At Baig Security, we know that as a business owner, you have to make sure all your purchases are justified. Don’t sweat it, we are here to help you figure out if you and your business need security guards. Every company, even small businesses can benefit from hiring security guards!

Are you looking for a career change? Maybe a side gig while you are in school? In this article, we will take you through the pros and cons of being a security guard.

Pros

We will be starting of with the pros of being a security guard. Continue reading to learn more aobut pros and cons of being a security guard.

Pro number 1: 

Every day is different. As a security guard you tend to work more then one site, which lets you be exposed to different places,  and people. As well, by working multiple sites you will be able to pick up a variety of skills, for example, involving investigation, emergency intervention, first aid, supporting police, plain-clothes work, guarding foreign dignitaries (non-govt), tons of stuff. 

Pro Number 2: 

Working in the security industry gives you access. You get to see things others don’t like backstages at concerts, or bank vaults, private villas of the rich & famous, and government facilities.

Pro Number 3: 

Due to the variety of the work you can network with a broad amount of professions, for example, teachers, nurses, lawyers and business owners.

Pro Number 4: 

The demand for reliable and trained security guards is high in the market as each business demands security.

Pro Number 5: 

Due to the exposure to a broad amount of tasks and businesses, you are able to pick up many new skills and be a jack of all trades. For example, as a security guard, you can learn customer service, patrolling and more by performing several different duties.

Pro Number 5: 

If you don’t like working with others, this job is for you. More often then not you will be able to work independently. 

Pro Number 6: 

As a security guard, with the large amounts of skill you pick up and the vast opportunity to network, segueing into your own security business is the logical next step. 

Pro Number 7: 

If you’re 18 or older you can work as a security guard. You don’t need a degree, so if you are a student this is a good way to make some cash. 

Cons

There are some cons of working in the different security career paths. They vary based off the security companies you work with and your lifestyle.

Con Number 1: 

As a security guard, you can end up working long hours. For many this is not compatible with their lifestyle. 

Con Number 2: 

As a security guard, you can be exposed to violence. It can be a dangerous line of work. 

Con Number 3: 

As a guard, you can’t work from home. No pajamas and the comfort of your couch in this job!

Con Number 4: 

The starting salary is low, however there is room for improvement depending on your experience, and who you are working for. 

In Conclusion:

Hopefully this article helps you to understand what it’s like to work as a security guard and the positives and negatives of choosing this as your career. 

Looking for work in the security industry and are already a licensed security guard? There are lots of career opportunities in security. Working as a security guard is a great second career or student job, check out our available jobs on our site at security guard jobs in ontario.

If you don’t have training as a guard check out our security guard training programs at security guard training courses.

Looking to get your license so you can work as a security guard for a security services firm? This article will guide you through important areas of security guard services to know when taking the test, as well as basic information on how the test is conducted and links you might find helpful while studying to pass your Security Guard License test. 

Disclaimer: This guide is not a substitute for a paid security license training course. 

About the Security Guard License Test

The Ontario Security Guard test is a written, sixty question test, in a multiple choice format. The test appointments are two hours in duration, 75 minutes of which is the allotted test completion time.

The license test costs $66.50 plus HST, which comes to a total of $75.15.

You will receive the results of your test within five days of completing it. If you don’t receive it by the end of this time, contact your test provider. The lowest passing mark is a 62% for this test. 

As well, all tests must be booked in advance, regardless of if its in person or online.

Eligibility  

You can only  register to take the security guard test, if you have successfully completed the mandatory training course (that meets the requirements set out by the ministry of Ontario) or have already received your license and are re-registering.  

As well, remember that in order to register for a test, you will need a training completion number from your basic training course provider.

Study Tips

Now that you have an understanding of what the test is like, and if you are eligible to take it, let’s talk about study tips. 

Breakdown the topics you need to study by section. For example, report writing, Canadian Legal System, Private Security and Investigative Services Act, 2005, surveillance, aid cpr, etc. This helps you to ensure you don’t forget any topics, as well, you can always self quiz after you complete each section to check your understanding of the literature. 

