Education · 1 of 4
The path
Get hired as a helper, then learn the systems one at a time.
- 1
High school diploma
Grade 12
Math, physics and any computer or tech class. A driver's licence matters more than marks here.
- 2
Optional short program
0 to 1 year
A one-year college certificate in electrical techniques, network cabling or electronics. Not required, but it gets you hired faster.
- 3
Get hired and licensed
Weeks
Alarm companies, telecom contractors and electrical contractors hire helpers. In BC and Alberta you need a security worker licence with a criminal record check before you can touch an alarm system.
- 4
Learn on the job
1 to 3 years
Pull cable, mount cameras and panels, then learn to program them. The Alarm Technician Course from CANASA (Canadian Security Association) is the industry's own training, delivered online with Centennial College.
- 5
Optional apprenticeship
2 to 3 years
Ontario's Network Cabling Specialist trade is 4,600 hours, about two and a half years, and covers much of the same cabling and low-voltage work.