Trauma-Informed Security Course 2026
This course is for security guards and front-line staff in Canada who want to respond to people in a way that does not add to past harm. It covers what trauma is, the four principles of trauma- and violence-informed approaches from the Public Health Agency of Canada, common triggers, consent, supporting people who were harmed, and looking after yourself.
Quick answer
This free course has about 25 minutes of lessons and a 25-question test. Score 80% or more to download a certificate of completion (private, not accredited). Checked against official sources on October 11, 2026.
What you will learn
- Explain what trauma is, including complex and intergenerational trauma
- Describe the four principles of trauma- and violence-informed approaches
- Avoid common triggers by explaining actions, offering choices and asking before touch
- Support a person who was harmed without blame or retelling
- Recognize stress reactions in yourself and seek support
Score 80% or more to download your certificate.
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Question 1 of 25
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Answer: D. An overwhelmingly negative event or events
PHAC describes trauma as an overwhelmingly negative event or series of events. Its effects can last long after.
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Question 2 of 25
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Answer: B. Trauma that comes from repeated experiences over time
Trauma can be acute, from a single event, or complex, from repeated experiences such as ongoing abuse.
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Question 3 of 25
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Answer: C. Effects passed down from one generation to the next
Intergenerational trauma affects several generations, through what is passed down and through ongoing living conditions.
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Question 4 of 25
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Answer: C. Create safe environments
The four principles are: understand trauma and violence, create safe environments, foster choice, collaboration and connection, and provide strengths-based, capacity-building support.
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Question 5 of 25
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Answer: D. recognize how trauma and violence can shape a person's behaviour
Understanding how trauma affects people helps you respond to behaviour with patience instead of taking it personally.
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Question 6 of 25
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Answer: D. Offering a person options about how a situation is handled
Giving options and working with the person helps rebuild a sense of control, which trauma often takes away.
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Question 7 of 25
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Answer: A. The person's existing strengths and ways of coping
Strengths-based support helps people cope and build resilience by drawing on what they already do well.
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Question 8 of 25
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Answer: C. The colonization of Indigenous peoples
Systemic violence is built into systems and structures. PHAC gives colonization of Indigenous peoples as an example.
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Question 9 of 25
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Answer: B. Keeping or regaining well-being despite hardship
PHAC describes resilience as a dynamic process shaped by the person and their environment.
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Question 10 of 25
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Answer: D. "What happened to this person?"
Trauma-informed thinking looks for the reasons behind behaviour instead of labelling the person.
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Question 11 of 25
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Answer: D. It may remind them of past harm by authority
For people who were hurt by police, guards, staff in care or institutions, a uniform can be a reminder. Be aware of this and stay calm.
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Question 12 of 25
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Answer: C. Knowing what comes next helps a person feel safe
Surprises can feel threatening. Predictability is a key part of creating a safe environment.
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Question 13 of 25
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Answer: A. Introduce yourself and ask if you may help
Asking for consent respects the person's control over their own body, which matters even more after trauma.
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Question 14 of 25
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Answer: C. Go somewhere private and quiet, and only ask what you need
Making a person retell their story many times or asking blaming questions can harm them again. Gather what you need and connect them with police and support.
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Question 15 of 25
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Answer: C. "Why were you out here alone at night?"
"Why" questions about a victim's choices can sound like blame. Focus on safety and what they need now.
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Question 16 of 25
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Answer: C. A stress response such as freezing
Fight, flight and freeze are common stress responses. Lower your voice, slow down and give them time.
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Question 17 of 25
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Answer: D. Good lighting, clear signs and a quiet room
Spaces that are well lit, easy to understand and calm help people feel physically and emotionally safe.
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Question 18 of 25
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Answer: D. No, it means enforcing rules with respect, explanation and choice
A trauma-informed approach changes how you enforce rules, not whether you keep people safe.
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Question 19 of 25
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Answer: B. You usually cannot tell who has trauma by looking
Since trauma is common and often hidden, a respectful approach with everyone helps those who need it and harms nobody.
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Question 20 of 25
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Answer: B. Short, simple sentences in a calm, slow voice
Stress makes it hard to process information. Keep it short, calm and clear.
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Question 21 of 25
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Answer: A. A stress reaction that deserves support
Repeated exposure to distressing events can affect workers. Talk to a supervisor, use an employee assistance program, or reach out for support.
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Question 22 of 25
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Answer: A. 9-8-8
9-8-8 is Canada's Suicide Crisis Helpline, available by call or text 24/7. Call 9-1-1 if there is immediate danger.
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Question 23 of 25
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Answer: A. 211
211 is a free, confidential service that connects people to community and social services.
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Question 24 of 25
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Answer: B. It links people to support, not just removal
Collaboration and connection are core principles. Guards help most by linking people to services that can address their needs.
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Question 25 of 25
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Answer: C. Avoid touching unless needed for safety, and ask or explain first when you can
Unexpected touch can feel threatening to someone with a trauma history. Ask or explain first, except when you must act to prevent harm.
Keyboard: 1–4 to answer, Enter for the next question.
What to know before the test
- The Public Health Agency of Canada describes trauma as an overwhelmingly negative event or series of events.
- PHAC's four principles are: understand trauma and violence; create safe environments; foster choice, collaboration and connection; and provide strengths-based, capacity-building support.
- Trauma can be acute, from one event, or complex, from repeated experiences. It can also be intergenerational.
- PHAC gives the colonization of Indigenous peoples as an example of systemic violence.
- 9-8-8 is Canada's Suicide Crisis Helpline, available by call or text 24/7.
Frequently asked questions
Do I need to know someone's history to be trauma-informed?
No. You usually cannot tell who has experienced trauma. A trauma-informed approach treats everyone with the same respect, predictability and choice.
Does this mean I let people break the rules?
No. You still keep people safe and enforce site rules. Trauma-informed practice changes how you do it: explain, offer choices, ask before touch and avoid blame.
Is this the same as counselling?
No. Guards do not treat trauma. Your role is to avoid causing more harm and to connect people with services such as 9-1-1, 9-8-8 and 211.
Where do the four principles come from?
They come from the Public Health Agency of Canada's guidance on trauma- and violence-informed approaches to policy and practice.
Is the certificate accredited or officially recognised?
No. It is a private certificate of completion for knowledge only. It is not recognised, accredited or approved by any government, licensing body, regulator or educational institution, and it does not replace the security licence training required in your province or territory.