If you are looking to become a Security Guard or Private Investigator, you will need to complete the certified training courses and pass a provincial exam to receive your Security Guard License or Private Investigator License.
Licensing courses and testing are Province Specific and so you must select the course and the corresponding testing based on the province you intend to work in.
The following is information for becoming a licensed security guard in Ontario, but the process is relatively similar for most provinces. Mainly its the course curriculum that differs province to province.
To become a security guard in Ontario, you must purchase and complete our security guard training course and produce a valid First Aid and CPR Certificate. Then you will be able to register for the Ontario Security Guard Licence Exam using the Training Completion Number (TCN) that will be provided to you upon completion of the courses.
The passing mark for the security guard test is 62% (37/60). When you pass, you can apply for the security guard licence. If you fail, you can take the test again as many times as necessary, but you must pay the full test fee for each attempt.
Do I have to do First Aid training if I already have a valid First Aid certificate?
If you already have a valid First Aid and CPR Certificate simply email us a copy. If you do not, simply purchase our Emergency First Aid training to complete Part 1 which is the required 3-4 hours of online study and we will provide you a list of locations to complete Part 2 which is the required 4-5 hours of in classroom study at a location near you.
How do I become a Private Investigator?
To become a private investigator in Ontario, you must first purchase and complete our private investigator training course. Once you’ve completed the required 50hours of online study you’ll be able to register for the Ontario Private Investigator License Exam using the Training Completion Number you will be provided upon successful completion.
The passing mark for the private investigator test is 77% (46/60). When you pass, you can apply for the private investigator license. If you fail, you can take the test again as many times as necessary, but you must pay the full test fee for each attempt.
How do I get my basic training completion number (TCN)?
Your TCN is processed upon completion of our Security Guard or Private Investigator course. It is then emailed to you by Serco. Completing the certified courses and receiving your TCN are requirements to book your online examination with the Ministry. Check out Serco’s website here for more details on booking your exams.
Can I get a licence that allows me to work as both a security guard and a private investigator?
Yes. This is called a Dual Licence. You must complete the Dual Course and pass both the SG and PI exams. Many students complete the Security Guard course first, write and pass that exam, then complete the Private Investigator course and pass that exam. Then they apply for the Dual License.
Will I get a certificate at the end of my Basic Training course?
Yes, all successful graduates are issued an official Training Certificate. Training Certificates include the following information:
- Student name;
- Training entity name;
- Type of training completed (i.e., security guard and/or private investigator);
- Date training completed; and
- Signature of training entity representative.
Do I need to renew my security guard licence?
Yes. Your licence will expire two years after the date it was issued if you do not renew it. Check out Service Ontario’s website here for complete details on expiry & renewal as well as applications to apply and renew your license.
Further guidance and resources is available to guide our members on successfully attaining their Security Guard and/or Private Investigator licenses. Browse these additional materials in the Resources section of the Magen Academy site.