Here are the topics you should cover:

Introduction to the Security Industry

The Act and Code of Conduct

Basic Security Procedures

Report Writing

Health & Safety

Emergency Response Preparation

The Canadian Legal System

Legal Authorities

Communications

Sensitivity Training

Use of Force Theory

Emergency First Aid Certification

Test Tips

Appendix A – WHIMS

Appendix B – APCO

Click the links above to access Ministry approved literature to study from. Hopefully this guide helps you get an idea of how to set yourself up for success when taking your Security License test and get you to work in the security industry  as a highly trained guard. 

For more information on Security Training, Licensing go to www.baigsecurity.com/blog today.

For information on the ministry’s Training and Testing Regulation, on the topics covered in the training syllabi and the tests, you must contact the Private Security and Investigative Services Branch:

Phone: 416-212-1650 or toll-free at 1-866-767-7454

E-mail: PSIS.PrivateSecurity@ontario.ca

To book a test, and for any information regarding test scheduling and payment, you must contact the ministry’s test delivery agent, Serco DES Inc.:

Phone: 1-866-248-2555

E-mail: sgt@serco-des.ca

Website: www.ontariosecuritytesting.com

So you want to be a security guard? Don’t know where to start? If your answer is yes, Baig Security is here to help you.

This post covers: 

• How do I get a security guard licence?
• How long do you have to go to school to be a security guard?
• How much does it cost to become a security guard?

How do I get a security guard licence?

To be a security guard you need to have a security guard license. Each province and territory has different rules in regards to licensing, so make sure to check these requirements before you get started. 

If you live in Ontario click the link below to see the requirements and licensing process. 

https://www.ontario.ca/page/security-guard-or-private-investigator-licence-individuals#section-0

To get your license you need to take a training course. If you are licensed in a different province then where you are practicing you will need to get that provinces license. 

There are three things you need to be to be able to take a training course. You must be over the age of eighteen, have a clean criminal background, and can legally work in Canada. All courses are 40 hours, and you receive a training completion number at the end.

Here is a link to an Ontario certified training course:

Our training hub offers:

We offer many features to help with completing your training. Not only is it entirely self-paced (meaning you can work as fast or as slow as you need without penalties), signing up with them also gives you access to more than eighty video lessons and three hundred practice quizzes.

As well, signing up with this security licensing training course provider gives you direct access to instructors via email or live chat so if you have questions or need guidance they are available to you.

To earn your license you need to pass the training course for your province, receive aid training and take an exam. Once you’ve taken the exam you will receive your license. 

Educational requirements

You need a minimum of a highschool diploma to work as a security guard. However, if you get further education, like a certificate or degree, you will be more likely to have a higher salary. See more about salary and pay on our other blog page https://www.baigsecurity.com/blog/how-much-money-do-security-guards-make . 

Below we’ve listed a few relevant degrees and certificates that might help you in the security industry.

Certificates examples:

De-escalating

Management

Non-violent confrontation

Degree examples: 

Law

Criminal Justice

How much does it cost to become a security guard?

There are few costs associated with becoming a security guard.

The biggest cost is the training course. The price varies depending on what course provider you sign up with. 

The Licensing exam

How much is the test?

The price of the security test is $75.15 after tax in Ontario. 

Hopefully this post has helped you to understand the requirements to be a security guard. 

Check out our other articles on the security industry at https://www.baigsecurity.com/blog. 

Any questions? Ask them on our quora, link below.

https://www.quora.com/profile/Baig-Security

Are you looking to start a new career? Does Security sound like a good fit for you? It’s essential to know everything about the job you are looking into. We are here to help.

How much a security guard makes is dependent upon three things: location, training and experience.

Average Security Guard Salaries by Province

Location is one of the three factors that contribute to security guard salaries. The following wages were gathered from Indeed. Security Guards in Canada make an average of $16.62. Salaries will vary based on if you work in the public or private security sector.

How does experience affect your pay?

Experience is going to be the most significant factor in determining your pay. The more experience you have, the better your income. In general, at least two years of experience working as a security guard is the minimum amount of experience you can have and see an increase in your salary.

How does education affect your pay?

