CALIFORNIA BUREAU OF SECURITY AND INVESTIGATIVE
SERVICES (BSIS) FIREARM WRITTEN EXAMINATION QUESTIONS
AND ANSWERS GUIDE 2025
Question 1
What is universally recognized as the most fundamental and first rule of firearm safety?
A) Be sure of your target and what is beyond it.
B) Keep the firearm unloaded until ready for use.
C) Keep your finger off the trigger until your sights are on the target and you have made the
decision to fire.
D) Always point the muzzle in a safe direction.
E) Only use commercially manufactured ammunition.
Correct Answer: D) Always point the muzzle in a safe direction.
Rationale: The first and most critical rule of firearm safety is to always keep the muzzle
pointed in a safe direction. This ensures that even if an accidental discharge occurs (due to
human or mechanical error), no one will be injured. All other rules reinforce this core
concept, but muzzle discipline is paramount.
Question 2
When handling a firearm, at what point should the security guard place their finger inside the
trigger guard and on the trigger itself?
A) Immediately after drawing the weapon.
B) When the weapon is aimed downrange.
C) Only when the sights are aligned on the target and the decision to fire has been made.
D) Once the target is visually identified.
E) During the presentation from the holster.
Correct Answer: C) Only when the sights are aligned on the target and the decision to fire
has been made.
Rationale: Trigger control is a key safety rule. The finger must be kept straight and outside
the trigger guard, resting on the frame, slide, or cylinder until the moment the guard has
aligned the sights on the intended target and has made the final, definitive decision to pull
the trigger and fire. This prevents an accidental discharge due to a startle response or slip.
Question 3
In the context of the four basic firearm safety rules, what must a security guard determine before
firing a weapon at a target?
A) Whether the target is stationary or moving.
B) The exact caliber of the ammunition being used.
C) Whether the target is within a 25-yard range.
D) Be absolutely sure of the target and what is beyond it.
E) That there is a qualified Range Master present.
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Correct Answer: D) Be absolutely sure of the target and what is beyond it.
Rationale: This rule is crucial because a fired bullet can travel great distances and penetrate
many common materials. The guard is responsible for every round fired. They must
confirm the target is the intended threat and ensure that the background environment (or
anything the bullet might pass through) is clear, preventing collateral damage or injury to
innocent persons.
Question 4
Under California law (Penal Code § 835a), a private security officer is considered to be acting
under "color of law" when making an arrest. When may a security guard use deadly force?
A) To prevent the escape of a felony suspect.
B) To protect property from destruction.
C) Only in self-defense or defense of others when there is a reasonable belief of imminent death
or serious bodily injury.
D) To stop a suspect who is fleeing after committing a theft.
E) To prevent the commission of any felony.
Correct Answer: C) Only in self-defense or defense of others when there is a reasonable
belief of imminent death or serious bodily injury.
Rationale: The use of deadly force is highly restricted. It is legally justified only as a last
resort when the guard or another innocent party faces an imminent threat of death or
severe, disabling, or serious bodily injury. The standard is "reasonable belief," meaning a
prudent person in the same situation would also believe the threat to be immediate and
credible.
Question 5
What is the proper procedure for a security guard to follow if they have fired their weapon
during a shift?
A) Immediately clean and reload the weapon.
B) Report the incident only to the supervisor.
C) Render aid, secure the scene, call law enforcement, and notify the employer/BSIS
immediately.
D) Leave the scene and write a report when safely back at the office.
E) Discharge the remaining rounds into a safe backstop.
Correct Answer: C) Render aid, secure the scene, call law enforcement, and notify the
employer/BSIS immediately.
Rationale: A shooting incident is a crime scene. The immediate priorities are rendering aid
to the injured (if safe), securing the firearm, preserving the scene (don't touch anything
until police arrive), calling 9-1-1 for law enforcement and medical aid, and then following
mandatory reporting requirements to the employer and the BSIS.
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Question 6
Which element of marksmanship is considered the most important factor in achieving accuracy,
often described as the foundation of consistent hits?
A) Stance
B) Sight Alignment
C) Breathing Control
D) Follow-Through
E) Grip
Correct Answer: B) Sight Alignment
Rationale: Sight alignment is the relationship between the front sight and the rear sight. It is
foundational because if the front sight is not perfectly centered in the notch of the rear
sight, the bullet will miss the target, regardless of perfect aiming or trigger control. The
front sight should be level with the top of the rear sight and perfectly centered.
Question 7
What is the proper term for the technique of maintaining correct sight alignment and holding the
trigger to the rear after the shot has fired until the recoil has subsided and a decision is made to
fire again or stop?
A) Sight Picture
B) Muzzle Control
C) Follow-Through
D) Isosceles Hold
E) Double-Tap
Correct Answer: C) Follow-Through
Rationale: Follow-through is a critical fundamental. It involves maintaining sight
alignment, sight picture, and proper trigger control after the shot is fired. This prevents the
shooter from anticipating the recoil and jerking the gun off target, ensuring that the
bullet's path is not disturbed just before it leaves the barrel.
