Security guards and related security service occupations

Overall, employment requirements are:

• Completion of secondary school is usually required
• A college diploma in law and security or police technology may be required
• Canadian Air Transport Security Authority (CATSA) certification is required for screening officers
• Security guards carrying firearms require a licence
• Armoured car drivers require a valid Possession and Acquisition Licence (PAL) for both restricted and non-restricted firearms
• Corporate security officers may require experience as a police officer
• Private investigators require provincial licensure

In B.C., security guards do not need secondary school graduation, however, it is preferred. Other requirements include:

• Licensing for all security companies and their employees under the new Security Services Act, which replaces the Private Investigator and Security Agencies Act
• Completion of the Basic Security Training (BST) course with a grade of 60 per cent or higher on the final exam for each course

The course is offered through approved institutions and security companies. Training requirements beyond BST vary depending on where security guards work and include:

• Firearms training for armoured car guards
• Gaming security officer training program offered by the Justice Institute of BC for casino/gaming security guards
• A grade of 75 per cent or higher on the BST exam and several other courses for commissionaires

Individual security companies often provide additional in-house training.

The new Security Services Act will require bouncers, armoured car personnel, in-house security guards, bodyguards and members of the Corps of Commissionaires to be licensed and undergo a criminal background check. Other requirements for security guards may include:

• Level one industry first aid
• A valid driver's license
• A clean criminal record
• Basic writing and speaking skills
• Basic computer skills
• Advanced courses in investigation, writing, interviewing, decision making and ethics

Those who are certified for an occupation by a regulator elsewhere in Canada can apply for the same certification from the regulator in B.C. Under the terms of the Canadian Free Trade Agreement (CFTA), most applicants who are transferring their credentials from elsewhere in Canada will not be required to complete additional training or testing. However, the B.C. regulator may ask applicants to provide further information such as a letter of good standing, references, or criminal record check.

For those who trained outside of Canada and never received certification from any Canadian jurisdiction, a full assessment is likely needed. Most occupational regulators have a process for assessment and recognize internationally trained applicants.

Contact the Ministry of Public Safety and Solicitor General: Security Services for details on how to apply for certification in B.C.

For information about labour mobility in Canada, visit www.workersmobility.ca.

View a list of Professional Regulatory Authorities in B.C.

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The B.C. Labour Market Outlook is a 10-year forecast of the expected supply and demand for labour in the province. It’s usually updated every year. The purpose is to provide British Columbians with the knowledge to make informed decisions on careers, skills training, education and hiring.

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Security guards are needed to guard construction sites from theft and vandalism. As well, they are needed to protect most commercial and some residential buildings once construction is completed. Since many new graduates quickly move to higher paying jobs outside of the industry, there is currently a shortage of workers in B.C.

There will be growing demand for people with advanced security solutions training and threat/risk assessment skills. Those with previous experience working as security guards, in law enforcement or in the military will have a greater chance of finding work.

Most work opportunities will continue to be in urban centres such as the Lower Mainland and Southern Vancouver Island regions where there are more facilities that require monitoring. There may be higher growth in any port area due to the Transport Canada changes to the Marine Security Act and enforcement.

Increasingly, security professionals are using computers and technological devices in their daily work, so workers must be comfortable using this equipment.. As the use of closed circuit television cameras increases, those who can use monitoring equipment and software will have more job opportunities. However, increased use of closed circuit television monitoring may reduce the number of patrolling security guards needed.