Advanced Security Training (AST) in BC: The 2026 Ultimate Guide
From Handcuffs to High-Risk Patrols: Elevate Your Career in Surrey & Delta
If you have been working as a security guard in British Columbia for a while, you have likely noticed a "ceiling" on your earnings. Standing at a concierge desk or watching a construction gate is honest work, but the pay often caps out. If you want to move into higher-paying roles—like hospital security, mobile patrol, or loss prevention—you need to upgrade your skill set.
That upgrade is the Advanced Security Training (AST) certificate.
At RupIELTS and First Aid Training Institute in Surrey, we see hundreds of students transform their careers by taking this 24-hour specialized course. But what exactly is AST? Is it difficult? And most importantly, is it worth the investment?
This is your comprehensive, authority guide to everything AST in British Columbia.
What is AST (Advanced Security Training)?
In British Columbia, the security industry is regulated by the Security Services Act. The basic license (BST) allows you to observe, report, and maintain a presence. However, it does not allow you to carry or use restraints (handcuffs).
AST is a government-mandated 24-hour course that teaches you the legal and physical framework for using force. It is not a "fighting" course; it is a "control and safety" course. Upon completion, you can apply to the Registrar of Security Services to have a condition added to your license that authorizes the use of restraints.
Who Needs This Course?
You might be wondering if you truly need this certification. If you live in Surrey, Delta, or Langley and want to apply for the following jobs, AST is mandatory:
- Hospital Security (Paladin, etc.): Working at Surrey Memorial or Delta Hospital requires managing aggressive patients.
- Loss Prevention Officers (LPO): Working undercover in malls like Guildford Town Centre to arrest shoplifters.
- Mobile Patrol Supervisors: Responding to alarms often means you are the first person on the scene of a break-in.
- Bar & Nightclub Security: "Bouncers" in downtown Vancouver or the Surrey strip often need AST to legally remove aggressive patrons.
- Municipal Security: City Hall guards or transit security.
The Curriculum: What Will You Learn in 24 Hours?
The AST course at RupIELTS is hands-on. You cannot learn this online. You need to physically practice the techniques to ensure you don't hurt yourself or the subject. The course covers four main pillars:
1. Legal Authority & Use of Force Theory
Before you touch a pair of handcuffs, you must understand the National Use of Force Framework. We teach you exactly when you are legally justified to use force under Section 494 of the Criminal Code (Citizen's Arrest). You will learn to articulate why you used force, which is the key to protecting yourself from lawsuits.
2. Control Tactics (Physical Skills)
This is the active part of the class. Our instructors on 120th Street will teach you:
- Stance and Balance: How to stand so you cannot be easily pushed over.
- Escort Holds: How to guide a non-compliant person out of a building without hurting them.
- Joint Locks: Low-impact techniques to gain compliance.
3. Handcuffing (Restraints)
You will drill this until it becomes muscle memory. You will learn:
- Proper positioning for handcuffing (standing, kneeling, and prone).
- How to double-lock handcuffs (essential for safety).
- How to search a subject after they are restrained.
4. Medical Risks (Excited Delirium)
Restraining someone can be dangerous for their health. We teach you how to recognize "Excited Delirium" and "Positional Asphyxia"—conditions where a restrained person might stop breathing. This knowledge saves lives.
Prerequisites: Can Anyone Take AST?
No. This is an advanced course. To enroll at RupIELTS, you must meet these criteria:
- Valid BST License: You must already hold a valid BC Security Worker License (or have successfully passed the BST course).
- Physical Ability: You must be physically capable of performing the techniques. You don't need to be an Olympic athlete, but you must be able to kneel, stand quickly, and use your hands.
- Clean Conduct: If you have recent Use of Force complaints against you, you may be ineligible.
Why Choose RupIELTS in Surrey?
There are many trainers, but few offer the experience we do.
- Location: We are located at 112 - 8232 120 Street, Surrey. This is the border of Surrey and Delta, making it easy to reach from anywhere in the Fraser Valley.
- Instructors: Our teachers aren't just reading from a book; they have years of field experience in law enforcement and high-risk security.
- Facility: We have a spacious training floor with mats, allowing you to practice takedowns and handcuffing safely.
FAQs About AST
Q: Does the AST license expire?
A: Yes. AST certification is valid for 3 years. You must recertify before it expires to keep your handcuffing endorsement.
Q: How much does it cost?
A: Prices vary slightly, but it is an investment that pays for itself in your first week of higher-wage work. Contact us for the current promotion.
Q: Do I have to take an exam?
A: Yes, there is a written exam (JIBC) and a practical skills assessment. You must pass both.
Learn More at RupIELTS Surrey
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