Thinking about entry-level security work in Ontario? This guide walks you through the exact path from training to exam to licence, with real costs, documents, and timelines.
Security guard work isn’t just “standing by a door.” You’re trusted with people’s safety and property. To show you’re ready, Ontario requires:
- 40 hours of approved training (including Emergency First Aid/CPR)
- A 60-question exam
- A background check (CRJMC)
- A provincial licence from the Ministry’s Private Security and Investigative Services Branch.
Is security guard really “high demand” in Ontario?
You’ll often see ads calling security “high demand,” but the official outlook is a bit more balanced.
According to Job Bank and Ontario’s labour market profile, the employment outlook for security guards and related security service occupations (NOC 64410) in Ontario is “moderate” for 2024–26. That means:
- Steady demand in big cities (malls, offices, hospitals, events)
- Ongoing openings in smaller communities (condos, construction sites, festivals)
- Competition for “easier” day-shift roles; more openings on nights/weekends
Typical hourly wages in Ontario range around $17.60–$20.00 median, with experienced or specialized roles (airports, high-risk sites, supervisory positions) going higher.
So yes, it’s a realistic entry point, especially if you:
- Are new to Canada and need a first Canadian job
- Want flexible shifts while in college
- Plan to move toward law enforcement, corrections, or corporate security later
…but it’s not a guaranteed shortcut to high pay on day one.
Quick overview: what you’ll actually do to get licensed
In 2025, the basic path looks like this:
- Meet the minimum requirements: 18+, legally entitled to work in Canada, and able to hold a licence with a clean criminal record under provincial rules.
- Complete a 40-hour basic security guard course that includes Emergency First Aid/CPR (or show proof from a WSIB-approved provider).
- Get your Training Completion Number (TCN) from the provider.
- Book and pass the exam: 60 multiple-choice questions, 75 minutes to answer (90-minute slot). Fee: $35 + HST = $39.55.
- Apply online for your licence via ServiceOntario with your CRJMC, IDs, guarantor form, photo, TCN and an $80 fee.
- Download your digital licence once approved and start working.
Step-by-step: from zero to licensed security guard
1) Check you’re eligible (and understand the criminal record rules)
To qualify for a security guard licence you must:
- Be 18 or older
- Be legally entitled to work in Canada (citizen, PR, or valid work permit)
- Have a clean criminal record under the province’s “clean criminal record” regulation
- Not be currently barred or suspended from holding a security licence
You will need a Criminal Record and Judicial Matters Check (CRJMC, Level 2):
- Shows convictions plus outstanding charges/entries
- Must be completed by an Ontario police service or authorized provider
- Must be issued within the last 6 months when you apply.
If you have past charges or convictions, it’s worth talking to the Private Security and Investigative Services Branch or a lawyer before paying for training.
2) Complete the basic training (40 hours + First Aid)
Ontario’s basic security guard training must be no less than 40 hours, including Emergency Level First Aid and CPR content/certification.
Typical structure:
- 33.5 hours of online or classroom security curriculum
- 6.5 hours of Emergency First Aid & CPR Level C (often blended + in-class)
Core topics (from the provincial syllabus) include:
- Role and responsibilities under the Private Security and Investigative Services Act (PSISA)
- Use of force theory (no hands-on handcuffing in the basic course)
- Legal authorities and the Canadian legal system
- Reporting, note-taking, and incident documentation
- Health and safety, emergency response, and effective communication
Important: “Use of Force / Handcuffing” certification is not part of the mandatory licensing syllabus. Some employers ask for separate courses later for specific roles (e.g., mobile, event, high-risk sites).
3) Get your TCN (Training Completion Number)
Once you complete the 40 hours and First Aid, your trainer submits your results to the Ministry and gives you a Training Completion Number (TCN).
You will need the TCN to:
- Book the exam
- Apply for your licence later
Double-check that your name and date of birth on the TCN match your ID exactly.
