State Approved Training Programs

Advance Your Career with
Certified Training

Choose the package that fits your professional development goals. The first 3 packages include state required certification.

State Required Certificate

$65 $85
  • ✓ State Required Guard Card Included
  • ✓ State Approved Training
  • ✓ No career enhancement electives
  • ✓ Redeem with 1 certificate credit  
MOST POPULAR

State Required Certificate + 1 Elective

$95 $125
  • ✓ State Required Guard Card Included
  • ✓ State Approved Training
  • ✓ Career Enhancement Elective
  • ✓ Boost Job Readiness
  • ✓ Redeem with 1 State credit and 1 Elective credit
Advanced

State Required Certificate + 3 Electives

$140 $205
  • ✓ State Required Certificate Included
  • ✓ State Approved Training
  • ✓ 3 Career Enhancement Elective
  • ✓ Boost Job Readiness
  • ✓ Redeem with 1 certificate credit and 3 elective credits   

Career Enhancement Electives are optional training courses taken in addition to your state required certification. Guards who complete electives earn approximately 23% more per hour than those who don’t. Examples include De-escalation Training, Power to Arrest, and Weapons of Mass Destruction (WMD). Explore all electives

1 Elective

$35 $40
  • ✓ State Approved Training
  • ✓ 1 Career Enhancement Elective
  • ✓ Boost Job Readiness
  • ✓ 1 elective credit   

3 Electives

$90 $120
  • ✓ State Approved Training
  • ✓ 3 Career Enhancement Elective
  • ✓ Boost Job Readiness
  • ✓ 3 elective credits

5 Electives

$125 $200
  • ✓ State Approved Training
  • ✓ 5 Career Enhancement Elective
  • ✓ Boost Job Readiness
  • ✓ 5 Elective Credits   

Three Simple Steps to Get Started

  • Step 1
    Choose Your Package

    Start with the State-required certification, or bundle in 1–3 career enhancement elective to grow your skills and earning potential.

  • Step 2
    Complete Checkout

    Complete checkout in seconds. Your account instantly shows your available certification and career enhancement elective credits.

  • Step 3
    Redeem Your Credits

    Begin your state-required certification immediately. Use your career enhancement elective credits anytime to choose the specialty courses that help you qualify for better-paying posts.
Get Started

Courses Available in Minnesota's #1 Online Security Guard Training

Explore Our Complete Library of Career Enhancement Electives

Your career path is unique, and your training should be too. With access to over 60 state-approved career enhancement electives, our package system puts you in control. After your purchase, you can redeem your credits for any course in our library—whether you’re fulfilling site requirements like Fire Safety or advancing into high-paying Executive Protection roles, all at your own pace.

Administrative
SPECIALTY CERT: PUBLIC RELATIONS - COMMUNITY & CUSTOMER (4 HOURS) SPECIALTY CERT: COMMUNICATION AND ITS IMPORTANCE (4 HOURS) SPECIALTY CERT: ID VERIFICATION TRAINING (1 HOUR) SPECIALTY CERT: LEGAL RESPONSIBILITIES AND USE OF FORCE (4 HOURS) SPECIALTY CERT: SITUATIONAL RESPONSE, RESPONDING TO & DOCUMENTING CRITICAL EVENTS (4 HOURS)
De-escalation / Use of Force
SPECIALTY CERT: DE-ESCALATION OF FORCE SPECIALTY CERT: LEGAL RESPONSIBILITIES AND USE OF FORCE (4 HOURS)
Emergency / Crisis Response
SPECIALTY CERT: DEFENSIVE DRIVING – DRIVER AND VEHICLE SAFETY (2 HOURS) SPECIALTY CERT: BASIC AND EMERGENCY FIRST AID (2 HOURS) SPECIALTY CERT: COMMUNICATION AND ITS IMPORTANCE (4 HOURS) SPECIALTY CERT: FIRE SAFETY AND FIRE WATCH TRAINING (1 HOUR) SPECIALTY CERT: SITUATIONAL RESPONSE II (4 HOURS) SPECIALTY CERT: SITUATIONAL RESPONSE, RESPONDING TO & DOCUMENTING CRITICAL EVENTS (4 HOURS)
Specialized / Advanced Skills
SPECIALTY CERT: DEFENSIVE DRIVING – DRIVER AND VEHICLE SAFETY (2 HOURS) SPECIALTY CERT: COMMUNICATION AND ITS IMPORTANCE (4 HOURS) SPECIALTY CERT: GENERAL DUTIES, WRITING REPORTS, & CONDUCTING PATROLS (6 HOURS)

Better training equals higher hourly rates

We Offer State-Required Certification

Get all the mandatory security training you need to qualify for work. Our certification courses meet state requirements and give you the foundational knowledge every guard must have to get licensed and hired.

