In Quebec, you are required to complete a Private security guarding program. Thee training required to obtain a security guard licence consists of the following: To have successfully completed a program of at least 70 hours of courses (for which a transcript of grades is issued by a school board) that includes the following required three (3) elements:

• Understanding the security guarding field, its functions, its standards for conduct, and the legislation framing private security in Quebec (30 hours)
• Becoming familiar with emergency procedures (24 hours)
• Applying first aid techniques (16 hours)

Establishments providing training

For more information on training, the academic establishments which offer training in your area, key contacts and course start dates, visit the following site (in French only): http://agentdesecurite.ca/

Exemption

There are exemptions to the rule. However, individuals who work in security since July 22nd, 2010 must be a licenced agents and are subject to criminal penalties if they do not hold a valid licence. Below are some of the exemptions

A person who, on July 22nd 2010, was pursuing private security activities for which an agent’s licence was required by law (Act respecting detective or security agencies (c. A-8)), is not subject to the training requirements to obtain a licence for the appropriate category of this activity as long as the licence is renewed regularly.

Anyone who already held a licence for security or investigation on July 22nd, 2010, as well as those who were working up to that date in activities of private security covered by the Act, whether as a locksmith or transporting valuables, do not need training to obtain the licence corresponding to their activity.

For new agents or those who make a new request for an agent’s licence and were not working in the activity they are requesting a licence for on July 22 nd, 2010, * they must show proof they have successfully completed the necessary training. They can also request to have their work experience and knowledge be considered for recognition as an equivalency for the required training.

Equivalencies

A security guard licence may be issued to a person who does not meet the training requirements where the person’s level of knowledge and skills is equivalent to the training required. In assessing the training equivalence, the Bureau de la sécurité privée takes the following factors into account:

• diplomas obtained in relevant or related fields;
• the type of courses taken, course content and marks obtained;
• training stage (‘period’ may be too broad, stage is accepted in English and French while placement is a bit too UK-English) and other educational activities completed;
• The type and length of relevant experience

No educational or training establishment, whether public or private, can claim to be accredited, recognized by, or hold any certification of the Bureau of Private Security. Only the Ministry of Education, Recreation and Sport can provide official recognition and certification for an education or training establishment. The Bureau of Private Security can still recognize training received by an individual through the equivalence clause under Section 2 of the Regulation on Training.

Temporary licences

The Bureau may issue a temporary agent licence to a person, for the purposes of carrying on a private security activity, in the following cases:

• while the person is receiving training that may qualify the person for the issue of an agent licence under section 21 of the Act, in particular during a training placement period;
• where the special needs of an investigation justify retaining that person’s services, in particular to act as an undercover or double agent; or
• where an enterprise needs to hire temporary labour for a special events, such as :
  • sports or cultural activities,
  • a labour dispute,
  • a disaster,
  • a pandemic.

The request for a temporary licence requires the same procedure as for a regular agent licence. The same documents and the same fees are required when applying. In addition, such an application must be supported by a declaration from the person on whose behalf the holder of a temporary licence will carry on the private security activity, attesting to the purpose for which that person needs to retain the services of the temporary licence holder. For more details on applying for a temporary licence, consult the Obtaining a licence section