Columbia College offers the Alberta Basic Security Training Course by two main methods of delivery – an online course and a classroom-based training course. The online course is free for participants who have their mandatory, provincial exam proctored by Columbia College.
To access more information or to register for the online course, please click here to go to the website: https://securitytrainingnow.com.
For more information regarding our classroom-based training course, please see below.
Employment Opportunities
Individuals who obtain a provincial license after taking this course may be employed in one of the following positions:
- Security Services (static or mobile)
- Loss Prevention Officers
- Executive Security (body guards)
- In-house Security
- Dog Patrol Services
- Alarm Responders (those who physically respond; not monitoring a screen)
Introduction
Effective June 1, 2011, any person in Alberta who works in the above list of security service positions must have a license. To obtain this license an individual must complete a mandatory training program and write a provincial exam. The Alberta Basic Security Training course consists of seven modules to be taught in a classroom setting over a period of 38.5 hours. The course outcomes for this training are intended to provide participants with knowledge and skills in their role and responsibilities as security professionals.
Course Description
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The curriculum for this continuing education course has been designed to encourage interaction amongst course attendees. Each participant will be provided with a course Participant Manual which complements the course materials, interactive discussion, and video-based exercises which make up this course.
Upon successful completion of the 38.5 hour security training course an individual will be eligible to write the mandatory provincial exam.
Course Delivery
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Please refer to the options below for the various Course Delivery options. Courses are offered full time and various part time options are available.
Click here to view the full time course delivery schedule.
Click here to view the part time evening course delivery schedule.
Click here to view the part time (Monday – Friday) course delivery schedule.
Click here to view the part time (Monday, Tuesday, Thursday) course delivery schedule.
Click here to view the part time weekend course delivery schedule.
These schedules are all subject to change at the discretion of Columbia College. For any questions please contact Columbia College at (403) 235-9300 or by email at columbia@columbia.ab.ca.
To register in the free online course, go to https://securitytrainingnow.com.
Course Listings
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The seven modules which make up the Alberta Basic Security Training course are:
- Module 1: Introduction to the Security Industry
- Module 2: The Canadian Legal System and Security Professionals
- Module 3: Basic Security Procedures
- Module 4: Communication for Security Professionals
- Module 5: Documentation and Evidence
- Module 6: Emergency Response Procedures for Security Professionals
- Module 7: Health & Safety for Security Professionals
Admissions Requirements
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To enroll in the course, individuals much meet the following criteria:
- At least 18 years old
- Fluent in speaking English (Level 5 Canadian Language Benchmark)
Tuition and General Fees and Funding
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Columbia College’s tuition and general fees come into effect August 1 of each year.
Tuition for the classroom based course at Columbia College $300
Funding assistance may be available. Please visit an Alberta Works Labour Market Information Centre nearest you for more information. For locations, please click on the link to go their website: http://employment.alberta.ca/CES/2957.html. For more information about the funding, Exposure Course Information.
Upon successful completion of an authorized security training course an individual will be eligible to write the mandatory Solicitor General’s provincial exam. The Solicitor General Registrar will issue the individual license upon passing the exam with 80% or better.
The proctored exam fees are waived for those individuals who have taken the Columbia College Alberta Basic Security Training classroom-based course.
Mandatory Provincial Exam
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Columbia College is a certified testing center for the ABST mandatory provincial exam. Individuals who attend the Columbia College classroom-based security training course will receive the provincial exam free of charge.
For those who have not taken the classroom-based security training course with Columbia College, the cost to have your exam proctored is $99.
Click here to view Columbia College’s proctoring schedule for this exam.
Course Faculty and Staff
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Instructors who will be facilitating this course will be leaders in the field of the security services industry.
Graduation Requirements
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To graduate from the security training course an individual must meet the following criteria:
- Successful completion of the 38.5-hour basic security training course.
Licensing Application Steps
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- Take 1 passport-sized photo and two pieces of government issued identification to the police service (in Calgary and Edmonton, use downtown location only).
- Have a member of the police service, peace office, or commissioner of oaths employed by the police service sign the back of your photo.
- Request an employment Police Information Check (PIC) to include
- CPIC
- Vulnerable Sector
- Local database
- The police will provide you with a document to attache to your application. Do not submit your application until you have received your final documents or are informed by the police service that the documents will be sent directly to the Ministry.
- Complete all sections of the application form (must be neat and readable) using a computer or print using CAPITAL letters only.
- Sign both part 5 and part 6 (police do not sign your application.
- Photocopy both sides of your government issued identification to include with your application.
- Provide photocopies of proof of training.
- Provide the following additional documents with your application:
- Submit your application with all other documents, ensuring it is completed to:
Security Programs
PO Box 1023 Station Main
Edmonton, AB T5J 2M1If using a courier:
Security Programs
Alberta Solicitor General and Public Safety
9th Floor, 10365 97 Street
Edmonton, AB T5J 3W7
Links
Individual License Checklist and Fees
Individual License Application-Renewal Form and Guide (PS3723)