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British Columbia
Become a security guard in British Columbia
The standard full security guard route uses Basic Security Training, a passing assessment, fingerprinting and a provincial security worker licence.
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British Columbia
Where you could work
The examples below come from individual sources; availability varies.
Local job titles
Security officer
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.
British Columbia
Security industry
Explore regional pay, local sources and the route into employment.
Get Licensed · Worker handbooks
Know your role. Build your judgement.
A handbook for the place you work. Read the local rules, practise everyday decisions and check your knowledge.
British Columbia
Understand your role, local rules and everyday decisions.
Sources checked: 2026-09-20
01 · British Columbia
Requirements
- Age 19 or older for a security guard licence.
- Ordinarily resident in Canada with entitlement to perform the work.
- Sufficient English fluency and accepted training.
- Consent to screening and provide fingerprints for an initial application.
- 01
Complete accepted BST
Train through JIBC or one of its designated schools, unless the regulator accepts your existing qualifications.
- 02
Pass the assessment
Confirm the exam format and location. JIBC requires Lower Mainland candidates to attend its New Westminster campus; qualifying candidates elsewhere can arrange online proctoring.
- 03
Apply for the worker licence
Submit proof of training, identity, work entitlement, photograph and fingerprints through the provincial process.
02 · British Columbia
Training
Complete JIBC Basic Security Training or an accepted equivalent. The BST assessment pass mark is 70%. The regulator also publishes supervised and prior-qualification routes.
Training time
40 hours of BST theory plus assessment. JIBC's online course has an eight-week completion window.
Costs
Training providers
Justice Institute of British Columbia
Basic Security Training: SCRT-1651 theory and SCRT-1656 assessment
- Training time
- 40 hours; self-paced online within eight weeks, or classroom.
- Costs
- CAD 343.77 theory + CAD 3.26 learner services + CAD 64.14 assessment.
JIBC delivers BST on behalf of BC's Security Programs Division. Fees checked 2026-09-16. Licence and fingerprinting costs are separate; assessment delivery depends on location.
View source03 · British Columbia
Pay
Job Bank reports a median of CAD 22.75 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 sourceEstimate based on the hourly rate × paid weekly hours × 52 ÷ 12. Actual pay depends on your contract and shifts.
Before you apply
- Online study can still involve an in-person exam.
- A supervised licence and a full security guard licence have different conditions.
- Out-of-province applicants must obtain BC authorisation and confirm recognition of their training.
Local sources
- BC worker application and fees
- BC training requirements
- JIBC training and assessment
- Job Bank wages
- GardaWorld Security Canada careers
- GardaWorld Sécurité Canada: carrières
- BSP Québec: permis régulier
- Provincial and territorial authorities
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