- a master’s degree
- no certificate, diploma or degree
- an apprenticeship or trades certificate or diploma
- a degree in medicine, dentistry, veterinary medicine or optometry
- some other certificate, diploma or degree
Staff turnover is relatively high given the low entry requirements. footnote 1 [1]
In addition to formal education requirements, security guards, private investigators, and roles in other related security service occupations require specific skills and knowledge to carry out their work professionally, safely, and lawfully. Trending work requirements for the occupation in 2022—2023 have been captured by the Labour Market Information Council. footnote 2 [2]
Work requirements for security guards and related security service occupations
| Category | Work requirements | Occurrence (%) |
|---|---|---|
| Knowledge | First aid | 34% |
| Knowledge | CPR | 33% |
| Knowledge | English language | 15% |
| Skills | Customer service | 61% |
| Skills | Communication skills | 57% |
| Skills | Interpersonal skills | 31% |
| Tools and Technology | Closed circuit television ( CCTV ) systems | 16% |
| Tools and Technology | Microsoft Office | 8% |
| Other | Flexibility | 34% |
| Other | Fast-paced setting | 22% |
| Other | Self-starter/Self-motivated | 19% |
Income prospects
According to available labour market information, the median income for security guards, private investigators and related security service occupations in Ontario is $42,800. footnote 3 [3] The provincial median hourly wage for those in the profession was $17.20 as of the third quarter of 2022. footnote 4 [4] The hourly wage across Canada at the same period in time was as follows:
Hourly wages by province/territory
| Province/Territory | Low ($/hour) | Median ($/hour) | High ($/hour) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Alberta | $16.00 | $19.00 | $26.50 |
| British Columbia | $16.75 | $18.00 | $30.00 |
| Manitoba | $14.15 | $16.00 | $23.75 |
| New Brunswick | $14.75 | $16.92 | $26.00 |
| Newfoundland and Labrador | $14.50 | $16.50 | $24.23 |
| Northwest Territories | $16.00 | $20.00 | $28.26 |
| Nova Scotia | $14.50 | $14.81 | $23.99 |
| Nunavut | $20.00 | $25.00 | $37.00 |
| Ontario | $15.50 | $17.20 | $28.85 |
| Prince Edward Island | $14.50 | $15.00 | $22.00 |
| Quebec | $17.00 | $18.99 | $25.00 |
| Saskatchewan | $13.00 | $17.46 | $27.00 |
| Yukon | not available | not available | not available |
Key industry trends
Although 54% of jobs are in the Toronto region, the majority of job postings are concentrated in Southwestern and Northern Ontario. Individuals who fall under the security guards and related security service occupations are employed across multiple sectors, with the largest share employed by licensed agencies. Municipal governments and gambling industries are also key employers. Opportunities in loss prevention efforts in some retail facilities remain steady, and there are an increasing number of job openings across the province to provide services to high-rise residential condominiums. footnote 5 [5]
Regions with the highest employment: footnote 6 [6]
- Toronto: 54%
- Ottawa: 14%
- Hamilton-Niagara: 7%
Employment outlook across Canada
According to labour market information, footnote 5 [5] the employment outlook will be good for security guards, private investigators, and related security service occupations in Ontario for 2023—2024, due to the following factors:
- employment growth will lead to a moderate number of new positions
- opportunities will become available due to retirements
- high employee turnover could lead to additional employment opportunities
Alberta and the Yukon also have a good employment outlook. Manitoba, Newfoundland and Labrador, Nova Scotia and Prince Edward Island have a moderate outlook while British Columbia, New Brunswick, Northwest Territories and Nunavut have a limited outlook.
Program highlights
This section outlines program highlights in the following five areas:
- training and testing
- licensing and registration
- public complaints
- compliance and enforcement
- suspensions and revocations
Training and testing
Training and testing are key components of the ministry’s oversight of the private security and investigative services industry, which ensures individuals entering the industry have the knowledge and skills to perform their jobs professionally, safely, and lawfully.
