{"id":6309,"date":"2025-05-07T00:00:00","date_gmt":"2025-05-07T04:00:00","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/paragonsecurity.ca\/how-to-obtain-your-security-guard-license-in-toronto-a-guide-for-newcomers-to-canada\/"},"modified":"2026-01-16T00:56:48","modified_gmt":"2026-01-16T05:56:48","slug":"how-to-obtain-your-security-guard-license-in-toronto-a-guide-for-newcomers-to-canada","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/paragonsecurity.ca\/how-to-obtain-your-security-guard-license-in-toronto-a-guide-for-newcomers-to-canada\/","title":{"rendered":"How to Obtain Your Security Guard License in Toronto: A Guide for Newcomers to Canada"},"content":{"rendered":"<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Starting a new life in Canada comes with many opportunities\u2014and finding stable, well-paying work is often at the top of the list. If you&#8217;re new to the country and looking to enter a growing and reliable field, working as a licensed security guard in Toronto might be the right path. The good news? The process is straightforward, and with the proper training and guidance, you can become licensed and job-ready in just a few weeks.<\/span><\/p>\n<p>&nbsp;<\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">At Paragon Security, we specialize in helping newcomers understand the requirements and succeed in becoming professional security guards. Here\u2019s a straightforward, step-by-step guide to help you get started.<\/span><\/p>\n<h3 style=\"color: #e1251b;\">Step 1: Meet the Basic Eligibility Requirements<\/h3>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Before you can apply for a <a style=\"color: #e1251b; text-decoration: underline;\" href=\"https:\/\/forms.mgcs.gov.on.ca\/en\/dataset\/008-06-005\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">security guard license<\/a> in Ontario, you need to make sure you meet the following basic criteria:<\/span><\/p>\n<p>&nbsp;<\/p>\n<ul>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\">Be at least 18 years old<\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\">Be legally entitled to work in Canada<span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> (this includes permanent residents, work permit holders, and citizens)<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\">Have a clean criminal record<span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> (certain offenses can disqualify you)<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\">Have a valid government-issued photo ID<span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> such as a Permanent Resident card, driver\u2019s license, or passport.<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p>&nbsp;<\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">If you&#8217;re a newcomer with a valid work permit or permanent residency, you&#8217;re already off to a great start.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><img fetchpriority=\"high\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"alignnone size-full wp-image-4520\" style=\"margin: 25px 0 0 25px;\" src=\"\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/04\/paragon-social.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"800\" height=\"450\" \/><\/p>\n<h3 style=\"color: #e1251b;\">Step 2: Complete the Mandatory 40-Hour Security Guard Training Course<\/h3>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"><span style=\"font-family: -apple-system, BlinkMacSystemFont, 'Segoe UI', Roboto, 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, 'Noto Sans', sans-serif, 'Apple Color Emoji', 'Segoe UI Emoji', 'Segoe UI Symbol', 'Noto Color Emoji';\">All security guard license applicants must complete a\u00a0<a style=\"color: #e1251b; text-decoration: underline;\" href=\"https:\/\/paragon-old.edsdev.in\/explore-employment-opportunities\/training\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">ministry-approved 40-hour training course in Ontario<\/a>. This training prepares you for the job&#8217;s responsibilities and ensures you understand security work&#8217;s legal and practical aspects.<\/span><\/span><\/p>\n<p>&nbsp;<\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">This course includes:<\/span><\/p>\n<ul>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Introduction to the Security Industry<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Legal Authorities and Responsibilities<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Use of Force Theory<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Emergency Response Preparation<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Health and Safety Awareness<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Report Writing and Communication<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">And more.<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p>&nbsp;<\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">It also includes <\/span>First Aid and CPR certification<span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">, which are mandatory requirements.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p>&nbsp;<\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">At Paragon Security, our courses are available <\/span>both in-person and online<span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">, giving you flexibility to learn in the way that suits you best.<\/span><\/p>\n<h3><img decoding=\"async\" class=\"alignnone wp-image-5022 size-full\" style=\"margin: 25px 0 0 25px;\" src=\"https:\/\/paragon-old.edsdev.in\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/11\/PARAGON-BLOG-IMAGES-660-\u00d7-370-px-2-copy-2.png\" alt=\"Writing your security guard exam.\" width=\"660\" height=\"370\" \/><\/h3>\n<h3 style=\"color: #e1251b;\">Step 3: Pass the Ontario Security Guard Test<\/h3>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">After completing the training course, you\u2019ll receive a <\/span>Training Completion Number<span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">. This number is required to register for the official <\/span>Ontario Security Guard Test<span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">\u00a0administered by the Ministry of the Solicitor General.<\/span><\/p>\n<p>&nbsp;<\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">The test consists of <\/span>60 multiple-choice questions; you\u2019ll<span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">\u00a0have <\/span>75 minutes<span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> to complete it. The topics are based on what you learned during your training course.<\/span><\/p>\n<p>&nbsp;<\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">You can take the test at an authorized testing center across Ontario, including locations throughout Toronto. Make sure to bring a valid ID on the day of the test. The passing grade is <\/span>62%<span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">, and if you don\u2019t pass the first time, you can retake it (additional fees may apply).