Security Guard Training in Quebec: What to Expect in Class
The 70-hour modules, 15 competencies of AEP 4239, CNESST first aid, admission (TDG) and attestation: what to expect in training.
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You know you have to take security guard training to get your licence, but you are wondering what actually happens in class? This article describes the course content, how your learning is checked, the attestation handed out at the end and the admission requirements. The goal: to arrive at the first class knowing what to expect.
To find out where to take the training and which private schools are recognized, see our page security guard training explained. If you want to work during your courses, read our article on the BSP temporary licence during training.
What is security guard training like?
There are two formats in the public network, and both lead to the security guarding licence: the basic training of at least 70 hours, required by the Bureau de la sécurité privée (BSP), Quebec's private security regulator, and the Attestation of Vocational Studies (AEP) "Sécurité privée – Gardiennage", a 390-hour program. They do not unfold the same way.
The 70-hour training: three blocks
According to the BSP, the security guarding program of at least 70 hours is divided into three mandatory parts:
| Module | Duration | What it covers |
|---|---|---|
| Environment, function, legislation and standards of conduct | 30 h | The private security environment, the guard's role, the legal framework and the rules of conduct expected |
| Procedures in emergency situations | 24 h | How to act when an emergency occurs at the workplace |
| Workplace first aid recognized by the CNESST | 16 h | First aid, given by an organization recognized by the CNESST |
| Total | 70 h |
The description in the third column is drawn from the official titles. The detailed course outline varies from one institution to another. Ask for it before you register.
The 16 hours of first aid
The BSP specifies that the last block must be given by an organization recognized by the Commission des normes, de l'équité, de la santé et de la sécurité du travail (CNESST), Quebec's labour standards and workplace safety board. The BSP also refers to the list of organizations recognized by the CNESST to find a course. If your institution does not include this part in its price, you may have to take it elsewhere. Check this when you register.
The 390-hour AEP: fifteen competencies
The AEP "Sécurité privée – Gardiennage" (program 4239) is much more detailed. According to the Inforoute de la formation professionnelle, it has fifteen competencies:
| Code | Competency | Hours |
|---|---|---|
| 239-011 | Situate oneself with regard to the occupation and the training | 15 |
| 239-021 | Comply with laws and regulations | 15 |
| 239-032 | Observe one's surroundings | 30 |
| 239-041 | Find one's bearings in a space | 15 |
| 239-052 | Interact with clients in a professional setting | 30 |
| 239-062 | Refer to how security and communication systems work | 30 |
| 239-071 | Apply first aid techniques | 15 |
| 239-082 | Apply procedures in emergency situations | 30 |
| 239-092 | Carry out prevention activities | 30 |
| 239-102 | Protect one's physical and psychological integrity | 30 |
| 239-113 | Carry out surveillance activities | 45 |
| 239-122 | Intervene in access control | 30 |
| 239-131 | Control the movement of vehicles and people | 15 |
| 239-141 | Use job search techniques | 15 |
| 239-153 | Integrate into the workplace | 45 |
| Total | 390 | |
It includes the themes of the 70 hours (laws, emergencies, first aid), but also surveillance, access control, traffic, prevention, managing your own stress and safety, job searching and a 45-hour workplace integration competency.
What tests do you take to become a security guard?
Two things must be distinguished: the tests to get into a program, and the evaluations during the training.
Before: the AEP admission requirements
For AEP 4239, the Inforoute indicates that the candidate must meet two conditions:
- A schooling condition, one of the following: having at least the credits of the 3rd year of secondary school (or the equivalent) in language of instruction, second language and mathematics. Or holding an attestation of equivalence of level of schooling (AENS). Or passing the General Development Test (TDG).
- A situation condition, one of the following: having interrupted full-time studies for at least twelve months. Or being 18 years old when starting the training. Or holding a Secondary School Diploma (DES) or a Diploma of Vocational Studies (DEP).
The TDG is therefore not mandatory for everyone. It is for those who do not have the required credits of the 3rd year of secondary school. For the 70-hour training, the sources consulted do not mention an admission test. Check with the institution.
During: the evaluations
The official sources consulted do not describe in detail the form of the exams (written, practical, role play). The training ends with a certification: the BSP indicates that an attestation is issued after passing the 70-hour program, and the AEP leads to an Attestation of Vocational Studies. You therefore have to pass the program, not just attend it. Ask your institution how each module or competency is evaluated and what happens if you fail (retake, fees).
The BSP licence also has conditions other than training, such as the background check. They are explained in our guide to the BSP security guard licence.
What attestation do you receive at the end?
After the 70-hour training, the centre hands out a training attestation. It is the proof you will attach to your licence application. After program 4239, you obtain an Attestation of Vocational Studies (AEP). In both cases, keep a copy. Keep your first aid card too: first aid has its own period of validity.
What is the best training to become a security guard?
It all depends on your situation. Here are the objective differences between the two public formats.
| Basic training | AEP 4239 | |
|---|---|---|
| Duration | At least 70 h | 390 h (about 3 months) |
| Content | 3 modules: legislation and conduct, emergencies, first aid | 15 competencies, including surveillance, access control and workplace integration |
| Admission | Not specified in the sources consulted | Credits of the 3rd year of secondary school, AENS or TDG, plus an age or situation condition |
| Document issued | Training attestation | Attestation of Vocational Studies |
The short training suits anyone who wants their licence quickly. The AEP takes more time, but covers more of the job's tasks. We do not recommend any school in particular.
How long is the training to become a security guard?
At least 70 hours for the training required by the BSP (30 h + 24 h + 16 h), and 390 hours for the AEP, or about three months according to the Inforoute. The actual schedule (day, evening, part time) depends on each institution.
How do you pass your training?
- Ask for the course outline and how each part is evaluated as soon as you register.
- Review the laws: legislation is at the heart of the first module and of the AEP. Reading ahead about a guard's powers, for example citizen's arrest, helps you understand the material.
- Practise writing: a guard writes reports every day. Our incident report template gives an idea of the format expected in the field.
- Do not neglect first aid: it lasts 16 hours in the basic training and must be given by an organization recognized by the CNESST.
- Attend every session: check the institution's rules on absences.
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Frequently asked questions
Does security guard training include an exam?
You have to pass the program to obtain the attestation. The official sources consulted do not specify the exact form of the evaluations. Each institution can explain it to you.
Do you have to take the General Development Test?
Only for the AEP, and only if you have neither the required credits of the 3rd year of secondary school nor an AENS.
Can I take first aid elsewhere?
The BSP requires that the 16 hours of first aid be given by an organization recognized by the CNESST. Check with your centre whether it accepts a card obtained elsewhere.
Is first aid included in the AEP?
The AEP includes a 15-hour competency titled "Apply first aid techniques". Ask the centre whether it leads to a card recognized by the CNESST.
How does security guard training unfold?
In Quebec, the 70-hour training required by the BSP unfolds in three blocks: 30 hours on the industry, the role, legislation and standards of conduct, 24 hours on procedures in emergency situations and 16 hours of first aid. The centre then issues an attestation, to attach to the licence application. The 390-hour AEP has fifteen competencies, detailed in the section "What is security guard training like?".
Who can take security training?
In Quebec, for the 70-hour training, the sources consulted do not mention an admission test: ask the institution. For AEP 4239, the Inforoute requires a schooling condition (credits of the 3rd year of secondary school, an AENS or the General Development Test) and a situation condition, for example being 18 years old when starting the training. The BSP licence has its own conditions, explained in our guide to the BSP security guard licence.
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