Training overview
Security guard and private investigator candidates must successfully complete a training program that complies with the ministry syllabi. Security guard applicants are also required to be trained in emergency first aid upon initial licensure.
Training can be provided by the following institutions:
- public universities
- community colleges
- career colleges
- agencies licensed to provide security guard or private investigator services
- registered employers that employ in-house security guards
In 2022–2023, there were a total of 333 training entities across the province.
Training entities across Ontario
| Type of training entity | Number of training entities |
|---|---|
| Licensed agencies | 268 |
| Registered employers | 15 |
| Career colleges | 29 |
| Community colleges | 21 |
| Total | 333 |
Training oversight
In response to continued provision of non-compliant or poor-quality training, several additional measures were introduced to ensure understanding of minimum training requirements and to support quality training:
- all new training programs are reviewed for compliance with the minimum ministry standards prior to enrollment as a training entity
- all businesses seeking to deliver training are now required to attest that training meets regulatory requirements
- targeted inspection of training programs was launched to ensure training entities can demonstrate the ability to provide training according to ministry requirements
- data analytics are now employed to identify training number anomalies that may indicate non-compliance with ministry requirements
Testing overview
After completing the required training, all candidates must successfully pass the ministry exam to be eligible to apply for a licence.
In January 2023, following a competitive procurement process, Serco Canada Inc. (Serco) was awarded the contract to deliver in-person and online testing services for security guards and private investigators.
As part of the agreement between Serco and the ministry, the test fee for security guard and private investigator candidates was reduced from $65 to $35, a savings of 46%.
Key facts and figures
In 2022–2023, a total of 75,889 tests were booked online and in-person for security guards and private investigators, with an average annual growth of 40% for tests booked over the three years.
Compared to 2021–2022, security guard test bookings increased by 43% and private investigator test bookings decreased by 20% in 2022–2023.
The overall trend in test bookings in 2022–2023 points to continued demand and growth in the industry, despite the decrease in private investigator test bookings.
2022–2023 tests booked:
| Month/Year | Number of tests booked |
|---|---|
| April 2022 | 6,915 |
| May 2022 | 7,120 |
| June 2022 | 7,294 |
| July 2022 | 5,688 |
| August 2022 | 5,392 |
| September 2022 | 5,633 |
| October 2022 | 5,228 |
| November 2022 | 5,980 |
| December 2022 | 4,971 |
| January 2023 | 5,861 |
| February 2023 | 7,084 |
| March 2023 | 8,723 |
Over 75% of tests were completed online, with a substantial 3 year growth rate for online tests and a decrease in in-person tests:
Online and in-person tests for security guards and private investigators over the last three years
| Fiscal year | Online tests - security guards | Online tests - private investigators | In-person tests - security guards | In-person tests - private investigators |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2020–2021 | 5,499 | 311 | 31,760 | 1,083 |
| 2021–2022 | 41,173 | 1,046 | 11,235 | 396 |
| 2022–2023 | 56,534 | 784 | 18,197 | 374 |
The top three testing centres are in Mississauga, Toronto, and Hamilton.
Licensing and registration
PSISB has worked with ServiceOntario since 2014 to process licence applications and provide customer service to the private security and investigative services industry. ServiceOntario processes applications, renewals, and restorations for security guard or private investigator licences and registrations for businesses that employ their own in-house security staff.
Key facts and figures
For registered employers, a total of 220 registrations (including new, renewed, and restored) were received in 2022–2023 and 167 were approved.
For security guards, private investigators, and duals, a total of 86,040 individual and agency licence applications were received in 2022–2023 (this means, an increase of approximately 29% compared to 2021–2022). In the same period, a total of 85,535 individual and agency licences were issued (this means, an increase of approximately 28% compared to 2021–2022).
