally while it's pending
Format
100% online, self-paced

Requirements are set by the Minnesota Private Detective and Protective Agent Services Board under Minn. Stat. §§326.32-326.339 and Minn. R. 7506.2600 and 7506.2700, and are subject to change.

Questions

Common Questions

Does Minnesota license individual security guards?

No. Minnesota licenses the protective agency, not the individual guard employee. Your employer holds the agency license with the Private Detective and Protective Agent Services Board, and you complete the required pre-assignment training to work under it.

How much training do I need before I can start working as a guard in Minnesota?

Unarmed guards need 12 hours of pre-assignment training within 21 days of employment, unless they've completed equivalent training in the prior 3 years. Armed guards need 18 hours total - the 12-hour unarmed curriculum plus 6 additional hours - along with annual firearms range qualification and current first-aid/CPR certification.

Is Defencify's training built for Minnesota's requirements?

Yes. Our Minnesota courses are built to the Private Detective and Protective Agent Services Board's pre-assignment training curriculum for unarmed and armed guards.

What background check does Minnesota require?

The Minnesota Bureau of Criminal Apprehension runs a fingerprint-based background check. Employees can often begin work conditionally while that check is pending.

Do I need ongoing training after my pre-assignment hours?

License holders complete 6 hours of continuing education per year, plus 6 additional hours per year if armed, along with annual firearms range requalification.

4.7

from 18 verified reviews

>

“It was very educational it helped me realize the differences in security and how we are supposed to act and react to certain situations”

Timika Merrida
Verified student

“Good quality informations and it's easy to navigate through the course”

Anonymous
Verified student

“Easy to work with.”

Christian Olivo
Verified student

Get your Minnesota pre-assignment training done online.

Meet the PDB's training requirements at your own pace, then get to work under your agency's license.

Browse Minnesota Courses