If you're planning to get your Ontario security guard licence, the training provider you choose matters more than ever. Since a major compliance audit in late 2022, the number of approved training providers has dropped from 331 to 181 - a 45% reduction. Dozens of providers were removed after inspectors found widespread non-compliance with Ministry standards.
Enrolling with a provider that's no longer approved can waste your time and money, and may mean you need to redo your training entirely. This guide covers what happened, how to verify that your provider is still on the approved list, and what to watch out for.
What Happened: The December 2022 Compliance Audit
In December 2022, the Private Security and Investigative Services Branch (PSISB) initiated a targeted inspection campaign of security guard and private investigator training providers throughout Ontario.
At that time, 331 training entities were enrolled with the Ministry of the Solicitor General. The PSISB carried out compliance audits to check if these providers met the Ministry's standards for curriculum, instruction, record-keeping, and testing.
The results were significant: 88% of inspected providers were found to be non-compliant. The PSISB then began removing non-compliant providers from the approved list and has continued enforcement since.
This wasn't a one-time sweep. According to the PSISB's 2024-25 Annual Report, compliance inspections continue to be a priority, with 892 checks performed in 2024-25 and 10 joint inspections held in coordination with the Alcohol and Gaming Commission of Ontario and municipal by-law enforcement.
The Numbers: How Many Providers Were Removed?
Here's how the approved training provider landscape has changed:
Pre-audit (late 2022)
331
-
Post-audit (March 2025)
181
-150 (45% reduction)
That means 150 providers—almost half the total—were removed or withdrew from the program. This marks the most significant upheaval of Ontario's security training infrastructure since PSISA was enacted in 2005. The overall industry compliance rate has increased as a result. In 2024-25, the compliance rate among licensed agencies reached 60%, up 6 percentage points from the previous year. The PSISB credits this improvement partly to the targeted inspection campaign and its educational efforts.
Why Providers Were Removed
The PSISB has not published a detailed breakdown of non-compliance by category, but based on the inspection framework and industry reporting, common issues include:
Inadequate curriculum delivery: Providers not covering all required modules or cutting content short.
Unqualified instructors: Instructors who don't meet the Ministry's qualifications or experience requirements.
Record-keeping failures: Missing or incomplete student records, attendance logs, or training certificates.
Test integrity issues: Problems with how the Ministry test is administered, including insufficient proctoring or security measures.
Facility deficiencies: Training locations that don't meet requirements for classroom space, equipment, or first-aid training resources.
Advertising misrepresentation: Providers claiming affiliations, pass rates, or credentials they don't actually have.
The PSISB requires training providers to be inspected before enrolling with the Ministry. Providers already on the list are subject to ongoing compliance checks. Those that fail to meet standards can be removed at any time.
How to Verify Your Training Provider
Before you enroll - and before you pay - verify that your chosen provider is currently approved.
Step 1: Check the Official List
The Ontario government publishes and maintains a list of approved basic training providers:
Ontario Security Guard and Private Investigator Basic Training Providers
You can also access the data in open format through the Ontario Data Catalogue.
Step 2: Confirm the Provider Name Matches Exactly
Some removed providers continue to operate under similar or slightly different names. Make sure the exact legal name of the provider you're considering appears on the current list. If you're unsure, contact the PSISB directly.
Step 3: Check the Date
The approved list is updated periodically, not in real time. If your provider was approved six months ago, confirm they're still on the list before enrolling.
Step 4: Ask for Proof of Enrollment
A legitimate provider should be able to show you their Ministry enrollment confirmation. If they can't or won't, that's a red flag.
Red Flags: How to Spot an Unapproved or Low-Quality Provider
Watch for these warning signs:
Not on the current approved list. This is the most important check. If they are not on the list, stop there.
Unusually low prices. Training costs vary, but if a provider is significantly cheaper than competitors, ask yourself what they are cutting. Legitimate training programs have real costs for instructors, materials, and facilities.
No physical location or classroom. While some theory components may be online, Ontario security guard training includes practical elements. A provider that is entirely virtual or can't tell you where classes take place should raise concerns.
Guaranteed pass rates. No legitimate provider can guarantee you will pass the Ministry test. If they promise a 100% pass rate, be skeptical.
Pressure to enroll quickly. Legitimate providers don't need high-pressure sales tactics. If someone is pushing you to pay immediately or offering "limited-time" deals, take a step back.
Outdated or generic course materials. Training content should be specific to Ontario's PSISA framework and up to date with current legislation.
No clear refund policy. Check the refund terms before paying. What happens if you can't complete the course, or if the provider loses its approval mid-course?
What If You Trained with a Removed Provider?
This is a common concern for people who completed training before or during the crackdown. The answer depends on timing:
If you completed training and passed the Ministry test before the provider was removed, your test result and training record should still be valid with the Ministry. The license application is based on your test result, not on the provider's current status.
If you were mid-course when the provider was removed, you may need to re-enroll with an approved provider and redo some or all of the training. Contact the PSISB to verify your status.
If you haven't taken the Ministry test yet, verify that your training certificate will still be accepted. If the provider is no longer approved, the Ministry might not accept the certificate for testing.
In all cases, if you're unsure, contact the PSISB at [email protected] or through the PSISB contact page to confirm your status.
What Good Training Should Cover
Ontario's mandatory security guard training covers a standardized curriculum. The major topics include:
Introduction to the security industry. Overview of the role, expectations, and the private security environment in Ontario.
