Private Security & Investigative Services

Training & Testing

Security Guard Test Preparation Guide

Section 1 - Introduction to the Security Industry

The Private Security and Investigative Services Act, 2005 (PSISA) regulates the private security industry. The PSISA was proclaimed into force on August 23, 2007 to help professionalize the security industry, increase public safety and ensure practitioners receive proper training and are qualified to provide protective services. The PSISA and its regulations govern the way the private security industry operates in Ontario.

The Training and Testing Regulation made under the PSISA came into force on April 15, 2010. All security guards must fulfill the mandatory requirements of the Training and Testing Regulation in order to be eligible to apply for a licence.

Who needs a security guard licence?

Individuals are required to have a security guard licence if they perform work, for remuneration, that consists primarily of protecting persons or property. This includes but is not limited to bodyguards, bouncers and loss prevention personnel, and more generally speaking, individuals who patrol premises.

References/Resources

Private Security and Investigative Services Branch website:

http://www.ontario.ca/private-security

Training Curriculum for Security Guards (applicable to all sections of the Test Preparation Guide)