How to apply for an Alberta security service worker licence

Step by step

1. Check the category and eligibility

   Identify the security-service work you intend to perform and check the current age, work-eligibility, records and English requirements. The province specifies CLB 5 English. If you hold a work or study permit, follow its instruction to contact Security Programs about the application route.

   Source: Alberta — Security service worker licence

2. Use an approved training route

   For the ordinary training route, complete an approved Alberta Basic Security Training or Accredited Basic Security Training course and score at least 80% on the provincial final exam. The province also describes a route using an active licence from another Canadian province or territory. Confirm accepted equivalency with Security Programs rather than assume a practice score qualifies.

   Source: Alberta — Security service worker licence

3. Obtain the required records searches

   The province requires a criminal record check, vulnerable-sector search and local police database search. Specify security-services employment when requesting the check. The documents expire 90 days after issue, so coordinate their timing with the application rather than send an expired set.

   Source: Alberta — Security service worker licence

4. Complete the application and photo requirements

   Use the current Individual Licence application package. Gather the required photo ID, proof of the accepted training or active licence route, police records and a current passport-size colour photo. The current page requires the photographer’s date stamp and says a signature on the back is not required. Include any applicable baton-training proof only for the relevant authorization.

   Source: Alberta — Security service worker licence

5. Choose the correct submission and payment method

   Submit in person at a participating registry or mail the complete package using the province’s instructions. Email applications and renewals are not accepted. Online payment for a mailed application does not submit the application: print and mail its receipt with the package. Do not use that online payment route when applying at a registry.

   Source: Alberta — Security service worker licence

6. Wait for approval and follow the licence conditions

   The licence card is mailed after approval. The province describes a temporary licence valid for 60 days when the application is approved; that is distinct from the 30-day training licence applied for by an employer. Do not treat a payment receipt, submitted application or this practice site’s result as permission to work.

   Source: Alberta — Security service worker licence

Who can get it

• The Government of Alberta ALIS certification profile lists at least 18 years of age for a security guard applicant. The ministerial application rules require proof of having reached the age of majority. Follow the current application package and confirm an unusual case with Security Programs. Source: Alberta ALIS — Security Guard certification
• Check the current provincial eligibility list, including age, legal eligibility to work in Canada, the specified records requirements and CLB 5 English. The province assesses the application; this guide does not decide personal eligibility. Source: Alberta — Security service worker licence
• A different Canadian security licence or law-enforcement background may require a different proof route. Ask Security Programs what is accepted before buying a course on an assumption of equivalency. Source: Alberta — Security service worker licence

What it costs

Fees change. Check the amount on the official page or with the provider before you pay.

Where to take the test

Choose training from the province’s approved-provider list and confirm course delivery and the official exam arrangements directly. This practice site is not an approved provider or a provincial exam booking service. Source: Alberta — Security service worker licence

What to bring or have ready

• For the licence package: the completed current form, required Canadian photo identification, accepted training certificate or active Canadian licence evidence, current police records and a dated passport-size colour photo. Read the current checklist for your circumstances. Source: Alberta — Security service worker licence
• For the provincial exam itself: obtain the current identification, booking, arrival and permitted-material instructions from the approved provider. The licence application checklist is not an exam-day checklist. Source: Alberta — Security service worker licence

After you pass

The province sends a training certificate within one week of its office receiving the training report, not necessarily one week after your exam date. Continue through the licence application process and wait for the applicable approval. Keep the issued original licence card with you while working and provide your employer a copy. Source: Alberta — Security service worker licence

Validity and renewal

The standard individual licence lasts two years and is portable between licensed employers. Renewal follows the initial application process. A separate employer-applied training licence lasts 30 days and is not portable; its supervision and equipment conditions are different. Confirm current requirements before working or changing employers. Source: Alberta — Security service worker licence

Common mistakes

• Confusing an approved course with this independent free practice bank. Only the province’s accepted training and licensing routes satisfy the official process. Source: Alberta — Security service worker licence
• Treating online payment as an online application. For the mailed route, the receipt still goes with the complete mailed package. Source: Alberta — Security service worker licence
• Following an old photo instruction or using expired police records instead of the current application checklist. Source: Alberta — Security service worker licence
• Confusing the post-approval temporary licence with the distinct employer-applied training licence. Source: Alberta — Security service worker licence

Prepare for the test

Free practice written from the official material: full practice tests, a study guide, a printable sheet and a timed mock exam.