Security Services Cheat Sheet 2026

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

1. What is 'reasonable force' in security? → Force that is proportionate and appropriate to the specific threat being faced
2. What is 'credential management' in access control? → The process of issuing, tracking, and revoking access credentials
3. In the US, what license is typically required to work as a security guard? → A state-issued security guard license or registration
4. Which of the following is an example of a passive security measure? → A locked door
5. What is the purpose of a visitor management system? → To track and control visitor access to a facility
6. What role does natural surveillance play in CPTED? → It uses the natural sight lines of an area to allow observation and deter crime
7. What does 'NVR' stand for in surveillance systems? → Network Video Recorder
8. What is 'camera coverage' in surveillance planning? → The area visible to cameras, ensuring all critical areas are monitored without blind spots
9. Which of the following is the MOST important quality of an effective security incident report? → Accuracy — the report must reflect exactly what happened
10. What is 'license plate recognition' (LPR) technology? → Automated technology that reads and records vehicle license plates from camera footage
11. What is 'situational awareness' in security? → Continuously observing and understanding your environment to anticipate threats
12. What is the primary purpose of an incident report written by a security officer? → To create a factual, written record of an event that occurred
13. When communicating in person or over radio, a security officer should maintain what type of tone? → Professional, calm, and clear at all times
14. What does 'hardening' a target mean in physical security? → Making a facility more difficult to attack by improving security measures
15. What is 'role-based access control' (RBAC)? → Assigning access permissions based on a user's role or job function
16. What is the primary purpose of a perimeter fence in physical security? → To deter and delay unauthorized entry
17. What is 'tailgating' in the context of physical security? → An unauthorized person following an authorized person through a secured door
18. What does 'chain of custody' mean in security? → The documented, unbroken trail of possession of evidence from collection to court
19. In radio communication, what should a security officer do BEFORE transmitting a message? → Listen to confirm the channel is clear
20. Why is the phonetic alphabet (Alpha, Bravo, Charlie...) used in radio communication? → To ensure letters are clearly understood and not confused with similar-sounding letters
21. What is a 'security breach'? → An unauthorized access to or compromise of a secured area or system
22. Which of the following best describes a 'buffer zone'? → A neutral area between two secured zones that provides additional security
23. What is the proper procedure when a security guard discovers a fire? → Activate the fire alarm, notify the fire department, and begin evacuation procedures
24. What are the three factors of authentication? → Something you know, something you have, something you are
25. What is the 'use of force continuum' in security? → A framework that guides escalating levels of force based on the threat level
26. What does radio code '10-4' typically mean? → Message received / Acknowledged
27. What is the proper response to a suspicious package? → Do not touch it, clear the area, call law enforcement, and follow established protocols
28. What is the purpose of a mantrap (airlock) at a secured entrance? → To prevent tailgating by controlling one person at a time
29. What is 'triage' in emergency response? → The process of sorting and prioritizing casualties based on the severity of their injuries
30. What is 'remote monitoring' in security? → Watching security cameras and systems from a location away from the protected facility