BSIS FIREARM WRITTEN EXAM – TEST BANK | CALIFORNIA
EXPOSED FIREARM PERMIT | STUDY GUIDE | LATEST UPDATE
2026/2027 | PRACTICE QUESTIONS AND ANSWERS | EXAM
REVIEW | VERIFIED SOLUTIONS| graded A+.
1. What is the maximum caliber generally permitted for a security guard with
a California exposed firearm permit?
A) .22 caliber
B) .38 caliber
C) .40 caliber
D) .45 caliber
Correct Answer: C
The California Business and Professions Code and BSIS guidelines generally allow
exposed firearms up to .40 caliber for security guard qualification. Larger calibers
such as .44 or .45 are not standard for BSIS qualification. The guard must qualify
with the specific caliber and firearm listed on the permit.
2. Who is authorized to issue a California exposed firearm permit for a security
guard?
A) Local police chief
B) Bureau of Security and Investigative Services (BSIS)
C) Sheriff of the county where the guard resides
D) Any licensed firearms dealer
Correct Answer: B
The Bureau of Security and Investigative Services (BSIS) issues security guard
registration and exposed firearm permits. Local police and sheriffs issue concealed
weapon permits for private citizens, not guard exposed firearm permits. A firearms
dealer cannot issue a permit.
3. A security guard with an exposed firearm permit may carry the firearm
while:
A) Off duty and drinking alcohol
, B) On duty at a work site where the firearm permit is valid
C) Anywhere in California without restrictions
D) On an airplane
Correct Answer: B
An exposed firearm permit is valid only while the guard is on duty and at a
location where the guard has been assigned. The firearm must be carried exposed
and only in areas where the guard is authorized. Carrying while off duty or while
under the influence is prohibited.
4. What is the minimum age to be eligible for a California BSIS exposed
firearm permit?
A) 18 years old
B) 21 years old
C) 25 years old
D) There is no age requirement
Correct Answer: A
A security guard must be at least 18 years old to be registered and to apply for an
exposed firearm permit, provided all other requirements are met. For some other
firearm privileges, age may be higher, but for BSIS guard exposed firearm permit,
18 is the minimum.
5. When may a security guard with an exposed firearm permit use deadly
force?
A) To stop a shoplifter
B) To protect themselves or another person from imminent death or serious
bodily injury
C) To protect property from theft
D) To prevent someone from fleeing a minor crime
Correct Answer: B
Deadly force is justified only when the guard reasonably believes it is necessary to
prevent imminent death or serious bodily injury to themselves or another. Deadly
,force cannot be used solely to protect property or stop a fleeing person for a minor
offense.
6. A guard with an exposed firearm permit is required to complete how many
hours of firearms training before initial permit issuance?
A) 4 hours
B) 8 hours
C) 14 hours
D) 40 hours
Correct Answer: C
California requires 14 hours of classroom instruction and range qualification for
initial exposed firearm permit training. The training includes moral and legal
aspects, firearms safety, handling, and range qualification. Renewal training is
less, typically 4 hours of classroom and range requalification.
7. Which of the following persons is prohibited from possessing a firearm in
California?
A) A person with a valid driver license
B) A person convicted of a felony
C) A person who is 21 years old
D) A person who rents a home
Correct Answer: B
Convicted felons are prohibited from possessing firearms under state and federal
law. The other options do not disqualify a person. The BSIS will deny or revoke a
firearm permit for anyone prohibited by law from possessing a firearm.
8. The BSIS may suspend or revoke a firearm permit if the permit holder:
A) Files a police report
B) Is convicted of a misdemeanor not involving moral turpitude
C) Is arrested for assault with a deadly weapon
D) Renews the permit on time
Correct Answer: C
An arrest for a serious crime, particularly involving violence or weapons, can result
, in suspension or revocation of the firearm permit pending investigation. The
permit can also be revoked for conviction of certain crimes, mental health issues,
or violation of BSIS rules.
9. When transporting an exposed firearm to and from work, the guard should:
A) Carry it concealed in a backpack
B) Keep it unloaded and in a locked container while in a vehicle
C) Keep it loaded and on the car seat
D) Give it to a friend to hold
Correct Answer: B
When not on duty and carrying the firearm in a vehicle, the guard must transport
it unloaded and in a locked container. On duty, the firearm may be carried exposed
at the work site, but transportation requires unloading and locking.
10.What is the primary safety rule when handling a firearm?
A) Keep your finger on the trigger at all times
B) Always point the muzzle in a safe direction
C) Rely on the safety device
D) Load the firearm before checking the range
Correct Answer: B
The foundational firearms safety rule is always keep the muzzle pointed in a safe
direction. Keep your finger off the trigger until ready to shoot. Never rely solely on
a mechanical safety; always treat every firearm as if loaded.
