Security Services Licensing in Ontario

Security guards in Ontario must hold a valid Security Guard Licence issued under the Private Security and Investigative Services Act, 2005 (PSISA). Applicants must be at least 18 years old, legally entitled to work in Canada, complete a Ministry-approved 40-hour training course, pass the required licensing test to obtain a Testing Completion Number (TCN), and undergo a Criminal Record and Judicial Matters Check (CRJMC). Licences are valid for two years and renewed through the ServiceOntario Licensing Portal. Security businesses must also hold a valid agency licence. Ontario transitioned to a fully digital licensing system in September 2023.

Ask to see their Security Guard Licence. Verify it is current and issued by the Province of Ontario.

(1) Guards cannot produce a valid Ontario Security Guard Licence when asked (2) The company does not hold a valid agency licence under PSISA (3) No liability insurance or refuses to provide proof of coverage (4) Guards arrive without uniforms, identification, or communication equipment (5) Company cannot provide references from similar security assignments

(1) Is your company licensed under the Private Security and Investigative Services Act? (2) Are all guards licensed and trained beyond the minimum 40-hour requirement? (3) What liability insurance coverage do you carry? (4) How do you handle incident reporting and communication with clients? (5) What is the guard-to-supervisor ratio, and who is on call for emergencies?

Yes, security services in Ontario are expected to carry liability insurance and WSIB coverage.

Typical rates for security services in Ontario range from $28-$60/hour (standard guard). Type of security service (static guard, mobile patrol, event, executive protection), number of guards required, shift length and time of day (overnight and weekend shifts carry premiums), duration of contract (long-term contracts get lower rates), level of training and clearance required, location, and whether armed or unarmed service is needed. The bill rate covers the guard's wages, training, provincial licensing fees, insurance, CPP, EI, WSIB, and management overhead.