Free New York DCJS Security Guard Practice Test
Take a free New York DCJS Security Guard practice test for 2026 with questions, answers, explanations, PDF download and timed mock exam links.
New York DCJS Security Guard Questions
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Q1What is the PRIMARY function of a security guard in New York State?
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✓ Correct answer: To protect people and property and deter criminal activity through observation and reporting
Security guards in NY primarily protect people and property, deter criminal activity through a visible presence, and report incidents. They do not enforce criminal law or replace police.
Q2Under New York State law, which agency oversees the registration and regulation of security guards?
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✓ Correct answer: Division of Criminal Justice Services (DCJS)
The NYS Division of Criminal Justice Services (DCJS) is responsible for registering and regulating security guards under the Security Guard Act (General Business Law Article 7-A).
Q3The NYS Security Guard Act requires security guards to complete pre-assignment training within how many hours before working as a guard?
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✓ Correct answer: 8 hours
NYS General Business Law Article 7-A requires all registered security guards to complete an 8-hour pre-assignment training course before beginning work.
Q4A security guard on post witnesses a fight break out between two visitors. What should be the FIRST action?
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✓ Correct answer: Contact law enforcement and notify supervisors while ensuring bystander safety
Guards should summon law enforcement and notify supervisors first. Physical intervention without training and authority can create liability. Bystander safety is the immediate priority.
Q5Which of the following BEST describes the 'observe and report' role of a security guard?
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✓ Correct answer: Watching for and documenting incidents without direct intervention beyond what is legally authorized
The core duty of 'observe and report' means guards watch for incidents, document them accurately, and report to the appropriate authorities—staying within their limited legal authority.
Q6When a security guard is assigned to a post, they should FIRST:
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✓ Correct answer: Review the post orders and familiarize themselves with the site
Post orders contain site-specific instructions and emergency procedures. A guard must review them at the start of every assignment to be effective and legally protected.
Q7Security guards in New York are considered:
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✓ Correct answer: Private citizens with limited authority granted by their employer and applicable law
Security guards are private citizens—not government agents—and their authority is limited to what is granted by their employer and NYS law. They do not have police powers.
Q8A security guard's annual registration in New York State must include completion of:
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✓ Correct answer: 16 hours of on-the-job training within 90 days of employment
After the 8-hour pre-assignment course, registered guards must complete 16 hours of on-the-job training within 90 days, then 8 hours of annual in-service training each year.
Q9Which of the following is NOT a typical duty of a security guard?
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✓ Correct answer: Issuing traffic summonses to motorists on public streets
Issuing traffic summonses on public streets is a police function. Security guards have no authority to issue legal citations on public roadways.
Q10A registered security guard in New York must wear or carry their registration card:
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✓ Correct answer: At all times while working as a security guard
NYS law requires guards to carry their registration card while on duty and produce it upon lawful request by a police officer or their employer.
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