Security licence in B.C.: how to get your security worker licence

Step by step

1. Check that you can be licensed

   You must be 19 or older, ordinarily resident in Canada, fluent in English for most licence categories and trained for the licence you want. Members of a police force under the B.C. Police Act cannot hold a security worker licence.

   Source: Gov.bc.ca — Application and licence management process

2. Pick your route to a full guard licence

   You qualify with Basic Security Training from JIBC or an Approved Security Training School, the JIBC Gaming Security Officer course, experience as a Canadian police, correctional, sheriff, auxiliary, reserve or border services officer, or a security worker licence from Alberta, Saskatchewan, Manitoba or Ontario. A security guard under supervision licence needs no training.

   Source: Gov.bc.ca — Security worker training requirements

3. Complete the BST theory course

   The theory course (SCRT-1651) is 40 hours. Take it through JIBC in person, where all 40 hours of attendance are mandatory, or online at your own pace within the course's 8-week maximum with no extensions; approved security training schools teach it face to face.

   Source: JIBC — Basic Security Training (BST)

4. Pass the BST exam

   The assessment (SCRT-1656) is a closed-book, 90-minute, 75-question exam and you need at least 70%. Pass it within six months of finishing the theory course; you get at most 2 attempts, each with its own exam fee, before you must retake the theory course.

   Source: JIBC — Basic Security Training (BST)

5. Proof of training: no certificate needed

   JIBC has not issued BST certificates since December 15, 2025. Attach an older certificate if you have one; if you completed BST after that date, the Security Programs Division verifies your completion with JIBC.

   Source: Gov.bc.ca — Security worker training requirements

6. Get fingerprinted

   Fill in the Request for Fingerprinting form (SL002) and take it, with photo ID, to your local police department, an RCMP detachment or an approved fingerprint agency. The agency gives you the tear-off confirmation of fingerprints, which you need for your application.

   Source: Gov.bc.ca — Request for fingerprinting under the Security Services Act (form SL002)

7. Apply online and pay

   Apply on the Security Services Platform, ideally with a BC Services Card account to verify your identity (you can apply without one, but it may take longer). You consent to a criminal record check, upload your documents and pay by credit card, or by certified cheque or money order payable to the Minister of Finance.

   Source: Gov.bc.ca — Application and licence management process

8. Wait for the review

   Once your application is approved and every requirement is met, the licence is issued promptly. It takes longer if the application is incomplete, the fee is paid late, the Security Programs Division needs more information or it has to complete a risk assessment.

   Source: Gov.bc.ca — Security worker licence

Who can get it

• Age 19 or older, ordinarily resident in Canada and fluent in English for most licence categories. Source: Gov.bc.ca — Application and licence management process
• You can complete BST before you turn 19, but you must be 19 to apply for the licence. No background check is needed to take the course; the criminal record check is part of the licence application. Source: JIBC — Basic Security Training (BST), FAQ
• Peace officer experience within the last 3 years may qualify you for a training exemption. Exemptions are granted by the Security Programs Division, not by JIBC. Source: JIBC — Basic Security Training (BST), FAQ
• A security worker licence from Alberta, Saskatchewan, Manitoba or Ontario meets the training requirement for a full B.C. guard licence. Source: Gov.bc.ca — Security worker training requirements

What it costs

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

Where to take the test

Take the BST theory course online or in person through JIBC, or face to face at an Approved Security Training School. Exams are held at the JIBC New Westminster campus; students who live and trained in the Lower Mainland, from Squamish to Abbotsford, must write there, and students who trained outside that region are offered an alternative such as an online proctored exam. Source: JIBC — Basic Security Training (BST)

What to bring or have ready

• Government-issued photo ID, such as a driver's licence, BCID or passport. Without it you will not be allowed to write the exam. Source: JIBC — Basic Security Training (BST), Exam instructions
• Your own fully charged laptop and charger with a web browser (tablets and iPads will not work, and JIBC has no laptops to lend), your JIBC student user ID and password, and your confirmation email. Source: JIBC — Basic Security Training (BST), Exam instructions
• For the licence application: consent to a criminal record check, proof of training or experience, proof of Canadian citizenship, permanent residence or right to work, a passport-quality photo, valid government photo ID, your fingerprint confirmation slip and, if it applies, the mental health condition form. Source: Gov.bc.ca — Application and licence management process

After you pass

Once licensed, carry the physical licence whenever you do security work (a photo of it does not count) and show it to anyone who asks, unless you work as an armoured car guard or door security at a liquor establishment. Hand it only to police or special provincial constables, and report charges, convictions, address or legal name changes and becoming a peace officer. Source: Gov.bc.ca — Rules for licensed security workers

Validity and renewal

You choose the licence term when you apply, from 90 days to 3 years. Renew on the Security Services Platform: choose renewal if your licence has not expired, or new if it has. If you renew without your BC Services Card account you must submit new fingerprints, and renewal fees differ from new-application fees. Source: Gov.bc.ca — Application and licence management process

Common mistakes

• Waiting for a BST certificate that will never come. Since December 15, 2025 JIBC issues none; the province checks your completion with JIBC. Source: Gov.bc.ca — Security worker training requirements
• Letting the exam window lapse. You must pass within six months of finishing the theory course, and two failed attempts mean taking the course again. Source: JIBC — Basic Security Training (BST)
• Arriving late or unprepared for the exam. Students who arrive 30 minutes after the start are turned away, there are no rescheduling or refunds, and you must withdraw at least seven business days ahead if you cannot attend. Source: JIBC — Basic Security Training (BST), Exam instructions
• Assuming another province's licence lets you work in B.C. It can count as training, but you still need a B.C. security worker licence. Source: Gov.bc.ca — Security worker licence
• Working with an expired licence or carrying only a photo of it. Renew before it expires and carry the physical licence. Source: Gov.bc.ca — Rules for licensed security workers
• Wearing or carrying banned equipment. Licensed security workers may not carry a badge, wear a Sam Browne belt or carry items such as pepper spray designed to injure or control people. Source: Gov.bc.ca — Rules for licensed security workers

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.