PISB | Frequently Asked Questions

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10 QUESTIONS FREQUENTLY ASKED

1. How do I become a private investigator in North Dakota?

The proper applications and forms can be gained by sending a check or money order in the amount of $20.00 to:

NDPISB
513 East Bismarck Expressway Suite 5
Bismarck, ND 58504

You will receive the necessary applications, fingerprint cards, and the administrative rules/laws that apply to the industry. If you have met all the necessary requirements, (see eligibility standards) and have passed the exam administered by this Board, you will be issued a license.

You may also download the relevant forms, available in Adobe Acrobat pdf format. [If you don't have a copy of the free Reader, you can obtain a copy from Adobe Acrobat].

2. How do I become a security provider in North Dakota?

The proper application and forms can be gained by sending a check or money order in the amount of $20.00 to:

NDPISB
513 East Bismarck Expressway Suite 5
Bismarck, ND 58504

You will receive the necessary applications, fingerprint cards, and the administrative rules/laws that apply to the industry. If you have met all the necessary requirements, (see eligibility standards) and have passed the exam administered by this Board, you will be issued a license.

You may also download the relevant forms, available in Adobe Acrobat pdf format. [If you don't have a copy of the free Reader, you can obtain one from Adobe Acrobat].

3. How do I get the materials necessary to begin the process?

You can send a check or money order in the amount of $20.00 to:

NDPISB
513 East Bismarck Expressway Suite 5
Bismarck, ND 58504

The application is available on this site and can be downloaded for your convenience. You will need to gain the fingerprint cards that are necessary to complete the process. These cards cannot be transmitted electronically and must be mailed to the applicant and returned in the same manner.

4. Is there a study guide available for the test?

Yes, there is a study guide availabe for the security provider exam for $15.00.

The suggested study guide for private investigators is Successful Personal Injury Investigation by Francis Ritter. This book may be gained by sending a $175.00 deposit. All but $25.00 would be returned to you once you return the book to the Board.
To gain either study guide, you must send the required fee to the Board.
In addition to these suggested study guides, you should be familiar with statute and rule within North Dakota to successfully pass the respective examinations.

5. What is the cost to become a licensed private investigator?

The cost to become a licensed investigator in North Dakota is as follows: $100.00 application & testing fee $52.00 criminal records search fee. (BCI & FBI searches) $130.00 license fee (This license is valid for 2 years. Licenses expire September 30th of each odd numbered year) You also must take into account that you are responsible for providing 2 passport size photos of the applicant to our office. Additionally, you are required to meet the bonding and/ or insurance requirements. (See surety requirements Title 93) Agency status for private investigators is an additional $250.00 fee along with the one time new application fee of $100.00. Please note; you must be an individual status license holder prior to gaining agency status. Additionally, each employee of the agency engaged in private investigations must be registered with the Board as a registered private investigator and is subject to the $62.00 registration fee.

6. What is the cost to become a licensed security provider?

The cost to become a licensed security provider in North Dakota is as follows: $100.00 application & testing fee. $52.00 criminal records search fee. (BCI & FBI searches). $130.00 license fee (This license is valid for 2 years. Licenses expire September 30th of each odd numbered year) You must also take into account that you are responsible for providing 2 passport size photos of the applicant to our office. Additionally, you are required to meet the bonding and/or insurance requirements. (See surety requirements Title 93) Agency status for security providers is an additional $250.00 along with the one time new application fee of $100.00. Please note; you must be a commissioned officer to meet the individual security provider license requirements. Agency status can be granted after passing the security provider exam. Note: Each security officer within the employ of a security agency is also required to gain registration with the Board. Each employee/applicant of the agency is subject to the $70.00 registration fee.

7. How long does the process take?

The licensing process takes approximately 30 business days if all the necessary applications, fees and documentation has been received. The key to this time line is following the directions on the applications very closely and adhering to all requests necessary to process the application.

8. Where and when can I take the exam?

The exam is administered in Bismarck and Fargo, North Dakota. Arrangements to take the exam can be made with the Executive Director, Francine Johnson. The exams are administered on an individual basis. Once the application process and requirements are met, the Executive Director will notify the applicant as to the time and location of the exam. The Director can be contacted by telephone, fax, e-mail or mail.

9. Will my concealed weapons permit allow me to carry a weapon while providing security services?

No. The concealed weapons permit does not allow you to carry a weapon while providing security services in the state of North Dakota. You must pass the weapons exam and meet the state's weapons requirements before an armed weapon certification is issued.

10. Where can I gain fingerprint cards?

The NDPISB will provide you with the necessary fingerprint cards upon request. Contact the office and the cards will be forwarded to you at no charge. It is imperative that you utilize the cards supplied by the NDPISB for proper processing of your applications.

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