Starting a career as a security guard will prepare you for a dynamic and exciting role where you can assist and protect the public, keep physically active, and discover many other rewarding qualities. WorkBC provides some great information about what qualities and skills are required to become a security guard. Paladin also provides some great reasons as to why you should choose a security career.
While there are many amazing reasons to start your career in security, there are a few first steps that you need to take to embark on your journey.
This article provides some tips to help you answer some of the most common questions related to becoming a security guard:
- How do I get a security guard licence?
- How long do you have to go to school to be a security guard?
- How much does it cost to become a security guard?
Question: How do I get a Security Guard licence?
Training is one of the most common components of obtaining a security guard licence in any province in Canada. The general process to become a licensed guard is to complete the required number of hours of provincially approved training, write and pass the test, and apply for a security licence.
We have compiled the generic steps to obtain a security guard licence. It is important to note that these steps can vary by province, so it is good to get familiar with your province’s specific requirements. We’ve provided some helpful links in this article.
1. Study the requirements on your province’s website
It is absolutely imperative that you go through all the requirements mandated by the province you reside in before you take steps towards obtaining your license. Based on which province you are located, a certain number of hours of ‘Basic Security Officer Training (BSOT)’ is usually required. Upon successful completion of BSOT, you will receive a ‘training completion number’ that you can use to apply for a security guard license test.
To get an overview of province-specific requirements in obtaining a security guard license, you can browse any of the following links that apply to you:
- British Columbia
- Alberta
- Saskatchewan
- Manitoba
- Ontario
- Quebec
- Newfoundland and Labrador
- Prince Edward Island
- New Brunswick
2. Apply for the test
Once you receive the ‘training completion number’, you have to book for the test. After the booking is completed, you will receive a date to write the security guard test. The exam is typically 90 minutes and you will need to provide valid identification.
3. Study for the test
Like any other test, preparation is key to passing this exam. The more prepared you are, the more confident you will be to write the exam. Some provinces provide practice tests and other great resources to help you get prepared.
Passing grades can be different for every province, make sure you understand what is required by referring to your province’s website (provide in the links above).
4. Acquire a digital copy
Once you pass the exam, you will be notified, and a copy of your security guard license will be mailed to you. However, the physical copy of your security guard license may take a while before you receive it. Therefore, acquire a digital copy as soon as possible so that you can start applying for jobs. As long as you have a valid digital copy of your security guard license, you can work as a security guard.
Question: How long do you have to go to school to be a Security Guard?
1. High-school diploma
A security guard’s role includes a myriad of responsibilities in the current day and age. It is expected that a security guard, when assigned to a role; is physically fit, can comfortably perform basic math, read, write, and communicate effectively.
Typically, a high-school diploma is required to obtain an entry-level job as a security guard. Once you complete high-school, given that you are of the right age (typically 18-19 depending on the province), the only thing in your way to becoming a security guard is the ‘security guard licence’. After acquiring your security guard licence, you can work as a professional security guard. Click here to find out how to prepare for a security guard interview. Once you have the job as a security guard, your journey to fulfill your dreams doesn’t have to stop there.
2. Determine your future
Usually, as you progress your career in security and law enforcement, you can obtain certifications to reinforce your credentials, depending on what aspect of the security field you want to pursue. Most, if not all, of these certifications, will require you to complete a certain number of hours as “work-time” in the security field before you can even qualify to write the test.
Your entry-level security job can work as a stepping-stone in accumulating the required hours of “work-time”. Even if your time working as a guard doesn’t contribute toward fulfilling the requirement for certification, the experience as a security guard alone will set you apart from other candidates without it, as you strive to move up. A few examples of such certifications are:
- Certified Ethical Hacker (CEH)
- Associate Protection Professional (APP)
- Certified Healthcare Protection Administrator (CHPA)
- Physical Security Professional (PSP)
- Certified Fire Protection Specialist (CFPS)
- Professional Certified Investigator (PCI)
- Certified Protection Professional (CPP)
Click here to find out some of the other fringe benefits of becoming a security guard.
3. Now we are talking big!
To top that off, it is ideal, but not required, to have some sort of post-secondary academic background in law enforcement to secure those sought after promotions. Of course, performance is a key factor in getting promoted; but in the long run, it is easier to squeeze in the time to ‘perform better’ than obtaining a degree or a diploma – so plan ahead!
Question: How much does it cost to become a Security Guard?
Depending on which province you are residing, the cost of becoming a security guard could range between $350 - $450. The total cost is essentially divided in the following manner:
1. Completing the Basic Security Officer Training (BSOT):
The first and foremost requirement in obtaining the security guard license is to complete the BSOT. It is a 40-hour long training module that enables prospective security guards to sit for the licensing test. There are certain agencies/security companies that provide this training at a cost of $200-$300.
2. Booking for the test:
You are required to pass the ‘Basic Security Officer Training’ test before you can apply for your license. This exam fee is $75-$80 plus tax (depending on the province).
3. Apply for security licence:
Once you pass the test, the next step is to apply for the security guard licence. The fee to apply for the security guard licence could range from $75-$85 tax included (depending on the province).
4. Uniform and equipment:
Uniforms and equipment (e.g. duty belt, flashlight, handcuffs, boots etc.) could cost another $150-$200. Every site has unique requirements in terms of equipment. Some sites are more demanding than others.
Having said that, Paladin Security offers company paid training and licensing. Additionally, all necessary uniforms and equipment are supplied to our officers free of charge.
