Is this program right for you?
Prepare for a career to keep your community or organization safe. If you are 19 years of age and looking to apply for a Security Worker License in BC, this training is for you.
People who are new to the security profession are required to take the Basic Security Training to be eligible to apply for a provincial Security Worker License.
Security businesses and security workers that require licensing include:
- Uniformed security guards
- Security alarm services, sales, monitoring and/or response
- Armoured car businesses
- Security consultants
- Locksmiths
- Door staff
- Body guards - close protection
- Retail loss prevention
- Closed circuit television installer
- Electronic locking device installer (Access Control)
- In-house security
- Private investigator
- Doorperson at licensed liquor establishments
Individuals with prior training and experience can apply for an exemption from training, or an exemption from training and examination if they meet specific exemption criteria and are within applicable timelines. Exemptions are processed through the Registrar, Security Services Act and can be contacted at 1.855.587.0185.
Basic Security Training focuses on providing a foundation in:
- Professionalism and ethics
- Legal studies
- Report writing
- Personal safety
Students who successfully complete the online course and final exam are eligible to apply for the BC Security Worker License.
Basic Security Training is available through JIBC as a self-paced online course. It consists of two components: an online course (SCRT-1651) and a final exam/assessment (SCRT-1656).
Each offering of the online course has a definite start and end date. Students have three months to complete the 40-hour course. Extensions will not be granted.
Basic Security Training is also offered face-to-face through one of JIBC’s Approved Security Training Schools, which are required to follow the training standards for the security industry as outlined in the BC Security Services Act. A list of Approved Security Training Schools is available under the How to Apply section of this page.
Final Exam
Once students have completed the online course, they are eligible to take the final exam. A minimum grade of 70% must be achieved on the exam in order to receive your Certificate of Training Completion.
The exam will take place at the JIBC New Westminster campus. Please note students are required to bring their own laptop to the exam.
Students are required to write their first final exam attempt within three months of finishing the theory course. Students can write the exam a maximum of 3 times (each re-write is subject to an exam fee). If after three (3) attempts the student is not successful, they will be required to take the BST Theory (SCRT-1651) again.
Online Exam Details
Online Proctored Exams are only available for students that live outside the Lower Mainland.
Once students have completed the Basic Security Training course (SCRT-1651), contact our Registration Office at 604-528-5590 to enroll into the online exam.
For students who have been trained at an Approved Security Training School:
Approved Training Schools are asked to complete the Exam Request and Attendance List and send it to securitytraining@jibc.ca.
This list is their declaration that students have completed the mandatory 40-hour Basic Security Training Course. These records are subject to audit by JIBC.
You will be notified with further instructions to register into the exam.
Statement of Training Completion
Students must achieve a minimum of 70% on the assessment for successful completion. A Statement of Training Completion will be produced for students who receive a passing grade.
Students must log in to their myJIBC portal for up to 30 days after the exam to print (if a printer is accessible) or save their certificate.
After 30 days, you must fill out a Certificate Replacement Form.
Replacement Certificates
Replacement certificates are available for a fee of $38.59. Please fill out the Certificate Replacement Form.
You are required to provide a photocopy of valid government-issued identification along with the Certificate Replacement Form.
Forms can be received either by mail or e-mail. Please see the Certificate Replacement Form for submission details. If you are submitting your application by e-mail, Security Training Programs will provide the instructions on how to make the payment. If you are submitting your application by mail, you can choose to include a certified cheque or money order for $38.59 payable to Justice Institute of British Columbia.
Replacement certificates will be provided via e-mail.
SCRT-1651: BST Theory (Online Course)
- Domestic: $333.84
- International: $1,001.52
*A Learner Services Fee of $3.20 will be added to the above tuition fees.
The course is a 40 hour/12-week online course that is a work at your own pace course. If you wanted to finish it sooner, you can. 40 hour/12-week is the maximum.
SCRT-1656: BST Assessment
- $61.92 (for both domestic and international students)
Refund Policy
The Basic Security Training Theory online course (SCRT-1651) and the Basic Security Training Assessment (SCRT-1656) are continuous entry online courses and not eligible for refunds.
Specifics about refunds for JIBC students are provided in our Refunds Procedure, which is part of our Tuition Policy.
Students looking to complete JIBC's Basic Security Training Online Course can register online.
