Ontario Security Guard Test Cheat Sheet

PSISA + Code of Conduct

Not published of exam
Test Logistics Licence Eligibility Licence Rules Code of Conduct Uniform Rules Syllabus Hours

Basic Security Procedures

Not published of exam
Guard Core Role Patrol Types Access Control Report Six Questions Notebook Rules Alarm Sensors

Legal System + Authorities

Not published of exam
Court Hierarchy Law Sources Evidence Handling Arrest Powers Trespass to Property Act Privacy Laws

Use of Force Theory

Not published of exam
Use of Force Law National Use of Force Framework Restraint Risks Section 25 vs 26

Communications + Sensitivity

Not published of exam
Communication Rules Core 10-Codes Emergency 10-Codes Human Rights Grounds Sensitivity Topics

Emergency Level First Aid

Not published of exam
First Aid Aims Emergency First Aid Topics First Aid Certificate Rule Emergency Scene Duties

Quick Facts

Test Ontario Security Guard Test
Questions 60 multiple choice
Test time 75 minutes
Appointment Two hours total
Cut score 62%
Fee $35.00 + HST = $39.55
Owner Ministry of the Solicitor General
Delivered by Serco Canada Inc.
Formats Paper or online proctored
Results Within two business days
Booking cutoff 15:00 previous day
Training 40 in-class hours minimum

Licence Eligibility LI

Clean record, 18+, work legally, trained
Clean criminal record 18 or older Entitled to work Training plus test

Guard vs Peace Officer LI

Security guard

Public arrest powers only
Must carry licence
No badge allowed

Peace officer

Broader arrest powers
PSISA does not apply
May lay charges
Never imply police status

Test Logistics LI

Questions 60 multiple choice
Test time 75 minutes
Appointment Two hours total
Cut score 62%
Raw equivalent At least 38 of 60 Derived
Fee $35.00 plus HST = $39.55
Licence fee $80 separate, to ServiceOntario
Booking cutoff 15:00 the previous day
Results Two business days (Serco)
Refunds None; bookings are final
Retake wait None published
Aids allowed None; all materials supplied
Languages English or French

Test Day Rules LI

ID needed Government photo ID, any country
Not accepted Health card, SIN card
Late arrival Counts as cancellation
Devices Off and under desk
Restroom No breaks during test
Food, drink Not permitted
Cheating Test voided, mark zero
Online kit Laptop, webcam, exam browser
Online ban No headphones or earbuds

Licence Eligibility LI

Age 18 or older
Work status Entitled to work in Canada
Record Clean criminal record required
Training 40 in-class hours minimum
First aid Emergency first aid + CPR
Test Ministry licensing test passed
TCN Training completion number
TCN expiry Never expires
Statute PSISA section 10 (1)

Licence Rules LI

Carry Licence carried while working
Identify Identify as guard on request
Produce Show licence on request
Format Digital licence only
First term Ends second birthday after issue
Renewal term Two years
Renew early Up to 90 days
Transfer Licence is not transferable
Ownership Licence is Crown property
Symbols No badge or extra insignia

Code of Conduct LI

Honesty Act with honesty and integrity
Equipment Use per licence conditions
Laws Obey federal, provincial, municipal
Equality Treat all persons equally
Language No profane or abusive language
Force No unnecessary force
Lawfulness No prohibited or unauthorized behaviour
Privacy Keep work information confidential
Police Co-operate where law requires
Citation O. Reg. 363/07 s.2 (1)

Conduct Prohibitions LI

Impairment Unfit through alcohol or drugs
Conspiracy No aiding code breaches
False complaint None against another licensee
Misrepresentation No false licence class
Covert exception Concealed identity is allowed
Breach test Any regulation contravention

Uniform Rules LI

Chest wording SECURITY, at least 1.5 cm
Back wording SECURITY, at least 10 cm
Back exception Collared shirt, sweater, blazer
Employer mark Name, logo or crest
ID tag Name or licence number
Chevrons Rank chevrons prohibited
Shirt colour Not black or navy
Trousers No non-reflective side stripes
Hat No police-style forage cap
Exempt Bodyguards and loss prevention
Citation O. Reg. 362/07

