Alberta Basic Security Guard Training Course – ABST

Security Guard Course Inc. (SGC) is an approved Alberta Security Programs Accredited Training Provider.  You can view our listing here.

Our online Alberta Basic Security Training Course, or ABST,  consists of eight (8) Modules.  Students must complete all modules, logging a minimum total of 40hrs and then an online provincial exam under the supervision of a proctor with 80% or above to receive provincial certification and apply for a Security License in Alberta.

Once you have logged your required 40hrs we will email you your Training Certificate and instructions to book your Online Exam.  The online exam is paid separately to the exam provider and costs $60.

Upon completion of our Alberta Security License Course, participants will have working knowledge of the Security Industry and should be able to:

1. Describe the specific roles and responsibilities of a Security Professional.
2. Explain Federal and Provincial Legislation and Regulations in relation to the work of a Security Professional
3. List and describe the knowledge and skill sets required to perform Basic Security Patrol duties.
4. Understand and apply a professional and effective style of communication in order to manage and control incidents.
5. Demonstrate exceptional proficiency and accuracy in note-taking and Security Report Writing.
6. Understand and articulate the process of managing an Emergency Incident / Emergency Response
7. Maintain personal and professional safety and well being while working as a Security Professional.

Click here for our Alberta Security Guard Exam Process and Cancellation Policy.

The outcome for this program is intended to instill course participants with knowledge and skill sets in the following areas:

• Introduction to the Professional Security Industry.
• The Canadian Legal System and Security Professionals.
• Basic Security Procedures.
• Communication for Security Professionals.
• Documentation and Evidence.
• Emergency Response Procedures for Security Professionals.
• Health and Safety for Security Professionals.

 

Security service workers monitor, patrol and guard private property and protect people. In Alberta, you must be licensed to work as a:

• Security Guard
• Patrol Dog Handler
• Alarm Response
• Loss Prevention Worker
• Body Guard

Licences are issued under the Security Services and Investigators Act by Alberta Justice and Solicitor General.

Policy manual

Read the Security Programs Policy Manual for more information about a security service worker licence.

Licensing

The security service licensing fee is $100. Your licence is valid for 2 years.

The renewal process is the same as the initial application.

Your individual licence is portable. This means your licence is still valid if you change employers or if you work for multiple employers.

Eligibility

To apply for a licence you must:

• be over 18 years old
• be eligible to work in Canada
• be fluent in English
• have no criminal record
• have no outstanding criminal charges
• not be the subject of a criminal investigation

All security service workers must meet a specific English fluency standard. This is a level 5 benchmark according to the Centre for Canadian Language Benchmarks.

Training

All security service workers must:

• successfully complete an approved security training course
• score 80% or higher on the provincial final exam

There are 2 approved training courses. Take either the:

• Alberta Basic Security Training Course, or
• Accredited Basic Security Training Course

These courses must be completed through an approved training provider.

Contact Security Programs if you’ve:

• previously worked in law enforcement, or
• completed equivalent training outside Alberta

Final exam

After you’ve successfully completed your final exam with a score of 80% or higher, you’ll get your training certificate by mail within one week.  For information about exam rewrites, or to find out if you’re eligible to challenge an exam, contact Security Programs.

Baton training

In order to carry a baton, you must:

• have approval from your employer to carry a baton
• complete an approved 40-hour baton use-of-force training course
• submit a copy of your training certificate with your application

Baton training re-certification is required every 36 months.

Training licences

Training licences are available if you’re currently enrolled in an approved training course. Your employer must submit the training licence application for you.

Training licences are valid for 30 days and will be converted to a standard licence after you’ve completed the training course and passed the final exam.

Apply for or renew your licence

Step 1. Get a criminal record check

Get a criminal record check and your photo signed at your local police station.

This check must include these elements:

• criminal record
• vulnerable sector
• local database

You can’t submit your application without these original documents. These documents expire 90 days after they’ve been issued.

For more information about criminal record checks including fees and processing times:

• contact your local police, or
• visit RCMP Criminal Record checks

Step 2. Fill out the forms

Fill out all the forms in this package:

Application for Individual Licence (PDF, 569 KB)

Step 3. Gather your documents

When you apply, you’ll need to provide photocopies of your:

• Canadian photo ID
• approved training course certificate
• 40-hour baton use-of-force training certificate (if applicable)

You’ll also need to provide a current:

• police information and criminal record check
• passport-size colour photo signed on the back by the police service

Step 4. Choose your payment method

The security service licensing fee is $100.

A dual security service and investigators licensing fee is $160.

There are 3 ways to make your payment:

Online

Make your payment online

Print and attach the receipt to your mail application as proof of payment.

In person

If you’re submitting your mail application through a registry agent, your payment must be made at that registry.

A $9 service charge will be added to the licence fee.

Find a registry agent that offers Security Programs licensing services

Mail

When submitting your application by mail, you can pay by:

• certified business cheque
• certified personal cheque
• money order
• bank draft
• credit or debit online – attach your receipt to your mail application as proof of payment

All payments must be made out to the Government of Alberta.

Step 5. Submit your application

There are 2 ways to submit your application:

In person

Take your application and documents to a registry agent that offers Security Programs licensing services.

If your application is approved, you’ll get a temporary licence that’s valid for 60 days.

Mail

Mail your application, required documents and payment to:

Security Programs
Alberta Justice and Solicitor General
P.O. Box 1023 Station Main
Edmonton, Alberta  T5J 2M1

If your application is approved, you’ll get a temporary licence that’s valid for 60 days emailed to you.

After you apply

Your licence card will be mailed to the address in your application.

You must provide a photocopy of your licence card to your employer and carry the original with you while you’re working.