how to become a security guard

To Become a Security Guard, Concierge, or Bouncer in Ontario, you need to have a valid Security License. Let Us Help You Get It

With an Ontario security guard license, your main job is to protect people and property. Licensed security guards can get jobs as bodyguards, bouncers, concierges, airport security, event security, security companies or loss prevention employees.

The licence belongs to you, you can take it with you from job to job.

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

Who can get a Security Guard Licence in Ontario?

To be eligible for an Ontario security guard licence you must:

Be 18 years of age or older
Be legally able to work in Canada
Have a clean criminal record
Complete the mandatory training and exam requirements
Have a current Emergency First Aid/CPR certificate

If you have been convicted (and not pardoned) of any of the 80+ criminal offences listed in the Ontario regulation, Eligibility to Hold a Licence – Clean Criminal Record, you will not be able to obtain or renew a security guard licence.

step 1

Complete a 40 hour Security Licence Training Program with a First Aid and CPR Certification and receive your Training Completion Number

The Hughes Intelligence Security Guard Training Course meets the Ontario requirements for security guard training. It covers all the requirements and is designed to fully prepare you for the Ontario exam. The course is easy to follow and engaging with a practice test that lets you gauge your own readiness for the licensing exam. Hughes Intelligence does not offer First Aid/CPR training. You will need to obtain your Emergency First Aid/CPR training from a 3rd party provider, and submit the certificate to us.

Upon completion of the security guard training course, you will receive a Training Completion Number which you will need to register for the Ontario Security Guard exam.

step 2

Pass the Ontario Security Guard Exam

To register for the Ontario Security Guard Exam, visit the Serco website and choose “Book a Test” here.

The cost to take each basic test is $66.50 plus HST, for a total of $75.15.

Test results are available within two days of taking the test.

If you fail the basic test, you can take it again as many times as necessary. You must pay the full fee each time.

step 3

Apply for your 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:

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 package is available here.

After You Are a Licensed Security Guard

When you receive your Ontario security guard license 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 by completing a Change of Information Form and submitting it by mail.

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

For questions on the licence application process, you may contact ServiceOntario customer service Monday to Friday, 8:30am to 5pm:

Toll-free: 1-866-767-7454
TTY Toll-free: 1-800-268-7095
Toronto: 416-212-8888
TTY Toronto: 416-325-3408

Or by email: privatesecurity@ontario.ca