How to become a security guard in Montana

Every Montana credential

All 7 individual credentials this regulator issues to security workers, from the entry-level card to specialty and instructor registrations. Rows marked ◇ are drafted from the regulator’s pages and await our reviewer’s sign-off.

Steps to get started

1. Line up employment: a security firm, another employer, or your own business as an independent contractor or sole practitioner (proof of employment is the last step before the license issues).
2. Complete 16 hours of training across the nine required subject areas before working.
3. Apply online with the $80 fee and submit fingerprints for Montana DOJ and FBI checks.
4. Send proof of training and employment, plus proof of $500,000 liability insurance if a security firm doesn't employ you.
5. Renew annually during the January 1 – March 1 window ($80).

Private Security Guard License: The 16 hours come before any guard work. A security firm certifies completion for its guards; a guard not employed by a firm self-certifies. Employer-internal policy training doesn't count toward the 16 hours. The license issues only after proof of training and employment (ARM 24.182.514). Guards not employed by a security firm must carry at least $500,000 in occurrence-form commercial general liability insurance. No annual continuing education for unarmed guards: ARM 24.182.2103 was repealed in 2023. Guards employed only by a retail merchant, and some unarmed, non-uniformed in-house staff, are exempt (MCA 37-60-105).

Security Alarm Installer License: Individual license for employees of an electronic security firm who install/maintain security alarm systems (MCA 37-60-301(1)(d)). Requires 16 hours of training per ARM 24.182.810, age 18, HS diploma or equivalent, fingerprint background check (MCA 37-60-303). All Private Security Program licenses expire March 1 annually. The 8-hour annual continuing education rule (ARM 24.182.2103) was repealed in 2023. Alarm response runner was removed as a license type by 2023 legislation.

Private Investigator License: Same Private Security Program as guards. Requires HS diploma or equivalent, 5,400 hours (3 years full-time) of qualifying experience, a written exam (application must be approved first), $500,000 occurrence-form CGL insurance filed yearly, fingerprint background check. Armed PIs need the same $50 armed endorsement as guards (ARM 24.182.420). The 8-hour annual continuing education rule (ARM 24.182.2103) was repealed in 2023.

Private Investigator Trainee (provisional permit): For applicants 18+ who lack the PI experience/exam; works only under the direct supervision of a licensed PI who files a supervisory agreement and quarterly training reports (PIT forms). Provisional permit renews annually until licensure, or lapses on failing the first eligible exam or exceeding the experience time limit (ARM 24.182.507; 2021 rules capped renewals at four). Must carry a photo ID card naming the supervising PI.

Private Security Firearms Instructor License: Formerly 'Certified Firearms Instructor (CFI)'. Licenses the individual who teaches the initial firearms course and annual requalification behind the armed endorsement (ARM 24.182.801). Requirements: age 21, fingerprint check, proof of a firearms instructor course from NRA, POST, US military or federal law enforcement (ARM 24.182.520) plus combat shooting instructor course, detailed course outlines, $500,000 CGL with E&O and firearms liability coverage filed yearly. Must conduct at least one department-approved firearms course annually or recertify as an instructor every five years.

Registered Process Server: Registered by the same Private Security Program (MCA 37-60-301(2)); required for anyone serving more than 10 processes a year. Age 18, HS diploma or equivalent, Montana resident 1 year, no felony, fingerprint check, written exam after application approval, $10,000 surety bond (individual) naming the program. Included only because it is under the same act/agency; low relevance to guards.

Working armed in Montana

Armed guards add a $50 endorsement, a department-approved firearms program from a licensed private security firearms instructor, and requalification every year. Montana doesn't require a concealed carry permit for adults who can legally own a firearm, but a guard can't have or use one on duty without the endorsement (MCA 37-60-301). Tasers, OC spray and batons must be department-approved and trained on first (MCA 37-60-405).

Armed Security Guard Endorsement: Requires a licensed Montana guard employed in the state, a department-approved firearms program from a licensed private security firearms instructor, and requalification every year (ARM 24.182.420, 24.182.801). A guard may not have or use a firearm on duty without a current endorsement (MCA 37-60-301), even though Montana doesn't require a concealed carry permit off duty (MCA 45-8-316).

Keep your Montana credential alive

The free wallet computes your renewal deadline from Montana's rules and reminds you at 60, 30, and 7 days. Exam prep for Montana follows.