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How to Become a Security Guard in Canada: A Step-by-Step Guide

March
21
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Working as a security guard can be a highly fulfilling and exciting career choice. Whether you're working in healthcare, commercial buildings, post-secondary institutions, aviation, industrial, or any setting, you'll have the opportunity to make a real difference in the lives of others and make the world a safer and friendlier place.

But that's not all - working as a security guard can also be a rewarding career in terms of personal growth and development. It can provide you with invaluable skills, experience, and specialized training. You'll learn how to communicate effectively, de-escalate situations, develop strong problem-solving skills, and more. These skills are transferable to many other industries and can help you advance your career in the future.

If you're considering becoming a security guard, you'll need to meet certain requirements and complete specific training. Here's a step-by-step guide on how to become a security guard in Canada.

Step 1: Meet the Basic Requirements

Before you can become a security guard in Canada, you must meet the basic requirements. You must be at least 18 years old, have a clean criminal record, and be legally eligible to work in Canada. Typically, a high-school diploma is required to obtain an entry-level job as a security guard.

Step 2: Complete the Required Training

In Canada, security guards must complete specific training to become licensed. The training program you need to complete may vary depending on your location and the type of security work you plan to do. A certain number of hours of ‘Basic Security Training (BST)’ is usually required.

You can find a list of approved training programs on the website of the provincial or territorial government where you plan to work:

Step 3: Obtain a Security Guard License

Once you've completed your training and passed any necessary tests, you'll need to obtain a security guard license from the appropriate government agency. The agency that issues licenses may vary depending on your location (reference links above).

You'll need to provide proof of completing the required training, pass a background check, and pay a fee to obtain your license. Once you have your license, you'll be able to legally work as a security guard in Canada.

Security Guard Fees:

The cost of becoming a security guard could vary depending on your province. The total cost is essentially divided into the following:

  • Basic Security Training (BST) - $160 - $300 plus tax
  • Test Booking - $75-$80 plus tax (depending on the province)
  • Security Licence application - the fee could range from $75-$85 tax included (depending on the province).
  • Uniform and equipment - Uniforms and equipment (e.g. duty belt, flashlight, boots etc.) could cost another $150-$200. Every site has unique requirements in terms of equipment. Some sites are more demanding than others.

Paladin Security offers company-paid training. We help prepare our staff for provincial tests, and in some provinces, we reimburse the licencing cost after probation. Additionally, all necessary uniforms are supplied to our officers free of charge.

Step 4: Find a Job

Now that you have your license, it's time to job hunt! The physical copy of your security guard license may take a while before you receive it, so make sure you get a digital copy as soon as possible so that you can start applying for jobs.

When applying for jobs, make sure to highlight your training and any relevant experience you have. Being a security guard can be a demanding job, so employers will want to know that you're capable of handling the responsibilities.

Here is a free downloadable guide on how to write the ideal security guard resume and how to prepare for a security guard interview.

Step 5: Maintain Your License

To maintain your license, you'll need to renew it periodically. The renewal requirements may vary depending on your location (reference step 2 links), but you'll typically need to complete ongoing training and pay a renewal fee. Remember to stay up-to-date with the latest training requirements and maintain your license to ensure your success in this field.

Set Yourself Up for Success

If you're looking for a career that allows you to make a real difference in your community while also providing personal growth and development, consider becoming a security guard. It could be the start of an exciting and fulfilling career.

Join a booming industry! With ten years as one of Canada’s Best Managed Companies, a place in the Hall of Fame of Canada's Most Admired Corporate Cultures, being named Best Employer by Forbes Magazine for three years in a row, and winning the OSPA’s Outstanding Contract Security Company Award, Paladin is one of the fastest-growing companies across Canada.

If you are ready to jumpstart your career in security, check out our careers page.

GET STARTED NOW

Be sure to listen to The Difference Makers podcast and read our blog to learn more about Paladin and the exciting world of security.


Diego Viramontes
How to Become a Security Guard in Canada: A Step-by-Step Guide

Reader Interactions

Comments

  1. Gautam says

    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

  3. Faylinn says

    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.

  5. rachel frampton says

    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.

  6. Justin says

    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?

  8. Shaban says

    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

  9. Thane says

    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?

  10. Rachel says

    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.

  11. Rachel says

    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.

  12. kirandeep kaur says

    Hi, I am international student in Toronto.I want to start my career in security.Can I join paladin as a student.
    thanks.

  14. Suruthika. S says

    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!

  15. Rachel says

    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.

  16. Geeta Sood says

    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.

  18. abdool says

    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.

  19. Rachel says

    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/

  20. Imad.E.K says

    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.

  21. Kate Hansen says

    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!

  22. Rachel says

    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!