There are many benefits to continuing education, but the biggest is how it can boost your salary. Having a certificate or degree that is relevant to the security industry can increase your salary as a security guard, in some cases as much as double what someone with only a high school diploma would earn. This does not include the special training you will need to go through to get your license, as every security guard must take it.

What are my Career paths and Pay Rates?

As a security guard, there are many branches you can go into (including average salary):

• Security Supervisor $18.45 per hour
• Security Officer $17.38 per hour
• Cyber-security specialist $23.71 per hour
• Armed guard $21.11 per hour
• Border security $26.02 per hour
• Private security consultant $57.14 per hour
• Correctional officer $28.44 per hour
• Fire protection specialists $21.97 per hour
• Private detective or investigator $24.98 per hour
• Policing $31.38 per hour

Each one comes with its own unique requirements. If you are interested in expanding into one of these security sectors, we recommend researching what you need to do to be prepared and successful.

Bonuses/Benefits

As well as your salary, working as a security guard can also give you access to benefits and bonuses, the scale of which depends on your employer. The most common type of bonus given out to security guards is holiday and individual performance-based bonuses. Most security guards are offered benefits for medical, dental and vision.

Is a career in Security the right choice for you?

Now that we have covered all the bases in terms of the pay for security guards, you can begin your security journey.

There are many more things to consider when looking into working at a security company. So here are some next steps for you:

• Research requirements for your location (including education, licensing, age and criminal record)
• Find a Security Training course approved by your province/state (which will teach you about security protocols, maintaining order, and report writing)
• Get your license
• Start working as a Security Guard

If you are unsure how to get started in Security, or are looking for a security job, check out our website, www.baigsecurity.com or send us an email at info@baigsecurity.com.

Have questions about the security guard training program? Check out our post on security training in Canada here: https://qr.ae/pGIMbI

So you want to be a security guard? You are looking to get into security work? If your answer is yes and you’re wondering how to get started then we are here to help you with our security training.

First things first, are you eligible to take a security guard course?

There are three things you need to be to be able to take a training course. You must be over the age of eighteen, have a clean criminal background, and can work in Canada.

Now if you have these three things then it’s time to pick a course provider.

If you are located in Ontario, Canada we recommend using https://securityguardcourse.ca/. They offer both online, standard security guard courses and an in-person CPR and Security Guard licensing course. It’s important to note that to attain a security license in Ontario, you must also complete a first aid course as well.

What will you learn in our security training course?

In Training courses you cover the following topics:

• Licensing Process
• Writing Security Reports
• Legislation
• Health and Safety
• Communication
• Procedures
• Emergency Response Preparation
• Sensitivity Training
• Canadian Legal System
• Use of Force

Our security training offers many features to help with completing your training. Not only is it entirely self-paced (meaning you can work as fast or as slow as you need without penalties), signing up with them also gives you access to more than eighty video lessons and three hundred practice quizzes.

As well, signing up with this online course provider gives you direct access to instructors via email or live chat so if you have questions or need guidance they are available to you.

The cost

The cost to take these courses varies depending on the provider.

Security Guard Course offers two security training programs:

Ontario Security Training – First Aid not included
$99.00

Dual Package: Security Guard + Private Investigator

$325.00

Difficulty Level

It entirely depends on you. If you are good at applying yourself and handling your time, it will be much easier. If these are things you struggle with it will be a bit more difficult but you have access to a large network of support to help. This is a great opportunity for continuing education students or job seekers.

If you are interested in learning more about this training course or signing up with us, check out the link below.

BaigSecurity – Training

NOT ENOUGH PEOPLE PARTICIPATE IN FIRST AID & CPR CERTIFICATION

Did you know, according to the Red Cross, despite forty percent of Canadians being in a situation where they or someone else needed emergency care, only eighteen percent of Canadians are first aid certified? 

IT IS EASY TO LEARN

With detailed courses and well-trained instructors, first aid training is easier than it’s ever been! However, that’s not to say that completing a training course to receive your certificate is going to take little to no work on your part. You still have to make sure you understand the material, pass the tests, and self discipline. 

