6541- Security guards and related security service occupations

Canada NOC: 
6541
Job Title: 

Security guards and related security service occupations

Job Description: 

This unit group includes workers who guard and implement security measures to protect property against theft, vandalism and fire, control access to establishments, maintain order and enforce regulations at public events and within establishments, conduct private investigations for clients or employers and provide other protective services not elsewhere classified. They are employed by public or private security agencies, residential complexes, educational, cultural, financial and health institutions, retail establishments, businesses and industry, investigation service companies, transportation facilities, and organizations throughout the private and public sectors, or they may be self-employed.

Main Duties: 

The following is a summary of main duties for some occupations in this unit group:


Security guards
Control access to establishments, operate security control-room equipment and patrol assigned areas to guard against theft, vandalism and fire
Enforce regulations to maintain order and resolve conflicts and to monitor establishment activities
Ensure safety and emergency procedures are followed
Issue passes and direct visitors to appropriate areas, check age identification of patrons, and perform security checks of passengers and luggage at airports.
Armoured car guards
Drive and guard armoured trucks, pick-up and deliver cash and valuables to banks, automated teller machines and retail establishments.
Corporate security officers
Investigate unlawful acts of employees or patrons of establishments
Recommend security systems such as electronic detection devices and access devices.
Private investigators
Conduct investigations to locate missing persons
Obtain information for use in civil and criminal litigation matters or for other purposes
May also conduct polygraph tests (integrity surveys) for clients.
Retail loss prevention officers
Prevent and detect shoplifting and theft in retail establishments.

Employment Requirements: 

Completion of secondary school is usually required.
A college diploma in law and security or police technology may be required.
Training is provided for airport security guards and establishment-specific training may be provided for security occupations in this unit group.
Security guards carrying firearms require a licence.
Armoured car drivers require a Valid Possession and Acquisition License (PAL) and a Firearms Acquisition Certificate (FAC) for both restricted and non-restricted firearms.
In Quebec, a permit issued by the S–ret‚ du Qu‚bec is required to work as a private detective or security officer.
Corporate security officers may require experience as a police officer.
Private investigators require provincial licensure.
Responsible beverage service certification is usually required for security staff in establishments serving alcoholic beverages.

Classified Elsewhere: 

Correctional service officers (4422)
Managers of security agencies (in 0125 Other business services managers)
Police officers (except commissioned) (4311)
Supervisors of security guards and related occupations (in 6316 Other services supervisors)

Similar O*NET Careers (USA) : 
International Careers(ISCO): 
Source Of Info: 

National Occupation Classification, (2011)

Statistics Canada and Human Resources and Skills Development Canada,

February 2012,

Catalogue no. 12-583-X