Maze Security Insights · July 8, 2026
Security Guard Licence Requirements in Canada: Province-by-Province Guide
Every province licenses security guards differently. A plain-language guide to training, testing and permits across Canada.
Why licensing matters to buyers, not just guards
When you hire a security company, its guards' licences become your liability shield. An unlicensed guard on your property can complicate insurance claims, expose you to provincial fines and undermine any legal defence after an incident. Verifying licensing takes minutes and should be step one of any contract.
The provincial patchwork
Ontario requires a 40-hour course and ministry exam under the PSISA. Quebec's Bureau de la sécurité privée mandates a 70-hour program before issuing an agent permit. British Columbia requires Basic Security Training under the Security Services Act, and Alberta licenses guards under the SSIA. The other provinces and territories run their own registries with similar training, background-check and renewal requirements.
What to ask any security provider
Ask for the company's agency licence number, the individual licences of guards assigned to your site, and proof of commercial liability insurance. Professional companies answer these questions in writing before the first shift — hesitation here is the clearest red flag in the industry.