Do you feel called to serve and protect your Ontario neighbours?
If so, a career in security could be an ideal fit. If you decide to pursue this job opportunity, you’ll join a rewarding and growing job market. By 2025, the global security market will be worth an estimated USD $167.12 billion or 222.30 billion Canadian dollars!
You’ve got the drive and the determination. Now, there’s only one thing standing in your way: Obtaining your security guard license!
Don’t worry. The path to becoming licensed is shorter and quicker than you think. In fact, you can apply for your license in only three steps if you follow our guide.
Read on to learn more!
Why Pursue a Security Guard License in Ontario?
Although it’s still safer than a decade ago, Canada’s crime rate rose by 2% in 2018, marking the fourth consecutive year of increases.
One of the factors driving this movement is the level of crime in Ontario. Though the country’s homicide rate dropped by 4% last year, Ontario had a staggering 69 more homicides in 2018 than the year before. Moreover, the rate of sexual assault in the province is 18% higher than the national average.
Thus, it comes as no surprise that security guards in this area are in high demand! This makes the position a lucrative career option in Ontario, regardless of your professional background.
Whether you’re a seasoned law enforcement professional, a new immigrant to Canada, a recent graduate looking for your first job, or a retiree who just wants to make a part-time income, you can meet your goals with this job.
Step 1: Register for Training
Wondering how to become a security guard? Your first step is to complete all the basic training required to enter the field.
Rather than spin your wheels trying to find the best security guard training Toronto and Ontario offer, it’s smart to go straight to the source. At Immediate Response Forece, Inc., we offer an affordable Ontario Security Guard Basic Training Course that’s approved by the Ministry of Correctional Services.
You can complete the 11-module (32 hours) course at your own pace. This means you can work on it part-time and finish in a few months. Or, you can study hard and pass it in one day. You can receive access to all of the course content for only $160 CAD + harmonized sales tax (HST).
Step 2: Take the Exam
With your training behind you, it’s time to take your exam.
In Canada, the basic test to become a security guard is different from one administered to private investigators. However, they’re both offered through the Ministry of the Solicitor General’s Private Security and Investigative Services department.
The test will cost $66.50 plus HST, equalling a total of $75.15.
It will include 60 multiple-choice questions that cover topics you learned during your basic training course in the step before. You need to score minimum of 62% in order to pass the test. Remember to bring your training completion number and two pieces of valid Government IDs with you on the test day!
Step 3: Apply for Your License
Congratulations! You completed your basic training and passed your security guard exam. Now, it’s time to apply for an Ontario security guard license so you can get out from behind a desk and start serving in your new capacity.
You’ll obtain your license through a division of the Government of Ontario called Service Ontario.
The steps to apply online are simple and straightforward. You’ll only need three items:
- The cost of applying a security guard license is $80 CAD which is valid for your next two birthdays.
- A Service Ontario account
- A passport-quality photograph
- Approved identification (One Government Issued ID & second is the eligibility to legally work in Canada document)
- A guarantor form
Once your application is approved, you’ll receive your license and you can officially step into your new role! If you completed the online application in the right way, it can take up to 10 business days to process your digital security guard license.
As soon as you receive your digital security guard license, you can start working as a licensed security guard.
Then, when your application is processed and approved, it can take up to eight weeks before you receive a physical copy of your license.
In the meantime, you can gain access to a digital copy (PDF) of your license, which you can download and print to use until your hard copy comes in. You can log in to your Service Ontario account to track the status of your application and learn when the PDF is available.
Two Styles of Packages
Are you ready to get the ball rolling and begin your Ontario security guard career today? If so, we offer two Security Guard Training Packages designed to meet your individual needs.
Both affordable packages allow you to work at your own pace and boast an excellent reputation in our local community. In addition, neither package has an expiration date. This means you aren’t obligated to complete your licensure requirements in three steps, although it’s absolutely possible.
Let’s take a look at each one in detail.
Package 1: Basic Security License Training (No CPR)
This highly-rated course is a great deal, costing only $130 + HST. It covers the basics of all you need to know and do when you’re ready to become an Ontario security guard. It does not include CPR training.
Package 2: Advanced Security License Training (Includes CPR)
This training covers the same material as our basic model, but at a more advanced and in-depth level. It also includes CPR training. This package costs only $160 + HST.
Flash Your Security Guard License in Under a Month
Becoming an Ontario security guard is a noble pursuit. It shouldn’t take you months of laborious study prep, hours in a classroom and thousands of dollars to move from a dream to a license.
That’s where our training packages come in.
We’ll help you quicken the pace and expedite the process, so you can get your security guard license as soon as possible. Visit our Learning Center to enroll in one of our programs now and take the first step toward the future of your career.