In order to become a security guard in Manitoba, you need to know the basics so that you can work safely and carry out your duties in a professional way. In Manitoba, all Security Guards must be licensed under the Private Investigators and Security Guards Act. Under this Act, all Security Guards are required to complete a 40 Hour Mandatory Security Guard Training Program and hold a security guard license. Working without a valid Manitoba Security Guard License is illegal and can result in a monetary fine up to $10,000 and or up to 1 year in prison for the individual. Companies employing unlicensed guards are also subject to fines.

Steps to obtain your security guard license

To get your Manitoba Security Guard License and start working, you must complete the following steps:

1. Obtain your CHILD ABUSE REGISTRY CHECK (CARC) by going to the second floor of 777 Portage Ave in Winnipeg. The fee is $15.00 and is payable when you apply. As it may take between 2 and 3 weeks for your CARC to be processed, it is strongly advised that you apply for this at your earliest opportunity.
2. Apply for your CRIMINAL RECORDS CHECK (CRC) by going to the Public Safety Building at 151 Princess Street or the Commissionaires at 290 Burnell Street, in Winnipeg. If you live in a rural area your local RCMP detachment can process your CRC. Fees starts at $30.00 depending on where you apply and if you require finger printing. You do not need a vulnerable sector search completed to work as as security guard. Wait times vary between 2 business days and 5 weeks for a regular CRC, and up to 6 months for finger printing depending on the agency.
3. Register for and complete training with an approved training provider. The law in Manitoba says that you must receive at least 40 hours of training. This course covers all the important areas needed for this basic training. It was designed to help you pass the provincial exam and earn your security guard certificate. You can verify the list of approved training providers by visiting http://www.gov.mb.ca/justice/safe/private/trainers.html. You can also obtain an electronic version of the training manual by visiting http://www.gov.mb.ca/justice/safe/private/pdf/securityguard_manual.pdf.
4. Write and pass your Security Guard licensing exam. Exams are scheduled twice per month through approved training providers only. After completing the 40 hours of training you are eligible to write the licensing exam up to 3 times at a cost of $25 per exam. If after 3 attempts you are not successful, you are required to take the training program again as required by Manitoba Justice.

The Manitoba Security Guard Training Program

The Manitoba Security Guard Training Program is a requirement for anyone looking to become licensed as a security guard in Manitoba. The course is 40 Hours long and is taught using power point, Canadian industry relevant videos, practice exams and real life examples. It is strongly advised that registrants be able to read, write and speak English at a Grade 5 level or better. A clear criminal records search and child abuse registry search are required for licensing as a security guard in Manitoba, and therefore are pre-requisites to the training program.