Earning Your Security Guard Licence

What You Need to Know

In order to legally work in Alberta, security guards must hold a current security service licence. While obtaining licensure is not necessarily difficult, a person interested in pursuing a career in security must be committed to the path due to the number of steps required.

You must be willing to invest both time and money into your chosen employment field. In this blog post, we cover some of the most pertinent information needed when considering becoming a security guard in Alberta.

Basic Eligibility Requirements

The most important thing to consider when applying for your security service license is whether you meet all of the basic eligibility requirements. The Government of Alberta's official website lists the following standard requirements:

• Applicants must be 18 or older
• Applicants must not have a criminal background, including any pending charges
• Applicants must speak English fluently
• Applicants must meet standard Canadian work eligibility guidelines

Take One of Two Official Courses

If you want to become an Alberta security guard, be prepared to undergo an intensive training course. At the moment, two different courses are offered. Potential candidates can enroll in either the Alberta Basic Security Training Course or the Accredited Basic Security Training Course.

Courses will cover necessary information such as your role as security guard. You'll learn how to take notes efficiently and respond to emergency situations. Additional course details can be found online.

Pass the Security Exam

Get ready to hit the books. After you complete your security guard course, you'll need to take a final exam. You must achieve at least 80% proficiency on the exam to pass. While you can rewrite the exam as many times as necessary, you'll need to pass within 24 months since completing your course.

Submit Payment for Your Licence

Once you pass your final security exam, you'll still need to officially apply for your licence. Keep in mind there is a $100 fee for obtaining your licence. Besides paying the fee, you'll also need to:

• Submit a passport photo
• Request an Employment Police Information Check
• Complete an Application for Individual Licence

Renew Your Licence Every Two Years

To keep your licence up to date, you'll need to apply for renewal every two years. Every time you renew your licence, you're required pay the $100 fee, complete another police background check, and resubmit proper identification.

Once you're approved for your licence, you'll receive a temporary licence via email. This temporary licence will be effective for 60 days, until your permanent one arrives in the mail.