COA Exam at a Glance

Facts verified Oct 15, 2026 against Private Security Personnel Licensing Authority (PSPLA), New Zealand Ministry of Justice. Dates that have passed are removed automatically.

Free NZ Security Licence Study Tools

Interactive NZ Security Licence resources on PracticeTestGeeks, free to start:

• COA Trespass Act and Removal of Persons 1 — 7 questions with answer explanations
• NZ Security Licence flashcards — review key terms and concepts card by card
• NZ Security Licence study guide — topic-by-topic overview of what the exam covers
• NZ Security Licence cheat sheet — one-page printable summary for last-minute review

NZ Study Tips

• Create a structured study schedule at least 4-6 weeks before your NZ exam date.
• Focus on understanding core concepts rather than memorising answers for the New Zealand Security Worker Certificate of Approval.
• Use our free practice tests to identify weak areas and track your progress over time.
• Review the official NZ exam syllabus to ensure complete topic coverage.
• Take timed practice sessions to build your exam pace and reduce test-day anxiety.

Ready to Pass the NZ?

Join thousands of candidates who have used our free practice tests to prepare for the New Zealand Security Worker Certificate of Approval. Start practising today and build the confidence you need to succeed.

For more in-depth preparation strategies, read our G1 Test Ontario — covering exam format, scoring, and proven study techniques.

Sample NZ Security Licence Practice Questions

Try these questions from our free NZ Security Licence practice tests. The correct answer and an explanation follow each question.

1. In NZ security practice, what body language should be avoided when dealing with an agitated person?

   • A. Crossed arms, pointing fingers, hands on hips, standing too close, and direct staring — these can be perceived as aggressive or confrontational
   • B. Smiling and making eye contact
   • C. Standing at an angle to the person
   • D. Keeping hands visible and open

   Answer: A. Crossed arms, pointing fingers, hands on hips, standing too close, and direct staring — these can be perceived as aggressive or confrontational

   Aggressive or confrontational body language includes crossed arms, pointing, hands on hips, invading personal space, and direct staring. NZ security training emphasises open, non-threatening body language: visible hands, angled stance, appropriate distance, and calm facial expression.

2. Under section 48 of the Crimes Act 1961, what is the test for lawful use of force in self-defence?

   • A. The force must be reasonable in the circumstances as the person believes them to be
   • B. The force must be proportionate to the actual level of threat as objectively assessed
   • C. Any force is lawful as long as it is used in response to a physical attack
   • D. Force is only lawful if there is no other option and all other means have been attempted first

   Answer: A. The force must be reasonable in the circumstances as the person believes them to be

   Section 48 applies a subjective-objective test: the force must be reasonable in the circumstances as the person believed them to be. Honest but mistaken belief in the need for force can be a defence.

3. Under NZ security practice, what is a security risk assessment for a site?

   • A. A systematic evaluation of threats, vulnerabilities, and consequences to determine security requirements and measures for a specific location
   • B. A financial assessment of how much security will cost
   • C. A review of the security guard's personal fitness
   • D. An evaluation of the nearest police station's response time

   Answer: A. A systematic evaluation of threats, vulnerabilities, and consequences to determine security requirements and measures for a specific location

   A security risk assessment systematically evaluates: threats (what could happen — theft, vandalism, trespass), vulnerabilities (weaknesses that could be exploited — poor lighting, broken fences), and consequences (impact if the threat materialises). This determines appropriate security measures.

4. What conditions must a security guard's use of detention satisfy to be lawful?

   • A. It must be based on lawful grounds, use the minimum force necessary, and the person must be handed to Police promptly
   • B. The guard needs only to believe the detention is justified based on their experience
   • C. It must be approved in advance by their supervisor
   • D. It is lawful as long as the detention occurs within the premises they are contracted to guard

   Answer: A. It must be based on lawful grounds, use the minimum force necessary, and the person must be handed to Police promptly

   Lawful detention requires a valid legal basis (citizen's arrest grounds), proportionate force, and prompt handover to Police. Detention for any other reason is unlawful.

Take the full NZ Security Licence practice test