Quebec security licence: how to get your security guard licence

Step by step

1. Check that you meet the conditions

   You must be at least 18, of good character, never convicted of a criminal offence related to the activity unless you have been pardoned, a Canadian citizen, permanent resident or holder of a valid work permit, and physically and mentally fit for the work.

   Source: BSP — Permis régulier d'agent (in French)

2. Take the mandatory guarding training

   Complete at least 70 hours of courses at a school service centre or school board that offers the guarding program: setting, role, law and standards of conduct (30 h), emergency procedures (24 h) and CNESST-recognized workplace first aid (16 h). Some other training recognized by the Minister is also accepted.

   Source: BSP — Formations requises (in French)

3. If needed, work under supervision on a temporary permit

   In a work-study program, a temporary permit lets you do guarding work while you train, supervised at all times by a regular licence holder. It is valid for 120 days and granted only once, and you must pass the training and ask for conversion to a regular licence before it expires.

   Source: BSP — Formations requises (in French)

4. Prepare your documents

   You need front-and-back copies of two different IDs, one from list 1 and one from list 2, two identical 5 cm x 7 cm colour photos taken within six months, one of them authenticated by a guarantor, and proof that you passed the training or an equivalence.

   Source: BSP — Permis régulier d'agent (in French)

5. Apply online or by mail

   Online, fill in the interactive form for a regular agent licence, upload the documents and the signed guarantor's declaration, then pay by credit, prepaid or Visa Debit card to submit; you need an email address. Otherwise, mail form 194.001 with the documents on the checklist.

   Source: BSP — Faire une demande en ligne (in French)

6. Wait for the security check and decision

   The Sûreté du Québec carries out a security check, then the BSP decides on your application.

   Source: BSP — Permis régulier d'agent (in French)

7. Start work only once the licence is issued

   Only the holder of a valid licence may do private security work: an application in progress does not allow you to work.

   Source: BSP — Foire aux questions (in French)

Who can get it

• At least 18 years old and of good character. Source: BSP — Permis régulier d'agent (in French)
• Never convicted of a criminal offence related to the activity, unless pardoned. Source: BSP — Permis régulier d'agent (in French)
• A Canadian citizen, permanent resident or holder of a valid Canadian work permit, and you must tell the BSP if the work permit stops being valid. Source: BSP — Permis régulier d'agent (in French)
• A licence from another province does not replace a BSP licence. It may exempt you from proving the training, but for guarding you must always provide proof of first aid equivalent to Quebec's requirement. Source: BSP — Foire aux questions (in French)

What it costs

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

Where to take the test

The mandatory training is taken at a school service centre or school board that offers the guarding program, and leads to a training attestation. The BSP's required-training page mentions no separate BSP exam: what is required is passing the training. Source: BSP — Formations requises (in French)

What to bring or have ready

• Two different IDs, copied front and back: one from list 1 (for example a valid Canadian driver's licence, health insurance card or passport) and one from list 2 (for example a birth certificate, permanent resident card or work permit). Source: BSP — Permis régulier d'agent (in French)
• Two identical 5 cm x 7 cm colour photos on a white background, taken within six months and dated on the back, one authenticated by a guarantor (a Canadian citizen or permanent resident aged 18 or over who has known you for at least a year) or by a commissioner of oaths, notary or lawyer. Source: BSP — Permis régulier d'agent (in French)
• For the online application: an email address and a credit, prepaid or Visa Debit card, plus the guarantor's declaration printed, signed and scanned. Source: BSP — Faire une demande en ligne (in French)

After you pass

Once licensed, tell the BSP in writing without delay about any change that affects the licence's validity, such as a new address, a criminal charge or guilty verdict, being hired by a police force or your work permit expiring, and report within 30 days any change to record in the register, such as a new employer. Pay your annual fees before the anniversary of issue and follow the Regulation respecting standards of conduct. Source: BSP — Obligations reliées au permis (in French)

Validity and renewal

The agent licence is valid for 5 years. You receive a renewal form during the fifth year, and your application must reach the BSP no later than 45 days before expiry. Renewal requires a new full security clearance, and annual fees remain due on each anniversary or the licence is suspended. Source: BSP — Foire aux questions (in French)

Common mistakes

• Starting work while the application is being processed. Only the holder of a valid licence may work. Source: BSP — Foire aux questions (in French)
• Relying on a licence from another province. It does not replace a BSP licence, and proof of first aid is always required for guarding. Source: BSP — Foire aux questions (in French)
• Forgetting the annual fees. If you do not pay, the licence is suspended, then revoked if you still do not pay during the suspension. Source: BSP — Obligations reliées au permis (in French)
• Sending the renewal too late. It must reach the BSP no later than 45 days before the licence expires. Source: BSP — Foire aux questions (in French)
• Letting a temporary permit expire before finishing the training. It is valid for 120 days and granted only once. Source: BSP — Formations requises (in French)
• Sending a CV as proof of experience for an equivalence. CVs are not accepted: you need employer attestations and, for guarding, a confirmation from the Comité paritaire des agents de sécurité. Source: BSP — Formations requises (in French)
• Letting your employer keep your licence. The licence is yours while it is valid, even if the employer paid for it; if they demand it, report it to the BSP. Source: BSP — Foire aux questions (in French)

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.