Alberta is a province with rich natural resources, one of the strongest economies in Canada, and a very rapidly growing population. Especially in the last couple of years, more Canadian residents have been leaving other provinces to move to Alberta than ever before in recent history.

All of this means that the province has a lot to protect. This is where security guard services come into play.

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Qualities and Skills Required

In Alberta, you must have a license to be qualified to work as a security guard. The Security Services and Investigators Act is responsible for issuing these licenses.

If you qualify for a license, you must complete the necessary training and pass the final exam with at least 80%.

Your license will expire every two years, and to renew it, you will go through the same process as when you applied the first time.

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Security Guard Licensing

There are several eligibility prerequisites. First, fluency in English. Level 5 fluency is required, and the requirements for meeing this benchmark are detailed by the Centre for Canadian Language Benchmarks. Levels 5 to 8 are categorized as Intermediate Language Ability. 

Once you've reached the fluency requirement, other points of eligibility include:

• Being legally allowed to work in Canada
• Being at least 18 years of age
• Not having a criminal record
• Not being the subject in any kind of criminal investigation
• Not having any outstanding criminal charges 

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Training Requirements

The training portion of your licensing process requires you to take one of two possible courses. There is the Accredited Basic Security Training Course, or the Alberta Basic Security Course.

Once you've chosen the course you wish to take, you need to find a training provider who is approved by the province of Alberta. Your next steps include finishing and passing the course, and then passing the final exam by achieving a minimum score of 80%.

Note that if you moved to Alberta with a valid license from another Canadian province, you might already qualify. Please e-mail ssia.registrar@gov.ab.ca for guidance.

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Training Opportunities

Since your license expires every two years and you need to re-do the entire application process each time you need to renew, you will always be up-to-date on your training. 

Of course, it is always wise to take additional courses and expand your qualifications. For example, there are courses for training in handcuffing as well as baton-use. 

At Maxx Security Services, we pride ourselves in ensuring that our guards are not only highly trained via Alberta government approved courses, but also by adhering to our own high standards as a company. 

When companies or individuals hire us, we make sure that they will always have highly trained, highly qualified guards to rely on. There is no sleeping on the job, there is no unprofessional appearance or lack of necessary equipment and training. We pride ourselves on being a leader in the security guard industry. 

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Things to Know Before Applying

If you think you may want to be a security guard, there are a few things you should consider first. 

How are your people skills? As a security guard, you will need to engage with other people constantly. Whether it's your teammates, clients, the general public, or individuals behaving in a problematic manner.

This also brings us to the next point: the importance of being able to handle a large range of security situations. You will experience all kinds of interesting scenarios and need to feel fairly confident in your ability to deal with each situation in a safe, effective, and professional manner. 

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Kickstart Your Security Career

If you would like to start (or continue) your career by working with us at Maxx Security Services, we would love to receive your application! 

To potentially qualify with our company, you need:

• A valid license issued by the Alberta Solicitor General
• A clean criminal record
• To be able to work weekends and night shifts
• Your own vehicle and Class 5 License
• A valid First Aid certificate 

To view more requirements and to submit your application, visit maxxsecurityservices.ca/careers.

We strongly encourage retired military and law enforcement personnel to apply, and those who are looking to gain solid experience and expand their skills and training. 

When you contact us, ask us how we can support your growth in our company and in your security guard career!

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Conclusion

If you are looking for a fulfilling career, being a security guard and contributing to the increased safety and well-being of those in your community is a great way to achieve this goal.

And if you are looking to work for a company that values you as an individual, wants to see you grow and succeed, and always ensures that you are treated and seen as a respected professional, Maxx Security Services is where you want to apply! 

The founders at Maxx Security started the company out of frustration with the lack of professionalism and the disrespectful treatment of guards that they witnessed in the industry. Tina and Ken strive to be excellent employers, their teams’ biggest cheerleaders and supporters, and to be known for giving back to their community whenever they can. 

If this sounds like something you would love to be a part of, visit maxxsecurityservices.ca to get in touch!