PSIRA Security Officer Grade C Exam (South Africa)

What is the primary objective of access control at a private security site?

• ATo arrest and prosecute any visitor who does not have an access card.
• BTo regulate and monitor the movement of people, vehicles, and goods into and out of the p…
• CTo charge visitors an entry fee to increase the security company's revenue.
• DTo inspect the vehicle maintenance records of every car arriving on site.

Which South African law regulates the registration and conduct of private security officers, including Grade C officers?

• APrivate Security Industry Regulation Act 56 of 2001 (PSIRA Act).
• BBasic Conditions of Employment Act 75 of 1997.
• CCriminal Procedure Act 51 of 1977.
• DControl of Access to Public Premises and Vehicles Act 53 of 1985.

If a visitor refuses to cooperate with a lawful search required as a condition of entry to a private site, what action should a Grade C security officer take?

• AUse physical force to search the visitor's pockets and bag anyway.
• BPolitely deny them entry to the site and record the incident in the Occurrence Book (OB).
• CImmediately arrest the visitor and detain them in the guardhouse.
• DConfiscate the visitor's driver's license and vehicle keys.

Why is it important for a security officer to vary their patrol routes and times on a site?

• ATo prevent intruders from predicting the patrol pattern and timing breaches accordingly.
• BTo ensure the security officer gets enough exercise by walking different distances.
• CTo test whether the supervisor is monitoring the officer's movements via GPS.
• DTo save battery power on the security officer's two-way radio.

When patrolling a warehouse perimeter at night, what is the most critical safety practice a security officer must follow?

• AEnsure their torch is switched on continuously to signal their exact location.
• BMaintain constant communication with the control room and report their position regularly.
• CWalk in the center of open pathways to remain as visible as possible.
• DLeave all access gates unlocked in case they need to escape quickly.

Which of the following describes the legal power of search for a private security officer on private property?

• ASecurity officers have the same statutory search powers as police officers under all circ…
• BSecurity officers can search any person on private property if they have a subjective hun…
• CSecurity officers can legally search public streets adjacent to the private property.
• DSearch is strictly based on the voluntary consent of the person or as an agreed condition…

What information must be captured in the vehicle access register when a delivery vehicle arrives on site?

• AThe driver's residential address, banking details, and emergency contact numbers.
• BThe vehicle's insurance policy details and engine serial number.
• CDate and time, vehicle registration number, driver's name, company name, destination/host…
• DThe passenger's educational qualifications and driving history.

What is the first step a security officer should take when a visitor requests entry to a secure office park?

• ARequest identification, verify the visitor's details, and contact the host department to…
• BIssue an access card immediately and allow the visitor to find their own way.
• CConduct a full body search and inspect all luggage before asking who they are visiting.
• DInstruct the visitor to wait outside the gate for 30 minutes to verify their patience.

As a Grade C security officer (shift supervisor), how should you verify that Grade D and E guards on patrol are performing their duties correctly?

• AInstruct the guards to remain in the guardhouse and report patrol status verbally.
• BRely entirely on the client's staff to report if they see the guards patrolling.
• CConduct random site checks, review patrol logging systems, and inspect their pocket books…
• DAssume the guards are patrolling correctly if no alarms have been triggered.

If a security officer spots a suspect running away from a perimeter breach, what details are most important to record for identification?

• AThe suspect's estimated weight in kilograms, shoe size, and preferred language.
• BEstimated height, physical build, gender, description of clothing, unique markings (tatto…
• CThe brand of cell phone they might be carrying and their social status.
• DThe suspect's educational background and family history.

What is the primary function of a static guard post at an industrial site gate?

• ATo patrol the entire perimeter fence every 15 minutes.
• BTo provide a rest area for off-duty security officers to sleep.
• CTo serve as a fixed point of deterrence, control entry and exit, and respond to immediate…
• DTo store high-value goods waiting for courier collection.

What is a key requirement of key control procedures for a security department?

• AKeys should be left hanging on the guardhouse wall so anyone can access them quickly.
• BOfficers should take master keys home to prevent them from being stolen from the site.
• CKeys must be replaced with new locks every time a shift changes.
• DAll keys must be logged in a Key Register with the name of the receiver, date, time out,…

During a shift handover, what must the incoming and outgoing Grade C officers do together?

• ABriefly exchange greetings over the radio and leave the site immediately.
• BLock the guardhouse and perform a 30-minute patrol of the external public roads.
• CSign the Occurrence Book without verifying equipment to save time.
• DConduct a joint physical inspection of the site, verify inventory of security equipment,…

If an electric fence perimeter alarm is triggered at 02h00, what is the correct immediate action for the response team?

• AIgnore the alarm as it is most likely a false alarm caused by wind or animals.
• BImmediately switch off the electric fence energizer to prevent damage to the wires.
• CAcknowledge the alarm, report to the control room, and proceed with caution to inspect th…
• DThrow stones at the fence zone to see if anyone is hiding nearby.

Under the South African Trespass Act 6 of 1959, what is the definition of trespassing?

• AEntering a public park during official opening hours without an access ticket.
• BWalking on a public pavement outside a secure residential estate.
• CVisiting a retail shop during business hours without buying any goods.
• DEntering or being upon land or a building without the permission of the lawful occupier o…

If a biometric access control gate malfunctions and blocks employees from entering the factory, what should the security supervisor do?

