Ontario Security Guard Test — Questions and Answers

Question 1: What type of fire extinguisher should be used on an electrical fire?

Foam-based (Class B)
Water-based (Class A)
Any available extinguisher
Carbon dioxide (CO2) or dry chemical (Class C) (Correct answer)

Correct answer: Carbon dioxide (CO2) or dry chemical (Class C)

Electrical fires (Class C) require non-conductive extinguishing agents like CO2 or dry chemical. Using water on an electrical fire can cause electrocution.

Question 2: Which information should always appear at the top of a security occurrence report?

The guard's personal opinion about who is responsible for the incident
A complete list of all witnesses and their home addresses
The estimated financial cost of damages caused by the incident
Date, time, location, and the reporting officer's name and badge number (Correct answer)

Correct answer: Date, time, location, and the reporting officer's name and badge number

Date, time, location, and officer identification are essential header information required for any security report.

Question 3: What is the 'primary survey' in first aid response?

Surveying the building for damage
A rapid assessment checking for Danger, Response, Airway, Breathing, and Circulation (DRABC) (Correct answer)
A questionnaire completed by the patient
An initial security sweep of the area

Correct answer: A rapid assessment checking for Danger, Response, Airway, Breathing, and Circulation (DRABC)

The primary survey (DRABC) is a rapid assessment: check for Danger, check for Response, open the Airway, check for Breathing, and check for Circulation (pulse). It identifies immediately life-threatening conditions.

Question 4: Under Ontario law, what constitutes 'trespass' on property?

Entering premises when entry is prohibited or remaining after being directed to leave (Correct answer)
Standing on a public sidewalk near private property
Only breaking into a building
Parking in a private lot during business hours

Correct answer: Entering premises when entry is prohibited or remaining after being directed to leave

Under the Trespass to Property Act, trespass occurs when a person enters premises where entry is prohibited by notice or remains on premises after being directed to leave by the occupier or their agent.

Question 5: Which of the following is considered 'security guard work' under the PSISA?

Guarding a construction site against theft and vandalism (Correct answer)
Locking your own home at night
Monitoring surveillance cameras for personal use
Installing deadbolt locks for customers

Correct answer: Guarding a construction site against theft and vandalism

Guarding property against theft, vandalism, or unauthorized access is a core activity that falls under the definition of security guard work in the PSISA.

Question 6: What is the 'totality of circumstances' principle in use of force evaluation?

Only the final outcome matters
Only the guard's actions are evaluated
Only the subject's actions are evaluated
All factors present at the time — threat level, environment, number of subjects, guard's training, and available options — are considered together (Correct answer)

Correct answer: All factors present at the time — threat level, environment, number of subjects, guard's training, and available options — are considered together

The totality of circumstances principle means courts consider everything: the threat, the environment, the guard's training and experience, the number of people involved, available alternatives, and all other relevant factors.

Question 7: How should a security guard position themselves when dealing with an agitated individual?

Directly in front of the person, arms crossed
As close as possible to show you are not afraid
Behind the person where they cannot see you
At a slight angle, maintaining a safe distance with hands visible and an escape route available (Correct answer)

Correct answer: At a slight angle, maintaining a safe distance with hands visible and an escape route available

Standing at a slight angle is less confrontational than face-to-face. Maintaining safe distance, keeping hands visible (showing no threat), and having an escape route are essential safety practices.

Question 8: Under section 34 of the Criminal Code, what are the three elements required for a valid self-defence claim?

Reasonable belief of a threat, defensive purpose, and proportional response (Correct answer)
Fear, anger, and retaliation
A weapon, a uniform, and a licence
A witness, a report, and a supervisor's approval

Correct answer: Reasonable belief of a threat, defensive purpose, and proportional response

Self-defence under section 34 requires: (1) reasonable belief that force or a threat of force is being used, (2) the act was for the purpose of defence, and (3) the response was reasonable in the circumstances.

Question 9: What information should a security guard provide when calling 911?

Only their name and location
Only the building address
The nature of the emergency, exact location, number of injured, type of injuries, hazards present, and their callback number (Correct answer)
Only a description of the suspect

Correct answer: The nature of the emergency, exact location, number of injured, type of injuries, hazards present, and their callback number

A complete 911 call should include: the nature of the emergency, the exact location (including floor and room), number of people involved or injured, types of injuries, any hazards, and a callback number.

