This program involves two separate courses. To be granted a security guard licence, applicants must first apply for a job and get sponsored by their employer. All licences are issued by the Attorney General. In addition to the educational requirements above, applicants must be at least 19 years old, without a criminal record and provide a ten-year work and residency history. Senior security guards and supervisors require experience.
Security guards carrying firearms require a licence.
Most security guards are trained on the job, but having some related training prior to employment is a definite asset, particularly for later advancement. Some security agencies have no minimum education requirements but they do require applicants to speak and write English, be 18 years of age or older, have good character references and no police record and be in good health. Security guards need to have a sense of responsibility and good judgement. They should enjoy serving the public, have an ability to work independently, pay attention to detail and have good communication skills, including tact and discretion. Security guards need to be able to follow instructions precisely, work long hours and stay alert.