Handcuffs close up

Is this program right for you?

If you are a licensed security professional who carries and uses handcuffs, you must complete AST to add a Restraint Endorsement to your Security Worker License. This specialized training ensures you are prepared to use restraints safely and effectively, while meeting the legal requirements of the role.

This program is required for:
  • Licensed security professionals who need the endorsement to carry and use handcuffs
  • Security workers seeking to meet provincial licensing requirements
  • Professionals who must renew their AST qualification every three years to maintain compliance
Program strengths
  • Mandatory prerequisite for the Restraint Endorsement on a Security Worker License
  • Delivered in a 24-hour course format for comprehensive coverage
  • Practical skills training combined with applied theory
  • Meets provincial requirements for security professionals using restraints
  • Qualification renewal every three years ensures skills remain current 

In this 24-hour course, you will build a foundation in:

  • Security Services Act & Regulations – understanding the legal framework governing security work
  • Advanced Force Options Theory – applying appropriate use-of-force decision-making models
  • Introduction to Control Tactics – learning safe and effective physical control methods
  • Application of Restraints – using handcuffs properly and within legal limits
  • Excited Delirium & Positional Asphyxia – recognizing and managing high-risk situations
  • Reporting & Documentation – recording incidents accurately and professionally

By completing AST, you’ll be qualified to safely carry and use restraints as part of your security role, while meeting all licensing requirements in B.C. 

Advanced Security Training (AST) is provided by instructors approved by JIBC. These instructors are required to follow the training standards for the security industry as outlined in the BC Security Services Act. To register for this training, please contact one of the approved instructors listed under the How to Apply section of this page.

Students must achieve a minimum of 75% for successful completion of the training. 

Replacement Certificates

Replacement certificates are no longer available 

If you are in the process of renewing your security worker license with Security Programs Division, a replacement certificate is not required. please upload your current or expired licence to your application 

Security Training Programs will notify Security Programs Division that you passed. 

 

 

Please contact your preferred Advanced Security Training instructor for course tuition information.

Exams booked through the Registration Office are $64.41. 

Contact an instructor in your area to find out about upcoming courses. 

Training School

Instructor(s) Name

Telephone

Email

Website

Region

DWK Consulting

Brian Woods

 

Dieter Karpf

 

Mike Kendall

604-376-3338

604-941-3453

604-615-7522

brianpjwoods@gmail.com

 

dwkconsulting@telus.net

 

kendalltacticalconcepts@gmail.com

www.dwkconsulting.caLower Mainland
Frank McConnell Quality Security TrainingFrank McConnell250-862-0891, 250-707-3034frankmc@telus.net Okanagan and Lower Mainland
Garda WorldBrandon Nicholson brandon.nicholson@garda.com Lower Mainland
Hilltop Advanced Security Ltd. Ferdinand Soriano1 (604) 502-5000info@hilltopast.comhttps://hilltopast.com Lower Mainland
Integrity First Security TrainingNicolas Strader250-801-4552nicolasstrader242@gmail.com Okanagan 
  Island HealthDevin Vessey250-516-5832devin.vessey@islandhealth.caislandhealth.caVancouver Island
Michael TurnerMichael Turner mdjturner@gmail.com Vancouver Island
Norm BettencourtNorm Bettencourt778-840-8901normbettencourt@yahoo.ca Lower Mainland
Paladin Security

Ian Henderson

Norm Bettencourt

 

 

 

778-840-8901

ihenderson@paladinsecurity.com

 

nbettencourt@paladinsecurity.com

https://paladinsecurity.comLower Mainland
Ranger Training SolutionsAmedeo Vecchio250-377-1426infantrycaptain@yahoo.ca Okanagan 
RiskPro Consultants

Arnold Iwasaki

 

Rolland Chu

672-514-2130

672-514-2130

astcanadabc@gmail.comwww.riskproconsulting.comLower Mainland
Ryujin TacticalBenjamin Hollins403-470-4780Ryujintactical@gmail.com Lower Mainland
Spindor Training and Risk ManagementJoe Spindor604-619-3065jspindor@shaw.ca  Lower Mainland, Okanagan
Sting Executive Group International (SEGI)

Ken Mills

 

Kevin Theal

250-706-9874

778-686-6050

millsken870@gmail.com

 

thealka154@gmail.com

www.stinginvestigations.caBC-Wide

 

 

Q: Where can I take Advanced Security Training (AST)?