Students can also choose to complete their Basic Security Training at any of the following Approved Security Training Schools:
Abbotsford | |
Falcon Training Institute Inc | 778-863-2361 |
Learn 'N' Grow Academy Ltd | 604-300-5988 |
Samrat Security Training School | 236-887-0163 |
Burnaby | |
Guardteck Security Corp | 778-379-9000 |
Securiguard Services Ltd | 604-685-6011 |
Kelowna | |
Frank McConnell Quality Security Training | 250-862-0891 |
Securiguard Services Ltd | 250-763-7339 |
WT -Canadian Safety & Medic Training | 250-861-4357 |
Nanaimo | |
Footprints Security Training Institute Ltd | 250-753-6944 |
New Westminster | |
Justice Institute of British Columbia (JIBC) | 604-528-5590 [BST Online] |
Sting Executive Group International (SEGI) | 1-888-713-2673 |
Prince George | |
Northern BC Guard Academy | 250-640-8540 |
Surrey | |
1 Alpha Learning Center Ltd | 778-565-1984 |
Advanced Learning Centre Ltd | 604-543-7300 |
Canuck School of Education Ltd | 604-598-2424 |
Lead Community College Inc | 604-594-7600 |
London Security Training Institute Ltd | 604-697-0008 |
Mainland Safety Training Company | 604-617-0211 |
RupIELTS Institute Inc | 604-825-8882 |
Study Hub Academy Ltd | 604-993-3344 |
Super Study Center | 604-503-6610 |
Vancouver | |
London Security Training Institute Ltd | 604-697-0008 |
Mahadev Security Training Institute Ltd | 604-568-5250 |
Q: How do I become a security professional?
A: All persons wishing to work as a security guard in British Columbia, must successfully complete their BST certification. Upon successful completion of your BST, you must then apply for your Security Worker license through the Ministry of Public Safety and Solicitor General, Security Programs Division, in order to be eligible to work.
Q: Where can I take Basic Security Training (BST)?
A: JIBC offers BST training as an online course - SCRT-1651 (theory) and SCRT-1656 (assessment).
You may also take the course face-to-face through any of the JIBC-approved Security Training Schools.
Q: How do I register for the BST online training course through the JIBC?
A: You may contact the Registration Office at 604.528.5590 or toll-free at 1.877.528.5591, or register online.
Q: Do the BST courses (SCRT-1651 and SCRT-1656) include Gaming Security Officer (GSO) certification?
A: No, the BST courses do not include GSO certification. If you wish to obtain both your BST and GSO certifications in one course, please take the Gaming Security Officer (SCRT-1604) training course which includes both certifications.
Q: What tools and access do I need to complete the BST online course and exam?
A: You are required to register for both the online course and exam with your own unique e-mail address. You will also need access to a device that can connect to the Internet.
All in-person exams require:
- Your own laptop (a tablet will not work)
- JIBC Student User ID
- Internet browser (Google Chrome, Microsoft Edge, Safari)
All online exams require:
- Access to a computer (a tablet will not work)
- Google Chrome with the Proctorio Chrome extension installed (*Click on the links to install) You can confirm The Proctorio Extension is installed when the blue button says “Remove from Chrome” – No need to do anything further with this.
- Microphone (any internal or external)
- Webcam (320x240 VGA minimum)
- Minimum bandwidth of 0.244 Mbps (0.664 Mbps recommended) (Wired connection recommended)
- Free disk space of 250MB & Free RAM of 2 GB
- For additional help with setup please visit https://proctorio.com/support#settingUp
Please note: This setup must be completed prior to your exam day.
Q: What is the age requirement to take the BST course?
A: You can complete your BST certification before the age of 19, however, you must be 19 years of age in order to apply for your Security Worker license, which is required to work in the field.
Q: What are the pre-requisites for the BST course?
A: Students must have a good command of the English language, both spoken and written. This is a requirement for licensing.
Q: What background security checks are required to take the course?
A: Security checks are not required to complete your BST certification. However, a criminal record check is required for Security Worker licensing as part of the application process. For further information regarding licensing requirements, don't hesitate to get in touch with the Ministry of Public Safety and Solicitor General, Security Programs Division.
Q: I have similar prior training; do I still have to take the BST course?
A: If you have peace officer experience (within the last 3 years) you may qualify for a training exemption from taking the mandatory training. BST Exemptions are granted only by the Ministry of Public Safety and Solicitor General, Security Programs Division, not through the JIBC. Please see their website for details.
