Security Guard Licensing Information
Private Security in Ontario refers to anyone performing work for remuneration consisting of protecting person, public and property. This includes but is not limited to uniformed guards working at construction sites, shopping malls, apartment buildings, etc. It also includes people who may or may not be in uniform, like bodyguards. Bouncers also fall under this category, however, unlike loss prevention officers or bodyguards, bouncers are required by law to wear a uniform. The latter categories, most notably bouncers, have only recently become regulated as Private Security professionals
The Act & Regulations
The “Private Security & Investigative Services Act” took effect in Ontario on April 15, 2010. (It had been in development since 2005, was formalized in 2006, some regulations were implemented August 23rd 2008, more on August 23rd 2009, with new training and testing regulations having come into force as of April 15, 2010.)
A primary goal of this new Act is to help the public more clearly distinguish between Private Security workers and police officers. As such, many of the new regulations are guidelines for the appearance and conduct of security workers, as well as the appearance of security vehicles, uniforms, and terminology. This is a formidable change in the industry as it standardizes and professionalizes Private Security workers.
The Act sets out brand new training and testing requirements. There is now a mandatory 40 Hour Security Guard course, and a written test to pass before a license to work as a security guard in Ontario can be obtained.
Security Guard Training & Testing Requirement
As of April 15, 2010, anyone wishing to work as a Security Guard in Ontario is now required to enroll in a 40-hour course, pass a multiple-choice test, and apply for a license.
The Security Guard Training consists of a 40 Hour curriculum mandated by the Ministry of Community Safety and Correctional Services. The nominal cost for such training ranges from about $200 to $400. Once completed the training entity will issue the individual a completion code. The individual must now undergo and pass a Ministry regulated test prior to being permitted to apply for an Ontario Security Guard License.
The Security Guard Testing consists of 60 multiple choice questions in written format. This test is designed to take in 75 minutes, and is offered by a company selected by the Ministry of Community Safety and Correctional Services known as Serco DES, most commonly known as Ontario Drive Test Centre. The nominal cost for this test is $35+HST, payable to Serco DES. This test can only be booked and paid for online by visiting www.ontariosecuritytesting.ca
The Security Guard License Application is a process in which the Ministry of Ontario collects the individual’s personal information for the processing of a criminal background check, as well as the successful issuance of said license. This step takes approximately 2 to 4 weeks for completion at which point, if no criminal record is found, a security guard license is issued. The nominal cost for the license application is $80 payable to the Minister of Finance.
Eligibility Requirements
- You must be 18 years of age or older
- You must be eligible to work in Canada
- You must have a clean criminal record
- You must complete the required training and testing requirements
