Ministry of Justice

Training and Testing – Approved Programs

Specific Requirements and Training by Licence Type

For information on training requirements for each security worker licence type, and a list of licence types that require English language fluency, see the Specific Requirements and Training by Licence Type page in the Security Worker section of this website.

Security Industry Training Courses

For Security Guards – The Justice Institute of British Columbia (JIBC) develops and offers the Basic Security Training course and is mandated to administer all approved security schools in British Columbia as well as maintain course training standards. For more information see the Security Training Programs section of the JIBC website.

Basic Security Training exemption: If you have peace officer experience (within the last three years) and current certification in use of force (within the last three years), you could qualify for a training exemption from taking the mandatory training by filling out an Application for Training Exemption. This form can be found on the JIBC Basic Security Training in BC.

Also, Focus Training Institute, LTD. offers a Criminal Justice & Civil Law Studies – Private Investigation course. Contact Focus Training for more information about the course. Contact information is on their website – www.focus-on-line.com

For Private Investigation under supervision –the Private Security Training Network, on-line course “Introduction to Private Investigation” or equivalent recognized course. For more information visit the Private Security Training Network website .
For Security Alarm Installers – B.C. Certificates of Qualification can be obtain with the required amount of work experience hours. For more information see the Security Alarm Installer information on the Industry Training Authority website.

For Locksmiths – The Industry Training Authority (ITA) is working with Industry Training Organizations and other Industry Partners to develop the Challenge Application Packages for this trade. More information is posted on the ITA website.

Other education institutions may also offer Security Training courses. If you are not sure if a particular training course is recognized by the industry, contact either the JIBC or ITA to confirm or find out more information.

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English Fluency

Some security workers are expected to be sufficiently fluent in the English language to converse with the public while carrying out their duties. Canadian Language Benchmark level five is the language level required to meet fluency standards. To have an idea what English language skills are required to meet the level five benchmark standard, download the Canadian Language Benchmarks level five overview document from this website.

You can download the complete Canadian Language Benchmarks document from the Canadian Language Benchmarks website.

Firearms

You must possess a current Authority to Carry a Prohibited Firearm Certificate (ATC) issued under the Firearms Act (Canada) to be licensed as a armoured car guard security worker. For information on the ATC, see the Canadian Firearms Centre website.

Dogs

You must have a current validation certificate that shows the dog and you, the handler, are adequately trained before the Registrar, Security Services, will consider a request to allow the use of a dog while providing security services. The Justice Institute of British Columbia (JIBC) is the approved program that tests and provides the validation certificate. For more information see the Security Programs Training section of the JIBC website.

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Restraints

In order for the Registrar to consider granting you the authority to use restraints (handcuffs) while providing security services, you must have a current “Advanced Security Training Certificate”. The Justice Institute of British Columbia (JIBC) develops and offers the Advanced Security Training course. For more information see the Security Programs Training section of the JIBC website.

Out of Province Training or Experience

If you believe you have acquired, from outside B.C., the equivalent training and/or experience required for a specific licence type, the licence types listed below have a process set up to 'challenge an exam' or to demonstrate your skills:

Security Alarm Installer and Locksmiths – apply to the Industry Training Authority to write a 'Challenge Exam' to demonstrate knowledge and obtain recognition credentials.

Security Guards – if you do not have a Basic or Advanced Security Training Certificate, contact the Justice Institute of BC directly to provide and review previous training or experience.

Private Investigation and Security Consulting – submit documentation directly to the Registrar, Security Services Act to consider training and experience.

Agreement in Trade (AIT)
On April 1, 2009 the Agreement in Trade came into effect. AIT provides for labour mobility for workers in certified occupations that are regulated in all Canadian provinces.

Under AIT, any individual who has a Security Guard, Private Investigator licence from another Canadian province, will be required to submit an application form for a B.C. Security Worker licence. Please review Section 2.2.3 of the Security Licensing Process and Licence Conditions Policies further clarification of requirements.

Use the application form, Apply for a New Security Worker Licence (SPD0503) - download from Security Worker – Forms and Guide, following the process and requirements for a new licence outlined in the guide to Getting and Keeping Your Security Worker Licence.

In summary, application requirements are:

Criminal Record Check
Proof of certification
Canadian citizenship or landed immigrant or valid work/study permit
Payment of application fees
Photographs
Fingerprints

If you are unsure whether your Albertan occupation meets the criteria for labour mobility under AIT, contact Security Programs Division.

Security Workers from Alberta

On April 1, 2009 the Trade, Investment and Labour Mobility Agreement (TILMA) came into effect. TILMA provides for labour mobility for workers in certified occupations that are regulated in both provinces.

Under TILMA, any individual who has a Security Guard, Private Investigator or Locksmith licence from the Public Security Division in Alberta, will be required to submit an application form for a B.C. Security Worker licence.