Security Systems Technician

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In Quebec? Adds 2 screens at the end of this part.

Education · 1 of 4

The path

Get hired as a helper, then learn the systems one at a time.

  1. 1

    High school diploma

    Grade 12

    Math, physics and any computer or tech class. A driver's licence matters more than marks here.

  2. 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. 3

    Get hired and licensed

    Weeks

    Alarm companies, telecom contractors and electrical contractors hire helpers. In BC (British Columbia) and Quebec you need a security licence, which includes a background check, before you can install an alarm system.

  4. 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, taken online.

  5. 5

    Optional apprenticeship

    2 to 3 years

    Ontario's Network Cabling Specialist trade is 4,600 hours, about two and a half years (4,000 on the job and 600 in school), and covers much of the same cabling and low-voltage work.