Welcome to your Security Guard Course!

Ontario Justice has introduced a number of changes to the legislation affecting Private Investigators and Security Guards. These changes include the introduction of a mandatory training requirement for all licensed Security Guards in the province. The goal is to increase the knowledge-base of the individual security guard thereby increasing the level of safety enjoyed by both the guard and the public encountering private security.

Our course, in keeping with the Ministry of the Solicitor General’s syllabus, prepares applicants for work in the field of security. Under the Ministry’s guidelines, students must complete 40hrs of training in order to be eligible for a security licence.

You need to know the basics so that you can work safely and carry out your duties in a professional manner. This course covers all of the essential areas needed for this basic training. It was designed to help you pass the provincial exam and earn your Security Guard licence.

When you start working as a guard, you will gain your own relevant on-the-job experience. You may also want to take other courses, such as Private Investigation, Use of Force, or Smart Serve Training, to increase your skills and help protect yourself and others as you perform your duties.

This course will describe, in general terms, the duties and responsibilities of a Security Guard. It is expected that students will become familiar enough with the material that they will not only be able to write (and pass) an examination, but will also be able to keep the content of this course in mind as it is called upon from day to day in the performance of their duties.

This Security Guard Course is intended to provide you with the occupational and behavioral skills and attitudes necessary to professionally function as a Security Guard as required by provincial acts, regulations and in accordance with other legislation.  The subjects covered are intended to provide Security Guards with a sound basis on which to deal with a myriad of on-the-job-responsibilities in an appropriate manner. Many tasks performed are quasi law enforcement in nature, where good public relations and awareness of the limits of legal powers and the use of force are extremely important. Upon successful completion of this training, Security Guard candidates should be able to properly:

(a) Deal with the public in a professional and ethical manner;

(b) Arrest people within the limits specified under the Criminal Code (Canada) and be aware of the rights and freedoms of individuals;

(c) Communicate effectively, both verbally and in writing;

(d) Present verbal and material evidence in Court;

(e) Write reports, protect evidence and conduct themselves appropriately in court;

(f) Direct traffic;

(g) Detect or prevent thefts and vandalism;

(h) Report and deal appropriately with perimeter protection systems, intrusion, fire, carbon dioxide, water, smoke, alarms, etc.;

(i) React and take appropriate measures in all emergency situations;

(j) Respond to bomb threats; and

(k) Perform other duties as required of Security Guards.

Serco DES

Serco DES is a subsidiary of the Serco Group, a parent company with operations in more than 30 countries worldwide. Serco DES is the business that was awarded the contract for implementing the testing for Security Guards & Private Investigators. Applicants should be aware of the following:

• Serco is NOT a Government run agency. They are a private contractor that has bid on the contract and has been awarded the contract. Serco’s involvement in the licensing process begins and ends with the Ministry testing. They are not in a position to answer questions on the licensing process or the Application to Act as a Security Guard or Private Investigator.

• The testing will be done at authorized Ministry of Transportation Drive Test Facilities. Employees of the Ministry of Transportation can NOT answer inquiries related to the testing as they are not made aware of the requirements of licensing.

• Testing MUST be booked through their online booking system or through telephone. Contact Serco to schedule your test at 1-866-248-2555, or online at ontariosecuritytesting.com To book your test you will need:
  • Your Full Name and Date of Birth
  • Your Training Completion Number
  • A Credit Card

• Payments may only be received by Credit Card or by Money Order. Using a Money Order to pay for the testing can delay testing, and therefore licensing, exponentially. Applicants are encouraged to use Credit Cards and Pre-paid Credit Cards for payment.

Ministry of Solicitor General and Service Ontario

To obtain more information on the Licensing process, application forms, and the application checklist visit the Ministry website at: www.mcscs.jus.gov.on.ca

Application Form (Service Ontario):
https://www.ontario.ca/page/security-guard-or-private-investigator-licence-individuals