2022—2023 licenses issue
| Licence category | >Number of licences issued | Application type |
|---|---|---|
| Security guard | 44,830 | new |
| Private investigator | 290 | new |
| Dual licensee | 68 | new |
| Security guard | 27,774 | renew |
| Private investigator | 944 | renew |
| Dual licensee | 999 | renew |
| Security guard | 10,282 | restore |
| Private investigator | 180 | restore |
| Dual licensee | 168 | restore |
Licence application processing service standards
Despite an increase in both testing and high pass rates, which resulted in an increase of licence application submissions, application processing has exceeded its targets for individuals and agencies.
Service standards for online and mail-in channels
| Service channel | Individual online | Individual mail | Agency online | Agency mail |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Target | 90% within 10 days | 90% within 30 days | 90% within 90 days | 90% within 90 days |
| 2022 —2023 average | 97.2% | 98.9% | 100% | 93.7% |
Returned applications
Applications made by individuals, agencies, and registered employers can be returned to an applicant for various reasons. For example, missing or incomplete information, or submission of photographs for individual applications that do not meet ministry standards.
In 2022–2023, PSISB enhanced the application process to increase efficiency and reduce the return rate of applications by removing the requirement for renewing agencies to upload photos of their uniform and vehicles. Agencies are now only required to update their uniform and vehicle photo submissions every six years. This means it is required after two licensing terms through renewal applications or whenever a change to their uniform and/or vehicle has been made.
Public complaints
Anyone may make a formal complaint alleging violations of the PSISA or its regulations by a licensed security guard, private investigator, agency, or registered employer.
PSISB reviews all complaints and exercises discretion to determine what action should be taken. Potential actions following a complaint include:
- commencing an investigation into possible violations of the PSISA
- referral to the police of jurisdiction or to another ministry
- referral for inspection if an agency
- referral to facilitation
- dismissal of a code of conduct complaint that is deemed to be frivolous, vexatious, or not made in good faith
Violations of the PSISA can result in:
- the revocation and/or suspension of a licence
- laying of charges
- remedial conditions put on a licence
Key facts and figures
PSISB received 187 public complaints in 2022–2023, representing less than a 1% increase compared to the two previous fiscal years.
Of the 187 complaints received in 2022–2023:
- 45 allegations were solely related to a breach of the Code of Conduct
- 29 allegations involved both a breach of the Code of Conduct and violation of the PSISA
- 72 complaints relating only to allegations of a violation of the PSISA
- 41 complaints were deemed out of scope.
These complaints resulted in 22 referrals to facilitations, and two licence suspensions, with 3 complaints being withdrawn by the complainant. The remaining allegations were either unsubstantiated, or out of scope.
Most Code of Conduct violations involved allegations around the use of profane, abusive, or insulting language or actions that are otherwise uncivil to a member of the public.
Public complaints over the last three years
| Public complaints category | 2020—2021 | 2021—2022 | 2022—2023 |
|---|---|---|---|
| Code of Conduct violations | 45 | 69 | 45 |
| PSISA violations | 40 | 53 | 72 |
| PSISA and Code of Conduct violations | 17 | 20 | 29 |
| Out of scope | 26 | 44 | 41 |
Compliance and enforcement
PSISB takes a proactive approach to compliance by clearly communicating expectations and providing compliance assistance, guidance, education, and other tools through a range of accessible channels including:
- website updates
- memos to industry
- regular engagement of the industry and industry associations
- discussions during site checks and inspections to facilitate compliance
PSISB conducts compliance checks of sites where security guards are employed, inspections and investigations of licensed security guard and private investigator agencies and individual licensees. The Registrar or Deputy Registrar can place conditions on, suspend, or revoke a licence due to a breach of the PSISA or its regulations.
In early 2022, PSISB launched a regional inspection program that provided additional resourcing of 2 inspectors to oversee western and eastern regions combined, which — apart from central region — have the highest concentration of agencies across Ontario. This broadened licensee oversight and compliance enforcement resulted in increased compliance checks. In 2022–2023, 1,741 compliance checks were conducted, an increase of 160% compared to 2021–2022.
