BSIS Firearm Written Exam 2026/2027 –
California Bureau of Security and
Investigative Services Comprehensive
Practice Examination – 200 Questions
Instructions: This 200-question examination is designed to prepare
candidates for the California Bureau of Security and Investigative Services
(BSIS) Firearm Written Examination required for armed security guards. The
exam covers four core domains based on the BSIS Firearms Training Manual
(January 2022 update), California Penal Code, Business and Professions Code,
and accepted use-of-force and firearm-safety standards. Each question
includes the correct answer in bold with a detailed rationale. The passing
score for the actual BSIS exam is 70%, with a testing time of 120 minutes.
SECTION 1: FIREARM SAFETY AND HANDLING
Question 1: Which statement best reflects a universal firearm safety rule?
• A. Assume a firearm is unloaded if another person says so.
• B. Point the firearm at the floor regardless of who is there.
• C. Place a finger on the trigger when picking up a firearm.
• D. Treat every firearm as if it is loaded until personally verified
otherwise.
Rationale: BSIS firearm training emphasizes universal safety rules. Treating
every firearm as loaded promotes careful muzzle, trigger, and handling
discipline at all times. Assuming a firearm is unloaded without verification
violates core safety principles.
,Question 2: What is the safest trigger-finger position until a decision to fire
has been lawfully made?
• A. Resting lightly on the trigger.
• B. Straight and off the trigger, indexed along the frame or slide.
• C. Curled inside the trigger guard.
• D. Resting on the trigger guard.
Rationale: The trigger finger should remain straight and off the trigger,
indexed along the frame or slide, until the decision to fire has been made. This
prevents unintentional discharges. The BSIS Firearms Training Manual
emphasizes keeping the finger off the trigger until the shooter is ready to fire.
Question 3: What is the very first action an individual should take when
picking up any firearm?
• A. Remove the magazine.
• B. Point the firearm in a safe direction.
• C. Pull the trigger to confirm it is unloaded.
• D. Engage the safety mechanism.
Rationale: The most fundamental rule of firearm safety is to always keep the
muzzle pointed in a safe direction, regardless of whether the firearm is
believed to be loaded or unloaded. This prevents accidental discharge from
causing injury or death. Removing the magazine or engaging the safety comes
after controlling muzzle direction.
Question 4: What does the term "muzzle discipline" refer to?
• A. Cleaning the barrel regularly.
• B. Keeping the firearm unloaded at all times.
• C. Controlling where the firearm is pointed.
• D. Using only approved ammunition.
,Rationale: Muzzle discipline means never allowing the firearm to point at
anything you do not intend to shoot. This rule applies whether the firearm is
loaded or unloaded. Cleaning practices and ammunition selection are
important but unrelated to muzzle control.
Question 5: A security officer receives a firearm from another authorized
officer. What should be the FIRST action taken upon receiving the firearm?
• A. Check the magazine capacity.
• B. Assume it is unloaded because it was transferred by a trained officer.
• C. Treat it as loaded and verify its condition safely.
• D. Immediately holster it.
Rationale: Universal firearm safety rules require treating every firearm as if
it is loaded until personally verified otherwise. Assuming the firearm is
unloaded without verification violates core safety principles.
Question 6: Which of the following is NOT one of the four fundamental rules
of firearm safety?
• A. Treat every firearm as if it is loaded.
• B. Never point the muzzle at anything you are not willing to destroy.
• C. Keep your finger off the trigger until ready to shoot.
• D. Always keep the firearm loaded for self-defense.
Rationale: The four fundamental rules are: (1) Treat every firearm as if it is
loaded; (2) Never point the muzzle at anything you are not willing to destroy;
(3) Keep your finger off the trigger until ready to shoot; (4) Be sure of your
target and what is beyond it. Keeping a firearm loaded at all times is not a
safety rule.
Question 7: When transporting a firearm in a vehicle in California, the firearm
must be:
, • A. Unloaded and stored in a locked container.
• B. Loaded and within reach of the driver.
• C. Unloaded and placed on the passenger seat.
• D. Loaded in the trunk.
Rationale: California law requires that firearms transported in vehicles be
unloaded and stored in a locked container. This applies to security guards
transporting firearms to and from duty.
Question 8: What is the proper procedure for clearing a semiautomatic
pistol?
• A. Pull the trigger immediately.
• B. Remove the magazine, lock the slide open, visually and
physically inspect the chamber.
• C. Point the firearm at the ground and pull the trigger.
• D. Holster the firearm and assume it is empty.
Rationale: The proper clearing procedure is to remove the magazine, lock the
slide open, visually and physically inspect the chamber to confirm it is empty.
This ensures the firearm is safe before handling, cleaning, or storing.
Question 9: A security guard is cleaning their firearm. What is the FIRST step?
• A. Disassemble the firearm completely.
• B. Ensure the firearm is unloaded and cleared.
• C. Apply cleaning solvent to the barrel.
• D. Remove the grips.
Rationale: Before any cleaning or maintenance, the firearm must be verified
as unloaded. The magazine should be removed, the slide locked open (or
cylinder opened), and the chamber visually and physically inspected.