Question 8
In California, what is the maximum valid period for a BSIS-issued Firearm Permit (Guard Card
is separate)?
A) One year
B) Two years
C) Three years
D) Four years
E) Five years
Correct Answer: B) Two years
Rationale: The BSIS Firearm Permit (firearm card) is valid for two years and expires on the
last day of the month two years from the month it was issued. Renewals must be submitted
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before this expiration date to remain valid. The Guard Card is subject to a different
renewal cycle.
Question 9
What is the legal standard for justifying the use of a firearm in self-defense or defense of others?
A) Absolute certainty that the suspect intended to kill.
B) Reasonable belief that the use of deadly force is necessary to prevent imminent death or
serious bodily injury.
C) The victim must be a sworn law enforcement officer.
D) The suspect must be in the act of committing a violent felony.
E) The guard must first verbally warn the suspect, regardless of the danger.
Correct Answer: B) Reasonable belief that the use of deadly force is necessary to prevent
imminent death or serious bodily injury.
Rationale: The legal standard is "reasonable belief." The guard does not
need actual certainty, but their fear of imminent death or serious bodily harm must be
objectively reasonable given the circumstances apparent to the guard at the time of the
incident.
Question 10
A security guard is attempting to disarm and arrest a person for a misdemeanor. The person fights
back vigorously, presenting a clear threat of broken bones or unconsciousness to the guard. What
level of force is generally authorized?
A) Only verbal commands and light restraining holds.
B) Only chemical agents (pepper spray).
C) Whatever non-deadly force is reasonably necessary to overcome the resistance and complete
the arrest.
D) Lethal force is immediately justified.
E) The guard must abandon the arrest and call police.
Correct Answer: C) Whatever non-deadly force is reasonably necessary to overcome the
resistance and complete the arrest.
Rationale: Under Penal Code § 835a, a guard may use reasonable force to effect an arrest,
prevent escape, or overcome resistance. Since the suspect is only posing a non-deadly threat
(serious bodily injury, but not death/great bodily injury), the guard is authorized to use
only the minimum amount of non-deadly force necessary to safely take the person into
custody.
Question 11
In the context of handgun function, what is the action that occurs when the weapon's trigger is
pulled, releasing the hammer or striker to ignite the primer?
A) Sight Picture
B) Lockup
SERVICES (BSIS) FIREARM WRITTEN EXAMINATION QUESTIONS
AND ANSWERS GUIDE 2025
Question 1
What is universally recognized as the most fundamental and first rule of firearm safety?
A) Be sure of your target and what is beyond it.
B) Keep the firearm unloaded until ready for use.
C) Keep your finger off the trigger until your sights are on the target and you have made the
decision to fire.
D) Always point the muzzle in a safe direction.
E) Only use commercially manufactured ammunition.
Correct Answer: D) Always point the muzzle in a safe direction.
Rationale: The first and most critical rule of firearm safety is to always keep the muzzle
pointed in a safe direction. This ensures that even if an accidental discharge occurs (due to
human or mechanical error), no one will be injured. All other rules reinforce this core
concept, but muzzle discipline is paramount.
Question 2
When handling a firearm, at what point should the security guard place their finger inside the
trigger guard and on the trigger itself?
A) Immediately after drawing the weapon.
B) When the weapon is aimed downrange.
C) Only when the sights are aligned on the target and the decision to fire has been made.
D) Once the target is visually identified.
E) During the presentation from the holster.
Correct Answer: C) Only when the sights are aligned on the target and the decision to fire
has been made.
Rationale: Trigger control is a key safety rule. The finger must be kept straight and outside
the trigger guard, resting on the frame, slide, or cylinder until the moment the guard has
aligned the sights on the intended target and has made the final, definitive decision to pull
the trigger and fire. This prevents an accidental discharge due to a startle response or slip.
Question 3
In the context of the four basic firearm safety rules, what must a security guard determine before
firing a weapon at a target?
A) Whether the target is stationary or moving.
B) The exact caliber of the ammunition being used.
C) Whether the target is within a 25-yard range.
D) Be absolutely sure of the target and what is beyond it.
E) That there is a qualified Range Master present.
,[Type here]
Correct Answer: D) Be absolutely sure of the target and what is beyond it.
Rationale: This rule is crucial because a fired bullet can travel great distances and penetrate
many common materials. The guard is responsible for every round fired. They must
confirm the target is the intended threat and ensure that the background environment (or
anything the bullet might pass through) is clear, preventing collateral damage or injury to
innocent persons.
Question 4
Under California law (Penal Code § 835a), a private security officer is considered to be acting
under "color of law" when making an arrest. When may a security guard use deadly force?
A) To prevent the escape of a felony suspect.
