To work as a security guard and/or private investigator in Ontario, you must have a valid licence. Through licensing, the Ontario government aims to ensure security guards and private investigators carry out their work professionally, effectively, safely, and lawfully.
The Ministry of Solicitor General (SolGen) — particularly the Private Security and Investigative Services Branch (PSISB) — is responsible for licensing security guards, private investigators, and business entities that sell or retain security guard and/or private investigator services in Ontario, as well as registering employers that directly employ in-house security staff. The Private Security and Investigative Services Act, 2005, provides the legal and regulatory framework for the private security and investigative services industry.
In addition, a candidate must complete the training required by Ministry of Solicitor General (SolGen) (see the Ministry of Solicitor General website for a list of training providers) and successfully complete the basic test for security guards and/or private investigators, Ministry of Solicitor General (SolGen) has engaged a private company Serco Canada Inc., to administer these in-person tests usually at DriveTest Centres distributed across the province. Once a candidate has passed the test, he or she must apply for and renew a licence through ServiceOntario.
For More Information
Visit the Ministry of Solicitor General (SolGen) website for details on the overall program.