Prohibited Words + Penalties LI

Detective Prohibited term
Private detective Prohibited term
Law enforcement Prohibited term
Police Prohibited term
Officer Prohibited term
Holding out No posing as police
Individual fine Up to $25,000
Jail Up to one year
Business fine Up to $250,000

PSISA Basics LI

Proclaimed August 23, 2007
Training regulation In force April 15, 2010
Guard definition Guarding or patrolling for pay
Purpose Protecting persons or property
Examples Bouncer, bodyguard, loss prevention
Regulator Private Security Investigative Services Branch
Registrar Makes licensing decisions
Licence types Six, under section 4
Syllabus date January 20, 2015

PSISA Non-Application LI

Lawyers Barristers and solicitors practising
Peace officers Acting as peace officer
Adjusters Licensed insurance adjusters
Armoured cars Armoured vehicle services
Locksmiths Not covered
Consultants Security advice only

Syllabus Hours LI

Total in-class 40 hours minimum Training
Without first aid 33.5 hours minimum Training
Legal Authorities 7.5 in-class hours
Emergency First Aid 6.5 in-class hours
Emergency Response 4 in-class hours
Effective Communications 4 in-class hours
Basic Security Procedures 3 in-class hours
Canadian Legal System 3 in-class hours
Sensitivity Training 3 in-class hours
Introduction to Industry 2 in-class hours
PSISA and Code 2 in-class hours
Report Writing 2 in-class hours
Use of Force 2 in-class hours
Health and Safety 1 in-class hour

Guard Core Role OP

Observe, Deter, Record, Report
Observe: watch Deter: presence Record: notes Report: escalate

Foot vs Vehicle Patrol OP

Foot patrol

Most common method
All senses usable
Slow, limited range

Vehicle patrol

Covers large areas
Carries more equipment
Engine noise masks sounds
Detail versus coverage

Emergency Response Picker OP

Fire detected → Alarm, then call fire ( Assist evacuation )
Chemical spill → Evacuate and restrict access ( WHMIS plan )
Intrusion alarm → Follow site instructions ( Employer defines role )
Crime witnessed → Call police, withdraw ( Safety first )
Bomb threat → Notify police and supervisor ( Radio code 10-89 )
Person injured → Give emergency first aid ( Preserve life )
Crowd escalating → Consider calling police ( Weigh risks first )

Guard Core Role OP

Observe Watch and notice changes
Deter Visible presence prevents incidents
Record Write accurate, timely notes
Report Escalate to employer, police
Protect People, property and information
Physical intervention Minority of tasks

Report Questions OP

Who, What, When, Where, Why, How
Who: people What: events When: sequence Where: locations Why: motive How: method

Notebook vs Report OP

Notebook

Ongoing chronological record
Employer property
Court memory aid

Report

Formal incident document
Covers all six questions
Facts, no opinions
Raw notes versus filed record

Patrol Method Picker OP

Small indoor site → Foot patrol ( All senses usable )
Large outdoor perimeter → Vehicle patrol ( Faster coverage )
Single entry point → Fixed surveillance ( Cameras and mirrors )
Stairwells and small spaces → Foot patrol ( Reaches tight areas )
Severe weather, wide area → Vehicle patrol ( Weather protection )
Very few guards available → Fixed surveillance ( Lower staffing )

Patrol Types OP

Foot patrol Most common method
Vehicle patrol Covers large areas
Surveillance Fixed, non-mobile watching
Timing Vary so patrols stay unpredictable
Route Plan alternates in advance
Purpose Confirm before every patrol
Geography Know shut-offs and panels
Equipment Know extinguisher, kit locations

Fact vs Opinion OP

Fact

What you observed
Times and measurements
Stands up in court

Opinion

What you assumed
Guesses about motive
Weakens the report
Write only what you saw

Access Control OP

Log sheet Name, entry and exit
Purpose Locate visitors during emergencies
Visitor pass Escort need and authorizer
Material access Client sets removal rules
Traffic control Use conventional signals
Visibility Wear reflective vest or cuffs

Crowd Control Factors OP

Life risk Danger to people, property
Personal risk Danger to the guard
Instructions Supervisor or client direction
Leaving post Risk of abandoning position
Backup Availability of support
Escalation Call police when uncontrollable

