Exam guide: BC Basic Security Training (BST) assessment
428 words · checked 2026-10-03 · Free
At a glance (checked live 2026-10-03)
| Item | Detail |
|---|---|
| Course | Basic Security Training - 40 hours (BST Theory, SCRT-1651), at JIBC or a JIBC-approved school, in person or self-paced online (2 months to finish) |
| Exam | BST Assessment (SCRT-1656): 75 questions, 90 minutes (sessions booked in 2-hour blocks) |
| Pass mark | 70 % (at least 53 of 75) |
| Attempts | Maximum 2; after two fails you must retake BST Theory. Each attempt pays the exam fee |
| Deadline | Within 6 months of finishing the theory course |
| Fee | Theory $343.77 (+ learner services fee); assessment $64.14 per attempt |
| Where | JIBC New Westminster campus (bring your own laptop); online proctored only if you live outside the Lower Mainland |
| ID | Valid government-issued photo ID is mandatory - without it you will not be allowed to write |
| Language | English only |
Students at approved schools are registered for the exam by the school (exam request list to JIBC), then book their own session.
What the course and exam cover
JIBC summarizes BST in four areas: professionalism and ethics, legal studies (Security Services Act and Regulation, Criminal Code arrest and use of force, trespass, the Charter), report writing, and personal safety (patrols, observation, emergencies). This app maps them to the shared security topics; use the notes on legal authorities, report writing, basic procedures, emergency response and use of force.
Licensing after the exam
| Step | Detail |
|---|---|
| Who | 19+, ordinarily resident in Canada, allowed to work in Canada; not a serving peace officer |
| Checks | Criminal record check; identity verification and fingerprints on a first application |
| Apply | Online through the Security Services Platform (BC Services Card login) |
| Fees (new licence) | 90 days $60; 1 year $120; 2 years $180; 3 years $240 |
| Proof of training | JIBC stopped issuing BST certificates on 15 December 2025 - the Security Programs Division verifies completion directly with JIBC |
A one-time security guard under supervision licence (90 days) lets you work under supervision while completing BST. Licences from Alberta (certified), Saskatchewan, Manitoba and Ontario (exam passed) are accepted for equivalency.
Exam strategy
- 75 questions in 90 minutes is about 72 seconds per question - do not get stuck.
- With only two attempts, take full-length practice papers before booking.
- Expect scenario questions: what a guard may lawfully do (arrest, search, force), what to write in notes, how to respond to alarms and emergencies.
Study plan using this app
- Read this guide, then the BC licensing note.
- Study legal authorities, use of force, report writing and basic procedures.
- Sit the three exam-style practice papers (75 questions, 90 minutes, 70 %).