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State Overview
Minnesota's security officer system requires guards to complete 12 hours of pre-assignment training within 21 days and then 6 hours of annual CE, all through DPS-approved providers. Online training is fully permitted. A significant legislative proposal (SF2163/HF1686) would increase training to 40 hours, monitor for passage.
Minnesota's security market is centered on the Twin Cities metro (Minneapolis-St. Paul), with strong demand in healthcare (Mayo Clinic system, M Health Fairview), corporate campuses, and major event venues (Target Field, US Bank Stadium). The state has a large union security guard presence.
Key Facts
12 hours pre-assignment training required within first 21 days of employment
6 hours annual CE required every year
Online training fully permitted through DPS-approved providers
Guards who leave the profession for 3+ years must repeat pre-assignment training
License expires September 30 biennially
SF2163/HF1686 pending: would increase requirement from 12 to 40 hours, not yet law as of April 2026
Defencify offers DPS-approved training meeting the 12-hour requirement
eLearning, initial
Full online permitted
eLearning, renewal
Training Hours
12 hrs pre-assignment + 6/yr
Renewal: Varies
License Fee
Agency license varies
2-3 weeks
Governing Agency
MN Board of Private Detective and Protective Agent Services
Minnesota Statutes Chapter 326.32-326.339
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Confusing the 12-hour initial requirement with the 6-hour annual CE
Not tracking the 21-day window from hire date precisely
Returning to work after a 3+ year break without completing the re-training requirement
Frequently Asked Questions
How soon must I complete my Minnesota security guard training?
Within 21 days of starting work. You should enroll in a DPS-approved training course on or before your first day of employment to ensure you complete within the 21-day window.
I took a break from security work for 4 years, do I need to retrain?
Yes. Minnesota requires guards who have been out of the profession for 3 or more years to repeat the full 12-hour pre-assignment training program before returning to work.
Is Minnesota's annual 6-hour CE different from the initial 12-hour training?
Yes, they are separate requirements. The 12 hours is a one-time pre-assignment requirement (unless you have a gap of 3+ years). The 6 hours is an ongoing annual requirement every year you're employed as a guard.
Practical Tips
Track two separate deadlines: (1) 21 days from hire for initial training, (2) annual CE due date based on your training anniversary
Monitor SF2163/HF1686, if passed, the requirement jumps to 40 hours which would require retraining for current staff
DPS board meets quarterly, license renewals on September 30 deadline are strict
Tracked upcoming regulation
2026 Minnesota Laws Chapter 83 (HF4151) removes partnerships as a permitted structure for private detective and protective agent licenses; only individuals and corporations remain eligible. Effective August 1, 2026.
Recent Regulatory Changes
SF2163/HF1686 introduced proposing pre-assignment training increase from 12 to 40 hours and annual CE from 6 to 24 hours. Both bills remain in committee as of April 2025, no law change yet.
See the "Regulatory Changes" tab for full history →