Security Officer

Be the one keeping your community or organization safe.

Career Overview

Security professionals are frontline workers who play an important role in keeping people safe in a variety of everyday situations and environments. They protect property against theft and vandalism, provide personal protection, control access to facilities, help maintain order, enforce regulations at public events, conduct investigations for clients or employers, and other protective services.

In Canada, a license issued by the provincial or territorial government is required to be employed in a variety of security worker positions. The full list of positions in BC requiring a license under the Security Services Act is available on the BC Employment, Business & Economic Development webpage.

To become licensed, you must complete the Basic Security Training course through the Justice Institute of British Columbia (JIBC) online or through a school approved by JIBC. You may not have to complete the course if you have served in a law enforcement capacity in Canada. Certain training provided outside of BC can also be considered as equivalent to BC’s course.

For details, visit the government’s Training to be a Security Industry Professional webpage.

Career Prospects

Security professionals serve a variety of roles with more than 20,000 security license holders in BC. Their job titles include security guard, bodyguard, airport inspector, alarm response, security investigator, armoured car guard, K-9 handler, bouncer, alarm installer, private investigator, security consultant, and others.

Aside from entry-level positions, licensed individuals can advance their careers into more senior or specialized positions with additional training and experience, or transition to other law enforcement careers.

There is a significant demand for security professionals in BC. Nearly 70% of job openings will be due to the replacement of retiring workers. The remainder will be due to growth in the security market. Demand is strongest in the Lower Mainland of BC, with significant need in the Vancouver Island, Thompson-Okanagan and Cariboo regions of the province.

For more details about the career outlook for security professionals, visit the WorkBC Explore Careers webpage.

Personal Qualifications

• Good communication skills
• Physically and mentally in good health
• Ability to work independently and in a team environment
• Methodical with proficient computer skills
• Personal integrity
• Desire to contribute to their community

Minimum Requirements

• Being at least 19 years of age (minimum age of 16 to be a locksmith under supervision, security alarm installer under supervision or a security alarm monitor)
• Proof of residency in Canada (birth certificate or Canadian passport, record-of-landing document, permanent residence or citizenship card, work or study permit) 
• English fluency with a minimum of Level 5 of the Canadian Language Benchmark 
• Providing fingerprints under the Security Services Act.
• A clean criminal record
• Complete a Mental Health Condition Report if you currently receiving treatment, or have in the past

Additional Possible Requirements

• Certified first-aid training
• A valid driver’s license
• Investigation, conflict resolution or management training
• A valid Authorization to Carry Restricted Firearms and Prohibited Handguns certificate
• Canine Security Validation
• Advanced Security Training Certificate