Ontario guide
Ontario Security Guard Licence Cost
Understand the cost categories candidates should verify before applying for an Ontario security guard licence.
Last reviewed: by Ontario editorial team.
Quick answer
The Ontario government currently charges $80 to apply for or renew an individual security guard licence. That is only one part of the total cost. Candidates should also budget for basic training, first aid if it is not included, the ministry test, a Criminal Record and Judicial Matters Check, a compliant photo if needed, and possible document or travel expenses.
Cost categories to budget for
| Cost | Who sets it | What to verify |
|---|---|---|
| Basic training | Training provider | Tuition, first aid, materials, taxes, and retake policy |
| First aid/CPR | Provider | Whether included and whether the certificate is accepted |
| Security guard test | Testing program | Current total at booking and retest policy |
| Record check | Police service or authorized channel | Correct check type, delivery format, and validity |
| Licence application | Ontario | Current security guard fee and payment method |
| Photo or documents | Supplier or issuing authority | Whether existing documents meet Ontario’s rules |
Training providers set their own course prices. Ontario does not recommend a particular provider, so a very low advertised price may not include taxes, first aid, instructor support, or administrative charges. Ask for the total before paying and confirm that the provider can submit your training completion information.
Current official amounts
Ontario’s individual-licence page lists $80 for a security guard licence and $80 for renewal. A dual security guard and private investigator licence is a separate product with a different fee. Do not pay for a dual licence unless you have completed both training and testing paths and actually need it.
The official Ontario study guide lists the security guard test fee as $66.50 plus HST, for a total of $75.15. Because testing-provider fees can change independently, confirm the total shown by the official booking system before payment. A failed attempt generally means paying for another booking.
Record-check prices and processing methods vary by police service or approved channel. The licence application requires a Criminal Record and Judicial Matters Check in its official format, not whichever background-check product happens to be cheapest.
Avoid duplicate and non-refundable costs
Ontario states that licence payments are non-refundable, including applications denied for ineligibility or closed after required corrections are not supplied in time. Check eligibility, names, identification, record-check format, photo requirements, and testing completion number before submission.
A practical budget should include a contingency for a test retake or a document that needs to be replaced, but candidates should not buy unofficial “guaranteed pass” packages. Free official study material and this site’s original practice questions can supplement—not replace—the mandatory course.
Example budget worksheet
Write down the quoted training total, the live test-booking total, the local record-check price, the $80 application fee, and any travel or photo cost. Mark each amount with the date and source. This is more reliable than a single headline claiming that an Ontario licence “costs” one fixed amount.
All values on this page are Ontario-specific and were checked on the review date above. Verify them again immediately before purchase or application.
Review the full Ontario licence process
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