Is this program right for you?
Basic Security Training is the required first step for anyone who wants to work as a licensed security guard in British Columbia. The program is delivered by JIBC on behalf of the B.C. Government’s Security Programs Division. Students may complete BST directly through JIBC or through organizations designated by JIBC. No matter where training is completed, students can be confident they are receiving provincially approved instruction that meets industry standards and supports their path toward security licensing and employment.
The Basic Security Training (BST) program is required for:
Individuals new to the security profession who must complete BST to be eligible for a provincial Security Worker License.
Security businesses and security workers that require licensing include:
- Uniformed security guards
- Security alarm services, sales, monitoring and/or response
- Armoured car businesses
- Security consultants
- Locksmiths
- Door staff
- Body guards - close protection
- Retail loss prevention
- Closed circuit television installer
- Electronic locking device installer (Access Control)
- In-house security
- Private investigator
- Doorperson at licensed liquor establishments
Individuals with prior training and experience may apply for an exemption from training, or from both training and examination, if they meet specific criteria within the applicable timelines. Exemptions are processed through the Registrar, Security Services Act (contact: 1.855.587.0185).
Program strengths
- Provides the mandatory training to apply for a Security Worker License in B.C.
- Fully online delivery with a final exam
- Builds professional knowledge, practical skills, and awareness of legal responsibilities
- Creates a strong foundation for a wide range of security roles
Basic Security Training provides a foundation in:
- Professionalism and ethics – understanding the standards and responsibilities of security work
- Legal studies – learning the laws and regulations that govern security professionals
- Report writing – documenting incidents clearly and accurately
- Personal safety – applying strategies to protect yourself and others while on duty
Completion
Students who successfully complete the online course and final exam are eligible to apply for the BC Security Worker Licence.
Security Guards must be licensed to work in B.C. There is a 40-hour training requirement to obtain a licence under the Security Services Act (SSA). This Basic Security Training course prepares students in the theory portion of the provincial training requirement. By actively participating in the practical exercises and scenarios, students become better prepared to meet the challenges of working in the security industry. This course is delivered either in-person or online at JIBC. We also manage courses through our approved training partners.
Basic Security Training is available through JIBC as either a self-paced online course or as in-person learning. It consists of two components: the theory course (SCRT-1651) and a final exam/assessment (SCRT-1656).
We recommend the in-person course for students who want to complete the course as soon as possible. The in-person course runs throughout the year, with varying class schedules for each offering. Attendance for all 40 hours of the course in mandatory to be eligible to write the exam.
The online course is the recommended route for busy working professionals, as it offers more flexibility. This self-paced course can be taken in your own time. Students have three months to complete the 40-hour course. Each offering of the online course has a definite start and end date. Extensions will not be granted.
Basic Security Training is also offered face-to-face through one of JIBC’s Approved Security Training Schools, which are required to follow the training standards for the security industry as outlined in the BC Security Services Act. A list of Approved Security Training Schools is available under the How to Apply section of this page.
Final Exam
Once students have completed the theory course, they are eligible to take the final exam. A minimum grade of 70% must be achieved on the exam to pass.
Students are required to successfully complete the assessment within six (6) months of finishing the theory course. Students can write the exam a maximum of 2 times (each re-write is subject to an exam fee). If after two (2) attempts the student is not successful, they will be required to take the BST Theory (SCRT-1651) again.
The exam will take place at the JIBC New Westminster campus. Please note students are required to bring their own laptop to the exam.
Online Exam Details
Online Proctored Exams are only available for students that live outside the Lower Mainland. Once students have completed the Basic Security Training course (SCRT-1651), contact our Registration Office at 604-528-5590 to enroll into the online exam.
For students who have been trained at an Approved Security Training School:
- Approved Training Schools are asked to complete the Exam Request and Attendance List and send it to securitytraining@jibc.ca.
- This list is their declaration that students have completed the mandatory 40-hour Basic Security Training Course. These records are subject to audit by JIBC.
- You will be notified with further instructions to register into the exam.
Statement of Training Completion
Students must achieve a minimum of 70% on the assessment for successful completion. A Statement of Training Completion will be produced for students who receive a passing grade.
SCRT-1651: BST Theory In-Person
The course is a 40 hour in-person course. Offerings will be available through the year. Attendance for all 40 hours of the course in mandatory to be eligible to write the exam.
- Fee: $343.77
- *A Learner Services Fee of $3.26 will be added to the above tuition fees.
SCRT-1651: BST Theory Online
The course is a 40 hour/12-week online course that is self-paced. If you wanted to finish it sooner, you can, 40 hour/12-week is the maximum.
- Fee: $343.77
- *A Learner Services Fee of $3.26 will be added to the above tuition fees.
SCRT-1656: BST Assessment
- $63.15
Refund Policy
- The Basic Security Training Theory online course (SCRT-1651) and the Basic Security Training Assessment (SCRT-1656) are continuous entry online courses and not eligible for refunds.
