Exam guide: Alberta Basic Security Training (ABST) provincial exam
434 words · checked 2026-10-03 · Free
At a glance (checked 2026-10-03)
| Item | Detail |
|---|---|
| Course | Alberta Basic Security Training (ABST) - at least 40 hours, 7 modules, from an approved training provider (or an accredited equivalent course) |
| Exam | Provincial final exam set by Security Programs |
| Pass mark | 80 % (official) |
| Number of questions / time | Not published by the province. Our mock uses 60 questions in 60 minutes as practice only |
| Who runs it | A Ministry proctor or a Ministry-certified independent proctor at the training provider's site |
| Rewrites | As many times as needed within 2 years of the start of your training course; providers may charge a fee |
| Results | Provider receives grades within 2 business days; Security Programs emails your training certificate (usually within a week) |
| Cheating | Zero tolerance - makes you ineligible for a licence |
| Grade review | Written request within 30 days of a failing-grade notice |
| Language | English only (licensing also requires English at CLB 5) |
Experienced applicants (e.g. with equivalent training) may ask the Registrar in writing for permission to challenge the exam without the course.
The seven ABST modules
- Introduction to the Security Industry
- The Canadian Legal System and Security Professionals
- Basic Security Procedures
- Communication for Security Professionals
- Documentation and Evidence
- Response Procedures for Security Professionals
- Health and Safety for Security Professionals
Licence requirements after passing
| Requirement | Detail |
|---|---|
| Age / status | 18+, eligible to work in Canada |
| Language | English fluency at Canadian Language Benchmark 5 |
| Record | No criminal record, no outstanding charges, not under investigation |
| Police checks | Criminal record check + vulnerable sector search + local police database check, each under 90 days old |
| Documents | Canadian photo ID, training certificate, baton certificate (if applicable), dated passport-size photo |
| Fee | $100 (2-year licence), + $9 registry fee if in person; security + investigator $160 |
| Apply | At a registry agent or by mail to Security Programs, Edmonton; no e-mail applications |
A 30-day training licence (applied for by the employer) lets you work while you finish the course and exam.
Exam strategy
- An 80 % pass mark leaves little room for error - aim for 90 % on practice papers.
- Know the Alberta-specific rules: SSIA prohibited titles ("security officer" is not allowed), licence portability, 90-day police checks, baton recertification every 36 months.
- Expect questions on notebook rules, alarm and fire response, crowd behaviour, the Charter and citizen's arrest.
Study plan using this app
- Read this guide and the Alberta licensing note.
- Work through the shared security notes (legal authorities, report writing, emergency response, health and safety).
- Sit the three exam-style practice papers and the reworded ABST "Check your knowledge" set.