Guide to security guard licences and renewals in Toronto

November 10, 2020

Pursuing a career in security or private investigation can open the door to exciting new opportunities and financial freedom. Knowing how to navigate the process can be complicated, so the Toronto-based team at Cancom Security Training Academy is happy to lend their industry expertise to assist you in pursuing the career of your dreams. Our motto is “transition into a new career with professional training, taught by industry experts,” so with us, your security education is in good hands.

In Ontario, to work as a security guard or private investigator you must have a valid licence. These security licences are usually only valid for two years, so it is imperative that you renew your existing licence before it expires. This post serves as a guide for everything from how to obtain your security guard licence, to how to process your security guard licence renewal, and everything in between.

Requirements for obtaining or renewing a security guard licence in Ontario

For up-to-date information and resources on all the requirements for new security guard and private investigator licences, or to learn how to renew an existing licence or an expired licence, visit the Ministry’s website here.

For any security guard or private investigator licence, you must meet the following criteria:

  • Be 18 years old or older
  • Be legally entitled to work in Canada
  • Hold a clean criminal record
  • Complete the mandatory basic training and test for security guards or private investigators
  • Have an Ontario testing completion number from your mandatory test

When to renew

A valid up-to-date licence is required for any work done as a security guard or private investigator in Ontario. Your licence’s expiration date is linked to your date of birth. When you are granted a licence it will expire two years from your upcoming birthday. The government website uses the below example:

For example, if your birthday is December 15th and your first licence was issued on October 1st, 2019, your licence will expire on December 15th, 2020.

When you get your renewal licence, it will be valid for two years and again linked to your birthdate. This makes it convenient to remember when your licence is up for renewal!

Making sure your licence is valid and current is of critical importance in the security profession. Renewing your licence in a timely fashion will prevent any lapses in work coverage and protect you from any expired licence fines and punishment.

How Cancom Security can help

No matter the field of security you are interested in, our Academy’s trainers are all veterans in the industry and can prepare you for any situation. We offer a range of in-person and online courses that exceed the Ministry’s standards and prepare you for real-life on the job.

Examples of Cancom Security Training Academy Courses:

  • In-Person Courses
    • In-class instruction by security experts
    • 500 page take home manual
    • Emergency First Aid/CPR/AED
    • First Aid Manual
  • Online Courses
    • Available for those needing to meet the 40 hour requirement but cannot attend an in-person course.

In order to pass the Ontario Provincial exam and apply for your security guard licence, you will need to complete our 40-hour course and then you may apply for your provincial licence.

If you have any questions on how to handle your license renewal process or how to reapply for an expired licence, our staff is ready to assist you.

Your career in security awaits

Reach out to us today to learn more about how Cancom Security’s Toronto-based training academy excels at preparing clients for their security guard licenses, renewals, and everything in between. We are dedicated to providing excellence of service to every client we protect.

A magnifying glass on a wood table. Our private investigator training courses will teach you how to look at every single detail to succeed as a PI!