If you wish to work as a security guard in Alberta, you must be licensed by Alberta Justice and Solicitor General. This license is required if you are paid to patrol, guard or provide security, or detect loss of or damage to the property of another person. Under this license, there are five classes:

• security guard
• executive protection
• loss prevention worker
• guard dog handler
• security alarm responder

Security guards fall under Alberta’s Security Services and investigators Act.

Educational Requirements for Security Guards in Alberta

Although some security agencies may not have a minimum education requirement, many of Alberta’s  security guard employers require a high school diploma as a mimimum. Additional requirements include:

• speak and write English
• be 18 years of age or older
• have good character references
• no criminal record based on a current clear Police Information Check (PIC) with a vulnerable sector search
• be in good health (including the ability to pass eyesight and colour vision testing).
• Some companies will also require guards to have a valid first aid and CPR certificate

Alberta’s Security Guard Requirements

To work as a security guard in Alberta, all applicants must successfully complete a 40 hour basic security training program in order to qualify for a license. After completing this basic security training course, you have up to two years to take the Alberta government exam and you must achieve a score of 80% or higher. The Alberta Justice and Solicitor General contains a list of approved training providers.

Alberta Basic Security Training (ABST)

As of June 1^st 2011, anybody who wishes to become a security professional in the province of Alberta must complete the mandatory 40-hour Alberta Basic Security Training (ABST) program to be eligible for a security guard license. If you already have a license or if you are renewing your license, you are not required to complete this mandatory training. This 40-hour training allows you to apply for the following classes of licenses in Alberta:

• ·Security Services
• Loss Prevention
• Executive Protection
• Patrol Dog Handler
• Alarm Responder

You can complete the Alberta Basic Security Training online or face-to-face at various accredited institutions. Once this course is complete, you must also meet all the security licensing requirements that have been outlined by the Alberta Solicitor General and the Ministry of Public Security. Upon completing this basic training, you have 2 years to take the Alberta government exam and you must get a grade of 80% or more. A reputed security guard training school in Alberta should provide the mandatory security guard training in Alberta.

Security Guard Basic Training Equivalents

Across Alberta, there are various post-secondary institutions that offer diploma and degree programs that are the equivalent of the 40 hour basic training course required for a security guard license in Alberta

The Alberta Security License

It’s important to note that you are not allowed to work as a security guard or security professional in Alberta without a valid security license. Most employers in Alberta will require a copy of your security license before you begin working with them.