A: You may take the course face-to-face through any of the JIBC-approved Security Training Schools listed under the “How To Sign-Up” section.

Q: How long do I have to complete my exam

A: Students are required to successfully complete the assessment within six (6) months of finishing the theory course. Students must plan appropriately in order to complete the training and final exam within the allotted time.  

Q: How do I get the AST endorsement added to my licence?

A: In order to get the AST endorsement on your license, you need to go through the ministry:

Please see the Ministry of Public Safety and Solicitor General, Security Programs Division's website for further information on the licensing procedure and application form. Email: securitylicensing@gov.bc.ca Office: 1 855 587-0185

Q: How do I get a replacement AST Certificate?

A: AST Certificates are no longer required for licensing or licence renewals. 

To validate completion, you can get a copy of your transcript.  You can follow the link below for instructions on accessing either the unofficial or official transcripts:

Student Record Forms | Justice Institute of British Columbia

Q: When will I get my grade after completing the exam?

A: Your final grade will be available on your transcript after your course and exam have been processed and reviewed. Processing typically takes 1–2 weeks.

Q: How do I register for the AST exam?

A: If you take the course outside of the Metro Vancouver area, you will do the exam with your instructor.  If you take the exam within the Metro Vancouver area, book the exam through our registration department. 

Contact our Registration Office at 604-528-5590 (9am – 4pm Monday to Friday).

Q: How much does an AST course cost?

A: The instructors set the course prices, contact the instructors directly to enquire. 

Q: How do I find an AST instructor in my area?

A: Navigate to the “How to Apply” dropdown section of this page.  The instructors are listed by area.  Most instructors will travel to different locations to hold courses, and some will hold private courses for companies or groups as requested. Contact instructors directly to arrange private courses, or to find out about their upcoming scheduled courses. 

Q: What is the age requirement to take the BST course?

A: You must be 19 years of age to take the AST course. 

Q: How to book a rewrite exam?

The AST exam may be written a total of 2 times, after this a student needs to retake the AST course to get access to the AST exam.

Students have a maximum of 6 months from the date they attended the AST course to complete a rewrite.

Rewrite Option 1

To book a rewrite at JIBC New Westminster campus please reach out to the RO:

register@jibc.ca

604.528.5590

Rewrite Option 2

Some AST instructors host rewrites. Students can contact their AST instructor to schedule a rewrite.

Please email them with your student # and request to be registered for a rewrite in their next class.

The  Justice Institute of British Columbia (JIBC) invites applications for admission into the AST Instructor Course. Successful completion of this course will provide the certification to deliver SCRT-1670 Advanced Security Training (AST) and SCRT -1675 AST Recertification

AST is a 24-hour provincially approved course that meets the training requirement for security professionals seeking authorization to carry and use handcuffs while engaged in security work in British Columbia.

The AST course combines legal theory, security guard safety principles, de-escalation strategies, arrest and control tactics, and practical skills assessment. Through classroom instruction, practical exercises, and scenario-based learning, students develop the knowledge and skills needed to safely and effectively perform security duties, including the use of handcuffs

Closing Date: Applications must be received by July 31, 2026

Notification of Acceptance:  will not be later than August 14, 2026

Course Dates: September 21st -25th or  October 5th -9th


Instructor Responsibilities

AST instructors are responsible for delivering high-quality, learner-centred instruction in accordance with JIBC standards.

