COURSE

Priority ONE Security Training is an approved Alberta Security Programs Accredited Training

Provider.

Our Alberta Basic Security Training Course, or ABST, consists of eight (8)

Modules. Students must complete all modules, logging a minimum total of 40 hours and then an online provincial exam under the supervision of a proctor with 80% or above to receive provincial certification and apply for a Security License in Alberta.

Our next Alberta Basic Security Training session is:

ABST May 20, 2024 to May 24, 2024

Our next Alberta Investigator Training session is:

ABST May 6, 2024 to May 10, 2024

Terms and Conditions: Full Payment is required to reserve you seat, No Credits or refunds if Cancelation is received after the registration cut off date. Once, paid, we will refund up until the cut off.

Once you have logged your required 40 hrs we will provide you with your Training Certificate and instructions to book your Exam. The exam is paid separately to the provider and costs $60.

Upon completion of our Alberta Security License Course, participants will have working knowledge of the Security Industry and should be able to:


  1. Describe the specific roles and responsibilities of a Security Professional.
  2. Explain Federal and Provincial Legislation and Regulations concerning the work of a Security Professional
  3. List and describe the knowledge and skill sets required to perform Basic Security Patrol duties.
  4. Understand and apply a professional and effective style of communication in order to manage and control incidents.
  5. Demonstrate exceptional proficiency and accuracy in note-taking and Security Report Writing.
  6. Understand and articulate the process of managing an Emergency Incident / Emergency Response
  7. Maintain personal and professional safety and well-being while working as a Security Professional.

The outcome of this program is intended to prepare course participants with knowledge and skill sets in the following areas:

  • Introduction to the Professional Security Industry.
  • The Canadian Legal System and Security Professionals.
  • Basic Security Procedures.
  • Communication for Security Professionals.
  • Documentation and Evidence.
  • Emergency Response Procedures for Security Professionals.
  • Health and Safety for Security Professionals.

Security service workers monitor, patrol and guard private property and protect people. In Alberta, you must be licensed to work as a:

  • Security Guard
  • Patrol Dog Handler
  • Alarm Response
  • Loss Prevention Worker
  • Body Guard

Licences are issued under the Security Services and Investigators Act by the Alberta Justice and Solicitor General.

Read the Security Programs Policy Manual for more information about a security service worker licence.

The security service licensing fee is $100. Your licence is valid for 2 years. The renewal process is the same as the initial application.


Security service workers can’t hold a second licence as a locksmith or automotive lock bypass worker.


Your licence is portable. This means your licence is still valid if you change employers or if you work for multiple employers.

To apply for a licence you must:

  • be over 18 years old
  • be eligible to work in Canada
  • be fluent in English
  • have no criminal record
  • have no outstanding criminal charges
  • not be the subject of a criminal investigation

All security service workers must meet a specific English fluency standard. This is a level 5 benchmark according to the Centre for Canadian Language Benchmarks.

All security service workers must:

  • complete an approved security training course
  • score 80% or higher on the provincial final exam

There are 2 approved training courses:

  • Alberta Basic Security Training Course, or
  • Accredited Basic Security Training Course

These courses must be completed through an approved training provider.  

 

Contact Security Programs if you've:

  • previously worked in law enforcement, or
  • completed equivalent training outside of Alberta

After you’ve completed your final exam with a score of 80% or higher, you’ll get your training certificate by mail within one week. For information about exam rewrites, or to find out if you’re eligible to challenge an exam, contact Security Programs.

Training licences are available if you’re currently enrolled in an approved training course. Your employer must submit the training licence application for you. Training licences are valid for 30 days and will be converted to a standard licence after you’ve completed the training course and passed the final exam.


Training licences aren’t portable. This means if you change employers, your new employer must apply for a new training licence for you.

Apply for or renew your licence

If you’re on a work or study permit, contact Security Programs for application and renewal steps.

1

Get a criminal record check

Get a criminal record check and your photo signed at your local police station. This check must include these elements:

  • criminal record
  • vulnerable sector
  • local database


You can’t submit your application without these original documents. These documents expire 90 days after they’ve been issued. For more information about criminal record checks including fees and processing times:

2

Fill out the forms

Trouble opening PDF forms? Fillable forms do not open on some mobile devices and web browsers. To fill in and save this form:


  1. Click on the PDF link to save it on your computer.
  2. Launch Adobe Reader.
  3. Open the PDF from within Adobe Reader. You can now fill and save your form.


