Alberta Basic Security Training ABST Course Guide

The Alberta Basic Security Training course is the mandatory program approved by Alberta Justice and Solicitor General for anyone wanting to work as a licensed security professional in the province. The curriculum is standardised across Alberta and focuses on law, safety, communication, emergency response, and the core duties of monitoring, patrolling, and protecting people and property.



You must complete ABST and pass the supervised provincial exam with a score of 80 percent or higher before applying for a Security Services licence. Licences are issued by Alberta Justice and Solicitor General, valid for two years, and portable between employers within Alberta — though not transferable to other provinces.

ABST requires a minimum of 40 logged hours of online learning. At Priority ONE, you work through structured modules at your own pace, complete end-of-module quizzes, and build toward the provincial exam. The exam itself is supervised online by a proctor who verifies your identity and ensures integrity throughout.



A few things worth knowing about the format:

• The 40-hour minimum must be logged in the learning system before your training certificate can be issued
• Each module ends with a quiz to reinforce what you have learned and flag gaps before the final exam
• The provincial exam is booked after course completion, is proctored, and requires an 80 percent score to pass

Students anywhere in Alberta can complete the full program online. If you are in or near Edmonton, in-person support is available for registration, exam booking and licensing paperwork.

The ABST curriculum covers considerably more ground than most people expect going in. The eight modules include:

Orientation and course mechanics — how to navigate the platform, what the learning outcomes are, and answers to common questions before you begin.

Roles and responsibilities of security professionals — the Security Services and Investigators Act, licensing requirements, professional conduct, appearance standards and ethics.

Criminal law and Canada's court system — types of offences, the Canadian Charter of Rights and Freedoms, use of force principles, powers of arrest, and how these apply in a security context.

Surveillance and patrol techniques — access control, crowd and traffic control fundamentals, effective shift handovers, and recognising how drug effects can influence safety decisions.

Communication skills — tactical communication, de-escalation strategies, and the interpersonal skills that underpin safe, professional interactions on the job.

Note taking and report writing — observation techniques, clear documentation, evidence handling, and what to expect if you are required to appear in court.

Emergency response and safety — fire safety, medical emergencies, bomb threats, alarm systems, evacuation procedures and duty of care.

Occupational health and safety — the Occupational Health and Safety Act, WHMIS, and personal safety practices specific to security work.



By the end of the program, you will be prepared to meet entry-level expectations for patrols, guarding, incident response, lawful conduct and professional documentation.

1. Register for ABST

Visit the Priority ONE Security Training website and complete online registration. Full payment is required to reserve your place. If you prefer personal help in Edmonton, call or email and the team will walk you through registration and document preparation.

2. Complete the 40-Hour Online Course

Log at least 40 hours across all modules, work through the content carefully, and finish each module quiz. Keep your notes — they will help with the provincial exam and will carry over into your day-to-day duties once you are working.

3. Book and Sit the Supervised Provincial Exam

After finishing the course, you will receive instructions to book the proctored ABST exam. The exam fee is paid separately to the exam provider. Bring valid identification and follow the proctor's requirements on the day. You need 80 percent or higher to pass.

4. Receive Your Provincial Training Certificate

Once you pass, the Alberta Ministry of Justice issues your official training certificate. Based on current guidance, it is mailed within approximately one week. Keep it safe — you will need a copy for your licence application.

5. Apply for Your Security Services Licence

With your certificate in hand, submit your licence application to Security Programs at Alberta Justice and Solicitor General. You can apply in person through a registry agent or by mail. You will need original identity documents and a criminal record check signed at a police station. Registry agents may charge a modest service fee and can issue temporary 60-day licences where approved.

6. Start Your Security Career

Once licensed, you can work as a security professional anywhere in Alberta. Your licence stays valid if you change employers within the province and is typically good for two years.

Need to be on site sooner? Ask your employer about a training licence. Employers can apply on your behalf while you are still enrolled. Training licences are valid for 30 days and convert to a standard licence after you complete ABST and pass the exam.

Priority ONE delivers ABST online to students throughout the province — Calgary, Red Deer, Lethbridge, Fort McMurray and rural communities included. The platform lets you study on your schedule while still meeting the 40-hour requirement and supervised exam standards.



If you are near Edmonton, the team provides in-person support for registration, exam booking and licensing questions. Calgary learners can review the Calgary ABST delivery page for upcoming availability. The provincial standards are identical regardless of where you study.

The Alberta Ministry of Justice issues your official training certificate after you pass the supervised exam — mailed within roughly one week based on current guidance.



The Government of Alberta sets Licence fees and subject to change. As of current guidance, the fee is typically $100 for a Security Services licence and $160 for a dual Security Services and Investigators licence. Registry agents charge an additional service fee. Always confirm current amounts directly with the Government of Alberta or a registry agent before applying.

Registration is straightforward and support is available throughout. For Edmonton touchpoints or help with licensing steps, visit the Basic Security Training Course page. 



Questions about eligibility, the 40-hour requirement or the exam process? Call 780 229 3710 or email training@priorityonesecuritytraining.ca. Contact us today.