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Alberta Security Licence Cost 2026: Fees & Timeline

Mon, 18 May 2026 14:24:32 GMT

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

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 the ABST 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.

Alberta Basic Security Training ABST Course Guide

Tue, 28 Apr 2026 15:17:08 GMT

What Is the ABST Course? Your Step-by-Step Guide to Getting Licensed in Alberta

Alberta requires all security guards to complete an approved training program before they can be licensed. If you are planning a career in private security, the Alberta Basic Security Training course is where that journey starts.

This guide explains what ABST is, who needs it, how the online format works, what you cover across eight modules, how the supervised provincial exam runs, and what to do once you pass. You will find a plain-language walkthrough from registration through to receiving your provincial training certificate and applying for your Security Services licence.

Priority ONE Security Training delivers the government-approved ABST program online across Alberta, with added in-person support in Edmonton for students who prefer face-to-face guidance. Questions at any point? Call 780 229 3710 or email training@priorityonesecuritytraining.ca .

What the ABST Course Is and Who Needs It

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.

How Long ABST Takes and How the Online Format Works

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.

What You Learn Across the Eight ABST Modules

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.

Step-by-Step: From Registration to Your Security Services Licence

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.

Online Access Across Alberta, With Edmonton Support

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.

After You Pass: Certificates, Timelines and Fees

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.

FAQs

Ready to Start?

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.