Question 10: What does the PSISA require regarding changes in a licensee's personal information?

Changes need not be reported
Only name changes need to be reported
The licensee must notify the Registrar of any changes within 30 days (Correct answer)
Changes are reported during licence renewal only

Correct answer: The licensee must notify the Registrar of any changes within 30 days

Licensees must notify the Registrar of any material changes to their personal information, including address changes, within a reasonable timeframe.

Question 11: What does 'proportionality' mean in the context of use of force?

Using force in equal amounts from both sides
Measuring the exact force used with instruments
The force used must be proportional to the threat — a minor threat does not justify a major use of force (Correct answer)
Using the largest guard available

Correct answer: The force used must be proportional to the threat — a minor threat does not justify a major use of force

Proportionality means the level of force used must correspond to the level of threat. Using a high level of force in response to a low-level threat would be considered excessive and potentially criminal.

Question 12: What is the concept of 'preclusion' in use of force?

Having exhausted or considered all lesser force options before escalating to a higher level (Correct answer)
Preventing a person from entering a building
Refusing to engage with a suspect
A legal term for dismissed charges

Correct answer: Having exhausted or considered all lesser force options before escalating to a higher level

Preclusion means that before using a higher level of force, the guard must have considered or attempted lesser options. If lesser force options were available and not attempted, the higher force may be deemed excessive.

Question 13: What prohibition does the PSISA place on security guard advertising?

Only newspaper advertising is permitted
Security guards cannot advertise at all
Advertising must not suggest the guard has police powers (Correct answer)
Advertising must be approved by the Registrar before publication

Correct answer: Advertising must not suggest the guard has police powers

The PSISA prohibits advertising that could mislead the public into believing a security guard has the same powers or authority as a police officer.

Question 14: What is 'muscle memory' and how does it relate to use of force training?

The body's ability to perform physical techniques automatically through repeated practice (Correct answer)
The ability to remember which muscles were sore
Memorizing anatomy for first aid
A type of bodybuilding program

Correct answer: The body's ability to perform physical techniques automatically through repeated practice

Muscle memory is the ability to perform physical techniques automatically without conscious thought, developed through repeated practice. It ensures that under stress, trained responses override panic reactions.

Question 15: What uniform requirement does the PSISA impose on security guards?

Guards must wear all-black uniforms
Guards are not required to wear uniforms
Guards must wear police-style uniforms
Guards must wear uniforms that are clearly distinguishable from police uniforms (Correct answer)

Correct answer: Guards must wear uniforms that are clearly distinguishable from police uniforms

The PSISA requires that security guard uniforms must be clearly distinguishable from those worn by police officers to prevent public confusion.

Question 16: How can a security guard use 'redirection' as a conflict resolution technique?

By shifting the focus of the conversation away from the point of conflict to a more constructive topic or solution (Correct answer)
By physically redirecting a person's movement
By redirecting traffic during an emergency
By redirecting complaints to another department

Correct answer: By shifting the focus of the conversation away from the point of conflict to a more constructive topic or solution

Redirection involves shifting the person's attention from what is causing their anger to a more constructive topic, such as how the problem can be resolved. This interrupts the escalation cycle.

Question 17: Under the Trespass to Property Act (Ontario), what authority does a security guard have?

No authority under this Act
The authority to ask a trespasser to leave and use reasonable force to remove them if they refuse (Correct answer)
The power to arrest trespassers for criminal offences
The power to search trespassers' belongings

Correct answer: The authority to ask a trespasser to leave and use reasonable force to remove them if they refuse

As an agent of the property owner, a security guard can direct trespassers to leave under the Trespass to Property Act and may use reasonable force to remove them if they refuse.

Question 18: What is the 'crisis intervention model' used by security guards?

A first aid protocol
A building evacuation procedure
A physical self-defence system
A structured approach to managing a person in crisis through assessment, rapport-building, problem-solving, and resolution (Correct answer)

Correct answer: A structured approach to managing a person in crisis through assessment, rapport-building, problem-solving, and resolution

The crisis intervention model provides a systematic approach: assess the person's emotional and physical state, build rapport through communication, identify the problem, and work toward resolution or appropriate referral.

