In order to obtain a valid security guard license in BC, there are certain requirements that must be met, with the most important being your age. In order to hold a Security Worker Licence in BC, you must be at least 19 years of age. Along with this basic requirement, there are other requirements that must be met. The following are all the requirements for obtaining a security guard license in BC

Canadian Citizenship

To hold a security worker licence, you must be a Canadian resident — that means the regular, normal routine part of your life takes place in Canada, but you do not need to be permanently settled in Canada. You just have to be settled here for the time being. The idea is to promote employment opportunities in the security industry field not only for Canadian citizens but for others who are here temporarily on study or work permits (visas).

Proof of Identity

The Registrar requires proof of your identity. In order to prove this, you must provide a clear copy of one of the following pieces of photo ID:

• Drivers Licence
• Passport
• BCID – you may apply for a BCID card at any driver licensing office.
• Canadian Permanent Resident Card
• Canadian Native Status Card (if issued with a photo)
• Canadian Firearms Licence
• BC Services Card (with photo)

Photograph

When you apply for a licence, you must submit a passport-quality photograph of yourself that has been taken within the last 12 months. Passport-quality means it must clearly show the front view of your face, no sunglasses. Only original ‘printed’ photographs are accepted. The photograph should be 2 inches by 2 inches. We can accept digital photos in JPEG, BITMAP or PDF format only. Once you have your licence, you may update your photo at anytime (i.e., during a licence renewal or using the ‘Update’ form). It is mandatory that your photograph be updated every five years while holding a licence.

Fingerprints

The Registrar must have a copy of all security guards’ fingerprints on file. Fingerprints are only required for the first application for a security worker licence. Once the Registrar has your fingerprints on file, you are not required to repeat the process. It is your responsibility to make your own arrangements to have your fingerprints taken using a special request from (Request for Fingerprinting (SPD0507)). The form is two pages long. The first page you complete, and the second is for the fingerprinting agency to complete.

Criminal, Police and Correctional Record Checks

When you sign your application form, whether for a new licence or renewal, you are giving your consent to the Registrar to run a criminal record check, police information and correctional service record check on you. The results of the search will help the Registrar determine your suitability for holding a security worker licence — i.e., whether you present a risk to the public. Your consent to this check is for the duration of the term you hold your licence, and upon any renewal of term. The checks may reveal pending charges, convictions, peace bonds, recognizance orders, stay of proceedings, conditional and absolute discharges of any offence under the Criminal Code of Canada, Youth Criminal Justice Act or Controlled Drugs and Substances Act (Canada).

Mental Health Condition Report

You must provide the Registrar with particulars of any mental health condition for which you are receiving treatment. The information will help the Registrar determine whether you present a risk to the public if licensed as a security worker. If at any time you come under the care of a doctor for a mental health condition while you are licensed, you must advise the Registrar.

English Fluency

As a security guard, you will communicate directly with the general public or emergency services personnel. That is why it is important, in the interest of public safety, that security guards have a sufficient level of English fluency. The Registrar uses the Canadian Language Benchmarks as the standard mark. The Benchmarks are the national standard used in Canada, when determining an adult immigrant’s language proficiency — that is the ability to speak or perform in an acquired language. The English language proficiency assessment must be conducted by a certified Canadian Language Benchmark assessor. It will be up to you to make arrangements for the testing and paying any costs.