- Specifics about refunds for JIBC students are provided in our Refunds Procedure, which is part of our Tuition Policy.
Students can register online for JIBC's Basic Security Training Course. All available course offerings are shown on our course page.
This course can also be completed at any of the Approved Security Training Schools. To register with an approved training school, please contact them directly.
Here is the list of approved training schools:
| Training School | Location | Telephone |
|---|---|---|
| Guardteck Security Corp | Burnaby and Victoria | 778-379-9000 |
| Frank McConnell Quality Security Training | Kelowna | 250-862-0891 |
| Securiguard Services Ltd | Kelowna | 250-763-7339 |
| WT -Canadian Safety & Medic Training | Kelowna | 250-861-4357 |
| Paladin Security- Vancouver Island | Nanaimo and Victoria | 250-380-1965 / 250-886-0724 |
| Justice Institute of British Columbia (JIBC) | New Westminster | 604-528-5590 |
| Sting Executive Group International (SEGI) | New Westminster | 1-888-713-2673 |
| Northern BC Guard Academy | Prince George | 250-640-8540 |
| Paladin Security- Mainland | Vancouver | 604-677-8700 |
All exams are held at JIBC New Westminster campus. Students who live and completed training in the Lower Mainland (within the geographical area from Squamish to Abbotsford) must take their exam at the JIBC New Westminster Campus.
Students who completed the course outside of this region will be offered an alternative and will receive instructions for taking the exam.
The Registration Office can assist you:
- 604-528-5590 – Greater Vancouver
- 1-877-528-5591 – Toll-free (North America only)
- Hours: Monday – Friday 9:00 am to 4:00 pm, Wednesdays 9:30 am to 4:00 pm
In-person Exams:
The Basic Security Training Assessment (SCRT-1656) is a 90-minute, 75-question exam. You will need to bring a laptop to this in-person exam. The confirmation letter will tell you the classroom location.
Exam schedule:
- Tuesdays: 1:30 p.m. – 3:30 p.m. Or 5:30 p.m. – 7:30 p.m.
- Wednesdays: 1:30 p.m. – 3:30 p.m. Or 5:30 p.m. – 7:30 p.m.
- Thursdays: 1:30 p.m. – 3:30 p.m. Or 5:30 p.m. – 7:30 p.m.
- Saturdays: 9:30 a.m. – 11:30 a.m. Or 1:00 p.m. – 3:00 p.m.
Technical requirements for the exam:
- Bring your own laptop (tablets or iPads will not work). Please ensure that your laptop is fully charged and that you have your charging cable with you. You will need to access an internet browser.
There are no laptops available at JIBC.
- Bring your JIBC Student User ID (example: j0000001) that is sent to you on the day you registered for the exam and have your password ready.
- Click here if you are a new student or you forgot your password (once you are able to log-in, please note that the exam will not appear in your profile until the day of the exam).
- If you already have a password, please disregard this requirement.
- Additional instructions and information: :
- Arrive 30 minutes early for the exam. Students that arrive 30 minutes after the scheduled starting time will not be allowed to take the exam.
- Bring a printed/digital copy your confirmation email (sent a week before the exam).
- Bring government issued photo identification. Without it, you will NOT be permitted to write: Valid Canadian photo ID, Driver’s License, BCID, Passport, Citizenship or other Gov’t issued ID with photo.
- You need a minimum score of 70% to pass the exam. You will receive your score immediately after you finish the exam.
- There will be no re-scheduling or refunds for this exam. If you are unable to attend, make sure you withdraw at least seven business days in advance.
Student Notification – Cheating
Activity considered cheating during an exam includes being dishonest or trying to be dishonest. This could include, but is not limited to, copying someone else's answers, accessing material or devices you’re not allowed to have, talking to someone else during the exam without permission, taking an exam for someone else, or letting someone else take an exam for you.
The Justice Institute of British Columbia expects all students enrolled in Basic Security Training (BST) to abide by the following rules during an assessment or exam:
- The exam is CLOSED BOOK. Students are NOT allowed to use of any notes, books, or study material during the exam. This includes dictionaries, web browsers, artificial intelligence platforms (ex. ChatGPT), or any other material.
- Screen sharing, remote-control applications, and using mirroring software is NOT allowed, and is considered cheating.
- Sharing exam information, including copying and communication about the exam, is not allowed and is considered cheating.
Online Exams:
- A student must keep their full face within the screen at all times throughout the exam.
- All students must “click” Scan Room, then scan the entire 360 degrees of room slowly and all around the space.
- A student must be alone in the room. No assistance from others is allowed.
Please note, the exam application (Proctorio) will be monitoring all students during the exam. Any indicators of cheating such as looking at or referring to resources, talking or moving away from the screen, or the presence of other people in the room will delay or prevent qualification.
In person Exams:
- Students are not allowed to have anything on the desk other than a laptop.
- No talking is allowed during the exam.
- Please note, JIBC staff will ask students to stop writing and leave the exam if they suspect these rules are not being followed.
