Getting a Security Guard License in Canada

Interested in a career in the fast-paced and rewarding world of private security? The first step is to secure your security guard license. At Blackbird Security, our services are only as good as the team that supplies them. When we hire security guards, it’s vital to us that we choose the right people.

Quality and character are essential in a security professional, but education is all-important. In their day-to-day roles, security guards can face an almost limitless number of scenarios and threats, while interacting with hundreds of people. That’s why we put our guards through a rigorous in-house training program that we believe is the most comprehensive in all of Canada. Modules include:

• Advanced Security Training taught by our in-house certified AST Training Manager
• Occupational First Aid (OFA) Certification
• Naloxone Administration Training
• John’s Mental Health Training
• Trauma Informed Training
• Indigenous Awareness Training 201 (in partnership with Indigenous Awareness Canada)
• Customer Service Training
• Incident De-escalation and Conflict Resolution Training

Above all else, our guards must hold a valid security guard license. Each province handles these licenses in a different way and we wanted to cover the basics for how people interested in a security career can get started on their certification. Let’s take a look, province-by-province, at how to get a security guard license in the provinces Blackbird Security currently operates in Canada.

Security Guard License in British Columbia

Under British Columbia’s Security Services Act, individuals cannot perform security work or represent themselves as a security worker without a valid security worker license. Applications for the license can be completed online, with the following requirements:

• Identification documents – Canadian passport or permanent resident card/work permit
• Passport quality photograph
• Fingerprints – contact your local municipal police force to arrange
• English fluency
• Criminal, Police and correctional record checks
• Mental health condition report
• Police and Peace Officer status – you may not hold a security worker license in BC if you are a member of a police force
• Age – you must be at least 19 years old

Security Guard License in Alberta

In Alberta, security guard licenses are issued under the Security Services and Investigators Act by Alberta Justice. All security service workers must successfully complete an approved security training course and score 80% or higher on the provincial final exam. There are two approved training courses in Alberta:

• Alberta Basic Security Training Course, or
• Accredited Basic Security Training Course

View the list of approved training providers in Alberta for these courses.

Once you’ve completed one of the above courses, you can then apply for your license. They are issued by the Government of Alberta for a cost of $100 and are valid for two years. Eligibility for a security license in Alberta is as follows:

• Aged 18 or over
• Eligible to work in Canada
• Fluency in English
• No criminal record
• No outstanding criminal charges
• Not under criminal investigation

Security Guard License in Saskatchewan

The Private Investigators and Security Guards Act, 1997 requires individuals to hold a valid security guard or private investigators license while employed by a licensed security business in Saskatchewan. The license is only valid for that particular business.

To qualify for a security guard license in Saskatchewan, individuals must complete the Saskatchewan Justice Approved Security Guard Training Course and obtain a standard of at least 75% on the final exam.

Eligibility is as follows:

• Aged 18 and over
• Eligible to work in Canada
• Full criminal record check

Security Guard License in Manitoba

Manitoba has a mandatory 40-hour training course called the Manitoba Security Guard Training Program that all individuals must pass before qualifying for a security license. The Government of Manitoba does not handle this training. Instead, it is provided by a list of approved partners.

It’s worth noting, individuals are eligible for a one-time, six-month temporary security guard license that provides the ability to work as a security guard while taking the training course. This temporary license cannot be renewed.

Eligibility is as follows:

• Aged 18 and over
• Eligible to work in Canada
• Full criminal record check

Work for Canada’s Fastest Growing Security Company

If you’re a licensed security guard, why not take your career to the next level with Blackbird Security? Check out our Indeed Page for current openings. We look forward to working with you!