Course Preparation and Delivery

  • Deliver course content in alignment with the approved course outline and learning outcomes. 
  • Collaborate with program staff and follow administrative procedures
  • Ensure all instructions comply with JIBC policies, procedures, and the Teaching Faculty Handbook. 

Classroom Facilitation

  • Establish a safe, respectful, and supportive learning environment. 
  • Facilitate both classroom and practical skills instruction. 
  • Promote learner engagement through discussion, reflection, and real-world application. 
  • Deliver experiential and scenario-based learning activities. 

Assessment and Feedback

  • Assess learner performance against established standards. 
  • Provide timely, constructive, and actionable feedback. 
  • Conduct practical skills evaluations and final assessments. 

Required Qualifications

Licences and Certifications

  • Valid B.C. security worker licence with authorization to carry and use restraints 
  • Verification of relevant instructor, application-of-force/control tactic certifications. 

Education

  • BC Instructor Diploma or equivalent instructional credential is preferred. 

Security Industry Experience

  • Minimum three (3) years of relevant security industry experience within the last five (5) years. 
  • Equivalent work experience in law enforcement, corrections, military, or related public safety roles within the last five (5) years may be considered.

Instructional Experience

  • Demonstrated instructional or training experience within the last three (3) years. 

Application of Force Competency

Candidates must demonstrate current and relevant competency in:

  • Civilian arrest and control techniques 
  • Handcuffing  
  • Security guard safety 
  • Assess for relevant force options principles and properly apply them 

 

Competency must be supported by recent training and/or operational experience within the last three (3) years.


Preferred Qualifications

Preference will be given to candidates who have:

  • Recent AST-related work experience within the last two (2) years; or 
  • A combination of BST instructional experience and current AST certification.  
  • Experience delivering: 
    • Basic Security Training (BST) 
    • Application of force or force options training 
    • Scenario-based and skills-based instruction 

Core Competencies of AST Instruction 

De-escalation and Conflict Management

  • Crisis intervention and effective communication. 
  • Non-physical conflict resolution strategies. 

Legal Responsibilities

  • Thorough understanding of a security guard’s legal authorities and limitations. 
  • Ability to ensure any use of force is: 
    • Lawful  
    • Necessary  
    • Reasonable  
    • Justified  
    • Proportionate  

Decision-Making

  • Ability to assess, plan, and act appropriately under pressure. 

Instructional Skills

  • Deliver experiential, learner-centered instruction. 
  • Follow approved standardized curriculum, including lesson plans, and manuals.
  • Use teach-back methodologies to confirm learner competency. 
  • Effectively facilitate both theory and practical skill development. 

Professional Skills and Attributes

  • Excellent oral and written communication skills in English. 
  • Proficiency with Microsoft Office and virtual meeting platforms. 
  • Strong interpersonal skills and the ability to build effective relationships with students, program staff, and fellow instructors. 
  • Excellent organizational and problem-solving abilities. 
  • Sound judgment, discretion, and professionalism. 
  • Ability to work effectively under pressure. 
  • Demonstrated leadership and the ability to model professional conduct. 
  • Willingness and ability to travel as required. 

Application Requirements

Applicants must submit the following:

  • Completed application form
  • $315 + GST application processing fee (non-refundable)
  • Cover letter 
  • Current résumé 
  • Two (2) letters of reference from a current or recent employer addressing: 
    • Industry experience 
    • Instructional ability 
    • Professional conduct 

 

  • Copies of relevant licences and certifications 
  • Documentation verifying completion of required instructor and application-of-force training 
  • Current PAR-Q+ and physician clearance confirming the physical ability to participate in practical training.

Additional Information

  • There is no challenge process; all applicants must meet the required qualifications and successfully complete any applicable instructor screening or evaluation process. 
  • Instructor qualification is contingent upon satisfactory verification of credentials and experience, and successful completion of the AST Instructor Course 
  • Must pay course tuition - $1,567.00 +GST within 7 days of acceptance notification 
  • Please download the application form at the bottom of this page. 

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