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Security worker training requirements

Last updated on January 3, 2024

Before you apply for a security worker licence, you may need training or experience. You also need training if you apply to use restraints or dogs in security work.

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Security guard

You may apply to work as a security guard under supervision or as a fully licensed security guard.

Under supervision

You don't need training to get this licence.

Full licence

To apply for a full security guard licence, you must meet one of these requirements.

Option 1

Basic Security Training Certificate issued by the Justice Institute of British Columbia (JIBC)

  • If you completed this training in the past, it may be called Basic Standard Training (Level 1 and 2)

Option 2

Gaming Certification

Option 3

Experience as a Canadian:

  • Police officer
  • Correctional officer
  • Sheriff
  • Auxiliary, reserve and border service officer

You must have proof of this experience, such as letters from your supervisor or human resources office.

Option 4

Security guard training in Alberta, Manitoba or Ontario

Armoured car guard

To apply for this licence, you need an Authorization to Carry Restricted Firearms and Prohibited Handguns (ATC) issued under the Firearms Act.

For more information, see the Canadian Firearms Centre website.

Closed circuit television installer

You don't need training to apply for this licence.

Electronic locking device installer

You don't need training to apply for this licence.

Locksmith

You may apply to work as a locksmith under supervision or as a fully licensed locksmith.

Under supervision

You don't need training to apply for this licence.

Full licence

To apply for a full locksmith licence, you must meet one of these requirements.

Option 1

Locksmith Certificate from SkilledTradesBC

If you have a certificate from another Canadian province, you may be able to write a challenge exam. Contact SkilledTradesBC for details.

Option 2

Successful completion of a different approved apprenticeship program

Option 3

2 years of experience working as a locksmith:

  • Full time
  • Within the past 5 years
  • Under the supervision of a licensed locksmith

You must submit a letter from your employer as proof of this experience. The letter must say that you are qualified to work as a locksmith without supervision.

Option 4

Experience working as a locksmith under supervision and completion of an approved locksmithing course

You must submit a letter of recommendation and certification from your employer.

Private investigator

You may apply to work as a private investigator under supervision or as a fully licensed private investigator.

Under supervision

To apply for this licence, you must meet one of these requirements. Equivalent training may be considered.

Option 1

Introduction to Private Investigation course and exam through the Private Security Knowledge Network (PSKN)

Option 2

Courses related to private investigation in B.C.:

  • Criminal law
  • Civil law
  • Human rights legislation relevant to B.C.
  • Information and privacy
  • Evidence protocols
  • Interviewing
  • Report writing
  • Surveillance
  • Documentary research

Full licence

To apply for a full private investigator licence, you must meet one of these requirements. Equivalent training or experience may be considered.

Option 1

  • 2000 hours of private investigation work within the last 5 years. You must submit letters from employers or clients. The letters must include:
    • Dates of employment
    • Description of your role and duties
    • Hours logged
    • Names of supervisors (if you worked under supervision)
  • One of these options:
    • Introduction to Private Investigation course and exam through the Private Security Knowledge Network (PSKN)
    • Courses related to private investigation in B.C.:
      • Criminal law
      • Civil law
      • Human rights legislation relevant to B.C.
      • Information and privacy
      • Evidence protocols
      • Interviewing
      • Report writing
      • Surveillance
      • Documentary research

Option 2

  • 10 years of police work in a Canadian police force
  • Proof of registration in the Introduction to Private Investigation course through the Private Security Knowledge Network (PSKN). (You must complete the course and exam within one year of getting your security worker licence)

Security alarm services

Security alarm installer

You may apply to work as a security alarm installer under supervision or as a fully licensed security alarm installer.

Under supervision

You don't need training to apply for this licence.

Full licence

To apply for a full security alarm installer licence, you need a Trades Qualification (TQ) Certificate issued under the Skilled Trades BC Act (formerly the Industry Training Authority Act or the Industry Training and Apprenticeship Act). For more information about TQ, visit SkilledTradesBC. Equivalent training or experience may be considered.

Security alarm monitor

You don't need training to apply for this licence.

Security alarm response

You don't need training to apply for this licence.

Security alarm sales

You don't need training to apply for this licence.

Security consultant

To apply for this licence, you must have 2 years of experience within the past 5 years, providing at least one of these services:

  • Closed circuit television (CCTV)
  • Security alarms
  • Access controls
  • Insurance
  • Tool marks
  • Fingerprinting
  • Loss prevention surveys
  • Physical security design
  • Electronic countermeasures
  • Building design and lighting installation

​You must submit a resume and letters from previous employers or clients to prove that you have done this work.

Authorizations to use dogs or restraints

To have one of these authorizations, you need a valid security worker licence and the required training.

Dogs

You must have Canine Security Validation through the Justice Institute of British Columbia. You must renew this every year.

Restraints

You must meet one of these requirements. Equivalent training or experience may be considered.

Option 1

Advanced Security Training (AST) Certificate from the Justice Institute of British Columbia 

Option 2

  • Experience as a Canadian:
    • Police officer
    • Correctional officer
    • Sheriff
    • Auxiliary, reserve or border services officer
  • Use of force training within the past 12 months of applying for a security licence (you must submit a letter from your employer as proof)