+

Career-Enhancement Electives

Take your skills beyond the basics. Add optional career enhancement electives that strengthen your professionalism, expand your capabilities, and help you earn higher hourly rates than the average guard.

The only online security guard school

Built by security guards for security guards

that you will need to maximize your hourly earning potential.

On-Demand Learning

On-Demand Learning

Train anytime and anywhere at your own pace. Access all courses 24/7 so you can study whenever it fits your schedule.

Fully Convenient

Fully Convenient

Works seamlessly on phone, tablet, or desktop. No classrooms, no appointments. Learn your way instantly.

Easy & Accessible

Easy & Accessible

Clear lessons, intuitive navigation, and instant progress tracking. Designed to make learning simple for every future guard.

Cost-Effective Pricing

Cost-Effective Pricing

Affordable training with no hidden fees. Only pay for the career enhancement electives you choose, nothing extra.

Built to Meet Professional Security Training Standards

Every course we offer has been crafted to reflect the real requirements of the security industry. From foundational state-mandated training to advanced elective courses, our programs follow clear quality criteria, ensuring your learning is consistent, up-to-date, and job-ready.Whether you're preparing for state licensing, upgrading your skills, or working toward higher-level roles, our training gives you a strong, credible foundation.

Why Security Guard School is Better

Guards we get certified make more.

Security guard training isn't just about meeting state compliance; it is about establishing a competitive advantage in the job market. In today's security landscape, top-tier employers are actively seeking candidates who possess specialized skills beyond the basic Guard Card. By completing our comprehensive certification packages—which include essential career enhancement electives like Power to Arrest and De-escalation—you position yourself for the highest-paying roles in the industry. Whether you are targeting high-traffic retail environments or specialized private protection, our curriculum is specifically designed to maximize your hourly earning potential immediately upon hire.

  • Healthcare & Hospital Security: Commands higher pay for patient restraint and crisis intervention skills.
  • Corporate Office Protection: Professional "Class-A" environments requiring advanced access control knowledge.
  • Retail Loss Prevention: Active theft deterrence roles that pay significantly more than passive observation.
  • Event & Venue Security: Lucrative contracts for guards certified in crowd management and bag checking.
  • Construction Site Patrol: High-liability zones requiring specific asset protection and fire watch training.
  • Educational Campus Safety: Specialized positions mandating training in student interaction and campus patrol.
Minnesota licensing guide

Minnesota Security Guard & Protective Agent Training

Get your online security officer training done at your own pace and step into a security career across Minneapolis, St. Paul, Rochester, Duluth, and the rest of Minnesota. Our state-aligned course covers the fundamentals employers expect, then hands you a certificate the same day you finish.

Unarmed Guard Card

  • Be at least 18 years old
  • Complete state-approved basic security officer training
  • Pass a BCI background check and submit fingerprints
  • Register with a licensed Utah security company

Armed Security License

  • Be at least 21 years old
  • Complete basic training plus the armed firearms component
  • Pass the BCI background check and firearm qualification
  • Renew your armed credential on the BCI schedule

How to become a security guard in Minnesota

  1. Be at least 18 and legally able to work in the U.S.
  2. Complete pre-assignment security training so you understand duties, use-of-force limits, and reporting. Our online course covers this and issues your certificate on completion.
  3. Apply with a licensed protective agent agency, which runs a background check as part of hiring.
  4. Start work under the agency's Board-issued license and keep your skills current with electives.

$65

Starting price for the state-aligned course

Same day

Certificate issued the moment you finish

100% online

Self-paced, on phone, tablet, or desktop

23%

Higher average pay for guards who add electives

The Twin Cities metro drives most of Minnesota's guard demand, from Target Field and U.S. Bank Stadium events to Mall of America retail, Mayo Clinic campuses in Rochester, and warehouse and port sites near Duluth. Finishing your Minnesota security guard license training online lets you apply the week you decide to start, without waiting for a scheduled classroom date. Comparing states? See our Georgia security guard training and Colorado security guard training pages, or browse every state on the locations hub.

Enroll in Minnesota TrainingBrowse Career Electives

Our guards who take advantage of career enhancement electives make on average 23% more per hour.