Question 19: Can a security guard detain a person they suspect of committing a crime earlier in the day but did not witness?

No, the guard must have found the person committing the offence (Correct answer)
Yes, suspicion is sufficient grounds for detention
Yes, if they have video evidence
Yes, but only with the employer's approval

Correct answer: No, the guard must have found the person committing the offence

Under section 494, a citizen's arrest generally requires finding the person committing the offence. Suspicion alone, even with evidence, does not give a security guard the right to detain someone.

Question 20: Under the PSISA, what happens if a security guard is charged with a criminal offence?

The Registrar may suspend or impose conditions on their licence (Correct answer)
Their licence is immediately revoked
They must resign from their position
Nothing happens until conviction

Correct answer: The Registrar may suspend or impose conditions on their licence

The Registrar has the discretion to suspend a licence or impose conditions upon it if a licensee is charged with a criminal offence, even before a conviction occurs.

Question 21: Under Ontario law, what is the security guard's authority regarding trespass at night?

Trespass at night is a separate Criminal Code offence (section 177), giving the guard additional grounds for arrest (Correct answer)
Nighttime trespass is only a civil matter
Guards have no additional authority at night
Guards cannot work at night without special authorization

Correct answer: Trespass at night is a separate Criminal Code offence (section 177), giving the guard additional grounds for arrest

Section 177 of the Criminal Code creates the specific offence of trespass at night (prowling), which is a criminal offence carrying the possibility of a citizen's arrest.

Question 22: Which of the following activities requires a security guard licence under the PSISA?

Performing guard duties at a private event (Correct answer)
Installing home alarm systems
Providing cybersecurity consulting
Selling security cameras

Correct answer: Performing guard duties at a private event

Performing guard duties, including protecting persons or property at events, requires a valid security guard licence under the PSISA.

Question 23: Under the PSISA, what power does a provincial inspector have when investigating compliance?

The power to enter business premises and examine records without a warrant (Correct answer)
No special powers are granted
The power to arrest security guards
Only the power to request documents by mail

Correct answer: The power to enter business premises and examine records without a warrant

Provincial inspectors appointed under the PSISA have the authority to enter the business premises of licensees and examine records to verify compliance, without requiring a warrant.

Question 24: In a bomb threat situation, what should a security guard do first?

Search for the bomb immediately
Evacuate the building without telling anyone why
Ignore the threat as most are hoaxes
Keep the caller on the line as long as possible, note details, and notify police immediately (Correct answer)

Correct answer: Keep the caller on the line as long as possible, note details, and notify police immediately

If receiving a bomb threat by phone, the guard should keep the caller talking to gather information (voice characteristics, background noise, specific details about the device), while signaling a colleague to call police.

Question 25: What is the consequence for an employer who knowingly employs an unlicensed security guard under the PSISA?

The employer must pay double wages to the guard
No consequence for the employer
The employer may face fines and charges (Correct answer)
A verbal warning

Correct answer: The employer may face fines and charges

Employers who knowingly employ unlicensed security guards commit an offence under the PSISA and may face substantial fines and potential charges.

Question 26: What communication strategy should a security guard use when denying entry to someone?

Clearly state the reason for denial, reference the applicable policy, and offer alternatives if possible (Correct answer)
Argue with the person until they leave
Simply say 'no' without explanation
Physically block the entrance without speaking

Correct answer: Clearly state the reason for denial, reference the applicable policy, and offer alternatives if possible

When denying entry, providing a clear reason and referencing the policy demonstrates professionalism and transparency. Offering alternatives (such as contacting the person they came to see) reduces confrontation.

Question 27: What must a security guard do after making a citizen's arrest under section 494?

Issue the person a fine
Deliver the person to a peace officer as soon as possible (Correct answer)
Detain the person for up to 24 hours for questioning
Transport the person to jail

Correct answer: Deliver the person to a peace officer as soon as possible

After making a citizen's arrest, the security guard must deliver the arrested person to a peace officer (police) without delay, as required by section 494(3) of the Criminal Code.

