Education · 1 of 4
The path
Weeks, not years. The licence is the only real gate.
- 1
Be 18 and eligible to work
Right away
Ontario requires you to be at least 18, legally entitled to work in Canada, and free of the offences listed in its licensing regulation.
- 2
Take the basic training course
1 to 3 weeks
An approved provider teaches the legal powers of a guard, use of force, report writing, emergency response and first aid. Usually about 40 hours, in class or online.
- 3
Pass the provincial test
1 day
Ontario issues a training completion number, then you write the mandatory test for security guards.
- 4
Get your criminal record check and apply
2 to 6 weeks
Ontario charges $80 for the licence and it expires two birthdays after it is issued.
- 5
Get hired and trained on site
Days
Agencies hire constantly. Site-specific training happens in your first days.