B) To protect property from destruction.
C) Only in self-defense or defense of others when there is a reasonable belief of imminent death
or serious bodily injury.
D) To stop a suspect who is fleeing after committing a theft.
E) To prevent the commission of any felony.
Correct Answer: C) Only in self-defense or defense of others when there is a reasonable
belief of imminent death or serious bodily injury.
Rationale: The use of deadly force is highly restricted. It is legally justified only as a last
resort when the guard or another innocent party faces an imminent threat of death or
severe, disabling, or serious bodily injury. The standard is "reasonable belief," meaning a
prudent person in the same situation would also believe the threat to be immediate and
credible.
Question 5
What is the proper procedure for a security guard to follow if they have fired their weapon
during a shift?
A) Immediately clean and reload the weapon.
B) Report the incident only to the supervisor.
C) Render aid, secure the scene, call law enforcement, and notify the employer/BSIS
immediately.
D) Leave the scene and write a report when safely back at the office.
E) Discharge the remaining rounds into a safe backstop.
Correct Answer: C) Render aid, secure the scene, call law enforcement, and notify the
employer/BSIS immediately.
Rationale: A shooting incident is a crime scene. The immediate priorities are rendering aid
to the injured (if safe), securing the firearm, preserving the scene (don't touch anything
until police arrive), calling 9-1-1 for law enforcement and medical aid, and then following
mandatory reporting requirements to the employer and the BSIS.
,[Type here]
Question 6
Which element of marksmanship is considered the most important factor in achieving accuracy,
often described as the foundation of consistent hits?
A) Stance
B) Sight Alignment
C) Breathing Control
D) Follow-Through
E) Grip
Correct Answer: B) Sight Alignment
Rationale: Sight alignment is the relationship between the front sight and the rear sight. It is
foundational because if the front sight is not perfectly centered in the notch of the rear
sight, the bullet will miss the target, regardless of perfect aiming or trigger control. The
front sight should be level with the top of the rear sight and perfectly centered.
Question 7
What is the proper term for the technique of maintaining correct sight alignment and holding the
trigger to the rear after the shot has fired until the recoil has subsided and a decision is made to
fire again or stop?
A) Sight Picture
B) Muzzle Control
C) Follow-Through
D) Isosceles Hold
E) Double-Tap
Correct Answer: C) Follow-Through
Rationale: Follow-through is a critical fundamental. It involves maintaining sight
alignment, sight picture, and proper trigger control after the shot is fired. This prevents the
shooter from anticipating the recoil and jerking the gun off target, ensuring that the
bullet's path is not disturbed just before it leaves the barrel.
Question 8
In California, what is the maximum valid period for a BSIS-issued Firearm Permit (Guard Card
is separate)?
A) One year
B) Two years
C) Three years
D) Four years
E) Five years
Correct Answer: B) Two years
Rationale: The BSIS Firearm Permit (firearm card) is valid for two years and expires on the
last day of the month two years from the month it was issued. Renewals must be submitted
, [Type here]
before this expiration date to remain valid. The Guard Card is subject to a different
renewal cycle.
Question 9
What is the legal standard for justifying the use of a firearm in self-defense or defense of others?
A) Absolute certainty that the suspect intended to kill.
B) Reasonable belief that the use of deadly force is necessary to prevent imminent death or
serious bodily injury.
C) The victim must be a sworn law enforcement officer.
D) The suspect must be in the act of committing a violent felony.
E) The guard must first verbally warn the suspect, regardless of the danger.
Correct Answer: B) Reasonable belief that the use of deadly force is necessary to prevent
imminent death or serious bodily injury.
Rationale: The legal standard is "reasonable belief." The guard does not
need actual certainty, but their fear of imminent death or serious bodily harm must be
objectively reasonable given the circumstances apparent to the guard at the time of the
incident.
Question 10
A security guard is attempting to disarm and arrest a person for a misdemeanor. The person fights
back vigorously, presenting a clear threat of broken bones or unconsciousness to the guard. What
level of force is generally authorized?
A) Only verbal commands and light restraining holds.
B) Only chemical agents (pepper spray).
C) Whatever non-deadly force is reasonably necessary to overcome the resistance and complete
the arrest.
D) Lethal force is immediately justified.
E) The guard must abandon the arrest and call police.
Correct Answer: C) Whatever non-deadly force is reasonably necessary to overcome the
resistance and complete the arrest.
Rationale: Under Penal Code § 835a, a guard may use reasonable force to effect an arrest,
prevent escape, or overcome resistance. Since the suspect is only posing a non-deadly threat
(serious bodily injury, but not death/great bodily injury), the guard is authorized to use
only the minimum amount of non-deadly force necessary to safely take the person into
custody.
Question 11
In the context of handgun function, what is the action that occurs when the weapon's trigger is
pulled, releasing the hammer or striker to ignite the primer?
A) Sight Picture
B) Lockup
