Private Security & Investigative Services

Training and Testing

Security Guard Test Preparation Guide
Security Guard Curriculum
Security Guard Curriculum Crosswalk
Security Guard Test Preparation Checklist

Private Investigator Test Preparation Guide
Private Investigator Curriculum
Private Investigator Curriculum Crosswalk
Private Investigator Test Preparation Checklist

Training & Testing Frequently Asked Questions - updated April 20, 2010

Memorandum To: Private Security Stakeholders – Feb. 25, 2010

To the Public

If you are interested in becoming a security guard, private investigator or both, you will need to be trained. The entities listed below have identified themselves as providing training in accordance with The Training and Testing Regulation made under the Private Security and Investigative Services Act, 2005 .

We strongly encourage individuals seeking training to practice due diligence before registering for a training program. Before selecting a training entity, an individual may consider visiting their website, reviewing their program catalogues or training materials, and checking their references.

To Training Providers

Please note, the list set out below should only include training entities that are currently providing training to the public. Training entities that currently do not offer training to the public should request that their details be removed from the list by sending an email to PSISB.TrainingAndTesting@ontario.ca.

If you chose to offer training to the public at a later time, you may send an e-mail to PSISB.TrainingAndTesting@ontario.ca. to have your training entity name added to the list.

To Registered Businesses and Their Employees

Please be advised that registered businesses can only train their own employees. Training programs offered by registered businesses are not available to the public. A registered business training entity list is set out below. Employees of a registered business can use this list to check that their employer has identified itself as being eligible to provide training to its employees.

Booking a Security Guard and/or Private Investigator Test with Serco

Please note that the Private Security and Investigative Services Branch does not book security guard and private investigator tests.

Serco DES Inc. is the ministry’s test delivery vendor. They provide test hosting and exam oversight services. To book a security guard and/or private investigator test(s), you must contact Serco directly at www.ontariosecuritytesting.ca/.

As of April 15, 2010, the new basic Training and Testing Regulation takes effect. This Regulation helps strengthen the professional requirements for security guards and private investigators and enhance public safety.

All new applicants must undergo a basic training program and pass a test of their knowledge before they can apply for a security guard and/or private investigator licence. Existing licensees do not need to take the basic training course before attempting the ministry test. Beginning July 16, 2010, existing licensees are required to pass the ministry test before applying for their licence renewal.

For more information on the basic Training and Testing Regulation, please see our “Backgrounder”, or visit the Frequently Asked Questions.

Test Delivery Services

Beginning April 15, 2010, individuals seeking licences to work as security guards and/or private investigators must first pass the ministry test. Test hosting and invigilation services are provided by Serco DES Inc. For further information about test delivery and how to register please visit Serco’s website at www.ontariosecuritytesting.ca/

Instructor-led Web-based Learning & Provision of Ministry Test Results

Update: Training And Testing Regulation

Training Entity Identification Process

On April 15, 2010 the new basic Training and Testing Regulation will be in force. You will find below, a list of training entities that have identified themselves to the Private Security and Investigative Services Branch. Please note, this list is neither a ministry endorsement nor a recommendation of any trainer or training program.

Training entities that offer security guard and/or private investigator training under the new Training and Testing Regulation must identify themselves to the ministry by completing the Training Entity Identification Form (TEIF).

Training entities will soon be able to upload information about their students’ training status and eligibility to write the ministry test. Independent training entities can only provide security guard and/or private investigator training by entering into an agreement with a licensed agency or registered business to provide training on its behalf. The agency/business, not the independent training provider, must complete the TEIF and will be listed as the training entity on the ministry’s website.

The Private Security and Investigative Services Branch accepts TEIFs on an on-going basis and encourages training entities to submit them as soon as possible. Forms can be sent by e-mail to PSISB.TrainingAndTesting@ontario.ca or by fax to 416-326-0034.

List of Training Entities

Training Entity Identification Form (Word / PDF / HTML / Online)

Consent and Release of Liability

Students registered in a training program under the Training and Testing Regulation must complete a Consent and Release of Liability Form. This allows the training entity, the ministry, and the test delivery provider, Serco, to share information about a student’s eligibility to write the test and apply for a licence. Training entities should distribute this form to their students and provide instructions on how to complete and submit it. The form is also available on the ministry’s website:

Consent and Release of Liability Form (Word / PDF / HTML)

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