Set yourself up for success
A career in security is described by many as rewarding and exciting. You have the ability to work in many industries and pursue an assortment of roles and responsibilities, such as;
- Healthcare security officer
- Mobile patrol guard
- Loss-prevention officer
- Campus security
- Patient watch sitter
- Dispatcher/scheduler
The opportunities are truly endless. It just depends on where your passion may take you. Get a head start on your career in security or learn more about the security industry by connecting with your local Paladin Security office.
Paladin regularly hosts information sessions, hiring fairs, and open houses. Find an upcoming event near you or visit your local Paladin office.
Or if you are ready to take the next step, read our blog on how to prepare for a security guard interview.
Hi sir
I am Gautam former soldier of Indian army from last 6 years been working for British Maritime security company living in india could you please update me how can i get security guard license from Canada as i am a Indian Citizen.
Looking forward to hear you.
Kind regards
Gautam
Hello, thank you for reading our article! We only employee individuals who are eligible to work in Canada. Once you have the proper documents to work in Canada, you can apply to Paladin Security under the “Career” section of our website: https://www.paladinsecurity.com/careers
My favorite part about this article was when you explained that some agencies can help you gain training to be an abasic security officer for about $200. My sister told me that her husband has been talking about changing careers, and how he would like to have a security job in the area. This would allow him to see his family more often, so I think he should start looking for options and certifications.
Hi Faylinn, thank you for sharing. We are happy to hear this article was helpful for you. If your sister’s husband is interested in applying to Paladin Security, he can locate job openings here: https://www.paladinsecurity.com/careers
My brother has been wanting to be a security guard. Therefore, we’ve been looking for a security guard training program that can help him make this happen. Aside from this, we’ll also make sure that my brother will apply and prepare for the test.
I saw that Paladin has the BSOT training course. I would like to sign up for it. But where do I get the link from it?
Hi Justin, we provide our BSOT training course to Paladin Security Officers. If you are interested in a career with Paladin, you can find open positions on the Career section of our website: https://www.paladinsecurity.com/careers
Good day;
I have been trying to join Paladin security; however, I can’t seem to find the proper links/application forms to fill. I’m not sure who to contact for that either. Neither can I register for an account at the portal. Please help!
Regards
Hello! To apply for a job, please visit: http://www.paladinsecurity/careers. When you locate a position that interests you, you can apply by clicking on “Apply Now”. You will then need to provide your email address in order to create a profile. Thank you.
Would I be required to have my security license (In this case for Ontario) before applying for a job, or is the licensing something which is part of Paladin’s training? For the former, would I be reimbursed for licensing fees if I were to be hired?
Hi Thane, it will depend on the job you are applying for. Some positions will require you to already have your license, whereas others do not, and then we would help you acquire it. To answer your last question, yes, we do cover the cost of the licensing fee.
Hi, I am international student in Toronto.I want to start my career in security.Can I join paladin as a student.
thanks.
Hello, yes you can apply to Paladin Security if you are a university/college student. You can locate part-time or casual positions on our “Careers” page: https://www.paladinsecurity.com/careers
Hello, if I wanted to become a security guard at Paladin, do I have to have my license first? Or do I join Paladin and they will help me prepare for the test to acquire my license? I just wanted to be completely sure. Can I enter Paladin and then start training? Will that training be provided by Paladin? What would I have to pay for, just to be sure!
Hi Suruthika, those are all great questions! Some of our positions require you to have already obtained your security guard license. However, if a position does not require you to have one, this means we will help you obtain your license, as well as pay for it. We also provide security guard training, which we cover the full expense of.
Hi, I am Geeta and interested in getting Security License but dont know how to proceed. I am living in Brampton, Ontario. Please guide me for online licensing.
Hi Geeta, you can contact the Ministry to inquire about a security licence in Ontario: https://www.mcscs.jus.gov.on.ca/english/PSIS/ContactUs/PSIS_contact.html
Hello i just retired few weeks ago from a full time job as a welder.I now realized that i am bored at home and need to work.I was thinking about getting a security job but my concern is “does security guard companies hire retirees.”I am physically fit and in great health i am also 66 years of age.
Hi Abdool, yes you absolutely can work in security if you have recently retired! The security industry can be the perfect place to look for that part-time job that has the hours and flexibility to suit you and your life situation. You can learn more about our open positions here: https://paladinsecurity.com/careers/
Hello sir, I’ve been checking Paladin Security these days and i’m really interested in joining. But I don’t live in Canada. I live in Algeria. I’m healthy and young (22 years old) and with a university diploma. I saw that you have training courses but am I eligible to them to be able to get a licence from you? I want to know if i have a chance to join you or should i look for something else.
Thank you, Imad.
Hi Imad, thank you for your comment. Unfortunately, we do not provide training courses or security licenses to non-employees of Paladin Security. In order to apply to Paladin Security, you must live in Canada and be able to work in Canada. We appreciate your interest!
It was really helpful when you said that you need a high school diploma. My brother was telling me last night about how he ants to look into becoming a security guard, and he was wondering if he had everything that he needed. I’ll make sure to pass this information along to him so that he can know what’s required to becoming a security guard!
Hi my name is Heena Thukral, I applied in Health care as casual, and according to the advertisement Paladin Security was going to help me to get the proper training along with BSOT, but somehow I was dropped from the list without any proper explanation. I got the email that list is narrow down to other candidates. But I really want to join Paladin Security so I re-applied for the different job but with the same condition that paladin will help me to get Security Licence. Could you please help me with it? Thank you.
Regards,
Heena Thukral
Hi Heena, thank you for your interest in Paladin Security! If you have no prior experience, we encourage you read our Security Guard Resume blog: https://paladinsecurity.com/security-careers/security-guard-resume/. Please also ensure you are applying to positions that are in the city you live in, in order to be considered for the job.