Getting a career in the security industry is easier than you think.
This in-depth guide will explain the ins and outs of working in the security industry and how you can start on your journey to become a security professional today. If you're looking for a job as a security guard in Canada, make sure you read through this to see what you need to do, and how to do it.
The Canadian Academy of Guard training’s industry leading online courses will prepare you for an exciting, challenging and rewarding career as a security professional in Canada.
This guide will teach you everything you need to know to enter into the sector today. From required personality traits to salary expectations and scope of work – after reading this comprehensive article you will be ready to become a Canadian security guard today.
What Do You Need to Get Started?
The path to becoming a security guard in Canada is easier than you may think. To first determine if a career in security is right for you, let's discuss personality traits that often lead to success in the industry. Security professionals are the first line of defence for the public's safety in private institutions and businesses across the country, to be successful in the role you will need to be comfortable in often stressful situations.
Desirable traits for security professionals include, but are not limited to:
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Steps to Becoming a Security Professional
Legal Working Age
The first necessary step to becoming a working security professional in Canada is being a legal age to fill the role. The legal age for security professionals in Canada varies by province.
18 is the required age in all provinces except in Newfoundland, Nova Scotia and British Columbia which all require workers to be at least 19 years of age.
Prerequisites by Province
Many provinces in Canada have varying regulations to become a working security professional. In New Brunswick you have to be employed by a security guard company before applying for a security license.
In Alberta and British Columbia you must be fluent in English to apply for a security position.
It is also important to note that you should have a clean Canadian criminal record to enter the security sector. If your position requires you to operate a vehicle you may also need a clean driving abstract.
Training Requirements
Every province and territory requires you to complete a 40-hour security training program including CPR and First Aid. After you have finished the 40 hours of security education you will receive a training completion number, which you will use to register for the provincial security guard test. After successfully completing the test, you will need to apply for a security licence with your province or territory. Once the security licence has been issued and mailed to you, you will be able to begin your career in security.
The provincial security guard test is $50 per exam. You are allowed up to three attempts and after the third attempt you will have to complete the training program again. The Canadian Academy of Guard Training can help you get licensed in: Alberta, Manitoba, Saskatchewan, Ontario, Nova Scotia, Prince Edward Island, New Brunswick, and Newfoundland and Labrador.
What is Security Guard Training?
To become a licensed security guard you need government approved training - thats where the Canadian Academy of Guard Training comes in.
Students who participate in security industry training through the Canadian Academy of Guard Training will learn:
Online training through the Canadian Academy of Guard Training begins as soon as you register. You will be able to learn at your own speed and finish whenever you choose. You are able to access course materials 24/7, and when you feel ready, take the licensing exam.
Basic Security Training Course Topics
1. INTRODUCTION TO THE SECURITY INDUSTRY
Learn about the history of security, your role and responsibilities.
2. SAFETY AWARENESS AND FIRST AID
Being able to assess risks, fix them or help those in need is a vital skill for a licensed security guard.
3. CONDUCT OF SECURITY
Fundamentals of becoming a security guard. How do you work with your department to help those in need, managing difficult situations and people, observing body language and much more.
4. THE LEGAL SYSTEM
As a security guard, you'll need to understand how the legal system works not only for your role, but for others around you.
5. ACCESS CONTROLS AND ALARM SYSTEMS
If you are working as a security officer, it's vital you understand how to keep people and property safe. This includes managing and responding to alarm systems, and ensuring that only people who are supposed to be in area are.
6. PATROL TACTICS AND TECHNIQUES
What is the best way to keep an area safe and ensure that you watch everywhere. In this chapter, you'll learn the best patrol tactics, and hone your observational skills.
7. CRISIS RESPONSE
What if the worst happens? Security guards must remain calm and ensure that situations are managed logically and without emotion. The best way to do this is to ensure you understand your role in emergency situations and have a solid plan.
8. TRAFFIC CONTROL
Many security officers work in areas with parking lots or handle traffic issues. Ensure that you keep pedestrians and motorists safe by knowing the best way to manage traffic situations.
9. LABOR DISPUTES
You may need to manage strikes and labor disputes. Your role will be to keep employees and property safe during this stressful time.
10. INTERACTING WITH THE PUBLIC
Public relations and customer service is a vital aspect of your job as a security guard. Many people will use you as a resource to know where to go and how to get there.
11. NOTE TAKING AND REPORT WRITING
While working as a guard, you'll need to write reports and make notes about situations and people you see. Being clear and understandable is a skill we will help you get.
12. FINAL EXAM
This exam prepares you for the provincial exam - there is no limit on the time you can take to complete it. And if you need to, go back and study it before your licensing exam.
Salary Expectations in the Security Sector
Average Canadian Security Guard Salaries
The salary of a security guard can depend on location and responsibilities.
According to the Department of Employment and Social Development Canada:
- Hourly pay for security guards ranges from $11.50 to $24.86
- The median hourly wage* is $15.96
These hourly wages are based on 2016-2017 data from Statistics Canada. (See table below from the Government of Canada Job Bank site.) Across Canada there have been minimum wage increases in 2018. The hourly wage for security guards will reflect this change.
What Equipment Will You Use?
Security professionals are reliant upon their equipment to efficiently carry out their daily tasks and prevent serious incidents from occurring.
The following are common pieces of equipment a majority of security professionals use daily.
Ready to Start Your Career in the Security Sector?
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Career Advancement in the Security Sector
Security guards can advance to more senior positions in security.
Experienced, qualified security guards can become:
- Supervisors
- Team Leaders
- Trainers
- Managers
- Security specialists
- Directors
- Heads of Security
Many of these jobs are very well paid. A typical supervisor job role pays $35 per hour, according to Indeed.ca. Many management/team lead positions pay about $50,000 per year.
If you prefer to branch out, you might apply for work in related fields, for example with job titles like:
- Private investigator
- Sheriff
- Special constable
- Peace officer
- Protective services officer
- Enforcement officer
- Transit safety officer
- Correctional officer
- Parking enforcement
- Transit fare inspector
Get Started Now!
The start of your career in the security sector is closer than you think! To get started, browse the wide array of available courses made possible through the Canadian Academy of Guard Training here.