Private security and investigative services
Ontario regulates the private security and investigative services industry, including security guards, private investigators, agencies and business that directly employ in-house security.
Basic training
All new security guards and private investigators must complete a basic training course and pass the basic ministry test before applying for a licence.
Security guard and private investigator basic training
Learn about the different or combined basic training courses for security guards and private investigators.
Security guard syllabus
Learn about the security guard training course content and program length.
Private investigator syllabus
Learn about the private investigator training course content and program length.
Basic training providers
Find a list of basic training providers or registered employers that provide training to prospective security guards and private investigators.
Employer licensing
Renew, restore or register for a new licence as an employer of security guards or private investigators.
Basic testing
Security guard and private investigator testing
Learn about the basic tests for security guards and private investigators, where to take a test and how to register.
Private investigator study guide
Test preparation guide designed to assist private investigators in preparing for the ministry’s mandatory test.
Security guard study guide
Test preparation guide designed to assist security guards with preparing for the ministry’s mandatory test.
Apply for a licence
Starting September 30, 2023 physical licence cards will no longer be issued and will become digital-only. You will be able to download and print your digital licence once your application is approved.
You must carry a hard copy or digital version of this licence at all times and be prepared to show it upon request.
Apply for, renew or replace a security guard or private investigator licence
You must have a valid licence to work as a security guard and/or private investigator in Ontario. Learn how to apply for, renew or replace a licence and check the status of your application.
Apply for an agency licence
Any business that sells the services of security guards and/or private investigators requires an agency licence. Learn how to apply for a licence and check the status of your application.
Register as an employer
Any employer that directly employs in-house security guards, or private investigators, but is not in the business of selling security services, must register with the ministry. Apply for a registered employer licence through ServiceOntario and check the status of your application.
Requirements
Requirements for security guards and private investigators
Learn about the requirements for licensed security guards and private investigators.
Requirements for licensed agencies
Learn about the requirements for licensed agencies and the compliance inspection and enforcement program.
Contact us
Questions about licences, training and tests
Email PrivateSecurity@ontario.ca for questions about:
- security guard licence applications
- private investigator licence applications
- private security/investigation agency licence applications
Email PSIS.PrivateSecurity@ontario.ca for questions about:
- program delivery
- registering to become a training entity
- application of the Private Security and Investigative Services Act, 2005
- compliance
- public complaints
Email SGTregistration@serco-des.ca for questions about:
- registering for a test
- test locations
- test results
Contact ServiceOntatrio for questions about applying, renewing or updating a licence.
ServiceOntario
Occupational Licensing Services Office
PO Box 4500 Kingston ON K7L 0E1
Telephone customer service is provided from Monday to Friday, 8:30 a.m. to 5 p.m.
Public complaints
You can file a complaint if you have reason to believe that a licensee has failed to comply with the law. Learn how to submit a complaint online by mail or email.
Reports
Private Security and Investigative Services Branch Annual Report 2021