Security guards protect property, personnel, and information against fire, theft, vandalism, and illegal entry.
Avg. Salary $38,019.00 Avg. Wage $20.09 Minimum Education Varies Certification Provincially Regulated In Demand Medium Employed 10,500 Outlook above avg New Positions 294 Job Postings 23 listings Contents Expand All Working Conditions Interests & Abilities Traits & Skills Educational Requirements Certification Requirements Employment & Advancement Related Alberta Job Postings Wage & Salary Related High School Subjects Related Post-Secondary Field of Study Other Sources of Information Related Occupational Profiles Also Known AsAsset Protection Officer, Guard, Loss Prevention Officer
In Canada, the federal government groups and organizes occupations based on a National Occupational Classification (NOC) system. This alis occupation may not reflect the entire NOC group it is part of. Data for the NOC group can apply across multiple occupations.
The NOC system is updated every 5 years to reflect changes in the labour market. Government forms and labour market data may group and refer to an occupation differently, depending on the system used.
Here is how this occupation has been classified over time.
2006 NOC
2006 NOC-S
2011 NOC
2016 NOC
2021 NOC
2023 OaSIS
While their overall role is security, security guards’ duties vary depending on where they work. Guards may protect the premises at shopping centres, banks, or sports facilities. They may work at airports, convention centres, parking lots, or construction sites. They may secure public buildings such as hospitals, museums, and art galleries.
In each setting, they will have somewhat different duties. In general, they:
In some situations, security guards may make arrests. However, they most often respond to fires or the presence of unauthorized persons. When situations arise, they sound the alarm or call their supervisor, the fire department, or the police.
They may also work outside or in a vehicle. For example:
Inspectors visit work sites to ensure that security guards are performing their duties.
The duties of armed security guards are similar to that of unarmed security guards, except they are licenced and trained to carry—and if necessary, to use—firearms in case of a life-threatening situation.
Working Conditions Updated Mar 24, 2023 Strength Required Lift up to 10 kgBecause of the wide-ranging nature of their profession, security guards may work indoors or outdoors in all kinds of weather. Some guards must stand a lot. Others sit for long periods at workstations, where they monitor electronic security systems. They may work in teams or check premises alone for long periods. They may need to wear uniforms.
Most of their work is in shifts, including weekends and holidays. There is a big call for evening and night shifts. Guards on day duty often deal with the public.
Security guards may routinely be required to lift heavy items.
Interests & AbilitiesIn Alberta, this occupation is part of 1 or more 2006 National Occupational Classification (NOC) groups. If there are multiple related NOC groups, select a NOC heading to learn about each one.
Interest in copying to perform security checks of passengers and luggage at airports; to operate security control room equipment to monitor establishment activities; to ensure that establishment safety and emergency procedures are followed; and to enforce regulations of establishments to maintain order
Interest in speaking with visitors to control access to organizations, issue passes and direct them to appropriate areas
Interest in driving and guarding armoured trucks when delivering cash and valuables to banks, automated teller machines and retail establishments; and in responding to fire alarms, bomb threats and other emergencies
To identify or change your interest codes, complete the Interests Exercise in CAREERinsite.
The interest code helps you figure out if you’d like to work in a particular occupation.
It’s based on the Canadian Work Preference Inventory (CWPI), which measures 5 occupational interests: Directive, Innovative, Methodical, Objective, and Social.
Each set of 3 interest codes for this NOC group is listed in order of importance.
A code in capital letters means it’s a strong fit for the occupation.
A code in all lowercase letters means the fit is weaker.
To fill in or change the values for your abilities, complete the Abilities Exercise in CAREERinsite.
A Quick Guide
You are born with abilities that help you process certain types of information and turn it into action. These abilities influence which skills you can learn more easily.
The abilities or aptitudes shown for this NOC group come from the General Aptitude Test Battery (GATB). The GATB measures 9 aptitudes. It groups them into 3 categories: mental, visual, and physical.
The abilities scores range from 1 to 5, with 5 being stronger.
Traits & Skills Updated Mar 24, 2023Security guards need:
They should enjoy having clear rules and guidelines. They should like dealing with people from diverse backgrounds. They should be at ease controlling access to facilities.
In Alberta, this occupation is part of 1 or more 2016 National Occupational Classification (NOC) groups. If there are multiple related NOC groups, select a NOC heading to learn about each one.
This chart shows which job skills are currently in highest demand for this occupational group. It was created using this occupation's 170 most recent Alberta job postings, collected between Aug 18, 2023 and Aug 28, 2024.
Review these skills to learn:
Tasks: Enforce regulations to maintain order and resolve conflicts and to monitor establishment activities
Construction Specialization: Judgement Tasks: Prevent and detect shoplifting and theft in retail establishments Construction Specialization: Excellent oral communication Construction Specialization: Team player| Tasks: Patrol assigned areas | 109 |
|---|---|
| Attention to detail | 103 |
| Construction Specialization: Reliability | 97 |
| Tasks: Produce reports | 96 |
| Tasks: Enforce regulations to maintain order and resolve conflicts and to monitor establishment activities | 95 |
| Construction Specialization: Judgement | 83 |
| Tasks: Prevent and detect shoplifting and theft in retail establishments | 68 |
| Walking | 66 |
| Construction Specialization: Excellent oral communication | 63 |
| Construction Specialization: Team player | 63 |
Employers require applicants to:
Most employers prefer to hire security guards who have at least finished high school. Once applicants have completed the required course for licensing, they receive in-house training. See the Certification Requirements for licensing details.
Some companies have further requirements. For example, they may need guards to have CPR Level 3 with automatic external defibrillator (AED) certificate. They may need guards to have a valid driver’s license and their own vehicle with a clean driver’s abstract. Armed security guards also require special training. For example, they need to learn techniques to de-escalate stressful situations, and how to judge when an armed response is necessary to protect lives and property.
Being able to speak a second language is an asset for security guards.
Prospective security guards should consult employers regarding the suitability and reputation of any post-secondary education program before enrolling.
To expand or narrow your search for programs related to this occupation, visit Post-Secondary Programs.
Completing a program does not guarantee entrance into an occupation. Before enrolling in an education program, prospective students should look into various sources for education options and employment possibilities. For example, contact associations and employers in this field.