TheoryOntario Security Guard Licence Practice Questions
Free Ontario Security Guard Licence practice questions with answers and plain-English explanations. Browse the PDF, video and online mock test.
Ontario Security Guard Licence Questions
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Q1What is the primary role of a security guard in Ontario?
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✓ Correct answer: To observe, deter, report and respond in order to protect people and property
A guard's core function is to deter, observe, report and respond. Guards are not police and do not have special enforcement powers.
Q2A security guard is often described as the 'eyes and ears' of their client. What does this mean?
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✓ Correct answer: The guard mainly observes, monitors and reports conditions and incidents
Observing and accurately reporting what happens is one of a guard's most important duties.
Q3Where does a security guard's authority to act on a site mostly come from?
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✓ Correct answer: The same rights any citizen has, plus authority the property owner/occupier grants on that property
Guards generally have the same legal authority as any private citizen, supplemented by the occupier's authority on the protected property (e.g., under the Trespass to Property Act).
Q4What is the difference between a security guard and a private investigator under Ontario law?
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✓ Correct answer: A guard protects people/property and deters loss, while an investigator gathers information and conducts inquiries
PSISA licenses guards and private investigators separately for different functions; a guard protects, an investigator inquires.
Q5What is the main difference between a security guard and a police officer?
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✓ Correct answer: A police officer is a peace officer with broad legal powers; a guard generally has only the powers of a private citizen
Police officers are peace officers with statutory powers. Security guards do not have those powers.
Q6What is 'proprietary' (in-house) security as opposed to 'contract' security?
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✓ Correct answer: Guards employed directly by the organization they protect, rather than by an outside agency
Proprietary guards work directly for the business; contract guards are supplied by a licensed security agency.
Q7A guard witnesses a serious crime in progress. What is generally the most appropriate first action?
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✓ Correct answer: Ensure personal safety, observe carefully, and notify police
Personal safety and accurate reporting come first. Guards observe and report; they intervene physically only when reasonable and necessary.
Q8While on duty at a mall, a guard sees a collision in the public street outside the property. What should they do?
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✓ Correct answer: Note what they observed and report it / call for emergency help as appropriate, but recognize their authority is on the protected property
A guard's authority is tied to the protected site. They can still report and summon help, but should not abandon their post or assume powers off-site.
Q9Which Ontario law governs the licensing of security guards?
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✓ Correct answer: The Private Security and Investigative Services Act, 2005 (PSISA)
The PSISA is the provincial statute that regulates and licenses security guards and private investigators in Ontario.
Q10Which ministry is responsible for administering security guard licensing in Ontario?
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✓ Correct answer: The Ministry of the Solicitor General
Licensing under the PSISA is administered by the Ministry of the Solicitor General (formerly the Ministry of Community Safety and Correctional Services).
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