Become a Security Guard In Ontario | Guard Training

To legally work as a security guard in Ontario you must have a valid occupational license from the Ontario Ministry of Community Safety and Correctional Services.

With an Ontario security guard licence, you can work in a job where your main duties are to protect people or property. Licensed security guards can also be employed as bodyguards, bouncers or loss prevention employees.

Ontario security guard licenses are issued to individuals, not employers. Your license is portable, which means it goes with you from job to job. It is your responsibility as a licensee (not your employer’s) to apply for, renew and maintain your license.

Licences for private investigators in Ontario are issued separately, though you can be licensed as both a security guard and a private investigator. You must complete investigator-specific training and testing to apply for this licence and the process is not covered here.

This guide explains the process for obtaining a new (first time) Ontario security guard licence.

Getting Your New Ontario Security Guard Licence

There are three steps to obtaining a security guard licence in Ontario:

Take an accredited Ontario security guard basic training course*
Use the Training Completion Number from your course to take the Ontario security guard basic test through ServiceOntario*
When you’ve passed the exam, apply for your licence through ServiceOntario

* If you have a valid security guard licence from another province or territory, you still need to obtain an Ontario licence. However, you may be exempt from Ontario training and testing. Contact the Ministry of Community Safety and Correctional Services to inquire.

1. Complete Basic Ontario Security Guard Training

The Canadian Academy of Guard Training course meets the Ontario requirements for basic security guard training. It covers all the requirements and is designed to fully prepare you for the Ontario test. The course is easy to follow and engaging with prep tests that let you gauge your own readiness for the licensing exam.

2. Pass the Ontario Basic Security Guard Test

The Ontario security guard basic test consists of 60 multiple choice questions and you will have 75 minutes to complete the test. The score to pass is 62%. You may take the test as many times as you require to pass, but you must pay the test fee each time.

The cost to take the test is CDN $75.15 including HST.

The Ontario security guard test can be taken at some DriveTest centres across Ontario. To find testing locations, register and learn more go to: www.ontariosecuritytesting.ca.

Within five business days of completing the test, your test results will be available. If you obtain a score of at least 62%, you will be provided with an Ontario testing completion number to include in your application for a licence

3. Applying for a New Ontario Security Guard Licence

When you have successfully completed your Ontario security guard test, apply for your licence through ServiceOntario.

You may submit your application online through your ServiceOntario account or by mail. Applications are not accepted at in-person ServiceOntario counters.

To apply online or by mail, you will need:

Your testing completion number
A passport-quality photo
Photocopies or scanned electronic versions of two valid government identification documents, including one document providing proof of your eligibility to work in Canada
An eligible guarantor who can complete and sign the Guarantor Information Form
A payment of $80 (acceptable methods of payment depend on whether you are applying by mail or online)

If you apply online, your correctly completed application for a licence can be approved within 10 business days. Applications by mail may take up to 30 business days.

Incorrectly completed or incomplete applications will be returned. You must respond to ServiceOntario within 90 calendar days or your application may be closed, and your fee will not be refunded.

An Ontario government guide to applying and a downloadable application package is available here.

After You Are a Licensed Security Guard

When you receive your Ontario security guard licence you may start working in a job where your main duties are to protect people or property.

While on duty, you must always carry a valid licence and be prepared to show your licence card on request.

A new Ontario security guard licence will expire two birthdays after the day it is issued. It is your responsibility to maintain a valid security guard licence while employed in the field.

The Private Security and Investigative Service Act, 2005 and its regulations (the “Act”) including the Code of Conduct, set out the rules you must follow to maintain your licence.

If you are convicted of a criminal offence while licensed as a security guard, you may lose your licence. By law, you must update your criminal record information within five days of being convicted of an offence listed in the Act. You can do so online or by completing a Change of Information Form and submitting it by mail.

Online Security Guard Training For Only $149

To legally work as a security guard in Ontario you must have a valid occupational license from the Ontario Ministry of Community Safety and Correctional Services.

Who Can Get a Security Guard Licence in Ontario?

Getting Your New Ontario Security Guard Licence

1. Complete Basic Ontario Security Guard Training

2. Pass the Ontario Basic Security Guard Test

3. Applying for a New Ontario Security Guard Licence

After You Are a Licensed Security Guard

Renewing or Restoring an Ontario Security Guard Licence

Get Help or More Information on Applying for an Ontario Security Guard Licence