Getting a security guard licence in Manitoba
Manitoba licenses security guards under The Private Investigators and Security Guards Act. The licensing program is run by Manitoba Justice. You must hold a licence to work as a guard, and you must work for a licensed business or registered employer.
- Take the 40-hour Manitoba Security Guard Training Program (MSGTP) from a trainer approved by Manitoba Justice. Each trainer sets its own fees.
- Schedule and write the final provincial exam online through E-proctor. You get your certificate after you complete the 40 hours and pass.
- Get a Manitoba Child Abuse Registry check and a criminal record check from the police where you live, both dated within 6 months of applying.
- Apply for your licence and pay the fee by phone.
- Wait for your physical licence card. You may not work until you have it.
If your criminal record check shows any charges or convictions, you also need a fingerprint-certified check. Guards trained in another province or territory may have that training recognized, and former police, sheriff and correctional officers may ask to challenge the final exam. Both are at the Registrar's discretion.
Fees and renewals
The licence fee is $30 a year for one licence type, or $60 a year for a dual licence, and fees are not refundable. Payment is made by phone. Send your renewal at least two months before your licence expires. If you miss the 30-day grace period, you must start again with a new application.
Your record checks and photo stay valid for three years while you are licensed. Ask for a new photo as soon as possible if your appearance changes a lot. If a check or the photo expires, the licence ends.
The MSGTP final exam
- The exam is hosted online by E-proctor. You pay a $30 exam fee to E-proctor when you schedule it.
- You have three attempts. After that, you must take the whole course again.
- A zero-tolerance policy applies to any breach of exam rules.
- Manitoba's public FAQ does not give the number of questions, a time limit or a pass mark. Ask your trainer for the current format.
The course and exam cover the knowledge a guard needs on the first day of work. Expect questions on Manitoba's Act and on topics taught across Canada, such as arrest powers, use of force, notebooks and reports, evidence, emergencies, communication and professional conduct.
Rules on the job
| Topic | Manitoba rule |
|---|---|
| Licence term | 1 year, renewed every year; send your renewal at least two months early |
| Grace period | 30 days after expiry, then a new application is needed |
| Checks and photo | Valid for 3 years while licensed; the licence ends if one expires |
| Carrying the licence | At all times while working; show it when asked |
| Reporting | Criminal charges, convictions and changes to your address for service within 15 days |
Identification and titles
Your licence is the only identification the Act allows. Badges and shields are not allowed. Titles such as "private detective", "protection officer" or "law enforcement officer" may not be used.
Uniforms
- Guards must wear a uniform (section 33(1) of the Act).
- The uniform must not look like a police or military uniform.
- SECURITY GUARD must appear on the chest of the torso garment and of the outer garment.
- Private investigators may not wear uniforms.
- Loss prevention officers can apply for an exemption, which is printed on the back of the licence.
Equipment
- OC (pepper) spray is prohibited, because it is a prohibited weapon under the Criminal Code.
- Licensees may not carry any restricted weapon.
- Batons are not banned, but guards should not carry or use them as weapons.
- Handcuffs are not specifically banned. Employers should monitor their use, and only the minimum force needed may be used on a person who is lawfully under arrest.
Guards in Manitoba have the same arrest powers as any private citizen, under section 494 of the Criminal Code. If you make an arrest, deliver the person to police right away.
Other duties
- If your licence is suspended or cancelled, return it to the Registrar (section 19 of the Act).
- Security guards must work for a licensed business or a registered employer.
- Failing to follow any part of the Act or regulation is an offence under section 37.
Study tips for the Manitoba exam
- Learn the Manitoba numbers: 40 hours, 3 attempts, 6 months, 3 years, 1 year, 30 days and 15 days.
- Know the uniform wording and the equipment rules, especially the ban on OC spray.
- Practise arrest, use of force and report writing using the Canada-wide practice sets.
- Keep your record checks and photo up to date once you are licensed, so your licence does not end.