Completing your Basic Security Training (BST) is the first step to starting your security career. The Security Services Act (2007) regulates the security industry in BC, and requires all security workers to hold a valid BC Security License before being employed or being considered employable by such companies.
Security professionals working in the province of BC are required to complete mandatory training, prior to applying for their security license. Mandatory BST training is 40 hours in length, and focuses on:
- Professionalism and ethics
- Legal studies
- Report writing
- Personal safety
The purpose of BST is to educate security professionals through an objective and comprehensive program, allowing them to complete security-related tasks within the bounds of the law. The course objective provides security professionals the ability to provide a high level of public safety while maintaining personal safety at all times.
BST is available through the Justice Institute of British Columbia as an online course, or through an approved Security Training Schools for individuals who prefer in-class learning. For more information visit the Justice Institute of British Columbia.

Step 2: Writing the Exam
After completing Basic Security Training, all students are required to achieve a 60% or higher grade to obtain a certificate of completion. For more information about exam retakes, locations, and exemptions, please visit: https://www.jibc.ca/programs-courses/schools-departments/school-criminal-justice-security/justice-public-safety-division/security-training-programs/basic-security-training
Step 3: Applying for your Security License.
After completing BST through the Justice Institute of British Columbia, or any provincially recognized training program, and achieving 60% or higher on the final assessment, you are eligible to apply for your Security Worker License through the Ministry of Justice. First time applicants & returning applicants will both submit through the Ministry website. For more information, please see here.