  23. Heena Thukral says

    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

  26. Gurpreet says

    hii i had applied to work with paladin security about 6 months ago i got a call for interview as well but i do not have a security license. i am really willing to work as a security guard. can you let me know how can i get a security license or work in security.

  27. Justice says

    Hello, i am wondering if an adult grad certificate would be the same as a HS diploma, also i am joining the army reserves and i am also wondering if that will affect anything

  28. Ushhh says

    Hi…. So if i want to get licensed through paladin…who do i contact and what are the options for that?…I reside in ontario and eligible to work in canada

  30. Rachel says

    Hi Justice, we recommend you contacting your local police department to confirm this information! Thank you.

  31. Rachel says

    Hi Gurpreet, depending on the position you apply for, Paladin Security actually helps new candidates acquire their security license as well as pay for it.

  32. Rachel says

    Hi Mohammed, for many of our entry-level positions, Paladin Security will help you acquire your security license and even pay for it.

  34. Riley Munholland says

    Hi I am wondering if you can recommend a school that’s open for training currently in Kelowna.

    Also what you pay hourly for new hires.

  35. SeongJun Huh says

    Hello my name is SeongJun Huh
    I have handed in application for career in vancouver
    ( hospital/casualpool) via online
    When would I expect to hear from the company?

  36. Ashok Ralhan says

    Hi Sir, I wish to obtain a security service’s certificate to join your esteem organisation.
    Please let me know how can apply for course.
    Thanka &regards
    Ashok Ralhan

  38. Rachel says

    Hello SeongJun, the hiring process can take a few weeks so it is best to be patient during this time. Please note that we only contact successful applicants. Thank you!

  39. Rachel says

    Hi Riley, if you are interested in becoming a security officer with Paladin Security, then you will receive company-paid training from us once you are hired. The hourly rate for new hires will depend on the site they are positioned at, and can be anywhere from $14.60-$17.

  40. Rohan says

    Hello my name is Rohan i am living in halifax and lookinf for the job, As i have good physique and very attentive. I have worked and McDonald’s, Ups security, construction sites etc.

  46. Sharkya Supun De Silva says

    Hello Sir,good day to you,

    Im Supun from srilanka.me and my family will be planning to be landing in Canada Ontario in Mid of January, I really want to know weather without any High school qualification can a candidate apply for this position have 13 years of working experience in Sales & marketing back home,

    thank you

  48. Rachel says

    Hi Supan, the qualifications vary depending on the position you apply for. You can check the “Job Qualification” section on each job post to confirm whether this is a requirement or not. Thank you!

  50. harmeet says

    Hi sir….. i have applied for paladin security guard job. i received an email from them regarding my availability and contact information. so now will they call me for interview or not?
    Thank you!!

  51. Rachel says

    Hi Harmeet, once you provide them with your availability and contact information they will inform you of the next steps. Thank you!

  52. Tennyson says

    Hi have applied for paladin security guard but until now i did not recieve any reply…

    Thank you

  53. Christina Heydanus says

    Hi Tennyson, the hiring process can take a few weeks, so it is best to be patient during this time. Please note that we only contact successful applicants as well. Thank you!

  55. Jasmeen Jain says

    Hi,
    I am looking for security job. I have security license too. I made an account and applied to many jobs but did not get any reply. I am trying to get it from last 2 months. Mainly I am looking for security as my study also matches it. But didn’t got any reply yet.

  56. Kavya Joshi says

    Hi
    I am an international student in Canada , looking for a part time job as a security guard . So for that will i have to do this course ??

  57. David Manfredi says

    Good morning, I kindly wanted to know if those who come from abroad (Italy) and already have a degree (in Law), still need to have a diploma in a Canadian school to be able to apply for a job as a security guard, or if with a recognition procedure of the foreign university degree, could instead reduce the time needed for possible job placement. Thank you very much for your very useful information
    David

  58. Pauline says

    Hello
    Im an experienced Health and Safety Administrator / NCSO with OFA 3 and EMR training.
    I want to become a licenced security guard and work for your company. Please let me know what my steps are with your company to become certified under your company.

  59. Harry Khan says

    To whom it may concern,

    I am currently a first year university student who is fully eligible to obtain a license but I am confused on the BSOt, where and what exactly does this test take place, what information does it cover and how likely is it that after obtaining everything will one be positioned somewhere. Please let me know as I am very interested!

  60. Jilliane says

    Hi, I’m a police foundations college student and interested in joining paladin security. How do I apply and get a liscence?

  61. Jilliane says

    Hi, I’m a police foundations college student and interested in joining paladin security. How do I apply for part time and get my licence with paladin?

  62. Gaganpreet Singh says

    I have one question about level 3 security guard license. How we can get that. What are the requirements and is we have to be Canadian citizen as well.
    Thanks

  63. Gaganpreet Singh says

    Hi sir
    I want to get level 3 security guard license,Could you please tell me what are the requirements for that.And one more question, is we have to be Canadian citizen to get level 3 license

  64. Arman says

    Are the OFA 2 certificate training paid for by Paladin? I have completed the security license but the position I am looking for requires the OFA 2.