Question 28: What is the importance of 'documentation' after a conflict resolution?

Documentation is optional for minor conflicts
Only police need to document conflicts
Thorough documentation protects the guard legally, helps identify patterns, and provides evidence if the matter goes to court (Correct answer)
Documentation is only needed for physical altercations

Correct answer: Thorough documentation protects the guard legally, helps identify patterns, and provides evidence if the matter goes to court

Every conflict should be documented, regardless of severity. Documentation provides legal protection for the guard, helps identify recurring problems, supports training, and serves as evidence in legal proceedings.

Question 29: When mediating a dispute between two parties, what should a security guard do?

Ignore the dispute and let them resolve it themselves
Threaten both parties with arrest
Remain neutral, listen to both sides, and focus on finding a mutually acceptable resolution (Correct answer)
Take the side of whoever seems more reasonable

Correct answer: Remain neutral, listen to both sides, and focus on finding a mutually acceptable resolution

Effective mediation requires neutrality. Listening to both sides, acknowledging each person's perspective, and working toward a solution that both parties can accept is the professional approach.

Question 30: Under the PSISA, can a security guard work for more than one employer simultaneously?

Only with special permission from the Registrar
Only if both employers are in the same municipality
No, this is strictly prohibited
Yes, as long as they hold a valid licence and each employer is aware (Correct answer)

Correct answer: Yes, as long as they hold a valid licence and each employer is aware

A licensed security guard may work for multiple employers as long as they hold a valid licence and each employer is properly licensed as a security guard agency.

Question 31: What is the concept of 'saving face' in conflict resolution?

Allowing a person to comply with your request without feeling humiliated in front of others (Correct answer)
A facial recognition technique
Saving photographs of suspects
Wearing protective face gear

Correct answer: Allowing a person to comply with your request without feeling humiliated in front of others

Saving face means giving a person an opportunity to comply without feeling embarrassed or humiliated, particularly in front of others. This significantly increases the likelihood of voluntary compliance.

Question 32: What is the purpose of a fire watch?

Monitoring employees on smoke breaks
Watching a fire burn to assess its spread
Continuous monitoring of a building when the fire alarm system is out of service to provide early warning of fire (Correct answer)
Watching a fireplace

Correct answer: Continuous monitoring of a building when the fire alarm system is out of service to provide early warning of fire

A fire watch is required when the building's fire alarm or suppression system is out of service. A designated person continuously patrols the building to detect fire and initiate evacuation if needed.

Question 33: What is the lowest level on the Use of Force Continuum?

Soft physical control
Verbal commands
Use of restraints
Officer/guard presence (Correct answer)

Correct answer: Officer/guard presence

Officer/guard presence is the lowest level on the continuum. Simply being visible in uniform can deter unwanted behaviour without any verbal or physical intervention.

Question 34: What is the security guard's role during a natural disaster such as an earthquake?

Leave the building before anyone else
Direct evacuation, assist injured persons, perform damage assessment, and coordinate with emergency services (Correct answer)
Lock all doors to prevent people from leaving
Continue normal patrol duties

Correct answer: Direct evacuation, assist injured persons, perform damage assessment, and coordinate with emergency services

During a natural disaster, the guard's role includes directing safe evacuation, assisting injured persons, performing initial damage assessment, reporting hazards, and coordinating with arriving emergency services.

Question 35: A security guard detains a person suspected of shoplifting. The person demands to leave. What should the guard do?

Assess whether they have lawful grounds for the arrest; if not, allow the person to leave (Correct answer)
Physically restrain them at all costs
Lock the doors to prevent escape
Call the store manager for permission to detain

Correct answer: Assess whether they have lawful grounds for the arrest; if not, allow the person to leave

The guard must quickly assess whether they have lawful grounds (finding the person committing a criminal offence) to make a citizen's arrest. Without lawful grounds, detaining the person could constitute false imprisonment.

Question 36: Which of the following is an example of 'active listening' in security work?