Report Six Questions OP

Who Suspects, victims, witnesses
What What happened and evidence
When Time, date, sequence
Where Locations of people, evidence
Why Motive, only if evident
How How the incident happened
Tone Facts, not opinions
Style Clear, concise, unbiased

Notebook Rules OP

Neatness Legible and organized
Order Strictly chronological
Pages Never tear pages out
Security Never leave it unattended
Ownership Belongs to your employer
Court use Memory aid, not script
Spelling Names and locations exact

Witness Statement Parts OP

Identity Name, birth date, ID
Contact Address and employment details
Timing Start and finish times
Taker Guard and company names
Body Verbatim witness account
Closing Accuracy paragraph before signing
Corrections Line through, both initial
Voluntary No threat or promise

WHMIS Response OP

System National hazard information system
Duties Supplier, employer, worker
Data sheets Review before emergencies
Step 1 Initiate emergency response plan
Step 2 Evacuate and restrict access
Step 3 Call response team or emergency
Triggers Spills, fires, exposure
Companion law Occupational Health and Safety Act

Fire Hazards to Spot OP

Storage Flammables near ignition sources
Corridors Evacuation routes kept clear
Exit doors Both sides kept accessible
Suppressors Damaged or deteriorated equipment
Alarms Systems must stay operative
Guard role Set by employer or client

Alarm Sensors OP

Infrared Most common; detects heat
Physical contact Door or window opened
Photo-electric Broken light beam
Seismic Shock, like breaking glass
Vibration Movement on fences
Ultrasonic Rare; bounced sound waves
Microwave Rare; bounced microwaves
Electric field Rare; amplitude changes
Trip wire Rare; physical wire contact

Alarm Response Priority OP

First priority Your own safety
Contact Stay with dispatcher or supervisor
Crime seen Call police immediately
Then Back off and observe
Distance Watch from a safe place
Duty of care What a reasonable person does

Evidence Steps LE

Collect, Secure, Preserve, Identify, Continuity, Log
Mark bag initials Note time, date Few handlers Log every transfer

Indictable vs Summary LE

Indictable

More serious offences
Arrest even off property
Example: theft

Summary

Less serious offences
No off-property arrest
Report instead
Seriousness sets arrest power

Arrest Decision LE

Saw an indictable offence → Citizen's arrest allowed ( s.494 (1) (a) )
Saw offence on property → Arrest if authorized ( s.494 (2) )
Suspect only, saw nothing → Do not arrest ( Call police )
Summary offence, off property → No arrest power ( Report only )
Trespasser refuses to leave → Trespass Act arrest ( Section 9 (1) )
Arrest has been made → Deliver forthwith to police ( s.494 (3) )
Force used was excessive → You are liable ( s.26 )

Court Hierarchy LE

Top court Supreme Court of Canada
Appeal level Provincial courts of appeal
Trial level Provincial superior courts
Base level Provincial and territorial courts
Federal stream Federal Court of Appeal
Tax stream Tax Court of Canada
Military Court Martial Appeal Court
Tribunals Administrative boards, not courts

s.494 (1) vs s.494 (2) LE

s.494 (1)

Anyone may arrest
Indictable offence only
Must find committing

s.494 (2)

Property authority needed
Any criminal offence
At that time
Public power vs property power

Trespass Notice Picker LE

Cultivated land, no signs → Entry already prohibited ( Section 3 (1) )
Fenced or enclosed premises → Entry already prohibited ( Section 3 (1) )
Red markings posted → Entry prohibited ( Section 7 (1) )
Yellow markings posted → Limited activities allowed ( Section 7 (2) )
You told them verbally → Oral notice is valid ( Section 5 (1) )
Person stays anyway → Offence under section 2 ( Fine to $10,000 )

Law Sources LE

Criminal law Federal; in Criminal Code
Provincial offences Under Provincial Offences Act
By-laws Municipal noise, occupancy, traffic
Indictable More serious offences
Summary conviction Less serious offences
Civil law Private disputes, not Crown
Charter scope Applies to government action
Evidence acts Canada and Ontario versions

