How to Get Your Ontario Security License: Step‑by‑Step Guide for Aspiring Security Guards

Becoming a licensed security guard in Ontario is a clear process, but it can feel confusing at first. From training to testing to applying, there are a few important steps you must follow before you can work legally.

This guide walks you through everything you need to know about getting your Ontario security license, how the training works, what the exam involves, how to apply through ServiceOntario, and what comes after your license is approved. Whether you’re asking how to become a security guard in Ontario or looking to work in the security industry, this is your complete roadmap.

What Is an Ontario Security License?

An Ontario security license is a permit issued by the provincial government that lets you work as a security guard or private investigator in the province. Without it, you cannot apply for most security jobs in Ontario, including mall security, event security, loss prevention, or corporate patrol positions.

This isn’t just a certificate — it’s a legal requirement under Ontario’s Private Security and Investigative Services Act.

Step 1: Meet the Eligibility Requirements

Before anything else, you must check that you qualify for the licence:

• You must be 18 years of age or older.

• You must be legally entitled to work in Canada (citizen, permanent resident, or valid work permit).

• You must have a clean criminal record and be able to provide a Criminal Record and Judicial Matters Check (CRJMC) issued within the last six months.

This criminal check looks at past convictions and certain judicial matters. If you’ve had a record, you may need to show a pardon or record suspension to be eligible.

Step 2: Complete the Mandatory Security Guard Training

The heart of the licensing process is the 40‑hour training program.

This program must be ministry-approved and covers the basics of security work, including:

• Legal powers and limitations

• Report writing

• Emergency response and safety procedures

• Conflict management

You also must complete Emergency First Aid and CPR training (often part of or added to the 40 hours).

When you finish the course, the training provider gives you a Training Completion Number (TCN). This number is key — you need it to book the licensing exam and apply for your licence.

Step 3: Pass the Ontario Security Guard Exam

Once you have your TCN, you can register for the official Ontario security guard exam.

Here’s how the exam works:

• 60 multiple-choice questions

• About 75 minutes to complete

• Minimum passing score is 62%

When you pass, you get an exam completion confirmation that you’ll later include with your license application. Most people book the exam through the official provincial testing portal associated with Ontario Security Guard and Private Investigator Testing.

Step 4: Get Your Criminal Record and Judicial Matters Check (CRJMC)

This is one of the most important parts of your application. You must get a Criminal Record and Judicial Matters Check, which shows whether you have any disqualifying convictions or judicial entries.

You can request the CRJMC from:

• Your local police service

• Ontario Provincial Police (OPP)

• First Nations police service

It must be issued within six months of your application date. Without it, your application won’t be accepted by ServiceOntario.

Step 5: Apply for Your Ontario Security License

After training, passing the exam, and getting your background check, it’s time to apply for your licence through ServiceOntario’s security license portal.

When submitting your application online, you’ll need:

• Your Training Completion Number (TCN)

• The Criminal Record and Judicial Matters Check (CRJMC)

• A passport-style photo

• Two valid pieces of government ID

• The $80 licence fee

Online processing typically takes 10–30 business days. Once approved, you receive a digital licence by email. You can print or save it on your phone and use it immediately for work.

How Long Will It Take?

From start to finish, the process usually takes a few weeks to a couple of months. The biggest variable is the background check and training schedule. The licence itself usually arrives within 1–4 weeks after applying.

Ontario Security License Renewal

Your security guard licence Ontario is valid for two years tied to your birthdate. You must renew it before it expires to keep working.

Renewal also requires a check of your criminal record and sometimes updating your training or exam info.

Jobs You Can Get After Licensing

Once licensed, you can apply for many security guard jobs in Ontario, including:

• Retail and mall security

• Construction site protection

• Event and crowd security

• Loss prevention roles

Having an Ontario security license also opens doors if you later want higher roles like a private investigator licence Ontario or even starting a security firm that needs a security agency license Ontario.

Getting your Ontario security license is straightforward once you know the steps. It starts with training, then the exam, then the criminal background check, and finally the licence application through ServiceOntario. Once licensed, you can pursue rewarding security careers across Ontario.