Interrupting the speaker to give your opinion
Walking away when someone is speaking
Looking at your phone while someone is talking
Making eye contact, nodding, and paraphrasing what the person said to confirm understanding (Correct answer)

Correct answer: Making eye contact, nodding, and paraphrasing what the person said to confirm understanding

Active listening involves giving full attention to the speaker, using non-verbal cues like eye contact and nodding, and paraphrasing to confirm that the message was correctly received.

Question 37: What should a security guard consider before engaging in a foot pursuit?

Only whether they can run faster than the subject
Only whether their supervisor approves
Nothing, they should always pursue
The reason for the pursuit, the risk to public safety, their physical ability, and whether the subject can be identified for later arrest (Correct answer)

Correct answer: The reason for the pursuit, the risk to public safety, their physical ability, and whether the subject can be identified for later arrest

Before pursuing, the guard should consider: Is the offence serious enough to justify the risk? Could the person be identified later? What are the risks to public safety? Am I physically capable? Is backup available?

Question 38: Can a security guard conduct a search of a person's belongings without consent?

Yes, if they suspect theft
Yes, at any time while on duty
Yes, but only in shopping malls
No, security guards generally have no right to search without consent (Correct answer)

Correct answer: No, security guards generally have no right to search without consent

Security guards do not have the legal authority to search a person or their belongings without consent. Only police officers with proper authority (warrant or incident to arrest) can conduct searches.

Question 39: What is the recommended action for a security guard during a severe weather warning (e.g., tornado)?

Move building occupants to interior rooms on the lowest floor, away from windows, and monitor weather updates (Correct answer)
Tell everyone to go home immediately
Lock all exterior doors and continue normal patrol
Go outside to observe the weather

Correct answer: Move building occupants to interior rooms on the lowest floor, away from windows, and monitor weather updates

During severe weather, occupants should move to interior rooms or hallways on the lowest floor, away from windows and exterior walls. The guard should monitor weather updates and be prepared for building damage.

Question 40: Can a security guard use force to defend themselves if attacked while on duty?

Only if they have a weapons permit
No, they must wait for police
Yes, under section 34 of the Criminal Code (self-defence), using reasonable force (Correct answer)
Only if they file a report first

Correct answer: Yes, under section 34 of the Criminal Code (self-defence), using reasonable force

Section 34 of the Criminal Code provides the right of self-defence to every person, including security guards. The force used must be reasonable in the circumstances.

Question 41: What is a 'business continuity plan' (BCP) and how does it relate to emergency response?

A plan for maintaining essential business operations during and after an emergency or disaster (Correct answer)
A plan for expanding the business
A retirement plan for employees
A plan for regular business meetings

Correct answer: A plan for maintaining essential business operations during and after an emergency or disaster

A BCP outlines how critical business functions will continue during and after a disruption. Security guards play a role in implementing BCPs by protecting assets and facilitating recovery operations.

Question 42: What is a 'tabletop exercise' in emergency preparedness?

An exercise in folding evacuation maps
A physical training exercise done on a table
Setting up tables for an emergency shelter
A discussion-based exercise where participants talk through their responses to a hypothetical emergency scenario (Correct answer)

Correct answer: A discussion-based exercise where participants talk through their responses to a hypothetical emergency scenario

A tabletop exercise is a low-stress, discussion-based activity where team members walk through their responses to a scenario. It tests knowledge of the emergency plan without the disruption of a full drill.

Question 43: What is the appropriate way for a security guard to handle a phone call reporting a security concern?

Tell the caller to call police instead
Dismiss the concern if it sounds minor
Listen carefully, take notes, ask clarifying questions, and provide the caller with a reference number or follow-up plan (Correct answer)
Put the caller on hold indefinitely

Correct answer: Listen carefully, take notes, ask clarifying questions, and provide the caller with a reference number or follow-up plan

Professional phone communication requires active listening, note-taking, asking clarifying questions to get complete information, and providing the caller with confirmation that their concern will be addressed.

Question 44: Under the Canadian Charter of Rights and Freedoms, which right is most relevant to a security guard making an arrest?

The right to vote
The right not to be arbitrarily detained (Section 9) (Correct answer)
Freedom of religion
Freedom of the press

Correct answer: The right not to be arbitrarily detained (Section 9)

Section 9 of the Charter protects everyone from arbitrary detention or imprisonment. Security guards must ensure any detention is lawful and based on proper grounds.

