Alberta Basic Security Training
The 40-hour course you need before you can apply for a security licence in Alberta. Five days in downtown Edmonton, or online at your own pace.
Two ways to take the course
The same eight modules and the same provincial exam either way. In person costs a little more because you finish in one focused week, with an instructor in the room.
In person in Edmonton
$330+ GST
Five focused days in our downtown Edmonton classroom, with an instructor in the room to answer your questions.
Online, at your own pace
$130+ GST
The same eight modules and quizzes online. When your 40 hours are logged, you get your certificate and exam booking instructions.
Upcoming courses
In-person classes run Monday to Friday, 8:00 AM to 5:00 PM, in downtown Edmonton, with up to 10 students. Full payment reserves your seat.
November 9–13, 2026
$330+ GST
November 23–27, 2026
$330+ GST
Online, any time
$130+ GST
Why five days in a classroom
With self-paced study it’s easy to lose momentum. Life gets busy, studying gets pushed aside, and your licence gets delayed. Five days gets you in, focused and finished.
Your instructor is a security professional with years of real-world and training experience, in the room to answer questions and walk you through licensing step by step. You’ll study alongside other people starting out in the industry, and your textbook and course resources are included.
What the 40 hours cover
Eight modules set by the Government of Alberta. Open a module to see every topic.
Module 1: ABST course introduction4 topics
- Introduction
- How the course works
- Learning outcomes
- Frequently asked questions
Module 2: The private security industry3 topics, quiz
- Roles and responsibilities of security professionals
- Legislation and the licensing of security professionals in Alberta
- Appearance and conduct for security professionals
- Module quiz
Module 3: The Canadian legal system and security guards6 topics, quiz
- Criminal law and Canada’s court system
- Types of offences
- The Charter of Rights and Freedoms
- Use of force
- Powers of arrest (section 494)
- Additional legislation
- Module quiz
Module 4: Basic security procedures6 topics, quiz
- Surveillance and patrol techniques
- Access control
- Crowd control
- Traffic control
- Shift handover procedures
- Drug effects
- Module quiz
Module 5: Communication for security guards3 topics, quiz
- Communication skills
- Tactical communication
- Interpersonal skills
- Module quiz
Module 6: Documentation and evidence5 topics, quiz
- Note taking and reports
- Observation skills
- Reports as evidence
- Types of evidence
- Preparing for court
- Module quiz
Module 7: Emergency response procedures6 topics, quiz
- Fire safety
- Medical emergencies
- Bomb threats
- Alarm systems
- Evacuation planning
- Duty of care
- Module quiz
Module 8: Health and safety for security guards3 topics, quiz
- Occupational Health and Safety Act (OHS)
- WHMIS
- Security guard safety
- Module quiz
By the end you’ll be able to
- Describe the specific roles and responsibilities of a security professional.
- Explain federal and provincial legislation and regulations that govern security work.
- List and describe the knowledge and skills needed for basic security patrol duties.
- Use a professional, effective communication style to manage and control incidents.
- Take accurate notes and write clear security reports.
- Understand and explain how an emergency incident and emergency response are managed.
- Maintain personal and professional safety and well-being on the job.
How it works, from course to licence
Licences are issued under the Security Services and Investigators Act. The course is the first step; here’s the rest of the way.
With us
Take the ABST course
Complete all 8 modules, a minimum of 40 hours, in person or online.
Exam provider
Pass the provincial exam
Write the proctored provincial exam and score 80% or higher. The $60 exam fee is paid to the exam provider. Your training certificate arrives by mail within a week.
Local police
Get your police check
A criminal record check with vulnerable sector and local database searches, and a passport-size photo signed by the police service. These expire after 90 days.
Alberta Security Programs
Apply for your licence
Send the Application for Individual Licence with your documents and the $100 fee, at a registry agent or by mail. The licence is valid for 2 years.
You
Start work
Once approved you get a temporary 60-day licence, and your licence card is mailed to you.
Who can take the course
These match what Alberta Security Programs checks when you apply for your licence.
- At least 18 years old
- Fluent in spoken and written English (Canadian Language Benchmark 5)
- Eligible to work in Canada
- No criminal record, confirmed by a current police information check with a vulnerable sector search
- Good character and employment references
- Good health
Where your licence can take you
Security work in Alberta needs a licence, and every licence starts with ABST. These are the jobs it opens up.
Security guard
Sites, lobbies and events
Loss prevention
Stores and malls
Alarm response
Mobile patrol, often nights
Patrol dog handler
K9 security teams
Bodyguard
Close protection
Payment and refunds
Prices are plus 5% GST. Full payment is required to reserve your seat. You pay by Interac e-Transfer when you register. Prefer a credit card? Call 780 229 3710 and we’ll email you a secure payment link.
Send your e-Transfer within 24 hours of registering, or your seat is cancelled. Registration for each class closes at 8:00 AM on the first day, and classes are capped at 10 students.
Once you’ve paid, we’ll refund you up until the registration cut-off. If you cancel after the cut-off, there are no credits or refunds.
Questions before you register? Call 780 229 3710 or email training@priorityonesecuritytraining.ca.
Your first shift starts with five days in Edmonton
Register online in about three minutes, or call and we’ll answer your questions about the course, the exam and your licence.