11.A security guard may use physical force in self-defense:
A) Only if the attacker is armed
B) When the guard reasonably believes it is necessary to prevent imminent
harm
C) To punish someone who insulted the guard
D) After the threat has ended
Correct Answer: B
Physical force may be used when the guard reasonably believes it is necessary for
EXPOSED FIREARM PERMIT | STUDY GUIDE | LATEST UPDATE
2026/2027 | PRACTICE QUESTIONS AND ANSWERS | EXAM
REVIEW | VERIFIED SOLUTIONS| graded A+.
1. What is the maximum caliber generally permitted for a security guard with
a California exposed firearm permit?
A) .22 caliber
B) .38 caliber
C) .40 caliber
D) .45 caliber
Correct Answer: C
The California Business and Professions Code and BSIS guidelines generally allow
exposed firearms up to .40 caliber for security guard qualification. Larger calibers
such as .44 or .45 are not standard for BSIS qualification. The guard must qualify
with the specific caliber and firearm listed on the permit.
2. Who is authorized to issue a California exposed firearm permit for a security
guard?
A) Local police chief
B) Bureau of Security and Investigative Services (BSIS)
C) Sheriff of the county where the guard resides
D) Any licensed firearms dealer
Correct Answer: B
The Bureau of Security and Investigative Services (BSIS) issues security guard
registration and exposed firearm permits. Local police and sheriffs issue concealed
weapon permits for private citizens, not guard exposed firearm permits. A firearms
dealer cannot issue a permit.
3. A security guard with an exposed firearm permit may carry the firearm
while:
A) Off duty and drinking alcohol
, B) On duty at a work site where the firearm permit is valid
C) Anywhere in California without restrictions
D) On an airplane
Correct Answer: B
An exposed firearm permit is valid only while the guard is on duty and at a
location where the guard has been assigned. The firearm must be carried exposed
and only in areas where the guard is authorized. Carrying while off duty or while
under the influence is prohibited.
4. What is the minimum age to be eligible for a California BSIS exposed
firearm permit?
A) 18 years old
B) 21 years old
C) 25 years old
D) There is no age requirement
Correct Answer: A
A security guard must be at least 18 years old to be registered and to apply for an
exposed firearm permit, provided all other requirements are met. For some other
firearm privileges, age may be higher, but for BSIS guard exposed firearm permit,
18 is the minimum.
5. When may a security guard with an exposed firearm permit use deadly
force?
A) To stop a shoplifter
B) To protect themselves or another person from imminent death or serious
bodily injury
C) To protect property from theft
D) To prevent someone from fleeing a minor crime
Correct Answer: B
Deadly force is justified only when the guard reasonably believes it is necessary to
prevent imminent death or serious bodily injury to themselves or another. Deadly
,force cannot be used solely to protect property or stop a fleeing person for a minor
offense.
6. A guard with an exposed firearm permit is required to complete how many
hours of firearms training before initial permit issuance?
A) 4 hours
B) 8 hours
C) 14 hours
D) 40 hours
Correct Answer: C
California requires 14 hours of classroom instruction and range qualification for
initial exposed firearm permit training. The training includes moral and legal
aspects, firearms safety, handling, and range qualification. Renewal training is
less, typically 4 hours of classroom and range requalification.
7. Which of the following persons is prohibited from possessing a firearm in
California?
A) A person with a valid driver license
B) A person convicted of a felony
C) A person who is 21 years old
D) A person who rents a home
Correct Answer: B
Convicted felons are prohibited from possessing firearms under state and federal
law. The other options do not disqualify a person. The BSIS will deny or revoke a
firearm permit for anyone prohibited by law from possessing a firearm.
8. The BSIS may suspend or revoke a firearm permit if the permit holder:
A) Files a police report
B) Is convicted of a misdemeanor not involving moral turpitude
C) Is arrested for assault with a deadly weapon
D) Renews the permit on time
Correct Answer: C
An arrest for a serious crime, particularly involving violence or weapons, can result
, in suspension or revocation of the firearm permit pending investigation. The
permit can also be revoked for conviction of certain crimes, mental health issues,
or violation of BSIS rules.
9. When transporting an exposed firearm to and from work, the guard should:
A) Carry it concealed in a backpack
B) Keep it unloaded and in a locked container while in a vehicle
C) Keep it loaded and on the car seat
D) Give it to a friend to hold
Correct Answer: B
When not on duty and carrying the firearm in a vehicle, the guard must transport
it unloaded and in a locked container. On duty, the firearm may be carried exposed
at the work site, but transportation requires unloading and locking.
10.What is the primary safety rule when handling a firearm?
A) Keep your finger on the trigger at all times
B) Always point the muzzle in a safe direction
C) Rely on the safety device
D) Load the firearm before checking the range
Correct Answer: B
The foundational firearms safety rule is always keep the muzzle pointed in a safe
direction. Keep your finger off the trigger until ready to shoot. Never rely solely on
a mechanical safety; always treat every firearm as if loaded.
11.A security guard may use physical force in self-defense:
A) Only if the attacker is armed
B) When the guard reasonably believes it is necessary to prevent imminent
harm
C) To punish someone who insulted the guard
D) After the threat has ended
Correct Answer: B
Physical force may be used when the guard reasonably believes it is necessary for
