Quick answer
To get a security guard licence in Ontario, you must be 18 or older, complete 40 hours of approved training including basic first aid and CPR, pass the Ministry licensing test, get a Criminal Record and Judicial Matters Check (CRJMC), and apply online through Ontario.ca. The total cost is $344.99 + tax (CAD) with Ontario Security License, which covers every required training and government fee. The process can take between 2 to 5 weeks.
Video summary
This video walks through the four steps to an Ontario security guard licence: complete 40-hour basic training with basic first aid and CPR, pass the 60-question licensing exam at a DriveTest centre or online, get your CRJMC, and apply online for $80. The whole process typically takes 2 to 5 weeks.
Who can get a security guard licence in Ontario?
To get an Ontario security guard licence, you must:
- Be 18 years of age or older
- Be legally entitled to work in Canada
- Have a clean criminal record, meaning you have not been convicted of certain offences listed in the regulations, unless you have received a pardon or record suspension
- Complete the mandatory 40-hour security guard training
- Pass the licensing test
- Provide a Criminal Record and Judicial Matters Check (CRJMC) issued within the last six months
Source: Ontario.ca – Security guard or private investigator licence
Not sure if you qualify? Take our free 2-minute eligibility check.
Step 1: Complete 40-hour training with basic first aid and CPR
You must complete at least 40 hours of basic training, including basic first aid and CPR certification, from an approved provider.
Start the training here. You can do the guard training online from anywhere. First aid, CPR and the CRJMC are included in our Exam Ready package. Basic Training includes the CRJMC only.
Your Training Completion Number (TCN). When you finish training, your provider issues a Training Completion Number. You need the TCN to book your test.
Step 2: Pass the Ontario security guard test
Book and pass the licensing exam at a DriveTest centre or online through Ontario Security Testing ($35 + tax) using your TCN. The test has 60 multiple-choice questions and a 75-minute time limit.
| Where | Online, or at select DriveTest centres |
|---|---|
| How to book | Ontario Security Testing |
| What you need | Your Training Completion Number (TCN) |
| Questions | 60 multiple choice |
| Time limit | 75 minutes |
| Pass mark | 62% (37 of 60) |
| Test fee | $35 + tax |
| Retakes | $35 + tax per retake; no limit on retakes |
The questions are based on the official Security Guard Study Guide. Check yourself first with our free security guard practice test, and read what to expect on test day.
Step 3: Get your Criminal Record and Judicial Matters Check (CRJMC)
Since February 18, 2024, every security guard licence application in Ontario must include a Criminal Record and Judicial Matters Check (CRJMC) completed by a police service.
The CRJMC costs $59.99. It is included in our training and we do it online for you in 15 minutes, so you don’t have to pay extra or have to go to a police station in person and wait 1–2 weeks for the results.
Step 4: Apply for your security guard licence
Once you pass the test and have your CRJMC, you apply for your security licence in Ontario online and pay the $80 fee (tax included). ServiceOntario does not accept licence applications at its service counters.
How to apply online:
- Go to the Ontario.ca Login for security licences and create an account, or sign in if you already have one.
- Start a new security guard licence application and enter your Training Completion Number (TCN) and Ontario mailing address.
- Upload your CRJMC as the original digital PDF from the record check provider. Scanned or edited copies are rejected, and it must be issued within 6 months of when you apply.
- Upload a photo that meets the photo requirements, plus the front and back of two different government IDs. Files can be PDF, JPG, JPEG, DOC or DOCX.
- Pay the $80 fee by Visa or Mastercard (credit or debit) and submit.
Processing takes up to 15 calendar days (up to 30 days if you apply by mail). Once approved, your digital licence is emailed to you, and you can download or print it any time by signing in to your Ontario.ca Login. If something is missing, your application is returned by email and you have 90 calendar days to fix and resubmit it.
Full requirements are on the ontario.ca licence page.
How much does a security guard licence cost in Ontario (2026)?
The total security licence cost in Ontario is $344.99 + tax with Ontario Security License, including all ministry and admin fees.
| Item | Cost | Paid to |
|---|---|---|
| 40-hour basic training | $229.99 with Ontario Security License (prices vary by provider) | Training provider |
| Basic first aid and CPR | $99 (included with Ontario Security License) | First aid provider/training provider |
| Security guard test | $35 + tax | Ontario Security Testing |
| CRJMC | $59.99 (included with Ontario Security License) | Police service |
| Licence application | $80 (tax included) | Government of Ontario |
| Total with Ontario Security License | $344.99 + tax | Start my training today |
| Total paying for each item separately | $503.98 + tax |
Government fees are set by the Province of Ontario: licence fee ($80) and test fee ($35 + tax).
