Alberta’s Security Services and Investigators Act
As of June 1, 2010, in Alberta, you must be licensed under the Security Services and Investigators Act (SSIA) to be a security guard or if you provide any of the following services:
- security services
- investigators
- loss prevention
- locksmiths
- executive protection
- automotive lock bypass services
- patrol dog services
- locksmith apprentices
- alarm responders
- locksmith equipment sales
You Need a Security Guard License in Alberta
Under Alberta’s Security Services and Investigators Act, individuals working in the security, investigation and locksmith services industry must be licensed. Working without a license is an offense under the Act and may result in fines or court appearances. In order to apply for a security guard license, you must meet basic licensing requirements and training qualifications before applying to receive a license.
Security Guard License in Alberta
Individual licenses are issued for 2 year terms and are subject to the terms and conditions of the Act, Regulations and Policy.Individual licenses are portable, meaning the license remains with the individual when they change jobs and enables the individual licensee to work for more than one company if they choose to do so. Individual licensees, not their employers, are responsible for applying for, renewing and maintaining their licenses.
Alberta Security Services License Classes
Under the Security Services and Investigators Act, individuals may be licensed in the following classes. Determinations about whether licensing applies will be made based on the individual’s job description, not the job title.
- Security services worker
- Loss prevention worker
- Executive protection worker
- Patrol dog handler (Must also hold a Security Services Worker license.)
- Security alarm responder
- Investigator
- Locksmith
- Automotive lock bypass worker
Alberta Security Guard Licensing Requirements
Individuals applying for a license under the Security Services and Investigators Act must meet the following requirements:
-
At least 18 years of age (16 if applying for a Locksmith Apprentice Training License)
- A Canadian citizen or legally entitled to work in Canada
- Competent and of good character
- No serious criminal record for which a pardon has not been granted
- No outstanding criminal charges
- Not the subject of a criminal investigation
- Fluent in speaking English.
- The standard for fluency is the ability to communicate effectively with the public and members of the emergency response system during emergency situations.
- Successful completion of training requirements (see Training below for more information) for the class(es) of license being sought
- Successful completion of baton training if seeking authority to carry a baton
Requirements for the security guard license in Alberta
You must undergo a police information and criminal record check at the time of application and every 2 years at the time of license renewal. Checks are performed by the police services in your community. You should report to the police service closest to where you reside, bring 2 pieces of government issued ID (at least one must be photo ID) and a colour passport-size photo (no more than 3 months old). Request an Employment Police Information Check and provide the photo for signature of a police service representative. Individuals with police information check findings will be required to undergo further checks by the police service.
Security Guard License Fees in Alberta
Individual security guard licenses are issued for a 2 year term in Alberta. All fees listed below are for a 2 year term.
- Security services, executive security, loss prevention, patrol dog handlers and alarm responders: $ 100.00
- Investigator: $ 160.00
- Automotive Lock Bypass Worker and Locksmith Equipment Sales and Promotion Workers: $ 100.00
Temporary Security Guard Training Licenses in Alberta
General training licenses may be issued to individuals while they complete Basic Security or Investigator Training. Training licenses are issued once only and are valid for 30 days. Upon successful completion of training, the training license is converted into a regular license. Applications must be submitted by the applicant’s employer. Contact the Licensing Department for more information and fees.
4 comments on Alberta’s Security Services and Investigators Act
Leonard Chartrand
My license has expired but I am getting back into the field.I have done the Basic Security Guard Course 10 years ago with the Commissionares -is it valid or do I need to do it again
Thanks
Len
Don Broder
How and where, specifically, do I apply for executive protector license in Alberta?
Thank you
Brenda
Why was I told that I needed a security license in order to work at Paladin Security and having to go through the grueling security test, training, and to provide the long list of all necessary personal information. As well, I had to go into the office to do the uniform fitting and making sure I always wore it, while working as a security officer. You can explain to me why there is a individual who is fairly new Canadian immigrant, and is able to get away without having a security license and being able to continue to work, while I am sitting at home with No Shifts. She is a Patient Security Watch person and had failed her exam, twice. I, witnessed this. However, why is Paladin letting her still work without a security license. This has been going on since the security guard license requirement and policies came into effect, since 2005. I do not understand for doesn’t this rule apply to all Canadians. In Canada, ALL security guards must adhere to the regulations and code of conduct of the private security industry. So why is this employee, last name Guytree, working at Paladin Security as Security break relief and Security Watch, doing regular security shifts with dangerous patients, without a valid security license or uniform. She (failed her Security License training, twice) but She still continues to work at the U of A, University Hospital, mostly but she also does security shifts at the R.A, Royal Alexandra and other extended care facilities. She only wears her business, street cloths, and not a uniform. Why is she continuing to work for a security company without a license or wearing a uniform. However, yet I get procecuted by the Paladin group, for doing my job and being accused of their false accusations. The only thing I am guilty about, is working too hard and not being appreciated by them. I repeat: Effective June 1, 2014, any individual hiring an unlicensed security provider, is AGAINST THE LAW. How fair is that.
Abshir Mohamed
My security licence is expiring Nov 15th 2018 same as my work permit but now I have accept letter and I am protected person.if I apply to renew it can I renew with my decision letter (convention refugee).