Ontario is now offering licensing exams online for security guards and private investigators. Although the new service is expected to be meet more pressing demand during the current stay-at-home regime, provincial officials predict it will remain a popular option after the COVID-19 pandemic subsides.

“Online testing will help expand Ontario’s capacity to train and qualify these critical professionals who are essential to public safety and the well-being of communities,” says Solicitor General Sylvia Jones.

Province-wide availability follows a successful pilot project overseen by the third-party provider, Serco Canada Inc., last fall, and aligns with the government’s objective to streamline service provision and provide digital alternatives for paper-based administrative processes. Up to 12 online testing sessions, each with capacity for a maximum of eight exam writers, will be offered daily.

Tim Saunders, senior vice president and chief development officer with the security service provider, G4S Secure Solutions (Canada), calls the new option “a constructive and positive measure for security services in Ontario” that will enable more exam candidates to safely and efficiently meet credentialing requirements in “challenging times”.