How To Become A Security Guard: Security Licensing In Canada

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A career as a security guard is fulfilling and rewarding, offering opportunities for community engagement, personal growth, and making a real impact on the safety and well-being of those they protect. However, there are a number of requirements prospective security guards must meet to become a security guard in BC, Alberta, Saskatchewan, and Ontario, as well as general requirements applicable across Canada. In this blog, we’ll outline those requirements and provide a guide to help you navigate the path toward becoming a qualified security professional.

How to become a Blackbird Security guard in BC

Becoming A Security Guard in Canada

You must meet the following general requirements in order to become a security guard in Canada:

Be the age of majority in your province.
Have a clean criminal record.
Be legally eligible to work in Canada.

Each province has their own set of training requirements for becoming a security guard. In the next section, we’ll outline the paths available to take in BC, Alberta, Ontario, and Saskatchewan.

Becoming A Security Guard in BC

According to the Government of British Columbia website, the province recognizes four paths to becoming a security guard. The primary path is through completion of a Basic Security Training (BST) course:

Earn a BST Certificate issued by the Justice Institute of British Columbia (JIBC) or another approved school.
Prospective security guards will need to complete the 40-hour Basic Security Training course.
After completion of the BST, participants can apply for their security licence exam through the JIBC or the BC Security Programs Division.
A physical security licence card will be issued upon passing the exam.

The physical card may take months to arrive. A temporary license should be requested for security guards who need to work right away.

Other options include:

Option 2: Earn a Gaming Certification.
Option 3: Have Canadian experience, and proof of this experience (such as letters of recommendation), as a:

Police officer
Correctional officer
Sheriff
Auxiliary, reserve and border service officer.

Option 4: Have a security worker licence in Alberta, Saskatchewan, Manitoba, or Ontario.

After fulfilling any of these four requirements, prospective security guards can apply for a full security guard license in BC.

Becoming A Security Guard in Alberta

Unlike in BC, security guards in Alberta must complete a training course in order to receive their security licence. Here’s the list of training requirements as indicated by the Alberta Government website:

Individuals must successfully complete one of two approved security training courses:

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

Score 80% or higher on the provincial final exam
Or, have a valid security licence from another Canadian province or territory.

Upon completion of the final exam with a score of 80% or higher, participants can apply for a security licence through the Alberta Government website.

Becoming A Security Guard in Saskatchewan

Similarly to Alberta, security guards in Manitoba must complete a training course in order to apply for a security licence. According to the Government of Saskatchewan website:

Individuals must complete the Ministry of Corrections, Policing and Public Safety Approved Security Guard Training Course.
Score at least 75% on the final exam.
Employers may apply for a temporary security guard licence on an employee’s behalf until the course is completed.

Once a prospective security guard has completed their training course, they and their employer must complete and submit forms to the Ministry of Corrections, Policing and Public Safety.

Becoming A Security Guard in Ontario

Finally, Ontario’s requirements are:

Individuals must receive basic training from an approved institution.
Pass the mandatory course test.
Or, have a valid security licence from another province.

Upon passing the test, participants will receive an Ontario testing completion number (TCN) which they may use to apply for a security guard licence. Security guards with an out-of-province licence must also apply for an Ontario security licence.

About the Basic Security Training (BST) Course

BC, Alberta, Manitoba, and Ontario all require the completion of a basic security training course (or equivalent). These courses equip security guards with the skills necessary to facilitate peaceful and safe interactions through every scenario. Though each province’s basic training course has its own individual curriculum, participants can expect to learn professionalism and ethics, legal studies, report writing, personal safety, and health and safety.

The BST provides a basic understanding of security, however in order to become a strong security professional and further your career it’s advisable to receive additional training in areas including:

Advanced Security Training (AST) or Use of Force
Standard First Aid and Occupational First Aid
Crisis Intervention and De-escalation
Naloxone Training

Blackbird Security provides additional security guard training through our in-house training program, Blackbird Academy

Blackbird Academy Provides Additional Training

At Blackbird Security, we support our guards through in-house courses at Blackbird Academy designed to further our security guards’ knowledge. We provide courses covering important topics that advance a security guard’s career, including First Aid, Peaceful De-escalation, Crisis Intervention, Customer Service, Use of Force, Naloxone Training, and more. These skills are critical for security guards in the field and can have a huge impact on the outcomes of high-stress, high-stakes situations across all industries.

In the future, we’ll provide prospective security guards with basic training in-house through Blackbird Academy. Stay updated on our blog, LinkedIn, Facebook, and Instagram to learn about the launch of new courses and opportunities.

Interested in becoming a security guard with Blackbird Security? Submit your application on our Indeed page!

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