Ontario guide
Ontario Security Guard Training Requirements
Review Ontario basic training expectations, first-aid context, and how training connects to testing.
Last reviewed: by Ontario editorial team.
Quick answer
Ontario requires new security guards to complete prescribed basic training before taking the ministry test. The security guard program is at least 40 hours when emergency first aid and CPR certification are included. Training must cover the provincial syllabus and must be delivered by an eligible provider.
Required length and first aid
The official Ontario syllabus describes two paths:
- at least 40 hours when emergency-level first aid certification is included; or
- at least 33.5 hours when the first-aid certification component is not included because the student has supplied an accepted valid certificate.
Ontario’s basic-training page explains that a student may opt out of the emergency first aid and CPR portion by giving the training provider a valid certificate from a St. John Ambulance or Workplace Safety Insurance Board-certified instructor. Confirm acceptance before enrolling; do not assume that any online first-aid card qualifies.
The 40 hours are a minimum program requirement, not a statement that every provider uses the same schedule. The syllabus includes suggested in-class and pre-reading time, and providers may organize delivery differently while meeting the regulation.
Curriculum areas
Security guard training covers introduction to the industry, the Private Security and Investigative Services Act, basic security procedures, report writing, health and safety, emergency response, the Canadian legal system, legal authorities, effective communications, sensitivity training, use-of-force theory, and emergency first aid. Some areas require working knowledge; others require detailed knowledge.
Do not reduce the curriculum to test trivia. The goal is to recognize role limits, communicate effectively, observe accurately, respond safely, and document decisions. Scenario practice is useful because several topics overlap in real work: an access-control issue can involve communication, human rights, emergency procedures, and report writing at the same time.
Classroom and online delivery
Ontario allows classroom-based and web-based basic training. Web-based courses must provide real-time interaction with an instructor when a student needs it. Watching a collection of recordings with no instructor access does not match that description.
Before paying, ask the provider:
- whether it is eligible to deliver Ontario basic training;
- how live instructor interaction works;
- whether first aid/CPR is included and which certificate is issued;
- what identification and attendance rules apply;
- when the Ontario training completion number is submitted and provided.
Training providers set their own course fees. The ministry does not endorse or recommend a particular provider, so price alone should not decide. Look for a clear syllabus, accessible delivery, instructor support, transparent retake policies, and accurate Ontario—not generic Canadian—content.
Training completion number
Only students who attend the required course in full qualify to take the test. After completion, the provider submits the training record and supplies a training completion number. Check that your legal name is accurate because the number will be used during test registration and should align with your identification.
Completing a course does not issue a security guard licence. The remaining steps are the test and the individual licence application. Keep copies of certificates and provider communications until the licensing process is complete.
Use the Ontario training and exam checklist
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