PSC Cheat Sheet 2026

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

1. Which standard is widely referenced for the installation and performance of electronic security systems in the US? → NFPA 731 (Standard for the Installation of Electronic Premises Security Systems)
2. An employee badges into a secured area, then passes the card back to a coworker, who uses it to enter as well. Which feature is designed to stop this? → Anti-passback
3. Which concept describes the principle that an adversary must be detected early enough so that response arrives before the adversary completes the task? → Timely detection / critical detection point
4. An assessor observes employees regularly holding badge-controlled doors open for others. What vulnerability should be documented? → Tailgating/piggybacking that defeats access control
5. What is the foundational principle of applied methods and techniques in the Physical Security Certification field? → Maintaining competence, integrity, and service to stakeholders
6. An assessor walks the perimeter at night to verify lighting coverage and camera image quality. Why is this step important? → Conditions such as lighting and visibility differ significantly between day and night
7. What is the main advantage of smart card access systems? → They provide a cost-effective and flexible way to control access
8. A company decides to stop storing cash on site after repeated robbery attempts. Which risk treatment does this represent? → Risk avoidance
9. Which situation best describes a conflict of interest for a physical security consultant? → Recommending a product made by a company the consultant partly owns without disclosure
10. A design basis threat (DBT) is best described as which of the following? → A profile of adversary attributes and capabilities a protection system must defend against
11. An officer uses more force than necessary to detain a shoplifter who has stopped resisting. This conduct violates which principle? → Proportional and reasonable use of force
12. What is the main purpose of a clear zone on both sides of a perimeter fence? → To give unobstructed observation and deny concealment or climbing aids
13. Which technology is commonly used for perimeter protection in outdoor environments? → Microwave or infrared perimeter detection sensors
14. Under IEC 62676-4, what minimum pixel density is recommended to identify a person beyond reasonable doubt? → 250 pixels per meter
15. Theft, fire, and natural disasters that offer only a chance of loss and no chance of gain are examples of what kind of risk? → Pure risk
16. Which communication method is BEST for quickly alerting all building occupants about an active threat? → A mass notification system with multiple channels such as PA, SMS, and desktop alerts
17. 'Defensible space,' a concept closely related to CPTED, was developed by: → Oscar Newman
18. Who is credited with originating the concept of Crime Prevention Through Environmental Design (CPTED)? → C. Ray Jeffery
19. Which situation would MOST likely require an incident report rather than a simple log entry? → An employee injury on site
20. A pre-employment background investigation for a sensitive position should include which of the following? → Criminal history, employment verification, and reference checks
21. Which combination is true two-factor authentication? → A proximity card and a PIN
22. Why should security system design begin with a defined design basis threat (DBT)? → It specifies adversary capabilities the system must defeat
23. Delay is most effective when it is placed where in relation to detection? → After the point of detection
24. A security officer witnesses discriminatory treatment of visitors based on ethnicity by a fellow officer. What is the most appropriate action? → Report the behavior to a supervisor or through the designated reporting channel
25. Which factor matters most when determining whether a training topic is relevant for a physical security certification? → Whether the content aligns with the certification's domains of knowledge
26. What should be considered when designing an access control system? → The level of security, number of users, and layout of the premises
27. Which NFPA standard (now consolidated into NFPA 1660) historically addressed disaster/emergency management and business continuity programs? → NFPA 1600
28. A lost-and-found item of high value is turned in to the security desk. What documentation step comes FIRST? → Log the item with description, date, time, finder, and storage location
29. In a parking garage, which design feature BEST supports natural surveillance? → Open floor plates with transparent barriers and clear sightlines
30. What role do biometric systems play in access control? → They use unique physical traits to verify identity