Trespass vs Criminal Arrest LE

Trespass arrest

Provincial offence
Occupier or delegate
Promptly call police

Criminal arrest

Criminal Code offence
Anyone, under s.494
Deliver forthwith
Which statute authorizes you

Evidence Handling LE

Step 1 Collect
Step 2 Secure
Step 3 Preserve
Step 4 Identify
Step 5 Ensure continuity
Step 6 Log
Bag marking Initials, time and date
Handlers Keep the number small
Chain of custody Document every transfer

Red vs Yellow Markings LE

Red markings

Entry prohibited
No activities permitted
Section 7 (1)

Yellow markings

Entry limited
Certain activities permitted
Section 7 (2)
Red stops; yellow limits

Arrest Powers LE

Guard status Not police, not peace officer
Source Criminal Code section 494
s.494 (1) (a) Found committing indictable offence
s.494 (1) (b) Fresh pursuit by lawful arresters
s.494 (2) Any criminal offence on property
Authorization Owner or lawful possessor
Arrest timing At that time
Delay allowed If police arrest infeasible
s.494 (3) Deliver forthwith to peace officer
s.494 (4) Arrester is authorized by law
Must witness You must see it

Trespass to Property Act LE

Offence 1 Enter where entry prohibited
Offence 2 Do a prohibited activity
Offence 3 Refuse to leave immediately
Maximum fine $10,000
Notice methods Oral, written, signs, markings
Red markings Entry prohibited
Yellow markings Entry for permitted activities
Marking size Holds a 10 cm circle
No notice needed Cultivated land or enclosures
Arrest power Occupier or authorized person
After arrest Promptly call and hand over
Colour of right Defence for land claims
Aggravating factor Still there 24 hours later

Privacy Laws LE

PIPEDA Federal private-sector privacy
FIPPA Ontario public-sector privacy
MFIPPA Municipal public-sector privacy
Guard duty Do not use or disclose
Code of Conduct Confidentiality also required

Force Framework Loop FO

Assess, plan, act, then reassess
Co-operative Passive resistant Active resistant Assaultive Grievous harm

Section 25 vs 26 FO

Section 25

Justifies necessary force
Needs reasonable grounds
Lawful authority required

Section 26

Punishes excess force
No justification given
Criminal responsibility
Authority versus accountability

Use of Force Law FO

s.25 Force necessary, reasonable grounds
s.25 (3) Lethal force needs life threat
s.26 Criminally liable for excess
s.34 Self-defence must be reasonable
s.35 Defence of property, reasonable acts
Trigger Authorized or required by law
Code of Conduct No unnecessary force

National Use of Force Framework FO

Centre Assess, plan, act loop
Behaviour 1 Co-operative
Behaviour 2 Passive resistant
Behaviour 3 Active resistant
Behaviour 4 Assaultive
Behaviour 5 Grievous bodily harm or death
Response 1 Officer presence
Response 2 Communication
Response 3 Physical control, soft or hard
Response 4 Intermediate weapons
Response 5 Lethal force
Nature Situational, not a ladder

Restraint Risks FO

Positional asphyxia Restraint position blocks breathing
Position rule Never hold someone face down
Chest rule No pressure on chest
Excited delirium Severe agitation, violent behaviour
Handling Avoid agitating or exciting
Causes Drugs, illness, injury, fever
Outcome risk Sudden, unexpected death

Communication Rules CO

Brief, explicit, concise, understood, not antagonistic
Be brief Be explicit Be concise Be understood Not antagonistic

Communication Rules CO

Rule 1 Be brief
Rule 2 Be explicit
Rule 3 Be concise
Rule 4 Make sure you are understood
Rule 5 Do not be antagonistic
Channels Report, phone, radio, email
Non-verbal Posture, gestures, eye contact
Telephone Tone, volume, cadence only
Tactical Adjust style to the audience
Goal Assertive, not confrontational

Core 10-Codes CO

10-3 Stop transmitting
10-4 Message received
10-7 Out of service
10-8 In service
10-9 Repeat
10-12 Stand by
10-18 Urgent
10-20 Advise to location
10-22 Disregard
10-23 Arrived at scene
10-24 Assignment complete

