In Ontario, there are specific steps you must take to begin a career as a security guard. While the process can take some time, the skills and knowledge you’ll learn will benefit you during your first shifts and as you gain experience. Here is a guide on what you must do to start your new career.
Figure Out If You Want To Become a Security Guard
To start, it’s recommended to learn about what security guards do and whether you are truly interested in becoming one.
Security guards are mainly responsible for protecting property, personnel and information governed by clients, which means doing the following:
- Patrolling property, monitoring surveillance equipment, and responding to emergencies
- Investigating security breaches, trespassers and potential suspects.
- Controlling traffic and enforcing parking regulations
- Completing and submitting security reports
Being a security guard requires lots of demanding groundwork, but also provides the satisfaction of protecting services and people in need. If the above responsibilities suit your interests and skill set, your next step will be getting a security guard licence.
Eligibility Requirements for Ontario Security Guards
Anyone interested in security guard work must acquire a security licence. To obtain a security guard licence, you must meet the following requirements:
- You must be 18 years of age or older
- You must be eligible to work in Canada (visit the Government of Canada if you are unsure)
- You must have a clean criminal record
- You must complete the necessary training and testing to acquire a licence
If you meet the eligibility requirements, you can sign up and complete the required training and exams.
Complete An Ontario Security Guard Training Course
You must complete a 40-hour Ontario Security Guard Training course from a training provider approved by the Ministry of Community Safety and Correctional Services. Finishing this course is mandatory for all aspiring security guards. You can complete this training course online or in person at a private career college, community college, or a licensed agency.
Receive Your Emergency First Aid and CPR Level C Certification
It is mandatory to have an Emergency First Aid and CPR Level C certification to apply for your security licence. Your 40-hour training course might not cover this requirement, so it’s important to check and sign up for a course or service provider where you can get your certification There are many colleges, community centres, and hospitals where you can receive your First Aid certification.
Pass Your Licensing Exam
After completing your Ontario Security Guard Training course, you must pass an exam administrated by Ontario Security Guard and Private Investigator Testing (SERCO). The exam will contain 60 multiple-choice questions, and you must score 62% to pass. You will be tested on material taught in your security guard training course.
You will have received a training completion number (TCN) from your training course; use this number to register. Each test costs CDN $35 plus tax. You can retake the exam if you fail.
Apply For Your Ontario Security Guard Licence
Once you pass your licensing exam, you can officially apply for your Ontario Security Guard licence. It will cost $80 to get your licence.
ServiceOntario asks for the following materials:
- Passport Quality Photo (50 x 70mm)
- Valid Government Issued Photo Identification
- Completed Guarantor Information Form
- Proof of Eligibility to Work in Canada
Find a Security Guard Company and Secure an Interview
After receiving your security guard licence, you will now be qualified for security guard work in Ontario. When looking for security guard companies in Ontario, make sure to research the benefits, hours, and history of the organization as all this can factor into job satisfaction. Once you’ve found a suitable security guard company, check if they have positions available and request an interview.
Sign Up For Flex Point Academy’s Security Guard Training Course
Flex Point Academy can provide you with the necessary training to receive your security guard licence. Our Security Guard Training Course covers the following topics:
- Regulations and Basic Security Procedures
- Report Writing
- Emergency Response Preparation
- Understanding the Canadian Legal System
- Communication and Sensitivity Training
- Use of Force Theory
After completing our course, we will assign you a Training Completion Number and help you book your licensing test. We’ll help you navigate any questions or concerns to ensure a successful exam. If you obtain your licence under our guidance, Flex Point Academy will give you priority consideration to work under Flex Point Security.
For careers under Flex Point Security, visit our careers page and apply for our available positions. For tips on becoming a security guard, visit our insights page on Flex Point Academy. We’re happy to help build up your knowledge of what it takes to become a professional security guard in Ontario.
