How to Get Your Security Guard License in 2026

A career in security is a rewarding path that allows you to work in your community without requiring years of schooling or a university degree. That said, prospective security guards do need to be licensed, a process that differs depending on which province you want to work in.

This blog will provide a step-by-step breakdown of how to get your security guard license in Ontario and British Columbia, plus what to do after you’re licensed.

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Key Takeaways

• To get a security guard license, you must complete an approved training program and pass an exam.
• The licensing process is straightforward and doesn’t require prior experience or a post-secondary degree.
• A security guard license opens the door to a wide range of security guard jobs across industries.
• Blackbird Security hires licensed security guards across Canada, including in Ontario and British Columbia.

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Why Become a Security Guard?

Security is a solid career choice. It’s often a fast-paced, active, public-facing role that builds foundational skills that can transfer to other careers. Because it doesn’t require a post-secondary degree, the barrier to entry is lower than in careers that offer a similar level of stability and growth potential.

The demand for security guard jobs is consistently steady. Security guards are needed across Canada in a wide range of industries, including retail security, residential security, commercial security, event security, and healthcare, to name just a few.

At Blackbird Security, we’re proud to offer opportunities for our guards to advance their security careers by moving into supervisor roles or specializing in areas such as loss prevention. For example, Alex Van Ryk, National Director of Operations at Blackbird, started his career as a Blackbird Security guard before advancing into more senior roles.

A career in security teaches you how to effectively handle the high-stress, demanding situations found in policing, leading to a foundation of transferable skills applicable to law enforcement. Former Blackbird Security guards have gone on to careers as RCMP officers, such as former LPO Shayde Russel.

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How to Get Your Security Guard License in British Columbia

Here’s a step-by-step breakdown of how to get your security guard license in BC:

1. Before beginning the process, you must meet the basic eligibility requirements. You must be:
   
   • At least 19 years old.
   • Legally entitled to work in Canada.
   • Able to pass a criminal record and fingerprint check.
2. Next, you need to complete the Basic Security Training (BST) course through the JIBC, either online or through a JIBC-approved school. This is a 40-hour course covering security theory, legal authorities, emergency response, and professional conduct, available online or through a JIBC-approved school.
   
   • Note that as of December 15, 2025, the JIBC no longer issues BST certificates. Completion is now verified directly with the JIBC.
3. Once you’ve finished the course, you must pass the BST Assessment through the JIBC. You must complete the assessment within six months of finishing the BST Theory course.
4. Apply for your Security Worker Licence online through BC Services. You’ll need to submit your training completion, criminal record check, fingerprints, and application fee.
5. Once approved, your licence will be issued.

Costs can vary throughout each step of the process. Blackbird Security has partnered with the JIBC since 2021 to offer the Indigenous Bursary Program, which funds Basic Security Training for eligible Indigenous students. Contact us to learn more about this program.

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How to Get Your Security Guard License in Ontario

Here’s how to get your security guard license in Ontario:

1. Meet the basic eligibility requirements. You must be:
   
   • At least 18 years old.
   • Legally entitled to work in Canada.
   • Able to obtain a Criminal Record and Judicial Matters Check (CRJMC).
2. Next, you must complete an approved Basic Security Training program. This is a 40-hour training course covering legal authorities, use of force theory, emergency response, and communication.
   
   • Note that as of March 2025, the number of approved providers has dropped significantly following a compliance crackdown. Be sure to verify your provider is approved before enrolling.
3. Once you’ve completed the course, you must pass the basic ministry test either online or at one of the DriveTest Centres across Ontario. The exam is a 60-question, multiple-choice test 60 with a passing score of 62%.
4. Apply for your licence online. You’ll need to submit your Training Completion Number, valid ID, photo, and pay the licence fee of approximately $80.
5. Once approved, you’ll receive a digital security guard licence, which is valid for two years.

The full process typically takes 4 to 8 weeks depending on training availability. Once you’ve applied, online applications take approximately 15 calendar days to process.

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What Comes After You Receive Your Security Guard License?

What should you do once you have your license in hand? The first step is to start applying for security guard jobs. A valid security guard license is the baseline requirement for a position at all major security companies in Canada.

Beyond a license, employers look for strong communication skills, a professional attitude, reliability and schedule flexibility, and the ability to stay calm under pressure. Many employers provide site-specific training and ongoing professional development.

At Blackbird Security, our Ontario guards receive comprehensive in-house training through our industry-leading program, Blackbird Academy. Guards learn skills beyond what’s taught in basic security training courses, such as peaceful de-escalation, first aid, crisis intervention, customer service, report writing, Canadian criminal law, and more, all of which are critical for success in security fields.

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Why Start Your Security Career at Blackbird Security

If you’re thinking of starting your career in security, we’d love to have you on the Blackbird team! Our guards have the opportunity to work across a wide range of security environments, including high-end retail, major events (such as the FIFA World Cup), construction sites (like Oakridge Park in Vancouver), and more, providing diverse experience that builds a solid career foundation.

We’re proud to have a track record of helping guards advance their careers into supervisors and long-term team members. If you’d like to get started at Blackbird, check out our careers page for openings in your area.

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FAQs About Getting a Security License

How long does it take to get a security guard license?

In British Columbia, the timeline depends on how quickly you complete the BST course and assessment through the JIBC, plus application processing time. In Ontario, the full process typically takes 4 to 8 weeks from start to finish, depending on training availability and scheduling. Once you've submitted your application online, processing takes approximately 15 calendar days. Completing your training and criminal record check as early as possible will help speed things along.

Do I need experience to become a security guard?

No. Neither British Columbia nor Ontario requires prior security experience to apply for a security guard license. You need to meet the basic eligibility requirements, complete the approved training course, and pass the licensing exam. Many people enter the security industry with no prior experience and build their skills on the job. At Blackbird Security, our guards receive comprehensive training through Blackbird Academy that prepares them for the full range of situations they'll encounter, regardless of their background.

What security guard jobs are available at Blackbird Security?

Blackbird Security hires licensed security guards across Canada for a wide range of roles, including retail security, loss prevention, event security, concierge security, mobile patrol, and commercial and residential building security. We operate in major cities including Vancouver, Toronto, Calgary, Edmonton, and Winnipeg, among others. Visit our careers page to see current openings in your area.