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Overview
In Alberta, businesses that offer security, investigation, locksmith and automotive lock bypass services, or training for these jobs, must be licensed.
Licences are issued under the Security Services and Investigators Act by Alberta Justice.
Businesses are responsible for ensuring they comply with Security Programs policies by:
- creating internal policies
- ensuring uniform and vehicle appearances
- keeping records
- reporting
- incidents
- new hires
- terminations
Policy manual
The Security Programs Policy Manual details all business policies and requirements.
For questions about business policies and requirements, contact Security Programs.
Check a business licence
Use the Business Query and Licence Status search to:
- generate a list of licensed businesses
- check if an individual is licensed
Licensing
Licences are available for 1, 2 or 3 years.
The renewal process is the same as the initial application process.
Businesses can apply for multiple licence types.
Businesses applying for more than one licence type only need to pay the higher licence fee.
3-year licence fees
| Licence type | 3-year licence fee |
|---|---|
| Automotive lock bypass | $1,200 |
| Investigators | $1,500 |
| Locksmiths | $1,500 |
| Locksmith equipment sales and promotion | $1,200 |
| Security services | $1,500 |
| Businesses with in-house services | $1,200 |
Businesses with in-house services can’t offer security, locksmith or investigation services to the public.
Licensing requirements
All businesses must:
- be a registered Canadian business
- have an address in Alberta
- be licensed or permitted by their city or municipality (if applicable)
- have at least $1 million in liability insurance
Businesses that offer services to the public must also provide criminal record checks for their:
- owners
- partners
- board of directors
Businesses with multiple locations only need one licence, but copies of that licence need to be displayed in every location.
Training
Training courses
To train employees, businesses can:
- licence training courses from Security Programs, or
- have their training courses certified – this is often called "accreditation"
These courses:
- include Security Program’s mandatory content
- require students to pass the provincial exam
- can include additional or customized content
For Security Programs to review and then certify a course, you must supply course:
- materials
- curriculum
- objectives
After your course is certified, it’ll be added to this list:
Security Programs Approved Training Courses
Instructors and exam administrators
All training instructors and exam administrators must be approved by Security Programs.
Contact the training coordinator
For questions about training, contact:
Training Coordinator
Security Programs
Phone: 1-877-462-0791
Email: [email protected]
Forms and guidelines
Fillable PDF forms may not open properly on some mobile devices and web browsers. For help opening the forms, contact PDF form technical support.
Applications and renewals
Business Licence Application and Renewal
Complaints and reporting
Public Complaints Against Licensed Employees
Policies and guidelines
Security Programs Policy Manual
Guidelines for Developing Code of Conduct
Guidelines for Developing Baton / Use-of-Force Policy
Instructors and exam administrators
Application for Trainer Accreditation
Request to Certify as a Proctor
Trainer Accreditation Guidelines
Training courses and exams
Alberta Basic Security Training Course Manual
Alberta Investigator Training Course Manual
Guidelines for Licensing Training Courses
Provincial Examination Process
Request to Licence Alberta Investigator Training Course
Request to Licence Alberta Basic Security Training Course
Contact
Hours: 8:15 am - 4:30 pm (Monday to Friday, closed statutory holidays)
Phone: 1-877-462-0791
Email: [email protected]
Security Programs
P.O. Box 1023 Station Main
Edmonton, Alberta T5J 2M1