In 2022–2023, PSISB conducted 7 joint inspections with other government agencies, municipal by-law enforcement, and local police services to target non-compliance in various entertainment districts. This initiative allowed PSISB to provide frontline education to licensees and entertainment establishment owners that improved PSISB ’s visibility as a regulator across the province and increased awareness of and compliance with the requirements of the PSISA .
Key facts and figures
Overall industry compliance rate
In 2022—2023, the industry’s rate of compliance among licensed agencies was 70%, an 18% decrease when compared to 2021—2022. This drop was largely due to a targeted compliance campaign focusing on training programs, in which 88% of the programs reviewed being found non-compliant with ministry requirements.
Compliance activities conducted
In 2022—2023, compliance activities including inspections and compliance checks increased by 91% due to the launch of the regional inspection program, which helped ensure individuals and agencies across the province were made aware of regulatory requirements and, where needed, addressed compliance issues for a growing industry.
The PSISA can be enforced through the laying of charges/Provincial Offence Notices under the Provincial Offences Act to licensees who are found to be in violation of the PSISA and its regulations. There was a 66% increase in Provincial Offence Notices laid due to the increase in inspector staffing within PSISB , which positively impacted coverage and oversight of the industry.
These issues are typically addressed through regular inspections, compliance checks, and training program inspections by PSISB .
Top compliance issues provided by other footnote 7 [7]
| Province/ Territory | #1 | #2 | #3 |
|---|---|---|---|
| Alberta | Failure to wear or ensure employees wear compliant uniforms | Non-compliant vehicle markings | Businesses not reporting as often as required (employee changes, complaints, criminal charges) |
| British Columbia | Working without a licence | Failure to produce a valid licence | Code of Conduct violation |
| New Brunswick | Use of unauthorized equipment | Failure to produce a valid licence | Lack of record keeping |
| Ontario | Failure to wear or ensure employees wear compliant uniforms | Failure to hold or produce a valid licence | Failure to follow training entity syllabus |
| Quebec | Working without a licence | Code of Conduct violation | Businesses offering security services without a valid licence |
| Yukon | Failure to produce a valid licence | Working without a licence | Businesses failing to ensure employees are licensed |
Suspensions and revocations
The Registrar or Deputy Registrar have the authority to suspend or revoke a licence for an individual or agency if there is a violation of the PSISA or its regulations.
In cases where a licence is suspended with the intention of revocation, the individual or agency is granted an opportunity to be heard before the Registrar or Deputy Registrar. This formal meeting allows the individual or agency to examine the evidence supporting the licensing decision made by the Registrar or Deputy Registrar and present their own evidence to demonstrate their suitability for holding a licence.
In 2022–2023, there were 6 suspensions for offences listed in Ontario Regulation 37/08: Eligibility to Hold a Licence — Clean Criminal Record . Additionally, there were 8 individual licence revocations, 6 of which involved charges for offences listed under the same regulation.
Updated: February 02, 2024 Published: December 19, 2023Footnotes
- footnote [1] Back to paragraph ^ Security guards and related security service occupations. Ministry of Labour, Immigration, Training and Skills Development. Security guards and related security service occupation
- footnote [2] Back to paragraph ^ Work requirements for security guards and related security service occupations. Canadian Job Trends Dashboard.
- footnote [3] Back to paragraph ^Security guards and related security service occupations. Ministry of Labour, Immigration, Training and Skills Development.
- footnote [4] Back to paragraph ^Armed Security Guard. Job Bank, Government of Canada.
- footnote [5] Back to paragraph ^Job outlooks for security guards and related security service occupations. Job Bank, Government of Canada.
- footnote [6] Back to paragraph ^ Statistics Canada, 2016 Census (distribution of workers)
- footnote [7] Back to paragraph ^ Information provided by Security Registrars across Canadian jurisdictions to PSISB in June 2023