PSISA and other legislation. The legal framework governing security guards, including the Criminal Code, Trespass to Property Act, and relevant provincial statutes.
Basic security procedures. Access control, patrol techniques, crowd management, incident response, and report writing.
Emergency response. Fire safety, evacuation procedures, bomb threats, and emergency communication protocols.
Legal powers and limitations. What security guards can and cannot do under Ontario law, including citizen's arrest provisions and use-of-force guidelines.
Communication and conflict resolution. De-escalation techniques, professional communication, and dealing with difficult situations.
First aid and CPR. Basic first-aid certification, including CPR and AED use (often requires a separate certification through an approved first-aid provider).
Sensitivity and diversity. Working with diverse populations, mental health awareness, and human rights considerations.
Completing this training with an approved provider is the first step in the licensing process.
The Full Licensing Process: Training to CRJMC to Licence
Here's the complete path from training to licensed security guard:
Step 1: Complete Mandatory Training
Enroll with a Solicitor General-approved training provider. Complete all required modules.
Step 2: Pass the Ministry Test
After completing training, register for and pass the Ministry's security guard test. This is a standardized exam administered through approved testing centres.
Step 3: Obtain a CRJMC
You'll need a Criminal Record and Judicial Matters Check (CRJMC) as part of your licence application. Since February 2024, the PSISB requires a CRJMC (Level 2) rather than a basic Criminal Record Check (CRC).
You have two options:
Local police service: Request a CRJMC through your municipal police or the OPP. Processing time: 2 to 8 weeks. Cost: $40-$85+ depending on municipality.
Authorized third-party provider: Since July 2024, the PSISB accepts CRJMC results from authorized third-party providers. CRJMC.net offers results in as fast as 15 minutes for $49.95 - fully online and accepted by the PSISB.
Step 4: Apply for Your Licence
Submit your application through the ServiceOntario Licensing Portal. Include your CRJMC results and test confirmation. Pay the $80 licence fee.
Processing time: approximately 15 calendar days for online applications, or about 30 business days for mail-in applications.
Step 5: Receive Your Digital Licence
Since September 30, 2023, all security licences in Ontario are issued digitally. You'll receive your licence by email and can also download it from your My Ontario Account. Physical cards are no longer issued.
Costs: Training, Testing, CRJMC, and Licence Fees
Here's a realistic budget for getting your Ontario security guard licence in 2026:
Training course (approved provider)
$200-$500
Ministry test registration
$0 (included with training at most providers)
CRJMC (police service)
$40-$85+
CRJMC (CRJMC.net)
$49.95
Licence application fee
$80
Total (with police CRJMC)
$320-$665+
Total (with CRJMC.net)
$330-$630
Training costs vary widely. Some providers charge under $200, while others charge $500 or more. Price alone isn't a reliable indicator of quality, but extremely low prices warrant extra scrutiny - especially given the compliance issues that led to 150 providers being removed.
FAQs
How do I check if my training provider is still approved?
Visit the Ontario government's list of approved training providers. Confirm that your provider's exact legal name appears on the current list. If you're unsure, contact the PSISB.
Why were so many providers removed?
An 88% non-compliance rate was identified during the December 2022 audit. Issues included poor curriculum delivery, unqualified instructors, record-keeping errors, and test integrity concerns. The PSISB removed providers that failed to meet Ministry standards.
I trained with a provider that has been removed. Is my training still valid?
If you completed your training and passed the Ministry test before the provider was removed, your results should still be valid. If you're in the middle of the course or haven't tested yet, contact the PSISB to verify your status.
Can I retake training with a different provider if necessary?
Yes. You can enroll with any currently approved provider and complete the training again. There's no penalty for retraining - it's a common step for those whose previous provider lost approval.
How often is the approved provider list updated?
The list is updated periodically by the Ministry. Check the list close to the time of enrollment, not months in advance.
What is a CRJMC and why do I need one?
A CRJMC is a Level 2 police record check that shows criminal convictions, outstanding charges, judicial orders, and certain non-conviction dispositions. Since February 2024, it's required for all security guard and PI licence applications in Ontario. You can get one through your local police service or online through CRJMC.net.
How long does a security guard licence last?
Two years. When you renew, you'll need a fresh CRJMC - your previous one won't be accepted.
Are online training courses allowed?
Some theory components may be delivered online, but Ontario security guard training includes practical elements that require in-person instruction. Be cautious of providers claiming to offer fully online certification.
What's the cheapest way to get licensed?
The unavoidable costs are the CRJMC and the $80 licence fee. Training costs vary by provider. Using CRJMC.net ($49.95, results in as fast as 15 minutes) instead of a police service can save time and potentially money, depending on your local police service's fees.
Next Steps and Resources
The training provider crackdown is a net positive for the industry. It raises the bar for training quality, which ultimately means better-prepared security guards and a safer public. But it also means you need to be more careful about where you train.
Here's what to do:
Verify before you enroll. Check the approved provider list every time. Don't rely on the provider's claims alone.
Get your CRJMC early. You'll need it for your licence application. Order one through CRJMC.net and have it ready when you complete training and testing.
Budget realistically. Plan for $330-$665 total, depending on your training provider and how you get your CRJMC.
Don't wait. The security industry in Ontario continues to grow, with over 162,000 licensed guards as of 2025. Demand for new guards remains strong, and getting licensed now positions you for opportunities across the province.