Consequences of Cheating
Instances of cheating by students within the BST program will be addressed as follows:
- The student receives a grade of FAIL.
- No rewrites are allowed.
- The student will be suspended from any Security Training courses for one (1) year.
- After one (1) year the student can take the course again and then write the exam after course completion.
- The exam must be taken in person at JIBC or at another designated institution.
Please refer to JIBC’s Student Academic Integrity Policy and Procedure for more information, including a student’s right to appeal a decision and discipline with respect to student academic misconduct such as cheating.
Q: How do I become a security professional?
A: All persons wishing to work as a security guard in British Columbia, must successfully complete their BST qualification. Upon successful completion of your BST, you must then apply for your Security Worker licence through the Ministry of Public Safety and Solicitor General, Security Programs Division, in order to be eligible to work.
Q: Where can I take Basic Security Training (BST)?
A: JIBC offers BST training as both an online course or in-person course - SCRT-1651 (theory) and SCRT-1656 (assessment).
You may also take the course face-to-face through any of the JIBC-approved Security Training Schools.
Q: How do I register for the BST online training course through the JIBC?
A: You may contact the Registration Office at 604.528.5590 or toll-free at 1.877.528.5591, or register online. Please specify if you are booking for an online or in-person offering.
Q: Do the BST courses (SCRT-1651 and SCRT-1656) include Gaming Security Officer (GSO) qualification?
A: No, the BST courses do not include GSO qualification. If you wish to obtain both your BST and GSO qualifications in one course, please take the Gaming Security Officer (SCRT-1604) training course which includes both qualifications.
Q: What is the age requirement to take the BST course?
A: You can complete your BST qualification before the age of 19, however, you must be 19 years of age in order to apply for your Security Worker licence, which is required to work in the field.
Q: What are the pre-requisites for the BST course?
A: Students must have a good command of the English language, both spoken and written. This is a requirement for licensing.
Q: What background security checks are required to take the course?
A: Security checks are not required to complete your BST qualification. However, a criminal record check is required for Security Worker licensing as part of the application process. For further information regarding licensing requirements, don't hesitate to get in touch with the Ministry of Public Safety and Solicitor General, Security Programs Division.
Q: I have similar prior training; do I still have to take the BST course?
A: If you have peace officer experience (within the last 3 years) you may qualify for a training exemption from taking the mandatory training. BST Exemptions are granted only by the Ministry of Public Safety and Solicitor General, Security Programs Division, not through the JIBC. Please see their website for details.
Q: Do I have to complete my exam before the course expires?
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 a replacement BST Certificate?
A: BST Certificates are no longer required for licensing or licence renewals.
Q: How do I get my security worker licence?
A: Once you have successfully passed the BST courses, you will need to apply for your Security Worker Licence. Licensing is done through the Ministry of Public Safety and Solicitor General, Security Programs Division. 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.
- Phone number: 1.855.587.0185 (press 1)
- Email: SGSPDSEC@gov.bc.ca
- Website: http://www2.gov.bc.ca/gov/content/employment-business/business/security-services/security-industry-licensing
Q: How to Register for the Exam
Students must have successfully completed BST Theory (SCRT-1651) before registering for BST Exam (SCRT-1656) to register for your BST Assessment.
1. Visit myJIBC Student Portal
- You will need an active JIBC Student number and Password to login. To reset your password, click, Login to Self-Service.
- If you already have an active JIBC Student Number and Password, proceed to step 2.
Then click Forgot Password?
- From the Forgot Password page, enter your JIBC Student Number and Email Address on file.
- Click Submit. You will receive a message to check your email for further instructions.
- Once you have successfully reset your password, return to myJIBC student portal
2. Click Self-Service
3. Enter your JIBC Student Number and Password.
- Click Sign In.
4. From the Self-Service home page, click Register & Pay for Continuing Studies.
5. Type SCRT-1656 in the Course Code Number box.
- Click Search.
6. On the search results page:
- Scroll down until you find an exam with available seats.
- Click Select on the exam you’d like to register for.
7. If the exam is full
- You will get the message in red below, "This Section is Full."
- If the exam has available seats, there will be no message in red. Click Add Section.
8. You will get confirmation that the exam has successfully been added to your cart.
- Click Next.
9. Fill out the Additional Details.
- Click Submit.
10. Pay for Classes page will be displayed.
- Confirm correct exam date is listed, total of $63.15 is appearing, select Payment Methods (Visa or Mastercard).
- Click Proceed to Payment.
11. Payment Review page displays
- Click Pay Now - please pay by Visa or Mastercard.
- PLEASE NOTE: Visa Debit and Mastercard Debit are not accepted.
12. Enter the required payment information.
- Click Pay Now.
- A ‘transaction being processed’ message will be displayed.
13. When payment has been processed
- Class/Payment Acknowledgement page will be displayed.
- A copy of this acknowledgement will also be sent to your email on file.
COURSES IN THIS PROGRAM
| SCRT-1651 Basic Security Training Theory | SCRT-1656 Basic Security Training Assessment |