TPS Cheat Sheet 2026

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

1. Which of the following is grounds for denial of a security officer commission in Texas? → A felony conviction within the past 10 years
2. What is the main security function of perimeter intrusion detection systems (PIDS)? → To alert security personnel of a breach attempt at or near the perimeter
3. Which type of question is MOST useful when a security officer is gathering information from a witness? → Open-ended questions that allow the witness to describe events freely
4. What is the primary purpose of maintaining accurate professional documentation? → To create a legal record of services and support continuity of care
5. Which of the following describes a 'daily activity report' (DAR) or 'post log' completed by a security officer? → A chronological record of activities, observations, and events during a shift
6. After resolving a conflict, why is a post-incident debrief valuable for a security team? → It identifies what worked, what failed, and improves future responses
7. Under Texas law, when is a security officer legally permitted to use a fire extinguisher on a fire? → When the fire is small, contained, and they have been trained in extinguisher use
8. Texas law's 'shopkeeper's privilege' permits a security officer to detain a suspected shoplifter under what conditions? → For a reasonable time using reasonable means to conduct an investigation
9. Which scenario BEST represents horizontal escalation in conflict resolution? → Involving a supervisor or alternate officer to assist in resolving a standoff
10. Which authentication method provides the strongest security? → Multi-factor authentication combining different verification types
11. When writing an incident report, the language used should be: → Objective, factual, and based only on direct observations
12. What does 'tailgating' refer to in access control? → An unauthorized person following an authorized person through a secured door
13. Under Texas law, which document outlines the specific duties a security officer must follow at an assigned post? → Post orders
14. What is the proper procedure if you arrive at an emergency scene and a more highly trained emergency responder (such as an EMT) is present? → Defer to the more qualified responder and follow their directions
15. The 'cone of vulnerability' concept in threat assessment describes: → The area and time window in which a target is most exposed to attack
16. What is the primary purpose of system monitoring? → To detect issues proactively and maintain system health
17. Under Texas Penal Code's 'Castle Doctrine,' a person has no duty to retreat before using force when they are: → In their habitation, vehicle, or place of business and facing unlawful force
18. What is the most important principle in professional Texas Private Security practice? → Maintaining competence through continuous learning and adherence to standards
19. When a security officer encounters a person experiencing a diabetic emergency and the person is conscious, what is the most appropriate first action? → Offer a sugary drink or glucose tablets
20. Under Texas law, which legal doctrine holds an employer vicariously liable for torts committed by employees acting within the scope of their employment? → Respondeat superior
21. You witness a vehicle collision near your post. No one appears seriously injured but the driver is agitated and refuses aid. You should: → Document the incident, call 911, and attempt to keep the driver calm without force
22. Under Chapter 1702, which of the following activities requires a private investigator license rather than a security officer commission? → Conducting covert surveillance to gather evidence for litigation
23. Which of the following is an example of nonverbal communication that can ESCALATE a conflict? → Making sustained eye contact while invading personal space
24. What does the 'R' stand for in the RACE acronym used during fire emergencies? → Rescue
25. A security officer discovers a suspicious unattended package near a building entrance. The CORRECT procedure is to: → Do not touch it; clear the area and notify supervisors and law enforcement
26. What does 'triage' mean in the context of a mass casualty incident? → Sorting victims by severity of injury to prioritize treatment
27. What is the first step before implementing any treatment procedure? → Verify patient identity and obtain informed consent
28. How can regular drills benefit emergency preparedness? → They prepare personnel for real incidents
29. The primary Texas statute governing a security officer's right to use force in self-defense is found in: → Texas Penal Code Section 9.31
30. What classification of security officer is authorized to carry a firearm in Texas under Chapter 1702? → Class A (commissioned) security officer with a firearm endorsement