How to Get Your Alberta Security Licence After ABST Training

From ABST to licence: documents, police check, and application options explained

You have passed your Alberta Basic Security Training (ABST) exam and are ready to apply for your Alberta Security Services licence. The steps from receiving your exam result to obtaining your licence are straightforward when you prepare the required documents in the correct order.

This guide explains what documentation you need after the ABST exam, how to time your criminal record check, which identity documents are typically required, and the differences between applying through a registry agent or by mail. It also covers the temporary licence that may be available through certain registry applications, along with a practical checklist and common mistakes to avoid.

Our goal is to help you submit a complete application the first time and minimise unnecessary processing delays.

After successfully completing the supervised provincial ABST exam with a passing grade, eligible candidates receive an official Alberta Basic Security Training certificate issued through the provincial process. This certificate is required when applying for a Security Services licence, so you should wait until you receive it before submitting your application.

If you have not yet completed your training, Priority ONE offers the required 40-hour Alberta Basic Security Training program online, along with support for exam booking and the licensing process. Prospective students can learn more about security guard training in Calgary or security guard training in Edmonton through our training resources.

Alberta Security Programs requires applicants to verify their identity as part of the licensing process. Acceptable documentation may vary depending on the application method and current provincial requirements, but applicants should generally prepare government-issued photo identification and any supporting documents needed to verify their legal name and date of birth.

• Registry agent applications: Bring your original identification documents so they can be reviewed in person.
• Mail applications: Follow current Security Programs guidance regarding acceptable certified copies or document requirements. Avoid mailing irreplaceable originals unless specifically instructed.

If your name has changed, include appropriate supporting documentation, such as a legal name change certificate or marriage certificate, where applicable.

A criminal record check forms part of the licensing application process. Applicants should obtain the check through the appropriate police service and ensure it meets current Alberta Security Programs requirements.

As a practical guideline, your criminal record check should be recent when submitted. Documents that are several months old may no longer satisfy application requirements and could delay processing. If significant time has passed since obtaining your check, consider obtaining an updated version before applying.

Processing times vary between police agencies and may be longer if fingerprint verification is required.

Applicants generally have two options for submitting their Security Services licence application.

Applying through a registry agent allows your documentation to be reviewed in person. You will typically present:

• Your completed application
• Original identification
• Your ABST training certificate
• Your criminal record check
• Applicable government fees and registry service fees

In some circumstances, eligible applicants may receive a temporary licence through the registry process while awaiting their permanent licence. Availability depends on current provincial policies and approval of the application.

Alternatively, applicants may submit their completed package directly to Alberta Security Programs using the mailing instructions provided by the province.

The mail-in option avoids registry service fees but generally does not provide a temporary licence while the application is being processed. Careful review of all documents before mailing can help reduce delays.

Processing timelines vary depending on application volumes and individual circumstances.

Many applicants complete ABST, pass the provincial exam, receive their training certificate, and submit their application within several weeks. Registry applications may allow eligible applicants to begin working sooner if a temporary licence is issued, while mail applications proceed through standard provincial processing timelines before the permanent licence is mailed.

Before submitting your application, confirm that you have:

• Your official ABST training certificate
• A current criminal record check that satisfies provincial requirements
• Government-issued identification and any supporting name documents
• A fully completed application form with all required signatures
• The correct payment method for your chosen submission route
• Verified your mailing address and contact information

Applicants can often avoid delays by checking for these common issues:

• Applying before receiving the official ABST certificate
• Submitting outdated supporting documents
• Name discrepancies between identification and application forms
• Poor-quality or illegible copies of required documents
• Missing signatures or incomplete sections
• Sending original documents by mail when certified copies are acceptable

How do I get my security licence in Alberta?

Complete an approved Alberta Basic Security Training program, successfully pass the provincial exam, obtain the required supporting documents—including a criminal record check—and submit your application through the approved provincial process.

How do I apply for a security licence in Alberta?

Applications may generally be submitted through participating registry agents or by mail to Alberta Security Programs, following current provincial instructions and documentation requirements.

How long does it take to get an Alberta security guard licence?

Timeframes vary depending on document preparation and provincial processing. Applicants who organise their paperwork promptly after completing ABST may move through the process more efficiently.

How long is a criminal record check valid?

Applicants should ensure their criminal record check is sufficiently current when submitting their application and should verify any applicable validity requirements published by Alberta Security Programs.

Priority ONE Security Training is an Approved Alberta Programs Accredited Training Provider authorised to deliver Alberta Basic Security Training on behalf of Alberta Justice and Solicitor General.

Students throughout Alberta can complete ABST online while receiving support for exam booking and guidance through the licensing process. Learners in Calgary can explore our Calgary security guard training options, while those in Edmonton can review our Edmonton training resources for assistance from course registration through licence application.

If you have questions about training, documentation, or licensing procedures, our team is available to help guide you through the process.

Moving from ABST completion to obtaining your Alberta Security Services licence is much easier when your paperwork is organised and complete. Wait until you receive your official training certificate, prepare your identification documents carefully, obtain a current criminal record check, and choose the application route that best suits your timeline.

For applicants seeking structured support from training through licensing, Priority ONE Security Training provides step-by-step guidance designed to help you begin your security career with confidence.