Hey there! If you are searching for the information about the security guard career in the Ontario state, you are welcome. Of course, it may appear rather confusing at the start, but that’s alright. We’ve got you covered. The way this guide is structured is as follows: Each point below is a step that you need to go through to obtain your security guard license without much hassle. Let’s get started!
Why Become a Security Guard in Ontario?
But firstly, let’s discuss the possible reasons for carrying out this job and becoming a security guard. Security guards are very important in ensuring security within our society today. Security guards are always counted on to guard a shopping mall, a corporate office, a residential building and so on. Moreover, there is a great demand for jobs today more than before. Statistics reveal that security guards’ market in Ontario is stepping up with no shortage of employment prospects for employees most of the time.
Real-Life Example: A Day in the Life of a Security Guard
Said to say, our main subject is a security guard named Sarah who works at a large shopping mall in Toronto. She works as security personnel and every morning before heading to other responsibility, she first conducts a security round to check on everything. A security officer regularly patrols through the store to talk to store owners, to ensure that the shoppers are comfortably oriented, and for security purposes. One day, she observed a number of youngsters acting in an odd manner. By virtue of training, she was able to wary and avert the actual theft. The reason, and this is said by Sarah, is because she has discovered that she works with a meaningful career.
Step 1: Meet the Basic Requirements
Okay, now let’s get to the point to the purpose of this article shall be. The first step for any person who wishes to obtain a security guard license in Ontario is therefore to ensure that he or she complies with the standard requirements for the practice of Security guards in the province. Here’s what you need:
Age and Citizenship
It is also important to note that anyone who wants to join should be eighteen years old and above.
It is necessary to be a Canadian citizen or respiratory in Canada at least at the time of the event.
Clean Criminal Record
Speaking about the requirements one should mention that all applicants must take a criminal record check. You cannot have any convictions that will hinder you in any way from carrying out the functions of the job.
Language Proficiency
You have to be said to have basic knowledge of English or French since the two are considered official languages in the province of Ontario.
Expert Insight: The Importance of a Clean Record
Pursuant to the input of security expert John Doe, it was highly important since it helps establish trust. It therefore becomes the duty of an applicant to let employers and or clients know that he or she is both reliable and trustworthy.
Step 2: Complete the Required Training
Finally, when the above aspects have been developed to a good standard, it is time to get trained. Ontario requires that the mediation training should entail forty hours. In this course you are going to learn about the general security measures as well as general knowledge of conflict, conflict solution and handling of emergences.
Training Topics
Security Awareness: This module deals with understanding and perceiving threats and action to protect against it.
Customer Relations: Since security guards may be in direct contact with clients, customer relations skills associated with the job are necessary as well.
Safety procedures: Among the safety procedures, you will have to memorize, there will be first aid and CPR knowledge.
Legal Responsibilities: These refer to one’s legal roles and the expectations of those to be protected.
Real-Life Example: The Training Experience
Consider Mark’s case as he has recently finished security guard training. He says, “The amount of training that there was – and that is still – offered at John Smith College was deep but useful. That means, among other things, that I was able to deal with everything ranging from petty altercations to acts of violence.
The third step towards practicing as a nurse in a province is the completion of Provincial exam.
Finally, there is the provincial exam that you have to complete after the training and be qualified to practice. This assessment is designed to challenge the knowledge you acquired from the training that you undertaken. Oh well, if you are a good student you should not have trouble with the exam since you were attending our sessions.
Exam Tips
Learn: Make an effort to go through your educational material before going to class.
Final Exam Practice: A good idea is to take practice exams in preparation of the exam format and the kind of questions that may be asked.
Stay Calm: Just as you imagine, it is just a test. Stay calm and focused.
Expert Insight: Preparing for the Exam
Security training expert Jane Smith’s tip is, “The best approach involves preparation. Revise as often as you can and ensure you comprehend fully the content you are going to teach. Some of the things may be confusing so just pause and go ask your instructor”.
Step 4: Apply for Your License
Congratulations! You’ve passed the exam. And now the next step – to get a license for a security officer. The process is simple and direct, but you are to undertake these particular steps that are outlined below.
Application Steps
- Complete the Application: They can download the form for the Ontario Ministry of Community Safety and Correctional Services and other relevant forms they require.
- Exam results: It is necessary to attach the results of the exam with your application.
