Basic Security Training (BST)
Mandatory Training Course
Under the Security Services Act, security professionals are required to complete mandatory training prior to eligibility for Provincial licensing. Basic Security Training must be successfully completed through an approved training school. BST course outline.
Mandatory Security Training in BC
There are mandatory training requirements in the Province of BC for security service types. In addition to training, those in the security industry also must be licensed. Direct licensing is a significant change in security industry licensing. The Mandatory training and license requirements are governed by the Ministry of Public Safety and Solicitor General.
The Security Services Act
Under the Security Services Act, individuals working in the security industry are responsible to obtain and hold a security worker license. Prior to September 1, 2008. In addition, with the implementation of the Security Services Act, a number of new sectors of the security industry will be regulated. The new sectors are: commissionaires, armoured car guards, closed circuit television installers (Access Control), in-house security guards, in-house private investigators, bodyguards, and doorpersons at licensed liquor establishments.
For more information on the Security Services Act and the Security Industry and Licensing, you can go the website
New Training Materials:
The New Security Services Act (SSA) has come into force effective September 1, 2008. This new legislation will bring in a number of previously un-regulated industries into the licensing process. Effective September 1, 2009, In-house security will be required to obtain a Security Worker license through the Security Programs and Police Technology Division of the Ministry of Public Safety and Solicitor General. Information regarding the licensing process can be found at http://www.pssg.gov.bc.ca/securityindustry
Due to these changes, the required training program has been updated. On March 1, 2009 the new training materials and process will come into effect. Currently Security Workers are required to successfully complete Basic Standards Training 1 and 2 in order to receive the Certificate of Completion required to obtain a Security Worker license in British Columbia.
As of March 1, 2009, Security Workers will only be required to successfully complete one 40 hour course: Basic Security Training to meet these licensing requirements. Between March 1 and June 1, 2009, both Basic Standards Training 1 & 2, and Basic Security Training (new) will be acceptable for licensing.
The Security Services Act was brought into force with the Security Services Regulation on September 1, 2008. The Security Services Act enhances public safety by ensuring consistent and appropriate standards across the security industry.
All types of security businesses and security workers are required to hold a valid Security Business or Security Worker License under the terms set out by the new act, its regulations, and license conditions. In addition to the existing sectors that are currently licensed, the following new sectors of the security industry will be required to obtain licensing to operate in British Columbia by the following dates:
- Corps of commissionaires - September 1, 2008
- Armoured car guards - December 1, 2008
- In-house security and private investigators - September 1, 2009
- Bodyguards - November 1, 2009
- Door staff at licensed liquor establishments - November 1, 2009
Security Businesses and Security Workers that Require Licensing
As of September 1, 2008, the following security service types require licensing (or renewal of existing licenses) under the new Security Services Act.
- Security Guards
- Security Alarm Service, Sales, Monitoring and/or Response
- Armoured Car
- Security Consultant
- Locksmith
The following security service types also require licensing under the Security Services Act. The licensing requirement will be phased in over the next year.
- Commissionaire – effective November 1, 2008
- Armoured Car Guard – effective December 1, 2008
- Closed Circuit Television Installer – effective March 1, 2009
- Electronic Locking Device Installer (Access Control) – effective March 1, 2009
- In-house security guard – licensed as "security guard" service effective September 1, 2009
- In-house private investigator – licensed as "security guard" service effective September 1, 2009
- Bodyguard – licensed as "security guard" service effective November 1, 2009
- Doorperson at licensed liquor establishments – licensed as "security guard" service effective Nov 1, 2009
Training Exemptions
If you have peace office experience (within the last three years) and current certification in use of force (within the last 3 years), you could qualify for a training exemption from taking the mandatory training by filling out an Application for Training Exemption.