Q: Do I have to complete my exam before the course expires?
A: Students are required to write their first final exam attempt within 3 months of finishing the theory course. As this is a self-paced course, students must plan appropriately in order to complete the online training and final exam within the allotted time.
Q: How do I get a replacement BST Certificate?
A: To request a replacement certificate please complete and submit the certificate replacement form and fee.
Q: How do I get my security worker license?
A: Once you have successfully passed the BST courses and received your certificate, you will need to apply for your Security Worker License. Licensing is done through the Ministry of Public Safety and Solicitor General, Security Programs Division. JIBC is only responsible for your certification. Please see the Ministry of Public Safety and Solicitor General, Security Programs Division's website for further information on the licensing procedure and application form.
Phone number: 1.855.587.0185 (press 1)
Email: SGSPDSEC@gov.bc.ca
Students must have successfully completed BST Theory (SCRT-1651) before registering for BST Exam (SCRT-1656) to register for your BST Assessment.
1. Visit myJIBC Student Portal
You will need an active JIBC Student number and Password to login. To reset your password, click, Login to Self-Service.
If you already have an active JIBC Student Number and Password, proceed to step 2.
Then click Forgot Password?
-
- From the Forgot Password page, enter your JIBC Student Number and Email Address on file.
Click Submit. - You will receive a message to check your email for further instructions.
- Once you have successfully reset your password, return to myJIBC student portal
- From the Forgot Password page, enter your JIBC Student Number and Email Address on file.
2. Click Self-Service
3. Enter your JIBC Student Number and Password.
Click Sign In.
4. From the Self-Service home page, click Register & Pay for Continuing Studies.
5. Type SCRT-1656 in the Course Code Number box.
Click Search.
6. On the search results page, scroll down until you find an exam with available seats. Click Select on the exam you’d like to register for.
7. If the exam is full, you will get the message in red below, "This Section is Full."
If the exam has available seats, there will be no message in red. Click Add Section.
8. You will get confirmation that the exam has successfully been added to your cart.
Click Next.
9. Fill out the Additional Details.
Click Submit.
10. Pay for Classes page will be displayed. Confirm correct exam date is listed, total of $61.92 is appearing, select Payment Methods (Visa or Mastercard).
Click Proceed to Payment.
11. Payment Review page displays, click Pay Now. Please pay by Visa or Mastercard. PLEASE NOTE: Visa Debit and Mastercard Debit are not accepted.
12. Enter the required payment information. Click Pay Now.
A ‘transaction being processed’ message will be displayed.
13. When payment has been processed Class/Payment Acknowledgement page will be displayed.
A copy of this acknowledgement will also be sent to your email on file.
All exams are held at JIBC New Westminster campus. Students who live and completed training in the Lower Mainland (within the geographical area from Squamish to Abbotsford) must take their exam at the JIBC New Westminster Campus.
Students who completed the course outside of this region will be offered an alternative.
Registration Office, can assist you:
- 604-528-5590 – Greater Vancouver
- 1-877-528-5591 – Toll-free (North America only)
- Hours: Monday – Friday 9:00 am to 4:00 pm, Wednesdays 9:30 am to 4:00 pm
In-person exams:
- Mondays: 6:00 p.m. – 7:30 p.m.
- Tuesdays: 2:00 p.m. – 3:30 p.m. Or 6:00 p.m. – 7:30 p.m.
- Wednesdays: 2:00 p.m. – 3:30 p.m. Or 6:00 p.m. – 7:30 p.m.
- Thursdays: 2:00 p.m. – 3:30 p.m. Or 6:00 p.m. – 7:30 p.m.
- Saturdays: 10:00 a.m. – 11:30 a.m. Or 1:30 p.m. – 3:00 p.m.
Location: JIBC New Westminster Campus, 715 McBride Blvd, New Westminster, BC, V3L 5T4
Classroom: see the confirmation letter that will be sent to you 5 days before your exam
The Basic Security Training Assessment (SCRT-1656) is a 1 hour and a half, 75-question exam. You will need to bring a laptop to this in-person exam.
Below are the requirements:
- Bring your own laptop (tablets or iPads will not work). Please ensure that your laptop is fully charged and that you have your charging cable with you.