Fill out all the forms in this package: Application for Individual Licence (PDF, 569 KB)

3

Gather your documents

When you apply, you’ll need to provide photocopies of your:

  • Canadian photo ID
  • approved training course certificate
  • 40-hour baton use-of-force training certificate (if applicable)


You’ll also need to provide a current:

  • police information and criminal record check
  • passport-size colour photo signed on the back by the police service

4

Choose your payment method

The security service licensing fee is $100. A dual security service and investigators licensing fee is $160. There are 3 ways to make your payment:


Online

Make your payment online Print and attach the receipt to your mail application as proof of payment. Online payments will not be accepted for applications filled through registry agents.


In Person

If you’re submitting your mail application through a registry agent, your payment must be made at that registry. A $9 service charge will be added to the licence fee. Find a registry agent that offers Security Programs licensing services


Mail

When submitting your application by mail, you can pay by:

  • certified business cheque
  • certified personal cheque
  • money order
  • bank draft
  • credit or debit online – attach your receipt to your mail application as proof of payment

All payments must be made out to the Government of Alberta.

5

Submit your application

There are 2 ways to submit your application:


In-person

Take your application and documents to a registry agent that offers Security Programs licensing services. If your application is approved, you'll get a temporary licence that's valid for 60 days.


Mail

Mail your application, required documents and payment to: Security Programs Alberta Justice and Solicitor General P.O. Box 1023 Station Main Edmonton, Alberta T5J 2M1 If your application is approved, you'll get a temporary licence that's valid for 60 days emailed to you.


After you apply

Your licence card will be mailed to the address in your application. You must provide a photocopy of your licence card to your employer and carry the original with you while you’re working.

Course Content

  • Module 1: ABST Course Introduction

    5 Topics



    Lesson Content

    Introduction

    How To Use Our Website

    How Does This Course Work?

    Learning Outcomes

    Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

  • Module 2: The Private Security Industry

    4 Topics | 1 Quiz



    Lesson Content

    Learning Outcomes

    Roles and Responsibilities of Security Professionals

    Legislation and the Licensing of Security Professionals in Alberta

    Appearance and Conduct for Security Professionals

    Module 2 Quiz

  • Module 3: The Canadian Legal System And Security Guards

    7 Topics | 1 Quiz



    Lesson Content

    Learning Outcomes

    Criminal Law and Canada’s Court System

    Types of Offences

    The Charter of Rights and Freedoms

    Use of Force

    Powers of Arrest – Section 494

    Additional Legislation

    Module 3 Quiz

  • Module 4: Basic Security Procedures

    7 Topics | 1 Quiz



    Lesson Content

    Learning Outcomes

    Surveillance And Patrol Techniques

    Access Control

    Crowd Control

    Traffic Control

    Shift Handover Procedures

    Drug Effects

    Module 4 Quiz

  • Module 5: Communication For Security Guards

    4 Topics | 1 Quiz



    Lesson Content

    Learning Outcomes

    Communication Skills

    Tactical Communication

    Interpersonal Skills

    Module 5 Quiz

  • Module 6: Documentation And Evidence

    6 Topics | 1 Quiz



    Lesson Content

    Learning Outcomes

    Note Taking And Reports

    Observation Skills

    Reports As Evidence

    Types of Evidence

    Preparing For Court

    Module 6 Quiz

  • Module 7: Emergency Response Procedures for Security Guards

    7 Topics | 1 Quiz



    Lesson Content

    Learning Outcomes

    Fire Safety

    Medical Emergencies

    Bomb Threats

    Alarm Systems

    Evacuation Planning

    Duty Of Care

    Module 7 Quiz

  • Module 8: Health And Safety For Security Guards

    4 Topics | 1 Quiz



    Lesson Content

    Learning Outcomes

    OHS – Occupational Health and Safety Act

    WHMIS

    Security Guard Safety

    Module 8 Quiz

    ABST Exam Booking
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