How long does it take to get a security guard licence in Ontario?
From start to finish, the entire process to get a security guard licence in Ontario typically takes 2 to 5 weeks, depending on how quickly you complete your training and book your exam.
The absolute fastest possible timeline is about 2 to 3 weeks if you treat it like a full-time job.
| Stage | Typical time |
|---|---|
| Basic training | At least 40 hours, at your own pace online |
| Receive your TCN | After you complete training |
| Book and take the test | Many dates are available |
| CRJMC | About 15 minutes to complete online through us. At a police station, 1–2 weeks |
| Licence processing | Up to 15 calendar days (30 by mail) |
| Digital licence | Available right after approval |
How long is the licence valid, and how do you renew it?
Your Ontario security guard licence expires on your second birthday after the date it was issued, which is about two years. Renewal costs $80, and you can renew online up to 90 days before your licence expires.
To renew, you need a new Criminal Record and Judicial Matters Check (CRJMC). It must be issued within 6 months of when you submit your renewal, so the one from your first application won’t be accepted. You can get your CRJMC online through us.
Our licence renewal guide explains each step.
What are your responsibilities once you are licensed?
Once licensed, you must carry your licence (digital or printed) while on duty and show it when someone asks to see it.
Full rules for licence holders are on the ontario.ca licence page.
Curious what the job pays? Read our guide to security guard salary in Ontario.
Frequently asked questions
Can I transfer my Ontario security guard licence to another province?
Each province issues its own security licence, so to work elsewhere you apply to the licensing office in the province you're moving to, which sets its own rules for accepting an Ontario licence. If you're moving to Ontario with a current, active licence in good standing from another province or territory, you can skip Ontario's training and test. Ontario processes these applications within 10 business days of being complete.
What do I do if I lose my security guard licence?
Ontario no longer issues physical licence cards; all licences are digital. If your card is lost, stolen or damaged, sign in to your Ontario.ca Login to download your digital licence, and print a paper copy if you want one. You must carry either the digital or printed version on duty.
What happens if my security guard licence expires?
You can't work as a security guard in Ontario without a valid licence. To avoid a gap, renew online up to 90 days before your expiry date; renewal costs $80. If your licence has already expired, call ServiceOntario at 1-866-767-7454 to confirm what you need to restore it.
How do I check the status of my security licence application?
If you applied online, sign in to your Ontario.ca Login to see your application status. Online applications take up to 15 calendar days and mail-in applications up to 30. Anyone, including employers, can confirm a licence is valid on the public licence registry.
What are the photo requirements for an Ontario security licence?
Your photo must be 50 mm wide by 70 mm high, with your face measuring 31–36 mm from chin to the top of your head, and the file must be under 950 KB. It must be taken within the last 6 months on a plain white background, with a neutral expression and eyes open. Selfies, edited photos and photos of other ID are not accepted.
What ID do I need to apply for a security guard licence?
You need copies of the front and back of two different, valid government-issued IDs: one proving your identity, such as a driver's licence or passport, and one proving you can work in Canada, such as a birth certificate, PR card or work or study permit. Health cards and SIN cards are not accepted, and the names on both IDs must match your CRJMC.
Who issues security guard licences in Ontario?
Licences are issued by ServiceOntario's Private Security Licensing Services office on behalf of the Ministry of the Solicitor General, under the Private Security and Investigative Services Act, 2005. The licensing test is run separately through Ontario Security Testing.
How do I contact the ministry about my security licence?
Email privatesecurity@ontario.ca or call ServiceOntario at 1-866-767-7454 (416-212-1650 in the GTA), Monday to Friday, 8:30 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. For test bookings or accommodations, contact the testing provider at 1-866-248-2555.
Source: ontario.ca, checked October 17, 2026.
Official sources
- Security guard or private investigator licence (individuals)
- Security guard and private investigator basic training
- Security guard and private investigator testing
- Security guard study guide
- Approved basic training providers
Related security guard guides
Ontario security guard test
Format, booking and what to expect on test day.
Free security guard practice test
Check what you know before you book.
Where to get a CRJMC in Ontario
Your options for the check every application needs.
Renew your security guard licence
Renew online for $80 before your licence expires.
Security guard salary in Ontario
What guards earn and how to earn more.
Security guard FAQ
Answers to more common questions.
About this guide
This guide is written and maintained by Lion Guard Corporation o/a Ontario Security License, an independent, approved security guard training provider based in Toronto (verify our listing on ontario.ca). We review it whenever Ontario's licensing fees or requirements change. Last reviewed: . We do not issue licences. Exams and licence applications are handled by the Government of Ontario and its testing provider, and all government fees are paid directly to them.