- Offer a fee: There is a dollar amount that one is supposed to pay to apply for his or her license. Make sure to pay it promptly.
Real-Life Example: Applying for the License
Emily, a new security guard reports her experience about the job application process: “It was quite easy to go through the application process.” I completed an online form that included my exam results and paid the fee. A few weeks later, I got the license through post. Baw charmingly described the experience: “I simply said it felt great to finally have it!”
Step 5: Renew Your License
It is mandatory for security guard services to obtain work visa in Ontario and the license provided is for 3 years. Its next step is to renew it After that, you will be required to renew the license. It is somewhat faster than the first application, although the structure of the process remains the same.
Renewal Steps
- Continuing Education: You will need some more hours for continuing education so as to be abreast with latest security practices.
- Complete the Renewal Application: Complete the renewal form and attach your continuing education certificate.
- Renewable Fee: There are usual renewal charges just as those applied to the initial application process.
Expert Insight: The Importance of Continuing Education
The words of Michael Brown, an expert in the security industry, “It is very important to practice continuous learning because the security situation always evolves.” New risks appear and thus, security guards need to be ready for the new challenges.”
Additional Tips for Success
Here are some additional tips that could be helpful to you after you know the procedures to obtain security guard licence in Ontario.
Build a Strong Resume
In case you are writing a CV, always aim to emphasize your training as well as any experience that you may have had in that field.
Add all specific skills, for instance, first aid, and conflict management skills among others.
Network with Other Security Professionals
- Join professional organizations.
The remaining are: Participate in the industry events/conferences.
Stay Fit and Healthy
It is crucial for the security guards to be fit physically.
And remember, to have a healthy diet and exercise on a regular basis.
Real-Life Example: Building a Successful Career
Here is a worthy example, David, a security guard who works in Ontario, has been working in the security industry for more than ten years. He has noted that the establishment of good relations with other people has been very important to his success. The few people that I have interacted with in the industry have been so helpful and supportive helping me to develop. Moreover, flexibility made a huge impact in the improvement of the physical strength to meet the physically challenging requirements of the job.
Conclusion
Security guards are well protected when working in Ontario since widely recognized rules apply. If an individual is ready to be trained, prepared, and possess the right attitude, he or she has a great future in this exciting careers. However, there is nothing that complicated here that may discourage you from going on, you are already on the right track with this guide. Here are the best wishes to you and we are eagerly waiting to see you being successful.
FAQs
1. How does it take to be licensed as a security guard in Ontario?
In general, the time is required to obtain the security guard license in Ontario is approximately 4 to 6 weeks. The steps followed in the process of qualifying for judicial appraisers include completion of the forty hour course, provincial examination and submission of application. Although, the time it takes to get your passport may take a time lesser or more depending on the time spent in each process and time taken in processing your application.
2. What is the cost that one is supposed to pay when obtaining security guard license in Ontario?
As for negative findings, it is regrettable that the process of getting a security guard license in Ontario requires payment of several fees:
Training Course: The minimum and maximum hours for training is 40 hours with an approximate cost of $300-$500.
- Exam Fee: The fee of taking the provincial exam ranges from $50.
– Application Fee: Currently, the license’s application fee is $50.
Criminal Record Check: The fee for this service may range from $20 to $50 based on the degree of the provider.
Therefore, it will cost between $400 to $600 for you to obtain your security guard license.
3. Is there any requirement of experience for an individual to pursue the security guard profession in Ontario?
As for the requirement for security guards in Ontario you do not have to have any experience in this line of work. Prerequisite experiences, like the customer service or even prior work in law enforcement, are a plus. The aim of the 40 hours training course is to ensure that you acquire all the skills that are required when working in the capacity.
4. How often does a security guard need to renew the license in Ontario?
The security guard license is issued for a period of three years in the province of Ontario. To obtain the license renewal, you will have to practice a few Continuing Education hours and then apply for renewal with the fee. The process of renewing the license is basic and easy and makes it possible for the system to be up to date with the current practices of security.
5. It is possible to seek employment in a security company providing security services while applying for a license.
Eligibility to maintain work without a license depends on the state of employment: it is possible to work as a security guard even without a license, but with certain limitations. Seeking temporary work, you can practice so called “unlicensed security guard”, while your application is being processed, and the term is 30 days. While performing this operation, you shall have to operate under the Secretary’s supervision of a security guard licensed to practice. If you have passed the licensing, you are assured of working independently.
