Security guard training can be a long and exciting process. It can also be a short and necessary way for you to begin your career in an impactful and worthwhile industry. But, one thing this training cannot be is consistent and repeatable across different provinces or, on a broader scale, countries.
Now, there are several reasons for this. Perhaps one of the most significant issues is that most legislation is purpose-built by each province, and federal regulations only apply to the most overarching, country-specific areas. This means that provinces will have legislation that conflicts across jurisdictions, or they may have different processes to introduce it into law. And all of these conflicts exist between any two provinces or territories, let alone the ramifications of getting the entire country on the same page.
The Length of Security Guard Training
Still, in spite of these differences, many provinces and territories adopt a standard set by the first place to make these rules, and nowhere is this more true than when trying to answer the question “how long is security guard training?” As a result, you can expect most provinces and jurisdictions to spend at least 40 hours on basic training, like the Alberta Basic Security Training Course (ABST).
How Security Guard Training is Delivered
The mode of training can influence the length of time your training takes. If you choose online instruction, for example, you may be held to a schedule that takes a certain number of weeks to complete. Similarly, security guard training in-person will occur over several days, so you have time to digest and learn the information. Other courses are self-taught, meaning you choose the pacing and length of time they will take to complete.
Security Guard Training Restrictions
Still, a single security guard training course is often not the limit to a professional’s development. Many provinces will offer additional training to these professionals based on the demands of their careers. For example, Alberta offers an optional baton training course so that guards can be proficient with this tool of their job.
When discussing security guard training, it is also important to look at the training a security guard may have received prior to becoming a guard. Police offices, for instance, may retire early and move into the private sector after gaining sufficient experience. Similarly, military personnel and other professionals may transition into this industry, bringing a wealth of experience and training with them.
Along those same lines, many provinces will also impose additional restrictions on who can attend this training and become a licensed security professional. These typically include an age restriction, completion of a General Education Diploma (GED), and of course, being legally able to work in Canada. Extra requirements include Emergency First Aid Training and a clean criminal record, though these are specific to Ontario.
What Happens After Security Guard Training?
After you undergo and complete your security guard training, you will have to pass a provincial licensing exam. These standardized tests ensure that all security guards share a common base of knowledge specific to their jurisdiction and also ensure the training provider is offering information relevant to the industry. Upon completion of this exam, you will receive a security guard license that must be renewed regularly through a reapplication.
