News

Mandatory training in Alberta for
new security workers starts June 1, 2011

Effective June 1, 2011, all new security workers seeking licensing in Alberta must complete a mandatory training course and successfully pass the provincial examination to qualify for licensing under the Security Services and Investigators Act (SSIA).

This mandatory training includes individuals seeking licensing in the following licence classes:

  • Investigators
  • Security Services
  • Executive Security Services
  • Patrol Dogs Handlers and Companies
  • Locksmiths
  • Automotive Lock-Bypass Workers
  • Loss Prevention Services
  • Security Alarm Responders
  • Companies and workers who sell or promote the sale of locksmith equipment

The training does not apply to electronic security installers and technicians. For a complete list of exemptions, please click here.

Those in possession of a valid license prior to June 1, 2011, or whose applications are received by the Government of Alberta postmarked May 31, 2011(or earlier), will not be subject to the training requirement. Additionally, training requirements do not apply to those seeking renewal of an existing license. Those who allow a valid license to lapse without renewal will be subject to training requirements when they apply for a new license.

FAQs
Are any alternative training courses accepted?
Yes, a number of equivalent training options have been identified for industry workers, including diplomas or degrees in criminal justice studies, police or peace officer training and some training programs offered in other provinces. For a complete list of equivalencies, see section 9.0 of the SSIA Policy Manual.

Does a new employee have to complete training before being issued a licence?
Yes, all security workers in Alberta must have a license in-hand prior to commencing work. However, there are provisions for being issued a 30-day,one-time only, training license that allows workers to gain experience under the supervision of a licensed security worker.  Employers can apply for training licenses on behalf of new employees. For more information, see section 3.1.1(j) of the SSIA Policy Manual.

Where are mandatory training courses being offered?
For a complete list of certified training providers, visit the Solicitor General and Public Security website.  For more information on in-house or other training courses, contact accreditation analyst Tammy Spink at Tammy.Spink@gov.ab.ca

Where to get more information on the requirements for mandatory training?
To help create greater awareness for employers and workers in the security industry in Alberta, a number of resources are available:

  • SSIA website:  Visit www.securityprograms.alberta.ca for information on training requirements for licensing and training courses.
  • SSIA Policy Manual:  The manual has been revised to include more information on training requirements, equivalencies to training and the options available for training.  See section 9.0 of the SSIA Policy Manual on the SSIA website.

Call the Solicitor General's licensing department:  Staff will be happy to assist. Call 1-877-462-0791 (AB only), 780-427-3457, or call toll-free within Alberta by dialing 310-0000. 

Security Services and Investigators Act —
effective June 1, 2010

The Security Services and Investigators Act (SSIA) came into force June 1, 2010, in Alberta.

Under the Security Services and Investigators Act, individuals, contract businesses, and in-house company departments offering security, investigation, and locksmith services must be licensed. (Some exceptions apply for contract businesses and in-house departments.) SSIA will replace the Private Investigators and Security Guards Act.

For information, visit www.securityprograms.alberta.ca

For further information, contact:
Licensing Department, Security Programs
Toll-free: 1-877-462-0791 (Alberta only)
Phone: 780-427-3457