New York Security Guard Licensing Exam
Licensing Practice Questions with Detailed
Rationales latest 2026 Latest version Q&A
|INSTANT DOWNLOAD PDF
1. Which of the following is the primary duty of a security guard in
New York?
A. Arresting criminals
B. Preventing crime and protecting property
C. Performing police investigations
D. Issuing fines
Correct Answer: B – Preventing crime and protecting property is the
primary role of a security guard; they are not police officers.
2. Before a security guard can carry a firearm in New York, they must:
A. Complete a 16-hour training course
B. Obtain a New York State firearms license
C. Work under a licensed private investigator
D. Be employed for at least 2 years
Correct Answer: B – A New York State firearms license is required to
carry a gun legally as a security guard.
3. Which of the following best describes “use of force” for a security
guard?
A. Using any physical action against a suspect
B. Using reasonable force necessary to protect life or property
C. Using force to punish someone for theft
,D. Using maximum force to control suspects
Correct Answer: B – Security guards may only use reasonable force
necessary to protect themselves or others.
4. The term “vicarious liability” refers to:
A. Being legally responsible for your own actions
B. Being legally responsible for the actions of employees under your
supervision
C. Being immune from lawsuits
D. Avoiding responsibility through delegation
Correct Answer: B – Employers may be held legally responsible for the
actions of their security staff.
5. When observing suspicious activity, a security guard should first:
A. Confront the suspect physically
B. Notify the proper authorities or supervisor
C. Ignore the activity
D. Post about it on social media
Correct Answer: B – Security guards should report suspicious activity to
authorities or supervisors immediately.
6. Which of the following is considered confidential information for a
security guard?
A. Shift schedule
B. Publicly posted company announcements
C. Information about ongoing investigations
D. Names of coworkers in the directory
Correct Answer: C – Security guards must keep information about
investigations and security measures confidential.
7. A security guard observes someone stealing property. The guard
should:
A. Chase and tackle the person
, B. Call the police and document the incident
C. Post about it online
D. Ignore it and continue patrol
Correct Answer: B – The correct action is to contact law enforcement
and document the incident, avoiding direct confrontation if unsafe.
8. Which of the following is a key principle of patrolling?
A. Staying in one spot to monitor cameras
B. Being unpredictable in routes and times
C. Avoiding all interaction with the public
D. Reporting only major incidents
Correct Answer: B – Unpredictable patrols help deter criminal activity by
making the presence of security visible.
9. A security guard notices a fire in a building. Their first action should
be:
A. Attempt to extinguish the fire themselves
B. Notify the fire department and initiate evacuation
C. Call the police only
D. Leave the premises immediately
Correct Answer: B – Safety and prompt notification of the fire
department and evacuation are the top priorities.
10. Which law governs the licensing and duties of security guards in
New York?
A. New York Penal Code
B. New York State Security Guard Act
C. New York State Division of Criminal Justice Services (DCJS)
regulations
D. Occupational Safety and Health Act
Correct Answer: C – Security guard licensing and training are regulated
by the DCJS in New York.
Licensing Practice Questions with Detailed
Rationales latest 2026 Latest version Q&A
|INSTANT DOWNLOAD PDF
1. Which of the following is the primary duty of a security guard in
New York?
A. Arresting criminals
B. Preventing crime and protecting property
C. Performing police investigations
D. Issuing fines
Correct Answer: B – Preventing crime and protecting property is the
primary role of a security guard; they are not police officers.
2. Before a security guard can carry a firearm in New York, they must:
A. Complete a 16-hour training course
B. Obtain a New York State firearms license
C. Work under a licensed private investigator
D. Be employed for at least 2 years
Correct Answer: B – A New York State firearms license is required to
carry a gun legally as a security guard.
3. Which of the following best describes “use of force” for a security
guard?
A. Using any physical action against a suspect
B. Using reasonable force necessary to protect life or property
C. Using force to punish someone for theft
,D. Using maximum force to control suspects
Correct Answer: B – Security guards may only use reasonable force
necessary to protect themselves or others.
4. The term “vicarious liability” refers to:
A. Being legally responsible for your own actions
B. Being legally responsible for the actions of employees under your
supervision
C. Being immune from lawsuits
D. Avoiding responsibility through delegation
Correct Answer: B – Employers may be held legally responsible for the
actions of their security staff.
5. When observing suspicious activity, a security guard should first:
A. Confront the suspect physically
B. Notify the proper authorities or supervisor
C. Ignore the activity
D. Post about it on social media
Correct Answer: B – Security guards should report suspicious activity to
authorities or supervisors immediately.
6. Which of the following is considered confidential information for a
security guard?
A. Shift schedule
B. Publicly posted company announcements
C. Information about ongoing investigations
D. Names of coworkers in the directory
Correct Answer: C – Security guards must keep information about
investigations and security measures confidential.
7. A security guard observes someone stealing property. The guard
should:
A. Chase and tackle the person
, B. Call the police and document the incident
C. Post about it online
D. Ignore it and continue patrol
Correct Answer: B – The correct action is to contact law enforcement
and document the incident, avoiding direct confrontation if unsafe.
8. Which of the following is a key principle of patrolling?
A. Staying in one spot to monitor cameras
B. Being unpredictable in routes and times
C. Avoiding all interaction with the public
D. Reporting only major incidents
Correct Answer: B – Unpredictable patrols help deter criminal activity by
making the presence of security visible.
9. A security guard notices a fire in a building. Their first action should
be:
A. Attempt to extinguish the fire themselves
B. Notify the fire department and initiate evacuation
C. Call the police only
D. Leave the premises immediately
Correct Answer: B – Safety and prompt notification of the fire
department and evacuation are the top priorities.
10. Which law governs the licensing and duties of security guards in
New York?
A. New York Penal Code
B. New York State Security Guard Act
C. New York State Division of Criminal Justice Services (DCJS)
regulations
D. Occupational Safety and Health Act
Correct Answer: C – Security guard licensing and training are regulated
by the DCJS in New York.
