How to Become a Security Guard in Canada in 4 Steps

If you want to become a Security guard in Canada, you have come to the right place!

In Canada, the demand for security guards is increasing daily due to the increase in population. Consequently, Crime is also on the rise as a result of the spike in population, and COVID-19 has only exacerbated the problem. Hence, the need for more trained Security officers to stem the tide.

Security guards, typically, safeguard the lives and property of their clients. They also have a variety of responsibilities, such as reacting to emergencies, collaborating with law enforcement, preventing conflict on their property, and teaching junior security officers.

But, understanding how to become a security Guard might help you get started on your path to becoming one. In addition, a valid security license is required to be considered for the post of Security guard in Canada.

In this guide, we’ll look at what a security officer is, the steps to become one, what security officers do, and the skills required for the job.

Who is a Security Guard?

A security guard protects or safeguards the assets, lives, and properties of their clients. In addition, the role of a security officer is to protect an asset’s integrity by preventing trespassing, vandalism, theft, or any other physical harm. In addition, they plan and carry out safety plans, estate oversight, and crisis management. Security officers can operate in a variety of settings, including schools, supermarkets, banks, corporations e.t.c Now, let’s examine in detail, the duties and responsibilities of Security guards below.

What are the responsibilities of a Security Guard?

A security guard is responsible for protecting property from loss or destruction. Other responsibilities of a security guard include:

Patrolling and Monitoring

A security guard might be assigned by an employer to monitor surveillance equipment and keep an eye out for trespassing or other criminal acts. Security officers also patrol the areas they protect regularly. Exits and entry, for example, are frequently inspected, as are spots where surveillance equipment misses, and the perimeter of their secured property. To preserve security and order, these patrols are frequently scheduled.

Report writing

Security guards also provide reports on the asset’s safety in addition to regular patrols and inspections. These studies are intended to inform their clients and act as a foundation for future security measures. For accuracy, security officers must keep track of incidents that occur throughout their shifts and include timings. They also report any inconsistencies or system failures. Security officers also record witness testimonies and interrogations of any suspects where they make arrests.

Controlling and responding to emergencies

Security guards respond according to established protocols in the event of a fire, theft, property damage, or other safety-related issues to minimize injury and control whatever has occurred. They are also in charge of ensuring that investigations are efficient and productive. Security guards are also in charge of informing and assisting appropriate government entities.

Detention of Criminals

There may be times while enforcing property rules that you need to detain persons who break them. Security guards are taught how to use force to restrain criminals. They also conduct interviews with witnesses and compile statements for use by law enforcement agencies. If the circumstance calls for it, licensed security professionals may have to use lethal force.

Keeping the peace

Security Guards are also in charge of preserving and restoring order. This function is critical in places where conflict is widespread, such as bars, clubs, and lounges. Non-members are kept out, fights are settled, violators are removed, and appropriate behaviour is observed on the premises. They can also interact with other employees to check payments and guarantee compliance with security regulations.

Security Guards Skills

Here are some skills that can help you do your tasks more efficiently as a security guard:

• Adequate physical fitness
• Good communication skills
• Excellent teamwork skills
• Integrity and credibility
• Attention to detail and alertness
• Great decision-making skills

Is Becoming a Security Guard in Canada a Rewarding Career?

As earlier mentioned above, Security guards are in high demand in Canada, and they can also serve as a springboard for a lucrative career in a variety of businesses and areas. Fields that demand security and security specialists in Canada include such sectors as Information, economic crime, terrorism, and fraud.

In addition, Banking and financial services, commercial real estate, cultural properties, educational institutions, gaming security, government and industrial, health care institutions, information systems, and investigations are all industries that use security.

Starting as a security guard, you may earn somewhere between $35,000 and $50,000. Professionally trained and certified security guards may earn between $55,000 and $100,000 if they continue to improve their skills.

Moreover, you will find that promotion in your security guard profession is available at larger security firms. From security officer to lead security officer, site supervisor, and account manager, you can progress your career. If you decide to pursue a career in security management, you may be able to advance to become a branch manager or area vice president with a security firm.