4) Book and pass the exam
The Ontario Security Guard and Private Investigator Testing program (run by Serco) handles exams:
- Format: 60 multiple-choice questions
- Time: 75 minutes to answer (within a 90-minute appointment)
- Passing mark: about 62–63% (around 38 correct answers)
- Fee: $35 + 13% HST = $39.55
- Where: online (remote-proctored) or at test centres across Ontario
- Results: usually within 2–5 business days
What to study (beyond the obvious):
- Legal authority vs. citizen’s arrest limits
- Incident report writing (clear, chronological, factual)
- Emergency response steps (fire, medical, evacuation)
- Professional communication and de-escalation
- Occupational health & safety basics
10-day “last stretch” study idea:
- Days 1–3: Reread legal and authority modules; make a one-page cheat summary
- Days 4–5: Focus on emergency response and health & safety
- Days 6–7: Do timed practice quizzes (60-question sets if your provider offers them)
- Days 8–9: Work only on your weakest topics
- Day 10: Light review + exam logistics (ID, login test, quiet room)
5) Apply for your licence (online is fastest)
When you’ve passed the exam and have your CRJMC in hand, apply for your individual security guard licence via ServiceOntario:
You’ll need:
- Your TCN
- Your original CRJMC (or official PDF, if issued digitally), not older than 6 months
- Two valid IDs:
- One with photo, signature, and date of birth
- One showing your right to work in Canada (citizen/PR card, work permit)
- A guarantor form and a passport-style photo
- $80 licence fee (credit/debit online; other methods by mail)
If you apply online and your package is complete, some providers report processing in as little as a few days, but the Ministry often advises allowing up to ~30 days.
Your licence is valid for two years (until your second birthday after issue). Renewals are also $80 if the fee stays the same.
You cannot work as a guard until your licence is approved. The digital licence counts – you don’t have to wait for the plastic card to arrive.
Realistic costs (2025 ranges)
Costs vary by provider and city, but these are typical 2025 numbers:
| Item | Typical Range (2025) | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Security guard training (40h) | $75–$230+ HST | Some bundle First Aid; others don’t. (Security Guard Course Inc.) |
| Emergency First Aid & CPR Level C | $75–$110+ HST | Sometimes included; sometimes separate. |
| Exam fee | $39.55 | $35 + 13% HST (Serco). (ontariosecuritytesting.com) |
| CRJMC (Level 2 police check) | ~$25–$60 | Depends on police service/authorized provider. (peelpolice.ca) |
| Licence fee (2-year) | $80 | Paid to the Ministry. (Ontario) |
Sample “all-in” scenario:
- Training + First Aid bundle: $150 (discounted online bundle)
- Exam: $39.55
- CRJMC: $40 (mid-range)
- Licence: $80
Estimated total: around $309.55 (plus HST where applicable). Your total could be closer to $250 with a promo bundle, or around $400+ with more expensive in-person courses.
Timelines: fast vs. “no rush” path
Fast path (motivated applicant)
- Week 1: Enrol, start online modules, book First Aid day
- Week 2: Finish 40 hours + First Aid, get TCN
- Week 3: Write exam (earliest slot)
- Week 4: Receive pass result, submit CRJMC, apply for licence
- Weeks 5–6: Licence approved → start applying for jobs
Relaxed path (working or studying)
- Month 1–2: Work through online modules evenings/weekends
- Month 3: First Aid day + exam
- Month 4: Licence application and approval
You can usually complete everything in 4–8 weeks if you plan it, but providers often allow up to 6 months to finish the training.
After the licence: where people actually work
Once licensed, new guards commonly start in:
- Retail and mall security
- Condo/strata buildings
- Construction sites
- Event venues and festivals
- Hospitals and clinics (often with extra training).
Your first year is usually about:
- Learning to write clear incident reports
- Getting comfortable with radios and site procedures
- Handling conflicts safely and calling police/EMS when needed
- Building a reputation for showing up on time and staying calm
From there, common next steps are:
- Supervisor or mobile patrol roles
- Specialised sites (airports, government buildings)
- Moving into law enforcement, by-law, corrections, or corporate security with more education
Common mistakes (and how to avoid them)
- Taking training with a non-approved provider → Always confirm the provider is Ministry-approved and will issue a TCN.
- Letting CRJMC expire → Don’t order it too early; remember it must be issued within 6 months of your application.
- Mismatched names on documents → Make sure your TCN, IDs, and CRJMC all match exactly (no missing middle names).
- Working before licence approval → Not allowed. Wait for the digital licence in your ServiceOntario account.
- Believing marketing hype only → Check Job Bank for real outlook and wages in your region, not just what course ads promise.
Key takeaways
- You must complete a 40-hour approved course + Emergency First Aid/CPR, pass the exam, provide a recent CRJMC, and pay the $80 fee to be licensed.
- Realistic all-in costs in 2025 often land around $250–$400, depending on training provider and CRJMC price.
- Job outlook for security in Ontario is moderate but steady; typical wages sit around $17.60–$20/hour, with growth possible through experience and extra certifications.
- Plan your timeline: training + exam + licence can be done in about 4–8 weeks if you stay organised.
- Always rely on the official Ontario security guard syllabus and Ministry pages for final rules; use training ads only as a supplement.
