BSIS FIREARM WRITTEN EXAM TEST BANK
(LATEST 2026/2027 UPDATE) WITH
CORRECT/ACCURATE ANSWERS
CALIFORNIA BUREAU OF SECURITY AND
INVESTIGATIVE SERVICES (BSIS) FIREARM
Comprehensive Study & for California Armed Security Personnel
Introduction
This test bank is designed to thoroughly prepare candidates for the 2026–2027
California BSIS Firearm Written Examination required for armed security guards.
It contains 125 multiple-choice questions aligned with:
California Penal Code
Business & Professions Code
BSIS Firearms Training Manual (January 2022 update edition, valid for
2026/2027)
Accepted use-of-force and firearm-safety standards
Each question includes four answer choices, a clearly identified correct answer,
and a detailed rationale (3–5 sentences) explaining both why the correct
answer is right, Topics covered include firearm safety, legal use of force, armed
guard responsibilities, transport and storage laws, firearm malfunctions, and BSIS
licensing requirements.
,Question Bank
Question 1
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
Correct Answer: B. Point the firearm in a safe direction
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. Pulling
the trigger is never appropriate unless the firearm has been verified safe and the user
intends to fire.
(BSIS Firearms Training Manual, Firearm Safety Rules)
Question 2
Under California law, when is an armed security guard legally justified in using deadly
force?
A. To prevent theft of property
B. To respond to verbal threats
C. To protect against imminent danger of death or great bodily injury
D. To detain a fleeing suspect
Correct Answer: C. To protect against imminent danger of death or great
bodily injury
,Rationale:
California law strictly limits the use of deadly force to situations involving
an immediate and unavoidable threat of death or great bodily injury. Property
protection alone does not justify deadly force. Verbal threats without capability or
intent are insufficient. Deadly force cannot be used solely to prevent escape.
(California Penal Code §197; BSIS Firearms Manual – Use of Force)
Question 3
Which documents must an armed security guard carry while performing armed duties?
A. Concealed Carry Weapon (CCW) permit
B. BSIS Firearms Permit and Security Guard Registration
C. Firearm Safety Certificate (FSC)
D. Employer identification badge only
Correct Answer: B. BSIS Firearms Permit and Security Guard Registration
Rationale:
BSIS regulations require armed guards to carry both a valid Security Guard
Registration and a BSIS Firearms Permit while on duty. A CCW permit is not
required for BSIS-authorized armed employment. The Firearm Safety Certificate is not
sufficient authorization for armed security work.
(Business & Professions Code §7583.23)
Question 4
How must a firearm be legally transported to and from an armed security assignment
in California?
A. Loaded and holstered
B. Unloaded in a locked container
C. Loaded in the trunk of a vehicle
D. Concealed in a backpack
, Correct Answer: B. Unloaded in a locked container
Rationale:
California law requires firearms to be unloaded and secured in a locked
container during transport unless specifically exempt. Carrying a loaded firearm
outside authorized duty hours is unlawful. Concealment without a CCW permit is
illegal.
(California Penal Code §§25610, 16850)
Question 5
If a firearm fails to fire after the trigger is pulled, what should the armed security
guard do first?
A. Pull the trigger again immediately
B. Keep the firearm pointed in a safe direction
C. Remove the magazine
D. Inspect the chamber
Correct Answer: B. Keep the firearm pointed in a safe direction
Rationale:
A misfire may be a delayed ignition (hangfire), which could discharge unexpectedly.
Maintaining muzzle discipline protects everyone nearby. Only after waiting and
maintaining control should the guard proceed with clearing procedures. Immediate
trigger pulling increases risk.
(BSIS Firearms Training Manual – Malfunctions)
Question 6
What does the term “muzzle discipline” refer to?
A. Cleaning the barrel regularly
B. Keeping the firearm unloaded at all times
(LATEST 2026/2027 UPDATE) WITH
CORRECT/ACCURATE ANSWERS
CALIFORNIA BUREAU OF SECURITY AND
INVESTIGATIVE SERVICES (BSIS) FIREARM
Comprehensive Study & for California Armed Security Personnel
Introduction
This test bank is designed to thoroughly prepare candidates for the 2026–2027
California BSIS Firearm Written Examination required for armed security guards.
It contains 125 multiple-choice questions aligned with:
California Penal Code
Business & Professions Code
BSIS Firearms Training Manual (January 2022 update edition, valid for
2026/2027)
Accepted use-of-force and firearm-safety standards
Each question includes four answer choices, a clearly identified correct answer,
and a detailed rationale (3–5 sentences) explaining both why the correct
answer is right, Topics covered include firearm safety, legal use of force, armed
guard responsibilities, transport and storage laws, firearm malfunctions, and BSIS
licensing requirements.
,Question Bank
Question 1
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
Correct Answer: B. Point the firearm in a safe direction
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. Pulling
the trigger is never appropriate unless the firearm has been verified safe and the user
intends to fire.
(BSIS Firearms Training Manual, Firearm Safety Rules)
Question 2
Under California law, when is an armed security guard legally justified in using deadly
force?
A. To prevent theft of property
B. To respond to verbal threats
C. To protect against imminent danger of death or great bodily injury
D. To detain a fleeing suspect
Correct Answer: C. To protect against imminent danger of death or great
bodily injury
,Rationale:
California law strictly limits the use of deadly force to situations involving
an immediate and unavoidable threat of death or great bodily injury. Property
protection alone does not justify deadly force. Verbal threats without capability or
intent are insufficient. Deadly force cannot be used solely to prevent escape.
(California Penal Code §197; BSIS Firearms Manual – Use of Force)
Question 3
Which documents must an armed security guard carry while performing armed duties?
A. Concealed Carry Weapon (CCW) permit
B. BSIS Firearms Permit and Security Guard Registration
C. Firearm Safety Certificate (FSC)
D. Employer identification badge only
Correct Answer: B. BSIS Firearms Permit and Security Guard Registration
Rationale:
BSIS regulations require armed guards to carry both a valid Security Guard
Registration and a BSIS Firearms Permit while on duty. A CCW permit is not
required for BSIS-authorized armed employment. The Firearm Safety Certificate is not
sufficient authorization for armed security work.
(Business & Professions Code §7583.23)
Question 4
How must a firearm be legally transported to and from an armed security assignment
in California?
A. Loaded and holstered
B. Unloaded in a locked container
C. Loaded in the trunk of a vehicle
D. Concealed in a backpack
, Correct Answer: B. Unloaded in a locked container
Rationale:
California law requires firearms to be unloaded and secured in a locked
container during transport unless specifically exempt. Carrying a loaded firearm
outside authorized duty hours is unlawful. Concealment without a CCW permit is
illegal.
(California Penal Code §§25610, 16850)
Question 5
If a firearm fails to fire after the trigger is pulled, what should the armed security
guard do first?
A. Pull the trigger again immediately
B. Keep the firearm pointed in a safe direction
C. Remove the magazine
D. Inspect the chamber
Correct Answer: B. Keep the firearm pointed in a safe direction
Rationale:
A misfire may be a delayed ignition (hangfire), which could discharge unexpectedly.
Maintaining muzzle discipline protects everyone nearby. Only after waiting and
maintaining control should the guard proceed with clearing procedures. Immediate
trigger pulling increases risk.
(BSIS Firearms Training Manual – Malfunctions)
Question 6
What does the term “muzzle discipline” refer to?
A. Cleaning the barrel regularly
B. Keeping the firearm unloaded at all times
