WORKING AS A SECURITY GUARD - TRAINING AND LICENCING - WHAT YOU NEED TO KNOW

Sep 30, 2026

Upload by Aldword

Working as a security guard guide explains realistic job conditions and emphasizes knowing job requirements and rights to stay safe. It covers whether a security guard licence is required, mandatory training and passing a provincial ministry exam, and responsibilities for licence renewal. It outlines eligibility factors, possible criminal offences, and how to verify licence status. It also details basic employment rights in Ontario, health and safety protections, human rights support, and tips to protect yourself and keep records.

LanguageEnglish

CategoryHealthcare

FormatPDF

Pages2

Reading Time5 min

AccessFree to download

TRAINING AND LICENCING - WHAT YOU NEED TO KNOW

Do I need a security guard licence?

Am I eligible for a licence?

PROTECT YOURSELF!

BASIC RIGHTS

HEALTH AND SAFETY

HUMAN RIGHTS

WORKING AS ASECURITY GUARD There are many adsin the newspaper and on the internet promising a great career and good pay asa securityguard. This isnot often the reality. Many security guards receive low pay, no benefits and have little protection on the job. Understand the requirements of your job and know your rights. It’sup toyouto stay safe and be aware of bad employers or training scams. # TRAINING AND LICENCING - WHAT YOU NEED TO KNOW DoI need a security guard licence? DoI have to take a training course? Yes. If you area security guard, private investigator,bodyguard, bouncer or loss prevention personnel, the lawrequires you to have a valid licence. You can be charged ifyou are working without a valid licence under the PrivateSecurity and Investigative Services Act, 2005. You areresponsible forgetting the licence, not your employer.This means you can change employers and not have torenew your licence. You are also responsible for renewingyour licence before it expires. As of January 30th, 2012security guard licences are valid for 2 years. Employers or potential employers can find out if you havea licence by contacting the Private Security andInvestigative Services Branch or looking atthe on-lineregistry which lists all licence numbers. Don’t worry it Yes. As of April 15th, 2010, you must take a training courseand are required to pass the Ministry of Community Safetyand Correctional Services’exam before you can apply forasecurity guard licence. If you fail the exam, you have to payfor it again. Once you pass the exam, you may apply foralicence. Names of all students who pass the test will besent to the Ministry. Keep track of your expenses: the training program fee,exam fee, licence fee, and your uniform. You may be ableto claim these expenseson your annual income tax returnand reduce the income tax you have to pay. Make sure that your course includes First Aid and CPRtraining. These skills are required to complete the generaltraining and qualify fora licence. doesn’tlist your name or private information! # Am I eligible fora licence? Before you enroll ina training program or apply forthelicence, you must be eligible: • Are you older than 18 years of age? • Can you legally work in Canada? • Do you have a criminal record? There are over 80 offences that may prevent you fromgetting a licence. Information on getting a pardon canbe found through the National Parole Board at 1-800-518-8817. # PROTECT YOURSELF! Not all training programs are the same. Many agenciesrequire that you pay them in order to get security guardtraining and even“guarantee”employment. A trainingprogram should be approved by the Ministry ofCommunity Safety and Correctional Services. Only thebusinesses listed on their website can give you therequired training and help you make an appointment forthe exam ata registered examination test centre. Bewareof false promises or training that does not prepare youproperly to pass the test. If you are an employee of an agency or company, and not unionized or self-employed, youare covered under the Employment Standards Act (ESA) . This isthe law that covers workersin Ontario, including security guards. The Ministry of Labour isthe governing body that enforces the ESA andthe Occupational Health and Safety Act (OHSA) . A worker can file acomplaint against their boss here. Call 1-800-531-5551 or goto their website at www.labour.gov.on.ca | BASIC RIGHTS
Are you being paid minimum wage?You must be paid at least minimumwage for every hour you work. Asanemployee you are also entitled toovertime pay, vacation pay and publicholiday pay. Contact S.W.E.A.C formore details. | My boss pays mein cash.
Is this legal?
Some security guards, often nightclubsecurity, are paid in cash. This is legal,HOWEVER your boss MUST provideyou with a record of pay or “pay stub”everytime you are paid. You may notbe eligible for Employment Insuranceor other benefits if you are notprovided wit

FAQs

Who is required to have a valid security guard licence?

The law requires a valid licence for security guards, private investigators, bodyguards, bouncers, and loss prevention personnel. Working without a valid licence can lead to charges.

How often are security guard licences valid, and what must workers track?

As of January 30th, 2012, security guard licences are valid for 2 years. Workers are responsible for renewing before expiration and for keeping track of training, exam, licence, and uniform expenses.

What rights and protections do security guards have in Ontario related to pay and breaks?

Employees must receive at least minimum wage and may be entitled to overtime, vacation pay, and public holiday pay. Workers are entitled to a 30-minute break (or two 15-minute breaks) for every 5 hours worked, plus specific minimum shift pay rules when called in and sent home early.

Sep 30, 2026

Upload by Aldword