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on 17 April 2022

What Does It Take To Become A Security Guard?

What Does It Take To Become A Security Guard?

A career as a security guard may be pretty profitable. You provide an essential service that is unrivalled in the field. To become a security guard, you’ll need talent, training, and a license. 

If you’re considering working in the safety and protection industry, this information will tell you what it takes to become a security guard.

Security professionals are frontline workers who execute a critical function in ensuring the safety of people in a variety of routine situations and environments.

Security guards ensure that people and property are secure; they assist with personal protection, limit access to sites, maintain order at public gatherings, enforce rules and regulations, conduct investigations for clients or employers, etc.

Want to Become a Security Guard in Alberta?

Become A Security Guard In Alberta

Security experts operate in various capacities, with nearly 20,000 security license holders in AB. Their job titles include security guard, bodyguard, airport inspector, alarm response, security investigator, armoured car guard, K-9 handler, bouncer, alarm installer, etc.

Licensed individuals may progress their careers into more senior or specialized roles with additional training and experience or transition to other law enforcement professions.

There is a significant need for Edmonton security guards. The majority of job openings will be the result of retirees being replaced. The remainder will be due to growth in the security market.

Record Check Before becoming A Security Guard?

All three searches are mandatory to become a security guard in Alberta– no exceptions:

  • criminal record check
  • vulnerable sector search
  • local police database search

Eligibility Check

To become a security guard, you must:

  • be over 18 years old
  • be eligible to work in Canada
  • be fluent in English
  • have no criminal record
  • have no outstanding criminal charges
  • not be the subject of a criminal investigation

A minimum English language proficiency requirement exists for all security service employees. 

The Centre for Canadian Language Benchmarks sets a level 5 benchmark for this field.

To become a security guard in Canada, you must be a Canadian citizen. If you are not a Canadian citizen, you will need a permanent residency permit or a working visa to work legally in the country. You must be at least 18 years old (19 in certain jurisdictions).

If you are a police officer serving as a security guard in Edmonton, you must first notify your employer that you will be working as a private security guard.

Furthermore, if you are an active member of any law enforcement agency with a peace officer status, you will not be permitted to work as a private security guard. Finally, if you have an outstanding criminal record, you will be denied entrance into the security guard training program.

Completing The Training Program

Several colleges and universities throughout Canada provide training programs for those seeking to pursue a career as a security guard.

Private security companies Edmonton may have their training programs, but they are only used to instruct their staff. You’ll learn how to keep calm in a crisis, evaluate risk, stay vigilant, and identify potential dangers through the training programs.

The staff of first responders at the site has undergone specialized training to ensure you have the attention and care you need during an emergency. 

You’ll be taught how to handle medical situations and what to do if someone is injured or trapped in a vehicle. You will also get first-aid and safety instructions. After completing the program, you may proceed to the examination phase.

The Alberta Justice and Solicitor General (AJSG) issues security guard licenses in Alberta. You must complete a provincially established training course (ABST) before applying for your license.

Getting Your Alberta Security Services Licence

Security Licence Alberta

There are three stages to obtaining a security guard first-time licence in Alberta:

  1. Take an approved Alberta security training course
  2. Score 80% or higher on the final exam
  3. Apply for an Alberta security services licence

The first two steps are not required to renew a valid security services licence. If you already have an Alberta security services licence, go to step 3.

If you’ve previously worked in law enforcement or have received comparable training outside of Alberta, you may be eligible for an exemption from training. To find out more, contact Security Programs providers.

Passing The Exam

  1. Take the Alberta Basic Security Training Course

The Canadian Academy of Guard Training is a Ministry-approved Alberta Basic Security Training Course. There are authorized companies in Alberta by the government as training providers. 

This 40-hour online course will adequately prepare you for Alberta’s security services licensing exam.

  1. Pass the Alberta Provincial Security Guard Test

The next step is to take the security services test after completing the training course.

You may take the exam with your security training provider. In Alberta, security services tests are administered in person at the training facility, and the Ministry oversees them.

To apply for a licence, you must complete the final exam with an 80 percent or higher overall mark. If you do not pass, you may retake the examination. There is no limit to how many times you can rewrite the test, but you must pass it within two years of beginning your basic training course.

You’ll receive an official certificate from the Ministry after completing the exam.

Getting Your Security License

After you’ve completed the test, you’ll need a license. The Ministry of Community Safety and Correctional Services (the department that administers the exam) is issuing security guard licenses.

You’ll need a photo of your passport quality, evidence of your completed training (you’ll be given a number to prove this), two pieces of an acceptable ID, and a completed guarantor info form to apply for your license. 

The Ministry of Security service licensing charge is $100. Submit your application at one of the registries or by mail.

The mailing address is:

Security Programs

Alberta Justice and Solicitor General

PO Box 1023 Station Main

Edmonton, AB T5J 2M1

If anything is missing from your application or it cannot be read, the Ministry will return it to you. Before the police documents on your application expire, you must re-submit your complete, legible application.

You’ll get a 60-day provisional licence by email if your application is accepted. Your licence card will be sent to the address you provided.

Detailed instructions for applying and the application form can be found online here.

If you are interested in becoming a security guard in Edmonton, please follow this article as there are many vacancies available for security guards.