COA Cheat Sheet 2026

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

1. Under the Act, what is the term of a security guard's certificate of approval? → One year
2. Under the Act, which of the following roles requires a licence? → A security guard working at a licensed venue
3. Can a security guard use force to prevent a person from recording them on a mobile phone in a public place? → No — filming in a public place is generally lawful and force cannot be used to prevent it
4. Under section 48 of the Crimes Act 1961, what is the test for lawful use of force in self-defence? → The force must be reasonable in the circumstances as the person believes them to be
5. Can a security guard restrain a person simply because they are causing annoyance but no offence is being committed? → No — annoyance or disruptive behaviour alone does not justify physical restraint
6. A trespass warning was issued to an individual 18 months ago. They have just returned to the premises. Is the warning still in effect? → Yes, the warning is still valid as it has not yet reached 2 years
7. What does the Act require regarding the use of a company name or trade name by a licensed security business? → The name used in trading must match the name registered with the PSPLA
8. A trespass warning issued under the Trespass Act 1980 applies to: → The specific individual warned, and no one else
9. Under the Trespass Act 1980, how long does a trespass warning remain in force? → 2 years
10. What should a security guard do if they have used physical force on a patron and the patron is now calm? → Ensure the patron's welfare, document the incident fully, and report to their supervisor
11. A security officer working as an agent of a property occupier issues a trespass warning. For this to be lawful, the officer must: → Have been granted authority by the occupier to act on their behalf
12. After detaining a person under a citizen's arrest, what must a security guard do? → Hand the detained person over to Police as soon as practicable
13. When should a security officer document the details of a trespass warning they have issued? → As soon as practicable after issuing the warning, including full details of the incident
14. A security guard finds their certificate of approval has expired during a shift. What must they do? → Stop performing security functions immediately until the certificate is renewed
15. Who has the lawful authority to issue a trespass warning on private premises? → The occupier or a person authorised by the occupier
16. Under the Act, what are the consequences for a security company that knowingly employs an unlicensed worker? → Significant fines for the company and risk to the company licence
17. What does the term 'imminent threat' mean in the context of force used for self-defence? → A threat that is about to happen — immediate and real — not a future or speculative threat
18. What is the primary goal of conflict de-escalation in security work? → To resolve a confrontation without the use of physical force
19. Under which New Zealand statute is the lawful use of force for self-defence codified? → Crimes Act 1961, section 48
20. Under NZ law, does a security guard have the same powers of arrest as a police officer? → No — security guards only have the same arrest powers as any ordinary citizen
21. A trespassed individual refuses to leave the property after being asked to do so. The most legally appropriate action for a security officer is to: → Call the police and request their attendance to enforce the warning
22. Under the Act, what happens if a licensed security guard is convicted of a relevant offence? → Their licence may be suspended or cancelled by the PSPLA
23. What does it mean for a security guard to act 'within the scope of their licence'? → Performing only the security functions authorised by the type of licence they hold
24. Under NZ law, what must a security guard tell a person at the moment they are being detained? → The reason for the detention and that they have the right to remain silent and to a lawyer
25. Under the PSPPIA, what category of licence is required to perform 'crowd controller' functions? → A crowd controller licence — a separate category from a security guard licence
26. When de-escalating an intoxicated or emotionally distressed person, what adaptation to normal communication should be made? → Use simpler language, shorter sentences, and check for understanding more frequently
27. To be effective, a written trespass notice must: → Sufficiently identify or describe the person being warned and specify the premises
28. What must a security guard do after making a citizen's arrest under NZ law? → Hand the arrested person over to the police as soon as reasonably practicable
29. When issuing a trespass warning, what key information must a security officer communicate to the person? → The nature of the warning, the premises concerned, and the consequences of returning
30. What does 'verbal judo' refer to in security training? → The use of communication skills to redirect a confrontation away from physical conflict