Emergency 10-Codes CO

10-31 Crime in progress
10-32 Person with gun
10-33 Emergency, all units standby
10-34 Riot
10-50 Traffic accident
10-52 Request ambulance
10-70 Fire alarm
10-73 Smoke report
10-80 Pursuit in progress
10-89 Bomb threat
10-90 Bank alarm
10-95 Subject in custody
10-99 Wanted or stolen

Human Rights Grounds CO

Origin group Race, ancestry, place, colour
Identity group Ethnic origin, citizenship, creed
Personal group Sex, sexual orientation, age
Status group Marital, family status, disability
Source Code of Conduct clause (d)
Also binding Ontario Human Rights Code

Sensitivity Topics CO

Prejudice sources Ethnicity, education, religion, gender
Self-check Identify your own biases
Risk Miscommunication across backgrounds
Accessibility law AODA, 2005
Duty Treat everyone equally

First Aid Aims FI

Preserve life, prevent injury, promote recovery
Preserve life Prevent injury Promote recovery

First Aid Priority FI

Scene is unsafe → Do not enter ( Protect yourself first )
Conscious adult choking → Back blows, then thrusts ( Repeat until cleared )
Casualty is unresponsive → Start CPR ( 30 compressions, 2 breaths )
Severe bleeding → Apply direct pressure ( Preserve life )
Restrained person face down → Reposition immediately ( Positional asphyxia risk )
Responders arrive → Give scene history ( Identify as first-aider )

First Aid Aims FI

Definition Care before medical help arrives
Aim 1 Preserve life
Aim 2 Prevent further injury
Aim 3 Promote recovery
First responders Ambulance, police, fire
Handover Say you are a first-aider

Emergency First Aid Topics FI

Topic 1 Emergency scene management
Topic 2 Shock, unconsciousness, fainting
Topic 3 Choking in adults
Topic 4 Severe bleeding
Topic 5 One-rescuer adult CPR
CPR ratio 30 compressions, 2 breaths Canadian standard
Adult choking 5 back blows, 5 thrusts Canadian standard
If unresponsive Start CPR

First Aid Certificate Rule FI

Standard St. John Ambulance equivalent
Regulation O. Reg. 26/10 first aid
Delivery In person, at least 6.5 hours
Instructor St. John or WSIB certified
Interim certificates Not accepted
No certificate Training incomplete; cannot book
Opt-out Valid certificate already held

Emergency Scene Duties FI

Belongings Protect the casualty's property
Bystanders Keep unnecessary people away
Family Reassure friends and relatives
Handover Give scene and casualty history
Employer policy Follow first aid reporting rules

Common Traps

Guard powers vs police

Guards use section 494 ≠ Police hold peace-officer powers

Two published fees

Serco charges $39.55 ≠ Study guide prints $75.15

Cut score vs question count

Ministry publishes 62% only ≠ 38 of 60 is derived

Trespass fine vs PSISA fine

Trespass maximum is $10,000 ≠ PSISA maximum is $25,000

Section 25 vs section 26

Section 25 justifies force ≠ Section 26 punishes excess

Notice colours

Red prohibits all entry ≠ Yellow permits some activities

Uniform lettering sizes

Chest letters 1.5 cm ≠ Back letters 10 cm

Training hours

40 hours with first aid ≠ 33.5 hours without it

Two results timelines

Serco says two days ≠ Study guide says five

Syllabus hours vs weights

Hours are training time ≠ Test weights not published

Last Minute

1. 60 questions | 75 minutes
2. Cut score is 62%
3. Fee $39.55 including HST
4. Book by 15:00 previous day
5. Guards use Criminal Code 494
6. After arrest, deliver to police
7. Trespass fine maximum $10,000
8. PSISA fine maximum $25,000
9. Red = no entry; yellow = limited
10. Section 25 justifies; 26 punishes
11. Chest 1.5 cm; back 10 cm
12. Who what when where why how
13. CPR = 30 compressions, 2 breaths
14. Never restrain someone face down
15. Carry licence; show on request
16. Training = 40 hours with first aid
17. Code of Conduct: treat all equally
18. Notebook: chronological, no torn pages

Ontario Security Guard Licensing Test

Practice Questions 125 questions Study Guide 34 topics Cheat Sheet 335 facts Flashcards 50 cards Shorts 2 short s Radio On air Radio Now playing