YOUR EMPLOYER REQUIRES IT

Another good reason is if first aid qualification is something your employer requires! If you work in or as first responders, education, medical, or as a lifeguard or corrections worker, you will need a certificate for completing a first aid training course. 

BE PREPARED AS A PARENT

Lastly, if you are a parent or guardian, understanding how to administer first aid is crucial. If your or someone else’s child chokes on their food, or falls and hits their head, you need to be able to stay calm, assess the situation and deliver first aid. Taking a first aid/CPR course is the best way to learn how to do this. 

Here is a brief example of what a first aid course can cover: 

HOW TO TREAT BROKEN BONES

Have you or someone you know broke a bone? If you encounter someone who has and needs help until the paramedics arrive, first aid training can teach you how to do this. It’s important to treat the injury as best as possible, which is why if you don’t have first aid training, you could actually do more harm than good. Treatment might be as simple as immobilizing or supporting the limb to assist reduce the pain and stop further injury.

TYPES OF BREAKS

Did you know there are different ways you can break a bone? A fracture is when there’s an opportunity or crack during a bone, and it can either be considered open or closed. A closed fracture is when the skin remains intact and therefore the bone isn’t protruding, while an open fracture is when the skin is broken. 

SYMPTOMS OF A BROKEN BONE

Broken bones can have many signs and symptoms, for example:

Pain to the affected area that gets worse once you move it

Numbness within the injured area

Bluish colouring, swelling, or deformity

Bone protruding through the skin

Heavy bleeding

An easy method to spot the symptoms is to use SLIPS:

S stands for: swelling, bruising

L stands for: loss of use of the limb

I stands for: irregularity, deformation

P stands for: pain, tenderness at the location

S stands for: shock

In a first aid course you will not only learn to spot a break but also how to treat one. For example using the RICE method:

R – rest

I – ice

C – compress

E – elevate

Remember, as a primary aider, you’ll help them from getting worse but you can’t fix them, that’s up to the paramedics. Make certain to follow the right procedures and call. The earlier the injury/wound can receive medical help the better the chance of a full recovery.If you are interested in learning more about our first aid and cpr certification course, click here for more information first aid training

To be eligible for a private investigator licence in Ontario, you must:

• Be 18 years of age or older
• Be eligible to work in Canada
• Have a clean criminal record

What type of investigator do you want to be?

This is an important next step to starting a P.I career. You might be surprised to know that they do more than just discover affairs! There is a wealth of different career paths you can take as a licensed investigator. 

Different Private Investigator Paths

The following are some of the career paths that come with working as a private investigator:

Personal family investigations

A family investigation generally involves working with divorced people and child custody. 

DIVORCE & CHILD CUSTODY 

Crimes against persons

Child custody investigations

Cyber extortion and bribery

Art and jewelry theft

Attorney legal support

Litigation support

Genealogy, probate and estate

Lost and unclaimed assets

Workers compensation fraud

Corporate crisis management

Workplace drug trafficking

Fraud and forgery investigations

Brand protection

Manufacturing and industrial theft

You can also specialize in surveillance, fraud, motor vehicle investigations, insurance and cyber forensics.

Steps required to be licensed as a private investigator

Basic training course

Check out our Private Investigator Training course. This specialized 50hr online course meets and exceeds the syllabus requirements of the Ontario Ministry of the Solicitor General. It is delivered 100% online and has been updated recently to reflect any changes in relevant legislation. Upon sign up, our Private Investigator students receive a comprehensive practice test to complete at their own pace to further prepare them for the provincial exam.

As a licensed private investigator in Ontario you will have to deal with challenging situations and will require proficient training to be able to handle them. We offer a comprehensive private investigator program that is aligned with the Ontario Ministry’s 50hr syllabus and meets Ministry requirements. Our curriculum will also give you all the practical tools and training you need to be successful.

Licensing exam

Apply for a private investigator licence

Once you’ve successfully completed your private investigator training course you will need to apply for your license. Once you receive it you can start practicing as a private investigator. 

What is the cost of obtaining a private investigator licence?

The cost varies based off of course provider, our course is $229.

Interested in learning more about our training courses? Go to this link www.baigsecurity.com/training for more information.