California Bureau of Security and
Investigative Services Comprehensive
Practice Examination – 200 Questions
Instructions: This 200-question examination is designed to prepare
candidates for the California Bureau of Security and Investigative Services
(BSIS) Firearm Written Examination required for armed security guards. The
exam covers four core domains based on the BSIS Firearms Training Manual
(January 2022 update), California Penal Code, Business and Professions Code,
and accepted use-of-force and firearm-safety standards. Each question
includes the correct answer in bold with a detailed rationale. The passing
score for the actual BSIS exam is 70%, with a testing time of 120 minutes.
SECTION 1: FIREARM SAFETY AND HANDLING
Question 1: Which statement best reflects a universal firearm safety rule?
• A. Assume a firearm is unloaded if another person says so.
• B. Point the firearm at the floor regardless of who is there.
• C. Place a finger on the trigger when picking up a firearm.
• D. Treat every firearm as if it is loaded until personally verified
otherwise.
Rationale: BSIS firearm training emphasizes universal safety rules. Treating
every firearm as loaded promotes careful muzzle, trigger, and handling
discipline at all times. Assuming a firearm is unloaded without verification
violates core safety principles.
,Question 2: What is the safest trigger-finger position until a decision to fire
has been lawfully made?
• A. Resting lightly on the trigger.
• B. Straight and off the trigger, indexed along the frame or slide.
• C. Curled inside the trigger guard.
• D. Resting on the trigger guard.
Rationale: The trigger finger should remain straight and off the trigger,
indexed along the frame or slide, until the decision to fire has been made. This
prevents unintentional discharges. The BSIS Firearms Training Manual
emphasizes keeping the finger off the trigger until the shooter is ready to fire.
Question 3: What is the very first action an individual should take when
picking up any firearm?
• A. Remove the magazine.
• B. Point the firearm in a safe direction.
• C. Pull the trigger to confirm it is unloaded.
• D. Engage the safety mechanism.
Rationale: The most fundamental rule of firearm safety is to always keep the
muzzle pointed in a safe direction, regardless of whether the firearm is
believed to be loaded or unloaded. This prevents accidental discharge from
causing injury or death. Removing the magazine or engaging the safety comes
after controlling muzzle direction.
Question 4: What does the term "muzzle discipline" refer to?
• A. Cleaning the barrel regularly.
• B. Keeping the firearm unloaded at all times.
• C. Controlling where the firearm is pointed.
• D. Using only approved ammunition.
,Rationale: Muzzle discipline means never allowing the firearm to point at
anything you do not intend to shoot. This rule applies whether the firearm is
loaded or unloaded. Cleaning practices and ammunition selection are
important but unrelated to muzzle control.
Question 5: A security officer receives a firearm from another authorized
officer. What should be the FIRST action taken upon receiving the firearm?
• A. Check the magazine capacity.
• B. Assume it is unloaded because it was transferred by a trained officer.
• C. Treat it as loaded and verify its condition safely.
• D. Immediately holster it.
Rationale: Universal firearm safety rules require treating every firearm as if
it is loaded until personally verified otherwise. Assuming the firearm is
unloaded without verification violates core safety principles.
Question 6: Which of the following is NOT one of the four fundamental rules
of firearm safety?
• A. Treat every firearm as if it is loaded.
• B. Never point the muzzle at anything you are not willing to destroy.
• C. Keep your finger off the trigger until ready to shoot.
• D. Always keep the firearm loaded for self-defense.
Rationale: The four fundamental rules are: (1) Treat every firearm as if it is
loaded; (2) Never point the muzzle at anything you are not willing to destroy;
(3) Keep your finger off the trigger until ready to shoot; (4) Be sure of your
target and what is beyond it. Keeping a firearm loaded at all times is not a
safety rule.
Question 7: When transporting a firearm in a vehicle in California, the firearm
must be:
, • A. Unloaded and stored in a locked container.
• B. Loaded and within reach of the driver.
• C. Unloaded and placed on the passenger seat.
• D. Loaded in the trunk.
Rationale: California law requires that firearms transported in vehicles be
unloaded and stored in a locked container. This applies to security guards
transporting firearms to and from duty.
Question 8: What is the proper procedure for clearing a semiautomatic
pistol?
• A. Pull the trigger immediately.
• B. Remove the magazine, lock the slide open, visually and
physically inspect the chamber.
• C. Point the firearm at the ground and pull the trigger.
• D. Holster the firearm and assume it is empty.
Rationale: The proper clearing procedure is to remove the magazine, lock the
slide open, visually and physically inspect the chamber to confirm it is empty.
This ensures the firearm is safe before handling, cleaning, or storing.
Question 9: A security guard is cleaning their firearm. What is the FIRST step?
• A. Disassemble the firearm completely.
• B. Ensure the firearm is unloaded and cleared.
• C. Apply cleaning solvent to the barrel.
• D. Remove the grips.
Rationale: Before any cleaning or maintenance, the firearm must be verified
as unloaded. The magazine should be removed, the slide locked open (or
cylinder opened), and the chamber visually and physically inspected.