Question 45: What is an 'intermediate weapon' in the Use of Force Continuum?

Any weapon of medium size
A negotiation technique between soft and hard approaches
Tools such as batons, pepper spray, or handcuffs that fall between empty-hand techniques and lethal force (Correct answer)
A firearm with reduced power

Correct answer: Tools such as batons, pepper spray, or handcuffs that fall between empty-hand techniques and lethal force

Intermediate weapons are tools that provide more force than empty-hand techniques but less than lethal force. They include batons, pepper spray (OC spray), handcuffs, and similar devices.

Question 46: Under the PSISA, a security guard employer must ensure that all guards have completed which mandatory requirement?

A valid driver's licence
40 hours of approved training (Correct answer)
University degree in criminology
5 years of military service

Correct answer: 40 hours of approved training

Employers must verify that their security guards have completed the mandatory training program approved by the Ministry of the Solicitor General before allowing them to work.

Question 47: What is 'transference' in the context of security guard conflict situations?

Moving a detainee to a different location
Transferring a radio call to another channel
Transferring to a different job
When a person projects feelings they have about someone else onto the security guard, treating them as if they were that other person (Correct answer)

Correct answer: When a person projects feelings they have about someone else onto the security guard, treating them as if they were that other person

Transference occurs when someone unconsciously projects feelings about authority figures (parents, teachers, police) onto the security guard. The guard may be treated with hostility that is not actually directed at them personally.

Question 48: Under the PSISA, what identification must a security guard produce when asked by a member of the public?

No identification is required
A business card from their employer
Their driver's licence
Their security guard licence showing their name and licence number (Correct answer)

Correct answer: Their security guard licence showing their name and licence number

When requested, a security guard must produce their valid security guard licence, which includes their name, photograph, and licence number.

Question 49: What is the legal significance of 'colour of right' for security guards?

It refers to an honest belief in a legal right or authority (Correct answer)
It means the guard wears the correct uniform colour
It is a type of arrest warrant
It refers to racial profiling prevention

Correct answer: It refers to an honest belief in a legal right or authority

Colour of right refers to an honest but possibly mistaken belief that one has a legal right to do something. This concept can be relevant when property disputes arise during security work.

Question 50: What is 'false imprisonment' in the context of security guard work?

Failing to report a crime to police
Refusing to let an employee leave their shift early
Unlawfully detaining or confining a person without legal authority (Correct answer)
Locking a building after hours

Correct answer: Unlawfully detaining or confining a person without legal authority

False imprisonment occurs when a security guard detains someone without lawful authority. This can result in both criminal charges and civil liability.

Question 51: The '5 W's' used in security report writing stand for which of the following?

Watch, Work, Warning, Witness, and Where
Weight, Witness, Weapon, Warning, and Write
Who, Wrong, Where, When, and Witness
Who, What, Where, When, and Why (plus How) (Correct answer)

Correct answer: Who, What, Where, When, and Why (plus How)

The 5 W's — Who, What, Where, When, and Why (plus How) — are the key elements every security report must address.

Question 52: What is the security guard's legal obligation regarding the use of restraint devices?

Restraints are illegal for security guards
Restraints may only be used when justified by the circumstances, and the restrained person must be continuously monitored (Correct answer)
Restraint devices can be used at any time
Only police-issued restraints are legal

Correct answer: Restraints may only be used when justified by the circumstances, and the restrained person must be continuously monitored

Restraint devices may only be used when the situation justifies it (such as during a lawful arrest). Once applied, the guard must continuously monitor the person for breathing difficulties, circulation issues, and injury.

Question 53: In an active shooter situation, what does the 'Run, Hide, Fight' protocol recommend?

Run to your vehicle, hide in the parking lot, fight traffic to leave
Run a fire drill, hide valuables, fight fires
Run toward the shooter, hide evidence, fight the police
Run (evacuate if possible), Hide (if you cannot evacuate safely), Fight (as an absolute last resort) (Correct answer)

Correct answer: Run (evacuate if possible), Hide (if you cannot evacuate safely), Fight (as an absolute last resort)

The Run, Hide, Fight protocol recommends: first try to evacuate (Run), if you cannot escape then find a secure hiding place (Hide), and only as an absolute last resort attempt to incapacitate the shooter (Fight).