Many of these larger security firms also provide competitive salaries and benefits, making them an excellent career opportunity for anybody interested in security.

Steps to Become a Security Guard in Canada

Here are steps to follow if you wish to become a Security Guard:

1. Get a college education

It’s critical to understand your job responsibilities and functions as a security officer to perform at your best. Although a high school education is usually sufficient for most security officer jobs, earning a degree in security management might help you stand out as a more appealing candidate. You can also enrol in a variety of training programs to help you develop your profession.

2. Accumulate work experience

Prior experience can assist you in developing the abilities and confidence you’ll need to carry out your responsibilities as a security officer. This experience also persuades the recruiting manager that you are capable of handling your responsibilities. Minor security work in your neighbourhood can help you gain important experience.

Guarding a restaurant or a recreation centre is one example of this. You can also speak with and observe any professional security guards you know at work. Finally, to help with job applications, make sure you demonstrate your experience on your resume.

3. Obtain a Licence

The province in which you desire to work determines the licensing requirements. Before you begin the process of obtaining a license, do some research about the prerequisites. In some provinces, for example, only security agencies require a license, which also applies to their employees.

Prepare to meet a requirement of a particular number of hours in the field and submit a training certificate from a competent institute if you want to work as an individual. You can also get permits to perform emergency medical procedures and handle firearms.

4. Think about pursuing a graduate degree

Obtaining professional security certificates can help you grow in your security officer job. Many of these certificates require on-the-job training or 40+ hours of classroom instruction. Security surveillance operation, CPR and first aid training, and firearm safety and operation are among the programs included in these training programs. Degrees in criminology or criminal justice might also help you gain a better understanding of law enforcement. This makes you a more appealing choice for high-profile clients.

Security Guard Training and Licence in Canada

Security guards are frequently needed to have completed some type of basic security training to qualify for a license. You must finish a 40-hour security training program, which includes CPR and First Aid, in every province and territory. In addition to that, you will receive a training completion number after completing the 40 hours of security education, which you will need to apply for the provincial security guard test.

More importantly, you will need to apply for a security license with your province or territory after passing the test. You will also be allowed to begin your security career once your security license has been approved and shipped to you.

The cost of the provincial security guard exam is $50 per examination. You have three chances to complete the training program; after the third attempt, you must start over.

What Are the Requirements for a Security License?

A potential security guard must complete certain qualifications before applying for a license. Applicants for a security guard license must be at least 18 years old and eligible to work in Canada. In addition, a candidate must be 19 years old in Newfoundland, Nova Scotia, and British Columbia. Also, all applicants in Alberta and British Columbia must be fluent in English.

Before applying to New Brunswick, an applicant must be employed by a security guard firm. They should have a clean criminal record in Canada and be prepared to follow the Security Guard Code of Conduct in that province.

Where Can You Take Security Guard Training?

You can enrol in security guard training courses once you have met the requirements for a security guard licensing for applicants above. All of the provinces require a 40-hour training program that includes CPR and First Aid certifications.

Although Emergency Level First Aid and Level A CPR are the bare minima, many organizations prefer security guards who have received Standard First Aid and Level C CPR training.

Security guard training programs are available from a variety of sources, including security businesses and community universities. Free online security guard training is currently unavailable, but paid online security guard training is accessible.

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Frequently Asked Questions

How much does it cost to become a Security guard in Canada?

The cost of becoming a security guard ranges from $350 to $450, depending on which province you live in.

How long will it take for me to receive a security license in the mail?

The length of time it takes for your license to be authorized varies depending on which province you live in. In Nova Scotia, it will take between 2 and 10 days, and in Ontario, it will take up to 30 days.

What steps do I need to take to start a security firm in Canada?

To start doing business in your province, you’ll need to apply for a security business license. Your company must be registered with a Canadian province, and security licenses are valid for three years. Liability insurance for partnerships and corporations must be at least $1 million.

Conclusion

To conclude, you just learned how to become a security guard in Canada, which normally entails obtaining a security license, completing security training classes, and passing a security guard assessment. The bottom line is, Security guards, protect the lives and properties of clients which makes them in demand in Canada. Hope the article was helpful. Please share your comment below. Thank you!