Your route into security
How to become a security officer in Alberta
Check your eligibility
- 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.
Complete approved training
Select a course accepted by Alberta Security Programs and pass the provincial examination.
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.
Submit your application
Apply through an authorised registry or by mail. Work or study permit holders should check the application route with Security Programs.
Training in Alberta
What training do you need?
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.
How long is the training?
Commonly advertised as 40 hours for the basic course; the provincial exam and licence processing follow.
How much does it cost?
Training providers in Alberta
Training provider
Columbia College Calgary
Alberta Basic Security Training (ABST)
- Course duration
- 40 hours; self-directed online or classroom delivery in Calgary.
- Published price
- 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.
Check course detailsPrices and availability are checked on the dates cited. Directory inclusion identifies a source to investigate; confirmed partnerships are agreed separately.
Security guard & officer pay
How much do security guards earn in Alberta?
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
Compare hours, gross or net pay, overtime and benefits. Wage floors and occupational medians describe different measures.
Before you take your next step
- 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.
Official sources and course information
Reviewed 2026-09-16. Follow the current instructions for your precise role and work location.