FAQ

Effective June 1, 2011, all applicants for a security worker's license in Alberta must successfully complete an accredited 40-hour mandatory training course (or provide proof of equivalent training) and successfully complete the SSIA Provincial Examination in order to qualify for a licence. Both the training course and exam are available online from World Guardian Security Services (Contact Us).

The responsibilities of a security guard are largely dependent on the organization they are working for. However, there are some basic duties that must be carried out, regardless of where they work. Here are a few universal duties that all security guards must fulfill:

     1.Observe and report

Security guards should constantly be observing the area in which they’re stationed. If they observe any suspicious behavior they should take note, and report it to other security guards in the area. This is especially important if a dangerous situation has just been resolved —guards should still be on the lookout to make sure no additional problems arise. In addition, security guards should report all incidents to their supervisor, police, or other appropriate authorities.

     2. Respond quickly and effectively

Situations can escalate quickly, and it’s a security guard’s responsibility to respond just as fast. Acting fast to control an escalating issue can help solve it faster so that things can return to normal as soon as possible. Security guards should be properly trained and well-prepared to react and handle dangerous situations.

     3. Protect

No matter where a security guard works, one of their main responsibilities is to provide security for those around them. Being alert and identifying potentially dangerous situations is a part of protecting the public, but they must also know how to address situations that have already escalated. Their job is to provide a sense of security and should be able to do so by protecting themselves and others.

     4. Get help

Security guards are licensed but are only trained to handle a certain degree of danger. For example, while they are well versed in emergency first aid and CPR, they should be a call for professional medical help when necessary. Their job is to assist until help arrives, but must also remember that it’s a part of their job to get help when it’s required.

The starting wage for a security guard in Alberta is $15 / hour. Your salary may vary depending on the company you work for, your level of experience, and the type of position you are assigned to.

Under the Security Services and Investigators Act (SSIA), individuals working in the security, investigation, and locksmith services industry must be licensed by the Province of Alberta. Applicants for individual licences must meet basic licensing requirements and training qualifications before applying to receive a licence. Additional Information is available at Alberta.ca

To become a security guard in Alberta, you must first enroll in a security guard training course. Alberta Basic Security Training (ABST) Course consists of seven (7) Modules delivered over a period of forty (40) hours.  Students must complete all modules and then a provincial exam at one of the province’s Testing Locations with 80% or above to receive provincial certification and apply for a security license in Alberta.

Yes, Your licence will expire after two years.

When you apply, you’ll need to provide photocopies of your:

• Canadian photo ID
• approved training course certificate
• 40-hour baton use-of-force training certificate (if applicable)

You’ll also need to provide a current:

• police information and criminal record check
• passport-size color photo signed on the back by the police service

A criminal record check will be done when you apply for a new licence and every time you renew your licence.

Yes, if you do not successfully pass or miss for some reason the exam the first time, you may re-write it. Please schedule a new exam time by contacting the World Guardian Security Services. The fee for each additional exam re-write is $50.

If you are a security guard, anyone can ask to see your licence. You must show the front of your licence, which includes your licence number, name and photo. You are not required to hand over your licence to a member of the public or show the back of your licence.

Basic things you learned in school and common sense. Not at all its basic security common sense. 

1. Honesty
2. Alertness
3. Physical Fitness
4. Good Communication Skills
5. Leader and Team Player
6. Ability to Serve Client’s Needs

Yes, the Alberta training course is accredited by the Province of Alberta and meets the training requirements outlined in the Security Services. It is recognized as an Online and in-Class Alberta Basic Security Training Course (ABST).