General Information on tests for licences

Candidates who are eligible and wish to retain both Security Guard and Private Investigator

licences must take and pass both tests.

Each test must be scheduled separately.

Tests are offered at over 30 locations across Ontario

All tests must be booked in advance, either online or through a call centre agent.

The License Test Fee is $66.50 plus 13% HST for a total of $75.15

Both the Security Guard and Private Investigator tests are in a written, 60 question, and multiple choice format. Test appointments are 2 hours in duration, 75 minutes of which is the allotted test completion time.

Eligibility Criteria

You may only register and complete an examination if you hold a currently valid individual Ontario Security Guard or Private Investigator licence, or if you have completed mandatory training approved by the Ontario Ministry of Community Safety and Correctional Services.

For candidates that are not licensed by Private Security and Investigative Services Branch, you must complete Ministry prescribed basic training before you become eligible to register for and complete an examination.

Who can get a licence

You must be 18 years of age or older

You must be eligible to work in Canada

You must have a clean criminal record

Processing Time and Licence Expiry

A correctly completed application can take upto 30 days to be processed

Your new licence will expire two birthdays after the day it is issued

Responsibilities

• Security guards and private investigators must carry a valid licence at all times while on duty.
• Security guards must identify themselves and show the front of their licence to anyone who asks to see it. This includes employers, police and members of the public.
• Security guards and private investigators are responsible for adhering to the Private Security and Investigative Services Act, 2005 and its regulations, including the Code of Conduct regulation.
• Failure to comply can lead to charges.