The BC Security Worker License, Explained (2026 Update)
Everything property managers, event producers, and site supers need to verify before hiring a security guard in British Columbia — with a checklist you can send to any vendor.
What the BC Security Worker License actually covers
Issued by the Ministry of Public Safety and Solicitor General under the Security Services Act, the BC Security Worker License is the mandatory credential for any person performing security work in British Columbia. It's not the same as a business license — that's the Security Business License, held by the company. Both must be valid, and both are searchable on the Security Programs Division public registry.
The three tiers property managers confuse
There's the individual Security Worker License (SWL) held by the officer, the Advanced Security Training (AST) endorsement required for licensed premises and larger crowd-facing events, and the Basic Security Training (BST) certificate that precedes the SWL. When you hire a company, you should be seeing all three represented on the officers assigned to your site — and the AST specifically for anyone doing venue or licensed-premises work.
How to actually verify a company
Ask for the company's Security Business License number, then look it up on the SPD registry. Ask for a sample officer's SWL number and check the same registry. Ask for proof of $2M+ CGL insurance and a WorkSafeBC clearance letter. Any legitimate BC security company will send all three without hesitation.
Red flags
Sub-contracting to unnamed third parties. Missing WorkSafeBC coverage. Refusal to provide the officer's individual SWL number. Officers arriving in unmarked vehicles without ID. All four are grounds to end the contract immediately.
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