Dual Package: Security Guard + Private Investigator

This course package includes both the online Security Guard Course and Private Investigator Course and meets the Ministry requirements for both. Once completed, the Student will be eligible to write both exams and apply for their Dual License. Emergency Level First Aid (which is a requirement of the Security Guard Course) is included if the student can attend a class listed here.  For those who cannot attend one of these First Aid classes, the student must attain Emergency Level First Aid and CPR locally.

What is a Dual Licence?

When you have a dual licence, you are able to work both as a security guard and as a private investigator in Ontario. If you are thinking about entering the security industry, you should seriously consider getting a dual licence. When you have either the security guard or private investigator licence you will only be able to gain employment in one sector of the industry and be limited in opportunity. When you have a dual licence you will have the advantage of improved employability. Having a dual licence will broaden your job search, and you will increase your choices when it comes to the area of the private security or investigation field you wish to work in.

Holding a dual licence to be both a security guard and a private investigator has grown more popular with students and is viewed more favourably by employers. Our course is designed to prepare you for what you will experience in the real world. You will receive the full Ministry approved lessons for both a security guard and private investigator, and you will learn how the skills complement each other.

Why Having a Dual Licence is Valuable

As private sector security and investigations continue to expand, holders of dual licences will find that they can enjoy a more successful career in the security industry. It will also allow you to join security guard and private investigator agencies with both skill sets and a well-rounded education which will serve you well in the field.

Even if you only plan on sticking to one sector of the security industry, you will find that it’s useful to have a background in both security and private investigation. A dual licence will enhance your security guard work by improving your investigative skills and legal knowledge. In addition to securing and guarding a location, your private investigator lessons will aid in assessing situations, identifying threats, and more.

By going through security guard training, you will learn when use of force is necessary, the limitations to which you can use force, as well as self-defence techniques. Private investigators can find themselves in tricky situations at times, so it is essential to have basic self-defence skills.

Security Guard Course

Our security guard training will cover everything you need to know to pass your Ontario Security Guard Licence exam. Comprised of 12 lessons and designed by security experts, you are guaranteed to come out with all the knowledge you need to be a confident and competent security guard.

Our security guard course is a total of 40 hours; 33.5 hours of online modules and a one-day Emergency Level First Aid lesson. Here’s a breakdown of what you will learn in each lesson:

Welcome and Licensing Process

This lesson consists of a brief introduction to the security industry. You’ll get a brief overview of the legislation as it applies to private investigators and security guards and how it will affect you in your role.

The Private Security and Investigative Services Act and Ministry Code of Conduct

In this lesson, you’ll get a detailed look at your responsibilities, according to the Private Security and Investigative Services Act, 2005 (PSISA). You’ll want to pay close attention to the Code of Conduct, as it will outline basic rules and regulations you need to be aware of.

Basic Security Procedures

As a security guard, you will need to have a comprehensive understanding of security procedures. Basic security procedures such as surveillance techniques, the protection of personal information, and a comprehensive overview of various forms of access control and technologies used to control the movement of persons.

Report Writing

Writing reports is actually an integral part of being a private investigator and a security professional. You need to learn how to properly record and timeline information such as the descriptions of people, events and emergencies. In this lesson, you will learn how to complete the typical written reports required by security guards and private investigators. The necessary skills for note taking and writing witness statements will be explained and examples given.

Health and Safety

You will gain a working knowledge of the Occupational Health and Safety Act, and the Workplace Hazardous Materials Information System (WHMIS). You will be able to apply this knowledge wherever you work.

Emergency Response Preparation

You will be taught how to identify and respond to emergency situations in a timely manner. The First Aid and CPR course will supplement this lesson’s training, and provide more detailed instructions on how to address emergency situations.

Canadian Justice System

You are working towards a job that is subject to and adheres to the Canadian justice system, so it is important to follow the laws and regulations. In this lesson you will become familiar with the Criminal Court System, the Ontario Evidence Act, as well as the Canada Evidence Act.

Legal Authorities

Here, you will learn about important legislation as it relates to your role as a security guard, as well as about the Criminal Code of Canada, Municipal bylaws, and the elements of tort law.

Effective Communications

Students will learn how to respond professionally and effectively in their role. The three main components of this lesson includes communication skills, tactical communication, and interpersonal skills.

Sensitivity Training

As a security guard, you will encounter a diverse group of individuals every day. Treating everyone with the same amount of kindness and respect is an important part of your job, and sensitivity training will teach you how to recognize your own biases, as well as the impact of mental, physical, cultural, and sexual differences.

Use of Force Theory

While using force may be required of a security guard in extreme circumstances, you will learn about the importance of maintaining your professional composure and the limits with which you can apply force. The authority to use force under the Criminal Code of Canada and how handle situations while under pressure will be addressed.

Private Investigator Course

Private investigative work can take you to places you would never expect, which is why our private investigator lessons will cover everything required under Ministry standards, as well as provide practical knowledge you can use in the field.

Our private investigator course is a total of 50 hours and delivered completely online. This means that you have the flexibility to complete the coursework whenever it’s convenient for you, whether it’s late at night or even on the weekends. All you need is an internet connection. Here’s a breakdown of what is covered in each lesson:

Introduction to the Private Investigator Course and Government Testing Requirements/Procedures

This lesson will outline key information that you should be familiar with in order to pass the exam and carry out your duties as a private investigator in Ontario.

Introduction to the Private Investigation Industry

This lesson offers a brief history of the investigation industry and private investigation in Ontario. It’s important to learn about the past, in order to plan for your future as an investigative professional.

The Private Security and Investigative Services Act, 2005 (PSISA)

As a private investigator, the Private Security and Investigative Services Act includes your Code of Conduct. Students should study the Act and be aware of their duties and responsibilities while working in the field.

Provincial and Federal Statutes

You will gain a comprehensive understanding of the federal and provincial statutes that apply to your role. Criminal, civil, case and common law will be covered.

Criminal and Civil Law

Private investigators are expected to work in accordance with criminal and civil legislative and procedural requirements while abiding by the processes of their own organization.

Investigative Techniques

Investigations will be a significant part of your role. Research, surveillance, interviews, and the use of special equipment will all be covered in this lesson. In addition to teaching you about these topics, we’ll teach you when it’s appropriate to use them.

Principles of Ethical Reasoning and Decision-Making

Private Investigators are required to make quick decisions in a variety of situations and must utilize good judgment. They need to recognize and appropriately handle ethical dilemmas relating to diversity, cultural differences and contemporary social problems, as well as be familiar with the PSISA Code of Conduct and the concept of Duty of Care. There are two components in this section: Code of Conduct & Duty of Care, and Decision-Making.

Key Principles of Communication and Interaction

Whether you’re interviewing a suspect or speaking to witnesses, you’ll need to be able to effectively communicate with those around you, and interpret their communicative and social cues. This lesson will teach you all you need to know about tactical communication and interpersonal skills.

Self-Management Skills

Private Investigators should have the skills and knowledge required to work individually and as part of a team. They should be able to assess their own roles and responsibilities within a larger team framework, use acquired interpersonal skills to build positive relationships and comply with legislative and procedural requirements to complete tasks within designated timeframes. There are four components in this section: Acting under Stress, Time Management, Working Independently and in a Team, and Adaptability.

What You Get

• Hundreds of quiz questions
• Phone and email support 7 days a week
• 24/7 access to your course
• 1 year course access