Security licensing requirements in British Columbia
In British Columbia, security licensing is handled by the British Columbia Security Programs Division. XGuard requires guards working in British Columbia to provide security licence. Agencies are asked for security licence. These are the documents XGuard asks agencies in British Columbia to hold before they can list. XGuard checks them and never provides or arranges cover. The licence itself is issued by the British Columbia Security Programs Division. Independent professionals and agencies both list on XGuard; local rules decide who must hold which licence.
How licensing works in British Columbia
Who licenses
The Security Programs Division of the British Columbia government.
Who needs a licence
Security workers in British Columbia need a provincial licence.
Steps
- Training is the Basic Security Training certificate from the Justice Institute of British Columbia or an approved school (certificates stopped being issued after 15 December 2025; completions after that date are verified with the Institute), or a licence from Alberta, Saskatchewan, Manitoba or Ontario.
- New application fees by licence term: CAD 60 (90 days), 120 (1 year), 180 (2 years), 240 (3 years); renewal and change fees differ.
Typical timeline
Not published on the pages checked; varies — check the Security Programs Division (https://www2.gov.bc.ca).
Documents XGuard checks
- Security licenceRequired, expires
These are the documents XGuard asks agencies in British Columbia to hold before they can list. XGuard checks them and never provides or arranges cover. The licence itself is issued by the British Columbia Security Programs Division.
Wages and verification
British Columbia Minimum Wage.
Verify a licence on the official public register.
XGuard verifies licences by document review and, where the regulator publishes a lookup, against that lookup.
Frequently asked
Who issues security licences in British Columbia?
Security licences in British Columbia are issued by the British Columbia Security Programs Division.
Can I check a British Columbia security licence online?
Yes. British Columbia Security Programs Division publishes a public lookup at https://justice.gov.bc.ca/security/security-licence-status-verification. XGuard verifies licences by document review and, where the regulator publishes a lookup, against that lookup.
Does a security agency need its own licence in British Columbia?
XGuard asks agencies in British Columbia for: Security licence. These are the documents XGuard asks agencies in British Columbia to hold before they can list. XGuard checks them and never provides or arranges cover. The licence itself is issued by the British Columbia Security Programs Division.
Next steps
Sources
- Primary-source re-validation 2026-07-01
- British Columbia: security worker training
- British Columbia: security worker application
Last verified: July 2, 2026
XGuard is a marketplace. It does not employ security professionals or issue licences, and it does not promise work. Requirements change, so confirm with the regulator before you apply.