New York Security Guard Licensing Exam –
Practice Test Questions And Correct Answers
(Verified Answers) Plus Rationales 2025|2026
Q&A | Instant download Pdf
1. What is the minimum age requirement to apply for a New York Security
Guard license?
A) 18
B) 18 years old
C) 21 years old
D) 25 years old
Applicants must be at least 18 years old to apply for a New York State
Security Guard license.
2. Who regulates security guard licensing in New York State?
A) Department of Homeland Security
B) New York State Department of State (Division of Licensing Services)
C) Department of Corrections
D) Office of Public Safety
The NYS Department of State oversees licensing for security guards.
3. How many hours is the required pre-assignment training course for
unarmed security guards?
A) 4 hours
B) 8 hours
C) 16 hours
D) 40 hours
New York requires an 8-hour pre-assignment course before employment.
,4. Within how many days must a new security guard complete the 16-hour on-
the-job training?
A) 15 days
B) 30 days
C) 90 days
D) 120 days
The 16-hour course must be completed within 90 days of employment.
5. How often must a security guard complete an annual in-service training
course?
A) Every 6 months
B) Every 12 months
C) Every 18 months
D) Every 24 months
Security guards must complete an 8-hour in-service training course every
year.
6. What is the primary purpose of a security guard?
A) Arrest criminals
B) Conduct investigations
C) Observe and report incidents
D) Enforce state law
Security guards primarily observe, deter, and report suspicious activity.
7. What document must a security guard always carry while on duty?
A) Birth certificate
B) Tax ID
C) Security Guard Registration Card
D) Driver’s license only
Guards must carry their registration card issued by the NYS Department of
State.
8. If a guard changes their home address, how long do they have to notify the
Department of State?
A) 15 days
, B) 30 days
C) 45 days
D) 60 days
Guards are required to notify the DOS within 30 days of any address change.
9. Which of the following best defines “probable cause”?
A) A suspicion without evidence
B) Reasonable grounds to believe a crime was committed
C) A personal belief
D) A hunch based on intuition
Probable cause means reasonable grounds for taking action or reporting.
10.When may a security guard use physical force?
A) To punish offenders
B) Only in self-defense or defense of others
C) To enforce company policy
D) To make someone obey
Force may be used only when necessary to protect oneself or others.
11.The 8-hour annual in-service course is designed to:
A) Train in advanced weapons use
B) Refresh and update security skills
C) Prepare for law enforcement exams
D) Replace initial training
It ensures guards remain current with laws and procedures.
12.What is the term for the area a guard is assigned to patrol or monitor?
A) Station
B) Line
C) Post
D) Duty zone
A post is the specific area or position assigned to a guard.
Practice Test Questions And Correct Answers
(Verified Answers) Plus Rationales 2025|2026
Q&A | Instant download Pdf
1. What is the minimum age requirement to apply for a New York Security
Guard license?
A) 18
B) 18 years old
C) 21 years old
D) 25 years old
Applicants must be at least 18 years old to apply for a New York State
Security Guard license.
2. Who regulates security guard licensing in New York State?
A) Department of Homeland Security
B) New York State Department of State (Division of Licensing Services)
C) Department of Corrections
D) Office of Public Safety
The NYS Department of State oversees licensing for security guards.
3. How many hours is the required pre-assignment training course for
unarmed security guards?
A) 4 hours
B) 8 hours
C) 16 hours
D) 40 hours
New York requires an 8-hour pre-assignment course before employment.
,4. Within how many days must a new security guard complete the 16-hour on-
the-job training?
A) 15 days
B) 30 days
C) 90 days
D) 120 days
The 16-hour course must be completed within 90 days of employment.
5. How often must a security guard complete an annual in-service training
course?
A) Every 6 months
B) Every 12 months
C) Every 18 months
D) Every 24 months
Security guards must complete an 8-hour in-service training course every
year.
6. What is the primary purpose of a security guard?
A) Arrest criminals
B) Conduct investigations
C) Observe and report incidents
D) Enforce state law
Security guards primarily observe, deter, and report suspicious activity.
7. What document must a security guard always carry while on duty?
A) Birth certificate
B) Tax ID
C) Security Guard Registration Card
D) Driver’s license only
Guards must carry their registration card issued by the NYS Department of
State.
8. If a guard changes their home address, how long do they have to notify the
Department of State?
A) 15 days
, B) 30 days
C) 45 days
D) 60 days
Guards are required to notify the DOS within 30 days of any address change.
9. Which of the following best defines “probable cause”?
A) A suspicion without evidence
B) Reasonable grounds to believe a crime was committed
C) A personal belief
D) A hunch based on intuition
Probable cause means reasonable grounds for taking action or reporting.
10.When may a security guard use physical force?
A) To punish offenders
B) Only in self-defense or defense of others
C) To enforce company policy
D) To make someone obey
Force may be used only when necessary to protect oneself or others.
11.The 8-hour annual in-service course is designed to:
A) Train in advanced weapons use
B) Refresh and update security skills
C) Prepare for law enforcement exams
D) Replace initial training
It ensures guards remain current with laws and procedures.
12.What is the term for the area a guard is assigned to patrol or monitor?
A) Station
B) Line
C) Post
D) Duty zone
A post is the specific area or position assigned to a guard.