Note that there are no laptops available at the JIBC - Write down your JIBC Student User ID (example: j0000001) that is sent to you on the day you registered for the exam
- Have your password ready.
-Click here if you are a new student or you forgot your password (once you are able to log-in, please note that the exam will not appear in your profile until the day of the exam).
-If you already have a password, please disregard this requirement. - Internet browser (Google Chrome, Microsoft Edge, Safari)
Additional instructions / information to note:
- Arrive 30 minutes early for the exam. Students that arrive 30 minutes after the scheduled starting time will not be allowed to take the exam.
- Bring a printed/digital copy your confirmation email (sent a week before the exam).
- Students must bring government issued photo identification. Without it, you will NOT be permitted to write: Valid Canadian photo ID, Driver’s License, BCID, Passport, Citizenship or other Gov’t issued ID with photo.
- There are 75 multiple-choice and True/False questions.
- To pass the exam, a student must score a minimum of 70%.
- This is a closed book exam. The use of any notes, books or study material is not allowed during the exam. This includes dictionaries, web browsers, or any course material of any kind. Cellphones / electronic devices must be turned off.
- You will receive your score immediately after you finish the exam. If you are successful, your certificate will be released within 5 business days and can be downloaded.
- There will be no re-scheduling or refunds for this exam. If you are unable to attend, make sure you withdraw at least seven business days in advance.
Once you have successfully passed the BST courses and received your certificate, you will need to apply for your Security Worker License. Licensing is done through the Ministry of Public Safety and Solicitor General, Security Programs Division. JIBC is only responsible for your certification. Please see the Ministry of Public Safety and Solicitor General, Security Programs Division's website for further information on the licensing procedure and application form.
Phone number: 1.855.587.0185 (press 1)
Email: SGSPDSEC@gov.bc.ca
To request a replacement certificate please complete and submit the certificate replacement form and fee.
Activity considered cheating during an exam includes being dishonest or trying to be dishonest. This could include, but is not limited to, copying someone else's answers, accessing material or devices you’re not allowed to have, talking to someone else during the exam without permission, taking an exam for someone else, or letting someone else take an exam for you.
The Justice Institute of British Columbia expects all students enrolled in Basic Security Training (BST) to abide by the following rules during an assessment or exam:
In person Exams:
- Students are not allowed to have anything on the desk other than a laptop.
- No talking is allowed during the exam.
- The exam is CLOSED BOOK. Students are NOT allowed to use of any notes, books, or study material during the exam. This includes dictionaries, web browsers, artificial intelligence platforms (ex. ChatGPT), or other any material.
- The sharing of exam information, including the copying and communication about the exam, is not allowed, and is considered cheating.
Please note, JIBC staff will ask students to stop writing and leave the exam if they suspect these rules are not being followed.
Online Exams:
- The exam is CLOSED BOOK. Students are NOT allowed to use of any notes, books, or study material during the exam. This includes dictionaries, web browsers, artificial intelligence platforms (ex. ChatGPT), or any other material.
- A student must keep their full face within the screen at all times throughout the exam.
- All students must “click” Scan Room, then scan the entire 360 degrees of room slowly and all around the space.
- A student must be alone in the room. No assistance from others is allowed.
Please note, the exam application (Proctorio) will be monitoring all students during the exam. Any indicators of cheating such as looking at or referring to resources, talking or moving away from the screen, or the presence of other people in the room will delay or prevent certification. All exams are reviewed before the certificate is released.
Consequences of Cheating:
Instances of cheating by students within the BST program will be addressed as follows: 1st occurrence of cheating:
- The student receives a grade of FAIL.
- Assessment or Exam rewrite is not permitted for 90 days.
- The exam must be taken in person at the Justice Institute of British Columbia, or another designated location.
2nd occurrence of cheating:
- The student receives a grade of FAIL.
- No rewrites are allowed.
- After one (1) year, the student may retake the course and write the exam after course completion.
- The exam must be taken in person at the Justice Institute of British Columbia, or another designated location.
Please refer to JIBC’s Student Academic Integrity Policy and Procedure for more information, including a student’s right to appeal a decision and discipline with respect to student academic misconduct such as cheating.
The JIBC is not accepting BST instructor applications at this time.
The JIBC is not accepting BST school applications at this time.
COURSES IN THIS PROGRAM
SCRT-1651 Basic Security Training Theory | SCRT-1656 Basic Security Training Assessment |