BSIS Firearm Written Exam Test Bank With
Questions, Correct Answers, And Explanations
GRADE A+.
1. What is the primary responsibility of a California Security Officer armed with a
firearm?
A. To enforce criminal law like a police officer
B. To protect life and property while using reasonable force as necessary
C. To engage in private investigations
D. To issue citations
Correct Answer: B
Explanation: The main role of an armed security officer is to protect life and
property. They are not law enforcement officers, so they cannot enforce all
criminal laws or issue citations.
2. Before carrying a firearm on duty, a security officer must:
A. Complete BSIS-approved firearms training
B. Obtain a written order from their employer
C. Notify local law enforcement
D. Both A and B
Correct Answer: D
Explanation: California law requires a security officer to complete BSIS-
approved training and be authorized in writing by their employer before
carrying a firearm on duty.
3. The minimum age requirement to carry a firearm as a security officer in California
is:
A. 18
B. 20
C. 21
D. 25
Correct Answer: C
Explanation: California law requires armed security officers to be at least 21
years old.
,4. Which of the following is considered the safest way to carry a firearm on duty?
A. Holstered securely and unloaded
B. Loaded in a belt holster accessible at all times
C. In a backpack for quick access
D. In the glove compartment of a vehicle
Correct Answer: B
Explanation: Firearms must be carried in a secure holster that allows safe
access. While training emphasizes safety, officers carry a loaded firearm ready
for emergencies while ensuring it cannot be easily accessed by unauthorized
persons.
5. Which term refers to the legal justification for using deadly force?
A. Excessive force
B. Reasonable force
C. Self-defense or defense of others
D. Defensive posture
Correct Answer: C
Explanation: Deadly force is only legally justified when an officer reasonably
believes it is necessary to protect themselves or others from imminent death or
great bodily injury.
6. What is the primary consideration when determining whether to use force?
A. Whether the suspect can pay fines
B. The level of threat to life or safety
C. The property value at risk
D. Company policy alone
Correct Answer: B
Explanation: The level of threat to life or safety is always the determining factor
in the use of force. Company policy supplements, but does not replace, legal
standards.
7. An armed security officer must immediately notify local law enforcement when:
A. They discharge a firearm in self-defense
B. They witness any crime
C. They are on a break and see a disturbance
D. Their firearm malfunctions
, Correct Answer: A
Explanation: Any discharge of a firearm, except during authorized training,
must be reported to local law enforcement immediately.
8. What is the maximum distance for engaging a target safely with a handgun under
standard training scenarios?
A. 3 feet
B. 7 yards
C. 25 yards
D. 50 yards
Correct Answer: B
Explanation: Standard handgun defensive training in California often
emphasizes the 7-yard distance, which reflects realistic threat engagement
ranges for armed security officers.
9. When can a security officer legally carry a firearm off-duty?
A. At any time if it is licensed
B. Only if transporting to or from work in a secure manner
C. In public areas to deter crime
D. Only when attending firearms training
Correct Answer: B
Explanation: Officers may transport firearms off-duty for work purposes, but
must do so unloaded and secured in a locked container, not for personal
protection in public.
10. Which of the following is NOT a factor in determining reasonable use of force?
A. Threat of harm to the officer
B. Threat of harm to others
C. Suspect’s attitude
D. Availability of alternative methods
Correct Answer: C
Explanation: While a suspect’s attitude may influence an officer’s perception,
reasonable use of force is based on the actual threat and available alternatives.
11. What is the proper method for drawing a firearm from a holster during a
confrontation?
A. Quick draw without considering safety
Questions, Correct Answers, And Explanations
GRADE A+.
1. What is the primary responsibility of a California Security Officer armed with a
firearm?
A. To enforce criminal law like a police officer
B. To protect life and property while using reasonable force as necessary
C. To engage in private investigations
D. To issue citations
Correct Answer: B
Explanation: The main role of an armed security officer is to protect life and
property. They are not law enforcement officers, so they cannot enforce all
criminal laws or issue citations.
2. Before carrying a firearm on duty, a security officer must:
A. Complete BSIS-approved firearms training
B. Obtain a written order from their employer
C. Notify local law enforcement
D. Both A and B
Correct Answer: D
Explanation: California law requires a security officer to complete BSIS-
approved training and be authorized in writing by their employer before
carrying a firearm on duty.
3. The minimum age requirement to carry a firearm as a security officer in California
is:
A. 18
B. 20
C. 21
D. 25
Correct Answer: C
Explanation: California law requires armed security officers to be at least 21
years old.
,4. Which of the following is considered the safest way to carry a firearm on duty?
A. Holstered securely and unloaded
B. Loaded in a belt holster accessible at all times
C. In a backpack for quick access
D. In the glove compartment of a vehicle
Correct Answer: B
Explanation: Firearms must be carried in a secure holster that allows safe
access. While training emphasizes safety, officers carry a loaded firearm ready
for emergencies while ensuring it cannot be easily accessed by unauthorized
persons.
5. Which term refers to the legal justification for using deadly force?
A. Excessive force
B. Reasonable force
C. Self-defense or defense of others
D. Defensive posture
Correct Answer: C
Explanation: Deadly force is only legally justified when an officer reasonably
believes it is necessary to protect themselves or others from imminent death or
great bodily injury.
6. What is the primary consideration when determining whether to use force?
A. Whether the suspect can pay fines
B. The level of threat to life or safety
C. The property value at risk
D. Company policy alone
Correct Answer: B
Explanation: The level of threat to life or safety is always the determining factor
in the use of force. Company policy supplements, but does not replace, legal
standards.
7. An armed security officer must immediately notify local law enforcement when:
A. They discharge a firearm in self-defense
B. They witness any crime
C. They are on a break and see a disturbance
D. Their firearm malfunctions
, Correct Answer: A
Explanation: Any discharge of a firearm, except during authorized training,
must be reported to local law enforcement immediately.
8. What is the maximum distance for engaging a target safely with a handgun under
standard training scenarios?
A. 3 feet
B. 7 yards
C. 25 yards
D. 50 yards
Correct Answer: B
Explanation: Standard handgun defensive training in California often
emphasizes the 7-yard distance, which reflects realistic threat engagement
ranges for armed security officers.
9. When can a security officer legally carry a firearm off-duty?
A. At any time if it is licensed
B. Only if transporting to or from work in a secure manner
C. In public areas to deter crime
D. Only when attending firearms training
Correct Answer: B
Explanation: Officers may transport firearms off-duty for work purposes, but
must do so unloaded and secured in a locked container, not for personal
protection in public.
10. Which of the following is NOT a factor in determining reasonable use of force?
A. Threat of harm to the officer
B. Threat of harm to others
C. Suspect’s attitude
D. Availability of alternative methods
Correct Answer: C
Explanation: While a suspect’s attitude may influence an officer’s perception,
reasonable use of force is based on the actual threat and available alternatives.
11. What is the proper method for drawing a firearm from a holster during a
confrontation?
A. Quick draw without considering safety