Kevin Turner

Hear from Our Graduates: How Our Course Transformed Their Security Careers

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Dylan Grant

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Deshawn Carter

Hear from Our Graduates: How Our Course Transformed Their Security Careers

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Tyrone Brooks

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Marcus Bell

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Derrick Mason

Hear from Our Graduates: How Our Course Transformed Their Security Careers

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See How We Stack Up

Features Security Guard School ShieldForce Academy National GuardCert Network Sentinel Security Institute
Fully Online Courses ✓
Access from phone, tablet, and computer		 Limited Limited Limited
Nationwide Certification Coverage ✓
Coast-to-coast compliance		 X X X
Instant Certificate Download ✓
Download anytime, anywhere		 X X X
Specialty Certifications ✓
Expand your skills + pay		 Limited Limited Limited
Interactive Online Training ✓
Modern & mobile-friendly		 X Limited X
Real Human Support, 24/7 ✓
Chat, phone & email		 X Limited Limited
Built by Industry Pros ✓
Career-focused curriculum		 X ✓ X
Government-Sponsored Training ✓
Eligible for state programs		 Limited X Limited
Trusted by 100K+ Guards ✓
Proven results		 X Unknown Unknown

Frequently Asked Questions

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Will my security guard certification cover all cities and towns in Minnesota?

Yes, your security guard certification in Minnesota is valid statewide, covering allcities and towns including Minneapolis, St. Paul and more! Once you are licensed through the Minnesota Board of Private Detective and Protective Agent Services, you can work as a security guard anywhere in the state, provided you maintain your certification and meetany local requirements for continuing education or renewal

What qualifications do you need to become a security officer in Minnesota?

To become a security officer in Minnesota, you must be at least 18 years old, passa criminal background check, and apply for a license through the Minnesota Board of Private Detective and Protective Agent Services. You are requiredto complete any mandated security training as determined by your employer orlocal regulations. If you plan to carry a firearm, additional firearms trainingand certification are required. You must also be employed by a licensed securitycompany.

What disqualifies you from being a security guard in Minnesota?

In Minnesota, disqualifications for becoming a security guard include having felony convictions, certain misdemeanor convictions related to violence, theft, or dishonesty, or failing a criminal background check. A history of substance abuse or mental health issues that could impair judgment can also disqualify you. Additionally, falsifying information on your application or failing to meet the training requirements set by the Minnesota Board of Private Detective and Protective Agent Services can lead to disqualification.

How much does it cost to take a Level 2 training course to become a security officer in Minnesota?

In Minnesota, the cost of a Level 2 training course to become an unarmed securityofficer typically ranges from $100 to $250, depending on the training provider. Security Guard School offers this course for $99.00.This fee covers basic security training, which includes legal authority, emergency response, and patrol techniques. Additional costs may include background checks, fingerprinting, and the application fee for a security guard license, which can add another $75 to $100, bringing the total cost to around $175 to $350.

What are the levels of security guards in Minnesota?

In Minnesota, security guards are generally classified into unarmed and armed categories. Unarmed security guards perform basic security duties without carrying a weapon, requiring basic training and certification through the Minnesota Board of Private Detective and Protective Agent Services. Armed security guards require additional firearms trainingand certification, allowing them to carry a firearm while on duty. Both levels must pass background checks and meet state licensing requirements, but armed guards have stricter regulations due to the responsibility of carrying a weapon.

Are Level 2 non-commissioned security guards allowed to carry a firearm in Minnesota?

No, Level 2 non-commissioned security guards in Minnesota are not allowed to carry a firearm. Only security guards who have completed additional firearmstraining and obtained the proper certification and permits are authorized to carry a firearm while on duty as armed security guards.

How do I get my security guard license in Minnesota?

To get your security guard license in Minnesota, you must be at least 18 yearsold, pass a criminal background check, and complete any required securitytraining. After meeting these requirements, you apply for a license through the Minnesota Board of Private Detective and Protective Agent Services. If you plan to work as an armed guard, you must complete additional firearms training and obtain the necessary certification. You also need to be employed by a licensed security company to maintain your license

What exactly is a protective agent license?

It is the license the Minnesota Board of Private Detective and Protective Agent Services issues to a company that provides guard, patrol, and alarm-response services. Individual officers work as employed protective agents under that company's license.

What is the difference between a protective agent and a private detective?

A protective agent guards people and property, while a private detective investigates. They are separate Board license categories, so guard training does not qualify you for investigative work.

How long does the online course take to finish?

It is fully self-paced. Most people finish the core state-aligned course in a single sitting or a few short sessions, and the certificate is available the moment you complete it.

Does online training count the same as in-person for an employer?

Yes. Your completion certificate documents the pre-assignment knowledge agencies expect, and it works the same whether you studied online or in a classroom. Online just lets you finish on your own schedule.

Can I add more electives after I finish the course?

Yes. You can return anytime to add electives from the 60-plus course library, so you can build skills like Fire Safety or Executive Protection as your career grows.

Which electives raise pay the most?

Guards who add electives earn about 23% more per hour on average. De-escalation and Power to Arrest are among the ones that open higher-paying posts in retail, healthcare, and event security.

Expert Advice for Security Professionals