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Canada/ Alberta
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Alberta

Become a security guard in Alberta

Alberta's route combines approved basic training, a provincial exam, police checks and a security service worker licence.

RequirementsSecurity industry

Reviewed

AI illustration of a security guard in a light-blue uniform assisting a visitor at a Canadian hospital entrance.
Canada
Canada

Alberta

Where you could work

The examples below come from individual sources; availability varies.

Local job titles

Security guard

Security officer

Agent / agente de sécurité

Agent de gardiennage

Would this suit you?

  • You can practise clear communication and calm responses.
  • You are willing to follow site instructions and keep accurate records.

Alberta

Security industry

Explore regional pay, local sources and the route into employment.

Read the industry report

01 · Alberta

Requirements

  • Meet Alberta's age requirement; its application page specifies over 18.
  • Legal entitlement to work in Canada.
  • English at Canadian Language Benchmark level 5.
  • Meet the regulator's criminal-history, outstanding-charge and investigation checks.
  1. 01

    Complete approved training

    Select a course accepted by Alberta Security Programs and pass the provincial examination.

  2. 02

    Collect screening documents

    Obtain the required criminal-record, vulnerable-sector and local police database checks, plus identity and photograph documents. The application page specifies a 90-day document window.

  3. 03

    Submit your application

    Apply through an authorised registry or by mail. Work or study permit holders should check the application route with Security Programs.

Alberta Security Programs

02 · Alberta

Training

Complete an approved Alberta Basic Security Training or Accredited Basic Security Training course and pass the provincial exam at 80%. Recognition routes apply to some existing Canadian licence holders.

Training time

Commonly advertised as 40 hours for the basic course; the provincial exam and licence processing follow.

Costs

Security service worker licenceCAD 100 for two years
Registry submission service chargeCAD 9 in addition to the licence fee, where that route is used
Example online tuition and examColumbia College: CAD 130 tuition plus CAD 30 exam fee

Training providers

Columbia College Calgary

Alberta Basic Security Training (ABST)

Training time
40 hours; self-directed online or classroom delivery in Calgary.
Costs
Online: CAD 130 plus CAD 30 exam. Classroom: CAD 260 with exam included.

Provider-published course details checked 2026-09-16. Its main course table advertises 40 hours; a later paragraph refers to 38.5 hours of instruction. Confirm the current approved delivery and any additional proctoring charge. Provincial licence and police checks are separate.

View source
Training providers

03 · Alberta

Pay

CAD 21.00

Job Bank reports a median of CAD 21.00 per hour for NOC 64410, security guards and related security service occupations. Reference period: 2023–2024; Labour Force Survey; table updated 2025-11-19. This occupational benchmark includes different roles and experience levels.

Median gross hourly wage, NOC 64410 · 2023–2024; published 2025-11-19

View source
Estimated monthly pay before taxCAD 3,640

Estimate based on the hourly rate × paid weekly hours × 52 ÷ 12. Actual pay depends on your contract and shifts.

Before you apply
  • The employer-sponsored temporary training licence has separate conditions and a shorter term.
  • Recognition of another province's credential requires the regulator's acceptance.
  • Course tuition, police checks and licence fees are separate budget items.

Local sources

Reviewed

Alberta

Before you apply

  • Who authorises this role in this location?
  • Which training does this employer or authority accept?
  • What are the duties, paid hours and pay in the written offer?
RequirementsFind security jobsFor training providers