To work as a security guard anywhere in British Columbia, you need a valid security worker licence issued by Security Programs under the Security Services Act. Getting one comes down to four things: meeting the minimum age (19), completing Basic Security Training, passing a criminal record check with fingerprinting, and submitting your application with the licence fee (between $60 and $240 depending on the term you choose). This guide walks you through the entire 2026 process, step by step.
Do you need a licence to work security in BC?
Yes. Under British Columbia's Security Services Act, anyone who performs security work in the province must hold a valid BC security worker licence. That applies even if you already hold a security licence from another province, an out-of-province licence does not let you work in BC.
It is worth understanding two different licence types:
- Security worker licence – the licence you (the individual) need to legally work as a guard.
- Security business licence – the licence a company like Fireball Security holds to operate and employ guards.
This guide covers the worker licence for the security guard category, the most common path into the industry.
Who runs security licensing in BC?
Licensing is administered by Security Programs, part of the Ministry of Public Safety and Solicitor General, under the Security Services Act and the Security Services Regulation. They set the requirements, process applications, and issue licences.
BC security worker licence requirements in 2026
To qualify for a security guard licence, you need to meet four core requirements.
1. Be at least 19 years old
You must be 19 or older to apply for a security guard licence. (Some supervised categories, such as locksmith-under-supervision or alarm-installer-under-supervision, allow applicants aged 16 or older.)
2. Complete Basic Security Training (BST)
The security guard category requires a 40-hour Basic Security Training program covering the fundamentals of the role, legal authorities and limits, use of force, report writing, and emergency response.
Important 2025 update: the Justice Institute of British Columbia (JIBC) stopped issuing BST certificates after December 15, 2025. Training is now delivered through Approved Security Training Schools, and equivalent 40-hour training curriculum may be accepted. If you completed your training after December 15, 2025, the registrar will verify your course completion directly. Always confirm your provider is currently approved before enrolling.
3. Pass a criminal record check (fingerprinting)
Under the Security Services Regulation, applicants must complete prescribed checks, including identity verification and fingerprinting. This criminal record check is a standard, mandatory part of the process for every applicant.
4. Submit your application and pay the fee
Once your training and record check are in order, you apply online through Security Programs and pay the licence fee for your chosen term.
How much does a BC security licence cost?
The licence fee depends on the term you select:
- 90 days: $60
- 1 year: $120
- 2 years: $180
- 3 years: $240
Keep in mind these are the licence fees only. Your Basic Security Training course and fingerprinting/criminal record check are billed separately by the training school and fingerprinting provider. Fees can change, so confirm the current amounts on the official BC Security Programs website before you apply.
How to apply for your BC security worker licence: step by step
- Complete Basic Security Training. Enrol in the 40-hour BST program through a currently Approved Security Training School and pass the required assessment.
- Get fingerprinted. Complete the identity verification and fingerprinting for your criminal record check.
- Apply online. Create an account and submit your security worker licence application through Security Programs.
- Choose your term and pay. Select a 90-day, 1-year, 2-year, or 3-year licence and pay the corresponding fee.
- Wait for processing. The registrar reviews your application and verifies your training and record check.
- Receive your licence and start working. Once approved, you can legally work as a security guard in BC, and carry your licence while on duty.
How long does it take to get licensed?
There is no single fixed timeline, it depends on how quickly you complete training, get fingerprinted, and how long processing takes. A realistic plan is to allow a few weeks from starting your Basic Security Training to holding your licence in hand. Booking your training and fingerprinting early is the best way to avoid delays.
Do out-of-province guards need a BC licence?
Yes. A security licence from Alberta, Ontario, or any other province does not authorize you to work in British Columbia. You must hold a valid BC security worker licence to do security work here, so plan to apply through Security Programs before starting any BC-based role.
What happens after you are licensed?
Your licence is valid for the term you selected (90 days to 3 years). To keep working, renew before it expires, a lapsed licence means you cannot legally work until it is reinstated. Always carry your licence while on duty and keep your contact details current with Security Programs.
This is where the licence turns into a career. Once you are licensed, security companies across BC can hire you for static guarding, mobile patrols, event security, and more.
Ready to put your BC licence to work?
At Fireball Security, we hire licensed, professional guards across British Columbia, from Kelowna and the Okanagan to Vancouver, Victoria, and beyond. We offer competitive pay, paid training and certifications, medical and dental benefits, and clear advancement paths from guard to supervisor to management.
If you are licensed (or working toward it) and want to join a tech-forward team that values its people, explore careers at Fireball Security or call us at 250-899-6620. Businesses that need licensed guards can request a free quote or learn more about our static guarding services.
Frequently asked questions
How much does it cost to get a security licence in BC? The security worker licence fee ranges from $60 (90 days) to $240 (3 years). Basic Security Training and fingerprinting are additional costs billed by your training school and fingerprinting provider.
How long is a BC security licence valid? You can choose a term of 90 days, 1 year, 2 years, or 3 years when you apply, and renew before it expires.
Do I need training to become a security guard in BC? Yes. The security guard category requires 40-hour Basic Security Training, now delivered through Approved Security Training Schools following the December 2025 change to how certificates are issued.
Can I work security in BC with a licence from another province? No. An out-of-province licence does not authorize security work in BC. You need a BC security worker licence.
How old do you have to be to get a security guard licence in BC? You must be at least 19 years old for the security guard category.
This guide is for general information and reflects requirements as of 2026. Licensing rules and fees can change, always confirm current requirements, forms, and fees with BC Security Programs before applying.