<\/span><\/p>\n<h3><img decoding=\"async\" class=\"alignnone wp-image-6441 size-full\" style=\"margin: 25px 0 0 25px;\" src=\"https:\/\/paragon-old.edsdev.in\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/11\/organize-materials.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"660\" height=\"370\" \/><\/h3>\n<h3 style=\"color: #e1251b;\">Step 4: Apply for Your Security Guard License<\/h3>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Once you\u2019ve passed the test, you can apply for your license online through <\/span>ServiceOntario<span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">. You\u2019ll need:<\/span><\/p>\n<ul>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Your test results<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Valid identification<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">A passport-style photo<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Payment for the application fee (currently $80 as of 2025)<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p>&nbsp;<\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Applications can take a few weeks to process. You\u2019ll receive a digital copy of your license to print and use immediately. Your physical card will arrive by mail.<\/span><\/p>\n<p>&nbsp;<\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Congratulations! Once you receive your license, you are officially eligible to work as a security guard anywhere in Ontario. Toronto has many opportunities, from office buildings and retail stores to events and residential sites.<\/span><\/p>\n<p>&nbsp;<\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Many newcomers find that security jobs offer a steady income, flexible hours, and a chance to build Canadian work experience. It\u2019s also a good stepping stone if you&#8217;re considering a long-term career in law enforcement, public safety, or private investigation.<\/span><\/p>\n<p>&nbsp;<\/p>\n<h3 style=\"color: #e1251b;\">Final Tips for Newcomers<\/h3>\n<ul>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\">Improve your communication skills<span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">: Strong English skills can help you perform better on the job and during your training.\u00a0<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p>&nbsp;<\/p>\n<ul>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\">Network within the industry<span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">: Join online forums or connect with other security professionals to learn about job openings and best practices.<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p>&nbsp;<\/p>\n<ul>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\">Keep your license updated<span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">: Your security license needs to be renewed every two years. Stay on top of expiry dates to avoid interruptions in your work.<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p>&nbsp;<\/p>\n<hr class=\"dashed\" \/>\n<h3 style=\"color: #e1251b;\">Are you ready to get started?<\/h3>\n<p><span style=\"box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;\">If you are ready to jumpstart your career in security, check out our training classes and in-person or online <a style=\"color: #e1251b; text-decoration: underline;\" href=\"https:\/\/paragon-old.edsdev.in\/explore-employment-opportunities\/training\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">training opportunities<\/a>.<\/span><\/p>\n<p>&nbsp;<\/p>\n<p style=\"border-left: 6px solid #E1251B; padding-left: 20px;\">Join a booming industry! With ten years as one of Canada\u2019s Best Managed Companies, a place in the Hall of Fame of Canada\u2019s Most Admired Corporate Cultures, being named Best Employer by Forbes Magazine for three years in a row, and winning the OSPA\u2019s Outstanding Contract Security Company Award, Paragon is one of the fastest-growing companies across Canada, offering Ministry -approved Security Guard Training and Placement Assistance to help you get the best start possible in the Security Sector. Be sure to follow and read <a style=\"color: #e1251b; text-decoration: underline;\" href=\"https:\/\/paragon-old.edsdev.in\/blog\/\">Our Blog<\/a> to learn more about Paragon and the exciting world of security.<\/p>\n<h2 style=\"color: #f7f7f7; font-size: 4px;\">Learn how to obtain your Security guard license from the <a style=\"color: #f7f7f7;\" href=\"https:\/\/www.ontario.ca\/page\/security-guard-or-private-investigator-licence-individuals\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">Ministry of Ontario<\/a>.<\/h2>\n<h2 style=\"color: #f7f7f7; font-size: 4px;\">Improve your communication skills with security guard training <a style=\"color: #f7f7f7;\" href=\"https:\/\/www.coursera.org\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">Coursera<\/a><\/h2>\n<h2 style=\"color: #f7f7f7; font-size: 4px;\">Build interview skills with security guard exam <a style=\"color: #f7f7f7;\" href=\"https:\/\/www.linkedin.com\/learning\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">LinkedIn learning. <\/a><\/h2>\n<p>&nbsp;<\/p>\n<p>&nbsp;<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>Starting a new life in Canada comes with many opportunities\u2014and finding stable, well-paying work is often at the top of&hellip;<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":3,"featured_media":5332,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"_acf_changed":false,"footnotes":""},"categories":[32,42],"tags":[33,36],"class_list":["post-6309","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-security-guard-training","category-security-license","tag-security-guard","tag-security-training-in-ontario"],"acf":[],"aioseo_notices":[],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/paragonsecurity.ca\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/6309","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/paragonsecurity.ca\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/paragonsecurity.ca\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/paragonsecurity.ca\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/3"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/paragonsecurity.ca\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=6309"}],"version-history":[{"count":0,"href":"https:\/\/paragonsecurity.ca\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/6309\/revisions"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/paragonsecurity.ca\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/5332"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/paragonsecurity.ca\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=6309"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/paragonsecurity.ca\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=6309"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/paragonsecurity.ca\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=6309"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}