So you've completed your Alberta security guard training (ABST), or are close to completing it, and are wondering how the final government exam works. Here's everything you need to know and more to pass the exam and get your security guard licence in Alberta!
About the Exam
Participants must achieve a grade of 80% or higher to pass and be able to apply for their Security Services licence.
The exams take approximately one hour to complete.
The exam includes true/false, multiple choice, and short/long answer questions, therefore your proficiency in reading and writing English is important to successfully pass the exam. If you do not understand an exam question, ask the exam proctor to explain the question. They will not provide the answer.
This exam DOES NOT include any physical activity testing.
These exams take preparation to feel confident with the material. Don't expect it to be easy, or to walk in without studying and expect to pass. Take the exam as seriously, as you take your career and your safety.
The exam is administered by an official government proctor who oversees and marks the exam. They are in the room or are monitoring you through a camera, during the exam to answer questions.
Preparing for your Exam
Read our article: 6 Ways to Prepare to Pass your Security Guard Exam
Read our article: 12 Tips for Writing your Security Guard Exam
The Day of your Exam
Students must arrive and sign in at least half an hour before your exam, whether you are taking it in-person or online. The Government does not allow late entries into the exam. If you arrive/log in late, you will not be writing your exam, and forfeit your exam fee.
You must provide the following items:
Government-Issued Picture Identification (please note that school ID or Alberta Health Care cards will NOT be accepted). For online exams, a copy of your Government Picture ID must be emailed to the Proctor in advance of the exam.
A pen, if writing in-person
After the Exam
Tip of Spear will e-mail a copy of your Final Score within a week of the exam.
If you passed your exam, as of January 2023, you will be e-mailed your official training certificate directly from the Alberta Government (PSES - Security Services), 2-3 business days after the exam. Keep this in a safe place and print off a copy for your records, as the Government no longer issues replacement certificates. You will then be able to apply for your Security Services licence.
Once your licence is approved, you will be emailed a temporary licence. Your permanent hardcopy licence is mailed to your physical mailing address. This can take 3-8 weeks.
After applying for your licence
Once you've applied for your licence, now is the time to work on getting a job! If you are still looking for work now is the time to get your resume updated and start applying for jobs! Make sure you also register for our employment database as we have some great local employers who are interested in hiring you!