Ontario Guard Training: Security Guarding Level I
Prepare for the new changes. Satisfy new training requirements for security training and prepare for testing.
Those applying for a security guard licence will be required to first successfully complete basic security training and pass the official Ministry of Community Safety and Correctional Services, Private Security and Investigative Services (PSISA) test.
Commissionaires Great Lakes can help you meet the requirements for training and help you prepare for your test. We’ll improve your chances for success with our comprehensive course curriculum, our expert instructors and our student-focused, interactive learning environment. You will come away with the necessary theoretical and practical information to work effectively in the security industry.
Why You Should Take This Course
In order to qualify to apply for a security guard and / or private investigator licence, you must first take 40 hours of basic security training from an approved training provider and also pass a test delivered through the Ministry. Our course has been developed using the Ministry’s guidelines and we qualify as trainers under The Private Security and Investigative Services Act (PSISA).
Commissionaires Great Lakes is known for our training excellence in the security industry. We’ve developed a course to train you to the highest possible standards and prepare you for the required testing.
If you currently hold a security licence and it is up for renewal, we also offer refresher training to prepare you for the mandatory security licence test.
Our training style is informative and interactive, using the real-life experiences of each student and our experienced instructors to provide a sound, relevant learning foundation focused on each individual’s success.
What You Will Learn
The Ontario Guard Training: Security Guarding Level I course will not only satisfy the requirements set out by the Ministry, but exceed them.
This 5-day (40 hours) course includes the following modules:
- Introduction to the Security Industry;
- The Private Security and Investigative Services Act and Ministry Code of Conduct;
- Basic Security Procedures;
- Report Writing;
- Health and Safety;
- Emergency Response Preparation;
- Canadian Legal System;
- Legal Authorities;
- Effective Communication;
- Sensitivity Training;
- Use of Force Theory;
- Emergency Level First Aid Certification.
Course Duration
The Ontario Guard Training: Security Guarding Level I course is 40 hours in length, spread over five days.
Course Locations
Our training courses are delivered at training centres located in Toronto, London and Barrie.
| Toronto | London | Barrie |
| Royal Canadian Legion | Commissionaires | Comfort Inn & Suites |
| 1083 Pape Avenue | 1730 Dundas Street | 210 Essa Rd |
| Toronto, ON M4K 3W7 | London, ON N5W 3E2 | Barrie, ON L4N 3L1 |
| training.gl@commissionaires.ca | training.gl@commissionaires.ca | training.gl@commissionaires.ca |
Course Cost
Course fee is $350 per student and includes all course materials.
Course Schedule and Registration
The course is offered on various days each month. Please check the course registration page for specific dates in your area.
Register for training by completing our online training application form or contact one of our training professionals for more details.
FAQ’s
These are some of the more commonly asked questions. For more detailed information on the recent changes to the Security Act and on testing and licences please visit The Ministry of Community Safety and Correctional Services website.
What are the new changes to the Security Act that concern security guarding?
The Ministry has enacted new legislation under The Private Security and Investigative Services Act (PSISA). It is now your responsibility as an individual to obtain your security licence and have it renewed every year. To qualify to apply for a licence through the Ministry, you must first complete 40 hours of basic security training (delivered by an approved training provider like Commissionaires Great Lakes) and pass the Ministry’s test.
Who should attend the security guard training course?
- Individuals seeking employment in the security industry;
- Individuals who would like to apply for security licence certification. 40 hours of training is required to take the test delivered by the Ministry and the successful completion of training and testing is required in order to apply for a security licence under the new guidelines of the PSISA;
- Those employed by organizations that require their employees to be security trained and / or certified;
- Those who wish to add to their skills and become trained in the new security areas, including emergency response and use of force theory and more.
When do these new requirements come into effect?
Mandatory requirements for training and testing will come into effect on April 15, 2010.
Who needs a security guard licence?
You may need a licence if you are paid to perform work that consists mainly of protecting individuals or property. This includes bodyguards, bouncers and loss prevention personnel.
What are the minimum requirements to hold a security guard licence now?
To be eligible for a licence, you must:
- Be 18 years of age or older;
- Be eligible to work in Canada; and
- Have no convictions for a prescribed offence for which you have not been granted a pardon.
Can I still get a licence if I have a criminal record?
Depending on your criminal record, you may not be eligible to hold a licence unless a pardon is obtained for the offense-([s). Please visit the Act and Regulations section of the Ministry website to review the prescribed offences in the Clean Criminal Record regulation.
Not all the sections of the basic training curriculum apply to my job description. Why does the Ministry require the full course?
The training program set out by the Ministry ensures all security practitioners possess the necessary skills and knowledge, no matter what type of security work they do. Having everyone trained to the same basic level of knowledge ensures standards are consistent across Ontario and gives security workers the flexibility to change employment situations.
How do I obtain a licence application?
Please visit the Ministry website for more information on the application process and to download an application form.
What if I currently have a security licence under my employer?
Currently licensed security guards whose annual licence renewal date comes up BEFORE July 15, 2010 will receive a year’s “grace” and won’t have to pass the test until Spring 2011. Currently licensed security guards whose annual licence renewal date comes up AFTER July 15, 2010 will have to challenge and pass the test in order to have their licences renewed this year.
Does Commissionaires administer the test?
No. The Ministry has engaged the services of Serco DES Inc. to administer testing. For further information about test delivery and how to register please visit Serco’s website at www.ontariosecuritytesting.ca/
How will I be tested?
The required test will be a 60-question, 75-minute, paper-based, multiple-choice test. Individuals will have to register for the test and pay a $60 fee. You will be told whether you have passed or failed but will not be advised of your mark. There will be no limit (individuals must pay $60 each time) to the number of times a person can rewrite the test.
Why Commissionaires Great Lakes for training?
Commissionaires is known for our excellence in training. Our security training is delivered by Commissionaires’ subject matter experts who are trained instructors with extensive real-life, relevant experiences. Commissionaires has earned a reputation as a security leader, having protected people and property across Canada for over 80 years.
Our organization employs many individuals who are former military and RCMP. The calibre of security expertise of our people is second to none in the private security industry and you as a student can reap the benefits.
As a national organization, our divisions across Canada have trained more than 250,000 guards and have created employment opportunities for tens of thousands of graduates within Commissionaires.
Our courses have an extremely high completion rate and our graduates enjoy increased employment opportunities due to the high standards to which we train.