Ontario guide
Ontario Security Guard Licence FAQ
Answers to common Ontario security guard licensing, test, training, and study questions.
Last reviewed: by Ontario editorial team.
Quick answer
These answers apply to Ontario’s individual security guard licensing path. Canada does not have one national security guard exam, and another province may use different training, terminology, testing, and licensing rules.
Do I need a licence to work as a security guard in Ontario?
Yes. Ontario says a person doing paid work that consists primarily of guarding or patrolling to protect people or property must hold the appropriate valid licence unless a specific legal exception applies. Training completion, a test result, or an application receipt is not the licence.
What are the basic eligibility requirements?
An applicant must be at least 18, legally entitled to work in Canada, and eligible under Ontario’s clean-criminal-record rules. The application also requires a valid Criminal Record and Judicial Matters Check. Review the official eligibility page for the current offence and document rules.
How long is Ontario security guard training?
The program is at least 40 hours when emergency first aid and CPR certification are included. The official syllabus describes at least 33.5 hours when an accepted current certificate allows the first-aid portion to be excluded.
Can training be completed online?
Ontario permits web-based training, but it must provide real-time interaction with an instructor. A provider must also meet Ontario’s requirements and be able to submit the training completion information needed for test registration.
What is on the test?
The Ontario security guard test has 60 multiple-choice questions based on the basic training curriculum. Candidates have 75 minutes of writing time. The current official study guide lists a 62% cut score.
Are these official test questions?
No. This site’s questions are original practice material designed to reinforce Ontario training concepts. They are not copied, recalled, leaked, or guaranteed to match the ministry test.
How do I book the test?
Complete training, obtain the Ontario training completion number from the provider, and use the testing provider linked from Ontario’s official testing page. Check current delivery options, price, locations, languages, identification, accessibility arrangements, and technical requirements during booking.
How much does the licence cost?
Ontario currently lists an $80 application or renewal fee for an individual security guard licence. Training, first aid, testing, the record check, photo, documents, and travel are separate. The official study guide lists a $75.15 test total, but confirm it in the live booking system.
How long does approval take?
Ontario says a correctly completed online application can take up to 15 calendar days and a correctly completed mail application can take up to 30 calendar days. Training schedules, test availability, result delivery, record checks, and returned applications add time before or during that stage.
Is the licence valid for exactly two years?
Not always. A first licence expires on the second birthday after issue, so its first term may be shorter than two full years. A valid licence renewed before expiry normally receives a birthday-linked date two years in the future.
Is the licence a physical card?
Ontario now issues a digital licence. A licensee must carry a digital or printed copy while working and be ready to show it on request.
Does passing a mock exam mean I will pass?
No. Use mock results to find weak topics. The official test uses its own questions and administration, and only the testing provider can issue an official result.
Read how to become a security guard in Ontario
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