You are eligible to apply security guard license in Alberta, once you have successfully completed the Alberta Basic Security Training (ABST) course and passed your provincial exam with 80% or above.
Steps on How to Apply for a Security Services license in Alberta:
STEP 1 – MEET LICENSING REQUIREMENTS
To apply for a license you must:
- be over 18 years old
- be eligible to work in Canada (copies of Work Permit, Student Visa, PR Card, Status Card, Birth Cert or Passport)
- be fluent in English (min. Level 5 Canadian Language Benchmarks)
- have no criminal record
- have no outstanding criminal charges
- not be the subject of a criminal investigation
All security service workers must meet a specific English fluency standard. This is a level 5 benchmark according to the Center for Canadian Language Benchmarks. If you have any questions contact us by email or phone.
STEP 2 – PROVIDE PROOF OF TRAINING
Successfully complete an approved security training course (Alberta Basic Security Training course) and provide copy of the government certificate.
- Certificate of Course Completion – Alberta Basic Security Training (ABST) or accredited Basic Security Training course
- score 80% or higher on the provincial final exam (see Exam Information), or
- have a valid security license from another Canadian province or territory
Sting Executive Group International, Inc (TrainMyGuard.com) is an approved training provider with Security Programs Division in Alberta. Check out the approved training providers in Alberta.
Final exam
After you have successfully completed your final exam with a score of 80% or higher, you will be emailed your training certificate within one week from the Security Programs office. Check your SPAM folder if you haven’t received it.
Exam rewrites, challenges or reviews
For information about exam rewrites, or to find out if you are eligible to challenge an exam, contact Security Programs.
STEP 3 – DOWNLOAD FORM
Download (save as to your PC) and complete all sections of the “Individual Licence Application” form
STEP 4 – CRIMINAL RECORD CHECK
Apply and obtain an employment Police Information Check (PIC) from your local police agency.
See your local police service website to find out how to get your documents.
All three searches are mandatory – no exceptions:
- criminal record check
- vulnerable sector search
- local police database search
NOTE for residents of Edmonton visit the Edmonton Police website for instructions.
CLICK HERE FOR MORE INFO ON POLICE CHECKS
STEP 5 – PASSPORT QUALITY PHOTO
Attach 1 passport-size colour photo
- photo must be colour, passport-size (2¾” high x 2″ wide) with a clear image
- taken in the last 3 months
- no hats, sunglasses or other items that obscure your true image
STEP 6 – IDENTIFICATION
Provide two pieces of government issued ID
- must provide Proof of Citizenship (status card, birth certificate or passport)
- must provide Photo Government Issued ID (Alberta ID, Alberta Drivers, Status Card, etc.)
- if on a temporary visa: a copy of Student Visa or Work Permit – NOTE: Temporary visa holders can ONLY submit paper applications
STEP 7 – SUBMIT APPLICATION
You must gather all documents together and submit your application at a Registry Office OR mail it in to Security Programs. There are two ways to submit your application in Alberta:
IN PERSON (only for permanent residents or Canadian citizenship)
Take your application and documents to a REGISTRY AGENT THAT OFFERS SECURITY PROGRAMS LICENSING SERVICES.
Pay the licensing fee and service charge at the registry:
- $100 security service licensing fee, or
- $160 dual security service and investigators licensing fee, and
- $9 service charge
If your application is approved, you’ll get a temporary license that’s valid for 60 days.
BY MAIL
Send your:
- completed application form
- required documents
- payment or online payment receipt for:
- $100 security service licensing fee, or
- $160 dual security service and investigators licensing fee
Pay the licensing fee with one of the following (made payable to the Government of Alberta):
- certified business cheque
- certified personal cheque
- money order
- bank draft
How long will it take to receive my security license?
It takes about 3-4 weeks to receive your license in the mail. There are two ways to apply for your license – at a registry office OR mailing the application in. If you go to registry office, you will get a TEMP license so you can start working right away.
Is there an option to apply for a temporary security license?
Yes. To get a temporary license through a registry you must:
- be a Canadian citizen or permanent resident (work permit or student visa holders do not qualify)
- have a clear criminal record and vulnerable sector search
- provide your completed application or renewal forms
- provide all required documents (proof of citizenship, copy of government photo ID, passport quality photo)
Contact the SECURITY PROGRAMS office or website if you wish to learn more about licensing.
NOTE: Once you are licensed as a Security Professional you will be ready for work, please visit our other website HIREMYGUARD where you can create your own profile, check out job postings, and resources.
Internal links that may answer your questions: