Working as a Security Professional in Alberta

To work as a security professional in Alberta, applicants must successfully complete a 40 hour basic security training (ABST or BST) program to qualify for a license. Individuals have up to two years after completing the course to take the Alberta government examination and must achieve 80 per cent or higher. Please visit the Alberta Solicitor General and Public Security for more information on training and licensing.

The training is mandatory and applies to the following classes of licence:

• Security Services
• Loss Prevention
• Executive Protection
• Patrol Dog Handler
• Alarm Responder

The Security Services and Investigators (Ministerial) Regulation require licensees to communicate effectively with emergency services personnel and with the public while carrying out the duties of a security professional. Where an applicant's English language skills are in question, language proficiency testing may be required. Refer to Canadian Benchmark Standards Level 5 handout.

Most employers prefer to hire people who have at least high school education. Some security agencies have no minimum education requirements; however, they do require applicants to:

• Speak and write English
• Be 18 years of age or older
• Have good character references
• No outstanding criminal charges, and must not be the subject of an ongoing criminal investigation
• No criminal record based on a current clear Police Information Check (PIC) with a vulnerable sector search
• Be in good health (including the ability to pass eyesight and colour vision testing).

Some companies require guards to have valid first aid and CPR certificates, WHMIS certificate, ProServ and ProSafe certificates, Use of Force training, Baton/PPCT certification, a valid driver's license and their own vehicle. Being able to communicate in a second language also is an asset.