Alberta Basic Security Training (ABST) Licensing Exam

What is the primary role of a security guard in Alberta?

• ATo investigate complex crimes and make prosecutions.
• BTo observe, deter, and report incidents.
• CTo act as a peace officer with full arrest powers.
• DTo enforce all criminal laws on private property.

Under the Alberta Security Services and Investigators Act (SSIA), what must an individual possess to work as a security guard?

• AA clean criminal record and a certificate from a training course, without needing a separ…
• BProof of Canadian citizenship or permanent residency.
• CA valid security service worker licence issued by Alberta Justice (Security Programs).
• DA high school diploma or equivalent.

An owner-authorized retail guard personally sees a customer conceal store goods and pass the final payment point without paying. The guard can act safely under site policy. Which response best respects Criminal Code section 494(2)?

• AUse a tackle before assessing whether any force is necessary.
• BQuestion the customer under compulsory investigative detention.
• CIdentify the theft, make a lawful arrest if needed, and promptly call police.
• DDemand an admission of guilt before deciding whether arrest is lawful.

Which of the following is NOT a core principle of professional conduct for a security guard?

• ARespecting the confidentiality of client information and sensitive data.
• BUsing aggressive tactics to intimidate individuals into compliance.
• CActing with integrity, honesty, and impartiality.
• DMaintaining a professional appearance and demeanor.

What distinguishes a private security guard from a police officer in Alberta regarding their authority?

• APolice enforce only provincial law; guards enforce all federal criminal law.
• BPolice authority comes from statute; guards use citizen's arrest and contract.
• CGuards have broader authority on private property than police officers.
• DGuards may arrest for any crime on private property regardless of severity.

What is the main purpose of the Alberta Basic Security Training (ABST) course?

• ATo certify security guards as paramedics or medical first responders.
• BTo grant security guards full police powers.
• CCore knowledge and skills required for licensing and the job.
• DTo provide advanced tactical training for high-risk situations.

A security guard is responding to an alarm on a client's property. Upon arrival, they notice an open window. What should be their immediate priority?

• AWait for the property owner to arrive before taking any action or contacting emergency se…
• BAssume it's a false alarm and leave the premises, reporting it later to management.
• CStay at a safe distance, then call police and your supervisor.
• DImmediately enter the building through the open window to apprehend potential intruders.

A security guard is asked by a client to perform a duty that is outside the scope of their legal authority or violates the Security Services and Investigators Act. What is the most ethical and appropriate course of action for the security guard?

• APerform the duty but inform the client that it is illegal, placing the responsibility on…
• BReport the client directly to Security Programs without discussing it with their supervis…
• CRefuse, explain legal limits to the client, and report through your supervisor.
• DPerform the duty as requested by the client to avoid losing the contract, but document th…

Which document is a security guard legally required to carry while on duty in Alberta?

• AA copy of their employment contract.
• BA valid security guard license.
• CA first aid certificate.
• DA driver's license (unless driving).

When dealing with an agitated individual, what communication technique is most effective for a security guard?

• ARaise your voice to assert authority and demand immediate compliance.
• BIgnore the person until they calm down without any engagement.
• CThreaten to call police immediately if they do not comply right away.
• DDe-escalation, active listening, and calm clear communication.

What is the concept of "due diligence" in the context of security work?

• AAlways relying on others for decision-making in critical situations.
• BTaking all reasonable steps to prevent harm, loss, or injury.
• CCompleting tasks as quickly as possible without thoroughness.
• DMinimizing responsibility for actions by strictly following orders without question.

Which statement best describes lawful force by an Alberta private security guard?

• AA threat to property permits whatever force will recover it.
• BAn employer instruction is sufficient authority to use force.
• CForce needs a lawful purpose and must be reasonable and necessary.
• DForce may be used to punish an offence after the danger has ended.

A security guard is assigned to a site where a previous incident involved a known trespasser. The guard arrives and finds the same trespasser on site. The trespasser refuses to leave and becomes verbally aggressive. What is the most appropriate next step?

• AIgnore the trespasser as long as they are not causing damage, and only report it at the e…
• BTell them to leave, state trespass, document, and call police if they refuse.
• CPhysically remove the trespasser using reasonable force to escort them off the property.
• DImmediately arrest the trespasser for previous incidents and current trespassing, then ca…

What is the primary reason for maintaining accurate and detailed daily logs and incident reports?

• ATo keep a personal diary of events for future reference only.
• BTo show management how busy you were during your shift.
• CTo practice your writing skills and personal observations.
• DA factual record for legal, administrative, and investigative use.

A security guard witnesses a minor infraction (e.g., littering) on private property. What is the most appropriate response?

• AImmediately call the police to report the minor infraction.
• BIssue a formal ticket or fine to the individual.
• CPolitely inform the individual of the rule and request cooperation, documenting the incid…
• DIgnore it, as it is a minor issue and not worth addressing.

A lone night guard misses a scheduled check-in and cannot be reached. Which response should the control room follow?

• AWait for the end of the shift before checking the guard.
• BActivate the agreed overdue-worker response and seek assistance.
• CCancel remaining check-ins until radio contact resumes.
• DSend an unbriefed colleague into the last reported location alone.

The term "chain of command" in a security context refers to:

• AThe process of documenting and preserving evidence at a crime scene.
• BThe hierarchy of authority and reporting within an organization.
• CA specific type of security equipment used for access control.
• DThe method of securing a perimeter using multiple security devices.