  65. Jean k pollard says

    HELLO, My name is JEAN POLLARD and I would like to become a Security Guard Officer, with your company at Paladin. I have heard great things about the company and would very much so like to join the training course that Paladin offers. I would like to make Security my carrier. I would like to enroll in your next classes. please send me the info I need to join the Couse and the company. Thank you for your time. JEAN POLLARD

  66. Happy says

    Hello Sir/Madam
    I am work permit holder after done the school as an international student. Now I want to get a security license. Please let me where I can start the training classes in Prince George for getting a security license.
    Thank you.

  67. Nitin says

    Hi I have security guard’s license for more than one year. How can I get armed security guard’s license?

  74. Heber Anderson Zapata says

    Hello good afternoon my name is Anderson, I am researching security companies in Canada, and paladin is one of the best, I am a Colombian ex-military and I have worked in Colombia for more than 15 years in private security, I have a license in my country as a consultant In private security, I would like to travel to Canada to work in such a prestigious company and contribute all my knowledge and experience, what would be the steps to follow?

  75. Janitha says

    Hi Sir, Pleasure to read this valuable article and thank you very much first and foremost.

    I am a Sri Lankan Army Officer who has 12 years of service. Rank of Major. Now I have resigned from the army legally. Having a Basic Degree of Social Science and Management from the Defense University in Sri Lanka. What is the entry possibility for me to join in the security field if I land to Canada ?

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  106. Awoniyi Ayodeji Adeyemi says

    I wish to work as a security agent in Canada, i am trained maritime security officer in nigeria and as well obtained professional security certificate, and I will be glad if i can be employed in Canada. Thank you.

  107. Glynn Hyman says

    Good Day

    My name is Glynn and im from South Africa. I have been 17 years in the security industry. My qualification in South Africa reaches to Security Manager and have got vast experience. How do i go about qualifying to work in Canada

  109. SJ says

    Hi Palladin

    Informative Article. Thank you guys.

    Question though – Can a Foreigner do the training online and apply for a licence to legally work in Canada?

    Reason being my Bodygaurd Training is Internationally recognised, but without the proper Licence it doesn’t really mean anything.

  110. Muhammad says

    Hi
    I have security licence in dubai,I have four years experience in security dubai.can I apply for security in Canada.

  111. Ibrar Gul says

    Hi Palladin.

    I am from Pakistan i am a fire fighter also prfame security job in my job criteria previous 2007 to 2015 in Pakistan state oil
    Naw day i am assistant record keeping in Pakistan state oil my age 40 is it possible to carrier start Canada as security guard tell me my eligibility.
    Haw to start course
    And training in canada security company haw to aproch quickly.

  112. Top bahadur ale says

    Hi I’m X- army in Nepal I have 17 years experience in Nepal and 1 year UN experience in Lebanon I apply for security in Canada

  113. Efren M Maglente Jr says

    Interested applicant from Philippines. Former security guard for almost 5 years and presently an active Policeman for almost 9 years.How to be a part of your agency?

  114. best security guards in raiwind says

    Thank you for all your help. Your service was excellent and very FAST. Many thanks for you kind and efficient service. I have already and will definitely continue to recommend your services to others in the future.

  115. lorvy saligumba says

    Nice article and very imformative. However I have some query, if your company provides LMIA for your future Security Guards like me😊😊 And just holding a eTA or Tourist visa? Your reponse is very helpful to us. Thank you

  116. FAQEER MUHAMMAD BROHI says

    Hi! Sir,This is FAQEER MUHAMMAD, from Pakistan, Sir I have been serving in Sindh Police since 2002,having a twenty plus years job experience and Specialized Commandos Training,2007,A training with French Nationale Police 2014, and Upper School Course 2019,2021.Hence I wish to work as a Security Officer/ Guard in Canada with high hope to serve the country with zeal and valor..Hope my request will find a due place to obtain my services.

  117. Mr. Khelifi. Hassen says

    Bonjour je suis agent cynophile depuis 1991 . Je suis libre de tout engagement . Je suis près à changer de pays . Je rêve de vivre et travailler au Canada . Et e depuis que je suis tout-petit . J ai dés notion de dressage . J ai un certificat de capacité d agent cynophile . J ai suivit 2 formation d agent conducteur de chien de défense . Une en 1991 avec des ancien légionnaire cynophile . Cet formation à durée 2 mois . L autre formation c était en 1999 dans un club canin . Durée de formation 3 mois . J ai eu mon ( c q p ) ( a p. S ) en 2008 . Durée de cet formation. 5 mois

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