Alberta Security Licence Cost 2026: Fees & Timeline
How Much Does an Alberta Security Licence Cost in 2026? Fees, Timeline and What to Budget
If you are planning to work as a licensed security professional in Alberta in 2026, knowing the exact fees, when they fall due, and how long each step takes will save you real money and real frustration. Most delays and surprise costs come down to one thing: applicants not knowing the order of operations or which payment goes to which agency.
This guide covers every required government and exam fee, typical third-party costs to plan for, realistic processing timelines, and your two submission options. Use the checklist and step-by-step timeline below to budget confidently and move from training to licence without detours.
Priority ONE Security Training is a certified provider of the Alberta Basic Security Training (ABST) program, accredited to deliver the course on behalf of the Alberta Solicitor General Security Services Program. The information below reflects current guidance and typical applicant experience. Always confirm current amounts with the Government of Alberta or a registry agent, as fees can change.
The Required Fees in 2026
Here are the core amounts to plan for based on current guidance.
The provincial ABST exam fee is $60, paid to the exam provider when you book your supervised provincial exam. This is separate from any course tuition. The Security Services licence fee is $100, paid to Alberta Justice and Solicitor General when you submit your standard licence application. If you are applying for the combined Security Services and Investigators licence instead, that fee is $160.
If you apply through a registry agent rather than by mail, expect a service fee of up to $9, though this can vary by location. You will also need a criminal record check, and the cost for that is set by the police service completing it. Amounts vary by municipality and depend on whether digital fingerprints are required.
A few things worth noting: government and exam fees are entirely separate from ABST course tuition. Tuition varies by provider and is not included in any of the figures above. Always verify current fee amounts on the Government of Alberta website or directly at a registry agent before you pay.
When Each Fee Is Due
Understanding the timing matters just as much as knowing the amounts.
While you are working through the 40 hours of ABST modules with Priority ONE, no government fees are due. That stage is purely about studying.
The $60 provincial exam fee is paid directly to the exam provider at the time of booking, not on exam day itself. Have valid ID ready for the day you sit the exam.
After you pass, wait for your official provincial training certificate to be issued and mailed to you. Keep it safe. You must include it with your licence application, and you cannot apply without it.
When you submit your licence application, pay $100 for the standard Security Services licence or $160 for the dual licence. If you use a registry agent, add their service fee at that point.
For the criminal record check, time the request carefully so the results are still valid when you submit your application. Many police checks and supporting documents carry a 90-day validity window, so leaving it too early is just as problematic as leaving it too late.
Application Options: Registry Agent vs. Mail
Both routes go to Security Programs at Alberta Justice and Solicitor General. Choose based on your timeline and how comfortable you are assembling paperwork independently.
Registry Agent Submission
A registry agent reviews your application in person, collects copies of your ID, and takes payment for the government fees. Most agents charge a modest service fee. Where approved, they can also issue a temporary 60-day licence on the spot, letting you begin working while the permanent card is processed by mail. This option suits applicants who want an immediate receipt, a quick document check, and the ability to start work as soon as possible.
Mail-In Submission
You assemble the full application package yourself and mail it to Security Programs in Edmonton. There is no registry service fee with this route, but you are on your own for the document review and you will not receive a temporary licence. This works well for applicants who are not in a rush and prefer to avoid an in-person trip.
If you are based in Calgary or Edmonton and would like guided support putting your paperwork together, Priority ONE can walk you through the licensing steps alongside your training. Explore security guard training in Calgary or review the ABST course page for Edmonton-ready delivery options.
How Long the Process Takes
Timelines vary, but here is a realistic sequence from course start to licence in hand.
The ABST course requires a minimum of 40 logged hours. Most learners complete the online modules within one to three weeks depending on their schedule. After finishing the course, exam booking can usually be arranged within days to a couple of weeks subject to availability. Your pass is recorded by the proctor on exam day and submitted for certificate issuance.
The Alberta Ministry of Justice typically mails the official training certificate within about one week of your exam pass being confirmed. Once you have the certificate and a current criminal record check, you can submit your licence application.
Through a registry agent, where approved, you may walk away with a temporary 60-day licence the same day you apply. The permanent licence card arrives by mail afterward. Mail-in processing adds variability in both directions.
If you move promptly at every step, many applicants using the registry agent route can begin working under a temporary licence within weeks of starting the course. Exact timelines depend on document completeness, background check processing times, and current volume at Security Programs.
What to Budget Beyond Government Fees
Plan for the full path, not just the licence card.
ABST tuition is set by your chosen provider. Priority ONE offers flexible online delivery province-wide, with optional in-person assistance available near Edmonton. The exam fee is $60, paid at booking. The licence fee is $100 for Security Services or $160 for the dual Security Services and Investigators licence. If you apply in person through a registry agent, add roughly $9 for the service fee. Your criminal record check cost varies by police service and whether fingerprints are required. Factor in any costs for ID photos, photocopies or postage if you apply by mail.
Printable Budgeting Checklist
Use this list to track what you have paid and what is still outstanding. Confirm local amounts where noted.
ABST tuition with your chosen provider, amount varies. Provincial ABST exam fee of $60, paid at booking. Criminal record check at your police service, amount varies. Security Services licence fee of $100, or $160 for the dual licence, paid at application. Registry agent service fee of approximately $9 if applying in person. Optional costs for ID photos, photocopying and mailing.
Total estimated minimum for government and exam fees only: the standard Security Services path comes to $160 ($60 plus $100), plus any registry fee. The dual licence path comes to $220 ($60 plus $160), plus any registry fee.
Step-by-Step Timeline to Licence in Hand
Week zero: register in ABST and begin your 40 hours of online study. Weeks one to three: complete modules and quizzes at your own pace. Immediately after completion: book and pay for the $60 supervised provincial exam. Exam day: sit the exam with a passing mark of 80 percent and have your government ID ready. Within approximately one week after passing: watch for your official training certificate in the mail. As soon as you have the certificate and a current criminal record check: apply by mail or at a registry agent, paying $100 for Security Services or $160 for the dual licence plus any applicable registry fee. If using a registry agent and a temporary licence is approved, you can begin working while the permanent card is processed.
FAQs
How much does an Alberta security licence cost?
The government licence fee is $100 for the standard Security Services licence or $160 for the dual Security Services and Investigators licence. Add the $60 provincial exam fee on top of that, plus any registry agent service fee if you apply in person.
Are the fees the same in Calgary and Edmonton?
Yes. Government fees are provincial, so the amounts are identical in both cities: $100 for the standard licence or $160 for the dual licence, plus the $60 exam fee. Criminal record check costs can vary slightly between police services.
How quickly can you get your full licence?
Applicants who submit through a registry agent and receive a temporary licence can often start work within weeks of beginning the course. The permanent licence card follows by mail. Exact timelines depend on document completeness and processing volumes.
How long does it take to get a security licence in Alberta from start to finish?
A focused student can often complete training, pass the exam, and submit an application within a few weeks of enrolling. Allow additional time for mailing and processing. Plan for at least several weeks from enrolment to receiving the permanent card.
Final Tips and Next Step
Keep all documents current, particularly your criminal record check, and confirm your application includes the official training certificate and valid ID copies before you submit. Applying through a registry agent reduces back-and-forth and may get you a temporary 60-day licence the same day.
If you are ready to begin, review Alberta Basic Security Training options for Edmonton and across Alberta on theABST coursepage, or explore Calgary-specific delivery and local support if that is your city. For questions about registration, exam booking or licensing paperwork, contact Priority ONE Security Training at training@priorityonesecuritytraining.ca or call 780 229 3710.
