Can I get a security license in Alberta as a Refugee?
November 30, 2025 Alberta Security Hub Staff
Considering working as a security guard in Alberta? This line of work can be very rewarding and provides excellent work experience and skills, helping you reach your career goals as a newcomer to Canada.
Yes, you may apply for an Alberta security license as a refugee, but you must be eligible to work in Canada (e.g you have a work permit), and meet the following conditions:
- Be over 18 years old
- Be fluent in English (CLB Level 5)
- Have no criminal record
- Have no outstanding criminal charges
- Not be the subject of a criminal investigation
If you meet these conditions, including the work eligibility requirement, you will be able to apply for your security license even as a refugee.
We recommend exploring the Government of Canada's pre-arrival services to access resources that can make your transition to Canada smoother. You can find out more by visiting this website: canada.ca/en/immigration-refugees-citizenship/services/settle-canada/pre-arrival-services/prepare-live.html#refugees.
To become a security guard in Alberta, you will need to take the ABST (Alberta Basic Security Training) course. This training will help prepare you for your provincial exam and become job ready. When choosing a training provider, always ensure it is Ministry accredited, such as Our Ministry Accredited Online Course. The ABST course cannot be taken outside of Canada, however an online course such as ours can be completed in Alberta or any other province within Canada.
Once you have your Alberta security license, you will be able to apply to any security guard position in Alberta. Some examples of where you may work as a guard include hospitals, shopping malls, airports and office buildings. If you find yourself moving to another province after you receive your license, you may be able to get that province's security license without needing to take their training course, though you would need to confirm that with the Ministry responsible for security guard training/testing in the province you are moving to. For example, in Ontario you can convert your Alberta security licence to an Ontario security licence by selecting Out-of-Province licence as long as it has not expired.
Once you begin your journey as a security guard in Alberta, you can progress to other positions such as a job in loss prevention, a patrol dog handler, alarm responder, armed guard, bodyguard, and with enough experience, you can even consider a job with police. Or if you want to earn more and increase your experience, you are also allowed to work for Two Security Guard Companies At Once in Alberta.
