ABST Cheat Sheet 2026

The 30 highest-yield ABST facts, distilled from real exam questions. Print it, save it as a PDF, or study it here — free, no sign-up.

1. What is the primary purpose of access control in a security setting? → To ensure only authorized individuals enter restricted areas
2. When documenting an incident in a notebook, which principle is most critical for ensuring the notes can be used as evidence? → Recording information that is objective, factual, and chronological.
3. What should a security officer do if they observe suspicious activity during a patrol? → Observe and gather information, report to supervisor, and follow instructions
4. Working the night shift is an example of a low-risk duty. → False
5. Why is proper lighting important for security surveillance at night? → It improves CCTV image quality and deters criminal activity
6. A post-order explains your duties for a particular shift. → True
7. If a security officer discovers an unlocked door that should be secured during a patrol, they should: → Secure it, document the incident, and report it to a supervisor promptly
8. What does pan-tilt-zoom (PTZ) capability on a CCTV camera allow? → The operator to remotely adjust the camera's direction and zoom level
9. In crowd control, what does the acronym 'SOP' stand for? → Standard Operating Procedure
10. You should keep other security professionals away from a crime scene in order to protect evidence. → True
11. A public complaint against an individual security license holder must be filed within _____ days of the alleged incident. → 90
12. Which of the following is an example of a physical access control device? → Key cards and keypads
13. Which behavior in a crowd should alert a security officer to a potential problem? → Sudden surges, pushing, or signs of panic spreading through the crowd
14. Individuals holding an individual license in the province of Alberta may not refer to themselves as: → Peace Officer
15. In conflict resolution, which of the following stages typically comes FIRST? → Assessment of the situation and potential threat level
16. Do not tell an individual they are being interviewed or they may stop telling the truth. → False
17. What principle guides the level of force a security guard should use when responding to a situation? → Minimum force necessary to control the situation
18. Professionalism is best demonstrated by: → Your conduct and deportment
19. What is the purpose of a 'perimeter patrol' in security operations? → To check the outer boundary of a property for breaches, threats, or vulnerabilities
20. What does 'crowd density' mean and why does it matter to a security officer? → The number of people per square meter; high density increases crush risk
21. Which of the following is the PRIMARY purpose of conducting regular security patrols? → To deter, detect, and respond to potential security incidents.
22. if you hear a fire alarm, the first thing you should do is evacuate the building. → True
23. What is a 'hot spot' in crowd control terminology? → A zone with elevated risk of conflict or crowd compression
24. With consent of both parties, an employer may attempt to resolve an issue between a security professional and a complainant. → True
25. LEAPS is a method for making a decision about whether or not to use force. → False
26. You may arrest an individual who you believe has committed a crime even though you did not see the criminal activity take place. → False
27. A security professional in Alberta is required to be licensed. Who is the governing body responsible for issuing this license? → The Government of Alberta, specifically through Alberta Justice.
28. After resolving a conflict through de-escalation, what is the security guard's next priority? → Document the incident accurately and report it to their supervisor
29. Why should a security officer vary their patrol route and timing? → To prevent predictability that could be exploited by criminals
30. Which of the following is the primary role of a security professional as defined by the Security Services and Investigators Act of Alberta? → To protect an organization's property, personnel, and information.