Security licensing requirements in Ontario
In Ontario, security licensing is handled by the Ontario Private Security and Investigative Services Branch. XGuard requires guards working in Ontario to provide security licence. Agencies are asked for security licence. These are the documents XGuard asks agencies in Ontario to hold before they can list. XGuard checks them and never provides or arranges cover. The licence itself is issued by the Ontario Private Security and Investigative Services Branch. Independent professionals and agencies both list on XGuard; local rules decide who must hold which licence.
How licensing works in Ontario
Who licenses
The Private Security and Investigative Services Branch of the Ministry of the Solicitor General.
Who needs a licence
Security guards in Ontario need a provincial licence.
Steps
- Be 18, legally entitled to work in Canada, with a clean criminal record and a Criminal Record and Judicial Matters Check issued within six months of applying.
- Complete basic training of at least 40 hours including emergency first aid and cardiopulmonary resuscitation.
- Pass the ministry test (60 multiple-choice questions, 75 minutes).
- Apply: CAD 80 for a security guard licence; the licence expires two birthdays after issue.
Typical timeline
Not published on the pages checked; varies — check the Private Security and Investigative Services Branch (https://www.ontario.ca).
Documents XGuard checks
- Security licenceRequired, expires
These are the documents XGuard asks agencies in Ontario to hold before they can list. XGuard checks them and never provides or arranges cover. The licence itself is issued by the Ontario Private Security and Investigative Services Branch.
Wages and verification
Ontario 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 Ontario?
Security licences in Ontario are issued by the Ontario Private Security and Investigative Services Branch.
Can I check a Ontario security licence online?
Yes. Ontario Private Security and Investigative Services Branch publishes a public lookup at https://compliance.gov.on.ca/services/psis-publicregistry/individual/en. 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 Ontario?
XGuard asks agencies in Ontario for: Security licence. These are the documents XGuard asks agencies in Ontario to hold before they can list. XGuard checks them and never provides or arranges cover. The licence itself is issued by the Ontario Private Security and Investigative Services Branch.
Next steps
Sources
- Primary-source re-validation 2026-07-01
- Ontario: security guard or private investigator licence
- Ontario: security guard and private investigator testing
- Ontario: basic training
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.