What You'll Need To Get Your Ontario Security Guard License

November 2, 2022

Ever wondered what it takes to become a licensed security guard? You’re not alone. Many Ontario companies now require their security guards to be fully licensed, which entails hours of training and testing. Although that may sound time-consuming, it’s actually more achievable than you might think.

Here at Cancom Security Training Academy, we pride ourselves on providing our students with ample learning opportunities, allowing them to become well-trained licensed security guards. There are a few prerequisites to getting your security guard license in Ontario, but ultimately you only need the drive to work and the desire to learn.

Here’s what you need to get your Ontario security guard license.

Prerequisites

Not everyone can become a security guard, for obvious reasons. Applicants should be in good standing with the law and be aware of what’s physically and mentally required of security guards. Before you start your application, you need to:

  • Be 18 years old (at minimum)
  • Have no pre-existing criminal record (per the Clean Criminal Record Regulation)
  • Be allowed to legally work in Canada

You’ll also need to complete your training program, take your license test and apply for a license. Here’s how that process works.

Training

In order to become a licensed security guard, you’ll need to complete a 40-hour Ontario Security Guard Training program. This includes an 8-hour course that teaches you how to perform CPR, first aid and AED. It will also teach you how to assess a situation if someone is injured.

It also includes a 32-hour course that teaches you everything you’ll need to know to be a successful, well-rounded security guard. Topics include:

  • General security performance
  • Loss prevention
  • Handling statements and writing reports
  • Understanding basic Emergency Response Preparation
  • Comprehension of the Canadian Legal System
  • Effective use of force
  • Sensitivity training

There are several other topics to cover, and you’ll learn plenty of things regarding physical safety and de-escalating situations without using force. Once you’ve completed the 40-hour training program, you can sign up for a test to obtain your license.

Testing

After you’ve successfully finished your 40-hour training program, you can use your training number to schedule your security license test. Although the test is designed to challenge and test applicants to ensure they’re ready for work, most applicants pass their test after one try. Once you’ve passed your test, you can apply for a security guard license.

Apply for license:

Apply for your license by submitting your application online at ServiceOntario. A security guard license is $80, so make sure you have that readily available when you complete your application. Once you’re approved, you’ll receive your license by mail within eight weeks.

Getting your security guard license can be trying, and it takes a lot of time and effort. However, you don’t have to go it alone. Here at Cancom Security Training Academy, we offer our students the support they need to feel ready for a career in security. Our highly-trained staff will help you prepare for the test and ensure you have the physical and mental fortitude to pass the exam with confidence.

Curious to learn more about our courses? Contact us today! We’d love to hear about your goals and see if we can help make them a reality.

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