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Skills, Education and Experience

person wearing a jacket with the word security on it
Source

Skills

  • strong observation and communication skills
  • ability to make quick decisions during emergency situations and work in stressful situations
  • comfortable working alone
  • ability to stick to procedures, routines and regulations
  • ability to act in a disciplined, honest and ethical manner
  • physically fit, good hearing and vision

 

 Education and Experience

To work as a Security Guard in BC you require:

  • Completion of grade 12 (preferred by employers but not mandatory)
  • Licensing under the Security Services Act 
  • A criminal background check
  • Completion of the Basic Security Training (BST) course with a grade of 60 percent or higher on the final exam for each course

Additional training requirements vary depending on your employer.

Source: WorkBC

Qualifications

This occupation is regulated in British Columbia.

You must obtain a valid BC Security Worker Licence in order to work as a security guard in BC.

There are a number of requirements before obtaining a security worker licence including:

  • Complete Basic Security Training (BST)
  • Comply with the Security Services Act “Code of Conduct”
  • Consent to a Criminal Record check
  • Provide fingerprints and photograph
  • Complete a Mental Health Condition Report if receiving treatment for any mental health condition
  • Supply proof of Canadian Citizenship or Landed Immigrant status
  • Be sufficiently fluent in the English language to communicate with the public while carrying out duties
  • Must be at least 19 years old

For more information on licensing see:

JIBC develops and offers the Basic Security Training course and oversees all approved security schools in British Columbia.

Internationally Trained Security Guards

If you were trained as a security guard outside of Canada, a full assessment of your credentials is likely needed.  

For more information on applying for certification, contact: