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Ontario Ministry of the Solicitor General (Private Security and Investigative Services Branch)

Ontario Security Guard Licence Test

To work as a security guard in Ontario you need a licence issued under the Private Security and Investigative Services Act, 2005 (PSISA). Before applying, you must complete the ministry's basic training course and pass a 60-question multiple-choice test based on the training syllabus. This guide covers the official requirements and the knowledge areas the test draws on.

Last checked against Ontario Ministry of the Solicitor General (Private Security and Investigative Services Branch) on .

Ontario Security Guard at a glance

Eligibility
You must be 18 or older, legally entitled to work in Canada, have a clean criminal record (or a pardon/record suspension for listed offences) and hold a valid Criminal Record and Judicial Matters Check. source ↗
Basic training
No less than 40 in-class hours including Emergency Level First Aid Certification, or no less than 33.5 hours without the first aid component; only students who attend the full course may take the test. source ↗
Test format
60 multiple-choice questions in 75 minutes, taken online or at select DriveTest centres; you need your Ontario training completion number to register. source ↗
Pass mark
The cut score is 62%; results are available within five business days. source ↗
Test fee
Listed by the ministry study guide as $66.50 plus 13% HST ($75.15). Some providers quote $35 plus HST, so confirm the total when you book. source ↗
Licence fee
$80 for a security guard licence; payments are non-refundable, including for withdrawn or denied applications. source ↗
Licence term
A licence expires two birthdays after the day it is issued; you can renew up to 90 calendar days before it expires. source ↗
Processing time
Up to 15 calendar days for online applications and up to 30 calendar days by mail. source ↗
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What the Ontario Security Guard covers

AreaWhat to know
Introduction to the Security IndustryThe role of private security, licensing requirements, and how guards differ from police. Suggested 2 in-class hours in the ministry syllabus.
The Private Security and Investigative Services Act and Code of ConductLicence carrying and production, uniforms and identification, prohibited titles, complaints, penalties and the Code of Conduct (O. Reg. 363/07). Suggested 2 in-class hours.
Basic Security ProceduresObserve, deter, record and report; access control, visitor passes and patrol planning (foot, vehicle and fixed). Suggested 3 in-class hours.
Report WritingNotebook rules, factual note-taking, the who/what/when/where/why/how of reports, and using notes in court. Suggested 2 in-class hours.
Health and SafetyThe Occupational Health and Safety Act, WHMIS symbols and safety data sheets, and responding to hazardous-material emergencies. Suggested 1 in-class hour.
Emergency Response PreparationFollowing site emergency procedures for fires, alarms, bomb threats and crimes; recognising fire hazards; securing a scene. Suggested 4 in-class hours.
Canadian Legal SystemFederal criminal law, provincial offences and by-laws; handling evidence and chain of custody. Suggested 3 in-class hours.
Legal AuthoritiesArrest powers under Criminal Code s. 494 and the Trespass to Property Act, including notice, arrest and delivery to police. The largest syllabus section, with suggested 7.5 in-class hours.
Effective CommunicationsClear, concise and courteous communication, tone, volume and pace, body language and radio or phone use. Suggested 4 in-class hours.
Sensitivity TrainingRecognising personal bias, the Ontario Human Rights Code, serving people with disabilities and diverse communities. Suggested 3 in-class hours.
Use of Force TheoryCriminal Code ss. 25 and 26, the situational use of force model, excited delirium and positional asphyxia. Suggested 2 in-class hours.
Emergency Level First Aid CertificationEmergency Level First Aid Certification, suggested at 6.5 in-class hours. The syllabus sets a 40-hour minimum with this certification included and a 33.5-hour minimum without it.

How to get certified

  1. 1

    Confirm you are eligible

    Check that you are 18 or older, legally entitled to work in Canada and have a clean criminal record. Get a Criminal Record and Judicial Matters Check, which you will submit with your application.

  2. 2

    Complete basic security guard training

    Take the ministry-syllabus basic training course (no less than 40 hours with Emergency Level First Aid, or 33.5 hours without it), in class or online with live instructor access. Your training provider gives you an Ontario training completion number.

  3. 3

    Book and write the ministry test

    Register with your training completion number and write the 60-question, 75-minute multiple-choice test online or at a select DriveTest centre. The ministry study guide lists the test fee as $75.15 including HST; confirm the current total on the booking site before you pay.

  4. 4

    Apply for your licence

    Apply online or by mail with your testing completion number, Ontario mailing address, Criminal Record and Judicial Matters Check, a compliant photo, two valid government-issued IDs and the $80 fee.

  5. 5

    Work within the rules

    Carry your licence whenever you work, produce it on request, wear a compliant uniform with an identification tag (unless you are a bodyguard or loss prevention guard) and follow the Code of Conduct.

  6. 6

    Renew before it expires

    Your licence expires two birthdays after it is issued. Renew up to 90 calendar days before the expiry date so you can keep working without a gap.

How to study

  • Read the ministry's free security guard study guide alongside your course notes; its 12 sections follow the official training syllabus the test is based on.
  • Spend the most time on legal authorities: know what each part of Criminal Code s. 494 (1), (2) and (3) allows, and the Trespass to Property Act offence and notice rules.
  • For every arrest scenario ask three questions: did I find the person committing the offence, is it indictable or on my client's property, and how fast can I hand them to police?
  • Learn the banned titles and symbols: no "officer", "detective", "police" or "law enforcement", and no badge or other symbol of authority beyond your licence and uniform.
  • Practise writing notebook entries from short videos or scenes: times, descriptions and observed facts only, never opinions.
  • Work timed practice sets: 60 questions in 75 minutes is 75 seconds per question.

Frequently asked questions

How many questions are on the Ontario security guard test and what is the pass mark?

The test has 60 multiple-choice questions and you have 75 minutes to complete it. The ministry study guide gives the cut score as 62%, with results available within five business days.

Do I need first aid to get an Ontario security guard licence?

Emergency Level First Aid Certification is Section 12 of the basic training syllabus. The course is no less than 40 in-class hours with the first aid certification included, or no less than 33.5 hours without it. Ask your training provider whether your existing first aid certificate is accepted.

Can I take the test online?

Yes. The ministry says the test can be taken online or at select DriveTest centres. You must book in advance, and you need your Ontario training completion number from your basic training provider to register.

How much does it cost to get licensed?

The ministry study guide lists the test fee as $66.50 plus 13% HST ($75.15), though some training providers quote $35 plus HST, so check the total on the booking site. The security guard licence fee is $80. Training is priced separately by each provider. Licence payments are non-refundable.

Are security guards allowed to arrest people in Ontario?

Guards have no police or peace officer powers. They have the same arrest powers as any member of the public under Criminal Code s. 494, plus the property-related power when authorized by the owner, and they can arrest under the Trespass to Property Act. After any arrest the person must be delivered to a police officer as soon as possible.

Can I call myself a security officer?

No. The ministry study guide says licensed guards may not use the words "detective", "private detective", "law enforcement", "police" or "officer" to describe their work, so "security officer" is not allowed. Use "security guard".

How long is a security guard licence valid?

A licence expires two birthdays after the day it is issued, so the expiry date is tied to your date of birth. You can renew up to 90 calendar days before it expires.

What happens if a guard breaks the PSISA or Code of Conduct?

Members of the public can complain to the Private Security and Investigative Services Branch, which may investigate. Outcomes can include a warning, charges or licence revocation, and the study guide notes that an offence can carry a fine of up to $25,000, up to one year in jail, or both.

Official sources

Sources checked November 2, 2026. VoltExam is independent and not affiliated with Ontario Ministry of the Solicitor General (Private Security and Investigative Services Branch). Rules change: confirm details with the official source before your exam.