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Canada/ Nova Scotia
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Nova Scotia

Become a security guard in Nova Scotia

Apply for a private guard licence through a licensed employer. Work at licensed establishments has additional security and responsible-alcohol-service training rules effective 2026-06-01.

RequirementsSecurity industry

Reviewed

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

Nova Scotia

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.

Nova Scotia

Security industry

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

Read the industry report

01 · Nova Scotia

Requirements

  • Age 19 or older.
  • Meet the Security Programs Office's criminal-history screening criteria.
  • Apply through the employer responsible for the licensed guarding work.
  1. 01

    Confirm the job category

    Ask the licensed employer whether the post involves ordinary guarding, licensed premises or another regulated activity.

  2. 02

    Complete checks and required training

    Provide the screening evidence and complete the training needed for the role. Licensed-premises rules require a separate check.

  3. 03

    Apply through the employer

    The employer supplies and submits the licence paperwork. Confirm approval before starting duties covered by the licence.

Nova Scotia Department of Justice, Security Programs Office

02 · Nova Scotia

Training

Confirm basic induction with the employer and Security Programs Office. Since 2026-06-01, security staff at licensed establishments must complete security and responsible-alcohol-service training and provide criminal-record check results to the employer.

Training time

Role-specific. The reviewed ordinary private-guard application page supplies no universal basic-course hour requirement.

Costs

Private guard licenceCAD 26.15 for initial application or annual renewal; no tax
Training and screeningConfirm with the employer or course provider; costs depend on the role

Training providers

Nova Scotia Department of Justice, Security Programs OfficeTraining providers

03 · Nova Scotia

Pay

CAD 17.00

Job Bank reports a median of CAD 17.00 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 2,947

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

Before you apply
  • Licences expire on 31 March; confirm the applicable renewal and part-year fee.
  • Published general licence guidance has limited training detail. Confirm the precise training recognised for the selected job.
  • Licensed-premises rules changed in 2026 and need specific course checks before a course is listed.

Local sources

Reviewed

Nova Scotia

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