How to become a security guard in North Dakota

Get your North Dakota Security Provider license or agency registration

Two valid paths: hold your own individual provider license from the Board, OR work as a registered employee under a licensed security agency that supervises you.

1. 1Confirm eligibilityBe 18+, hold a high school diploma or equivalent, be free of disqualifying felony/violent-misdemeanor convictions, and be commissioned (or meet the 4,000-hr/80-classroom-hr alternate path).
2. 2Request the application packetMail $20 to the NDPISB (513 East Bismarck Expressway, Suite 5, Bismarck ND 58504) for materials, or download forms online; fingerprint cards are provided separately.
3. 3Pass the board examSchedule and pass the NDPISB-administered written licensing exam in Bismarck.
4. 4Submit fees and documentationPay the $100 application/testing fee, $40 criminal-records fee, and $150 license fee, and provide proof of required insurance/surety and ND Secretary of State registration. Or, skip your own license and register instead as an employee under a licensed agency.

Get North Dakota's armed private security certificate

This is a Board-issued occupational certification separate from any personal carry permit — a CCW or constitutional-carry right does not substitute for it on the job.

1. 1Hold Security Officer (unarmed) rank firstYou must already hold the rank of (unarmed) Security Officer with the Board before applying for armed certification.
2. 2Know a CCW permit doesn't countNorth Dakota's concealed weapons permit and constitutional carry do NOT authorize carrying while providing security/investigative services — the Board's separate certification is required.
3. 3Complete peace-officer-level firearms trainingComplete firearms training equivalent to the standard required for ND peace officers.
4. 4Pass the weapons exam and requalify annuallyPass the two-part NDPISB exam (ND weapons-law written test + live-fire shooting test), then requalify at the range every year to keep your armed certification active.

North Dakota Licensed Security Provider

The exam is administered individually in Bismarck; allow about 30 business days.