Question 54: What is the status of a security guard licence if the holder becomes mentally incapable under the PSISA?

The Registrar may revoke or suspend the licence (Correct answer)
No action can be taken on medical grounds
The licence remains valid indefinitely
The licence automatically transfers to a family member

Correct answer: The Registrar may revoke or suspend the licence

If a licensee becomes mentally incapable, the Registrar has the authority to revoke or suspend the licence in the interest of public safety.

Question 55: Can a security guard ban a person from a property they are guarding?

No, only the property owner in person can ban someone
Yes, guards have absolute authority to ban anyone
Yes, acting as the property owner's agent, they can issue a trespass notice banning the person (Correct answer)
Only police can issue bans

Correct answer: Yes, acting as the property owner's agent, they can issue a trespass notice banning the person

As an authorized agent of the property owner, a security guard can issue a trespass notice under the Trespass to Property Act, prohibiting a person from returning to the property.

Question 56: When communicating over a two-way radio, what does the term '10-4' mean?

End of shift
Emergency in progress
Request for backup
Message received and understood (Correct answer)

Correct answer: Message received and understood

'10-4' is a standard radio code meaning 'message received and understood' or 'acknowledged.' It confirms that the transmission was clearly received.

Question 57: What is 'verbal judo' in security communication?

The art of using words to redirect behaviour and gain voluntary compliance (Correct answer)
A physical self-defence technique
Using aggressive language to control situations
Speaking in a foreign language to confuse suspects

Correct answer: The art of using words to redirect behaviour and gain voluntary compliance

Verbal judo is a communication technique that uses calm, strategic language to redirect negative behaviour, de-escalate conflict, and gain voluntary compliance without physical force.

Question 58: When communicating with a person in crisis, what should a security guard do first?

Ignore the person until they calm down
Immediately restrain the person
Call for backup before saying anything
Establish rapport by speaking calmly, introducing themselves, and assessing the situation (Correct answer)

Correct answer: Establish rapport by speaking calmly, introducing themselves, and assessing the situation

In a crisis situation, the first step is to establish rapport through calm communication, introduce yourself, and assess the situation. This helps build trust and begin de-escalation.

Question 59: What is the significance of knowing the location of utility shutoffs (gas, water, electricity) in a building?

Guards should never touch utility shutoffs
Knowing shutoff locations allows the guard to quickly isolate utilities in emergencies like gas leaks, water main breaks, or electrical fires (Correct answer)
It is not important for security guards
This information is only for maintenance staff

Correct answer: Knowing shutoff locations allows the guard to quickly isolate utilities in emergencies like gas leaks, water main breaks, or electrical fires

In emergencies, seconds matter. Knowing where to shut off gas (to prevent explosions), water (to prevent flooding), or electricity (to prevent electrocution) can save lives and prevent further damage.

Question 60: When is a security guard permitted to use lethal force?

When protecting high-value property
Only when they reasonably believe that lethal force is the only way to prevent death or grievous bodily harm to themselves or others (Correct answer)
Whenever they feel their life might be in danger
Never, security guards cannot use lethal force

Correct answer: Only when they reasonably believe that lethal force is the only way to prevent death or grievous bodily harm to themselves or others

Lethal force may only be used as an absolute last resort when the guard reasonably believes it is necessary to prevent imminent death or grievous bodily harm. This is the highest threshold on the force continuum.

Ontario Security Guard Test

The Ontario Security Guard Test is administered by the Ministry of the Solicitor General of Ontario under the Private Security and Investigative Services Act (PSISA). Candidates must pass this provincially regulated examination to obtain their security guard licence. The test covers legal authorities, use of force principles, emergency response, effective communication, and conflict resolution skills required for licensed security professionals in Ontario.

Questions

75 min

Time Limit

70%

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These practice questions were written with AI tools. They are not real exam questions. Exam facts are checked against the official sources listed below. Not reviewed by a subject-matter expert. Editorial policy

Sources & references

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ontario.ca — Score validity, exam format, passing score, time limit · verified Oct 2026
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