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.

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Basic training

All new security guards and private investigators must complete a basic training course and pass the 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

Apply for or renew a security guard or private investigator licence

You must have a valid licence to work as a security guard or private investigator in Ontario. Learn how to apply for or renew a licence.

Apply for an agency licence

Any business that sells the services of security guards or private investigators requires an agency licence. Learn how to apply for a licence.

Register as an employer

Any employer that directly employs in-house security guards, or private investigators, but is not in the business of selling their services, must register with the ministry. Learn how to register as an employer.

Check the status of a licence or registration

ServiceOntario has a public registry of licences and registrations. The registry confirms the licence status of an individual or agency, and the registration of an employer.

Individual licence status

Find the status of an individual licence using the 6-8 digit licence number.

Agency licence status

Search the status of an agency licence using the licence number or legal business name.

Employer registration status

Check the status of a registered employer using the registration number or legal business name.

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.

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.