Alberta Basic Security Training (ABST)
Overview
Start your career in Alberta’s growing private security industry with Bay River College’s Alberta Basic Security Training (ABST).
This 40-hour instructor-led program provides the essential knowledge and practical foundation required for individuals pursuing a career as licensed security professionals in Alberta. Students will learn industry standards, legal responsibilities, emergency response procedures, communication techniques, documentation, patrol procedures, and the principles of safe and lawful use of force. Whether you are beginning a new career or expanding your professional qualifications, this course prepares you with the confidence and skills needed to work safely, professionally, and effectively.
What You’ll Learn
- Introduction to Alberta’s private security industry
- Roles and responsibilities of security professionals
- Canadian laws, legal authorities, and security legislation
- Professional ethics and code of conduct
- Patrol techniques and access control
- Observation and incident response
- Effective communication and conflict de-escalation
- Report writing and documentation
- Emergency response procedures
- Health and workplace safety practices
- Fundamentals of lawful Use of Force and officer safety
Practical Skills You Will Gain
- Conduct professional security patrols
- Monitor and control access to facilities
- Observe, assess, and report incidents accurately
- Prepare clear incident reports and security documentation
- Respond appropriately during emergencies
- Apply effective verbal communication and conflict resolution
- Understand when and how force may legally be used
- Demonstrate professionalism, situational awareness, and sound decision-making
Learning Outcomes
Upon successful completion of this program, students will be able to:
- Understand the duties and responsibilities of licensed security professionals.
- Apply Alberta legislation and Canadian laws relevant to security work.
- Perform routine security operations using industry’s best practices.
- Communicate effectively with the public, clients, emergency responders, and coworkers.
- Complete accurate notes, reports, and incident documentation.
- Respond safely and professionally to emergency situations.
- Demonstrate an understanding of lawful use of force, de-escalation, and personal safety principles.
- Be prepared to challenge the Alberta provincial security licensing examination.
Who Can Apply?
This program is ideal for:
- Individuals seeking a career in the private security industry
- New Canadians entering the workforce
- Students and recent graduates
- Anyone interested in becoming a licensed security guard in Alberta
- Professionals looking to expand their employment opportunities
Applicants should generally:
- Be at least 18 years of age
- Be legally eligible to work in Canada
- Possess basic English communication skills
Career Opportunities
Graduates may pursue employment as:
- Security Guard
- Mobile Patrol Officer
- Concierge Security Officer
- Corporate Security Officer
- Retail Loss Prevention Officer
- Event Security Officer
- Industrial Security Officer
- Alarm Response Officer
- Gatehouse Security Officer
- Construction Site Security Officer
This training also provides the educational foundation required to pursue an Alberta Security Services License, subject to meeting provincial licensing requirements and successfully completing the provincial examination.