• AForce open the security gate and allow everyone to enter unchecked to prevent delays.
• BImplement a pre-approved manual entry system (verifying IDs against an employee list) and…
• CInstruct all employees to go home and return only when the system is repaired.
• DDisable all surveillance cameras to prevent recording the malfunction.

What is a primary rule regarding the handling of CCTV footage in a security control room?

• AFootage can be shared on social media if it shows a funny incident on site.
• BSecurity officers are encouraged to copy footage onto personal USB drives for backup.
• CFootage should be deleted at the end of every shift to free up server space.
• DFootage is strictly confidential and must never be viewed by or shared with unauthorized…

When escorting a visitor through a high-risk area of an industrial plant, how should the security officer position themselves?

• AWalk slightly to the side and behind the visitor, maintaining visual awareness of both th…
• BWalk 10 meters ahead of the visitor to show them they are not being watched.
• CHold the visitor's arm tightly to prevent them from running away.
• DLet the visitor walk alone while the officer monitors them via radio.

What is a legal requirement for conducting random search 'spot checks' on employees exiting a factory?

• AThe security officer must target specific employees based on personal dislike.
• BSpot checks can only be conducted during night shifts.
• CThe search policy must be clearly stated in the employees' contracts or company policy, a…
• DSecurity officers can demand that employees strip down completely for physical inspection.

A security officer notices a suspicious, unattended bag near the main entrance lobby. What is the correct response?

• ADo not touch or move the bag, cordon off the area, evacuate nearby persons, and notify th…
• BOpen the bag immediately to check for identification or contact details.
• CCarry the bag to the lost-and-found cabinet in the guardhouse.
• DKick the bag to check if it contains heavy or explosive materials.

Which workplaces in South Africa are legally required to comply with the Occupational Health and Safety Act (OHSA) 85 of 1993?

• AAll private and public sector workplaces, including temporary or mobile security sites, w…
• BOnly heavy industrial factories and mining operations.
• COnly businesses that employ more than 100 permanent staff members.
• DOnly workplaces located inside government-owned buildings.

Under Section 14 of the South African OHS Act, what is a primary health and safety duty of an employee?

• ATo purchase their own personal protective equipment (PPE) if the employer does not provid…
• BTo design the site's emergency evacuation plan and fire escape routes.
• CTo conduct monthly safety audits of the client's machinery.
• DTo take reasonable care for their own health and safety, and that of other persons who ma…

According to Section 8 of the OHS Act, what is the employer's responsibility regarding personal protective equipment (PPE)?

• ATo deduct the cost of the PPE from the employee's salary over their first three months.
• BTo require employees to share PPE to reduce company operating costs.
• CTo provide PPE only if the employee has suffered a previous work-related injury.
• DTo provide and maintain necessary PPE for employees free of charge, ensuring it is in goo…

In South African safety signage (SANS 1186), what does a green symbolic sign represent?

• AA prohibition action, indicating that an activity is strictly forbidden.
• BA caution or warning of danger, such as high voltage or slippery surfaces.
• CA mandatory action, indicating that specific PPE must be worn.
• DA safe condition, emergency exit direction, or location of first aid equipment.

Which of the following represents the correct combination of standard PPE for a security officer stationed at an active construction site gate?

• APolished leather dress shoes, a blazer, a clip-on tie, and a pocket watch.
• BRunning shoes, sunglasses, a cotton cap, and a raincoat.
• CSteel-toe safety boots, high-visibility reflective vest, hard hat, and safety eyewear if…
• DRubber boots, an apron, heavy chemical gloves, and a face shield.

During a routine inspection of the guardhouse, the Grade C supervisor notices loose electrical cables trailing across the floor. What is the immediate safety concern and action?

• AIt is a trip hazard and electrical risk; the cables must be secured, routed safely along…
• BIt is fine as long as security officers step over them carefully during their shift.
• CThe cables should be sprayed with water to keep them cool and prevent overheating.
• DThe supervisor should ignore it unless a guard actually trips and files a complaint.

If a security officer is patrolling an open-air yard during a severe South African highveld thunderstorm with active lightning, what safety rule must they follow?

• AHold their metal baton high in the air to ground the static electricity.
• BImmediately seek shelter inside a fully enclosed building or vehicle; do not stand under…
• CStand under the tallest tree on site to shelter from the heavy rain.
• DClimb onto the roof of the highest building to monitor where lightning strikes.

What is the first step in conducting a Hazard Identification and Risk Assessment (HIRA) at a security post?

• ACalculate the exact financial cost of replacing the security equipment.
• BBuy insurance policies to cover any potential injury claims.
• CIdentify all potential hazards (unsafe conditions, acts, or substances) present at the po…
• DAssign blame to the shift workers for existing safety hazards.

A Grade C security supervisor witnesses a contractor working on a ladder at a height of 4 meters without a safety harness or anyone holding the ladder. What should the supervisor do?

• AIgnore the contractor, as security is only responsible for theft prevention, not safety.
• BTake a photo to share on social media and laugh at their poor safety practices.
• CClimb the ladder themselves to show the contractor how to work without a harness.
• DInstruct the contractor to stop work immediately, report the unsafe act to the site safet…

Why is ergonomic design important for a security officer stationed in a CCTV control room for 12-hour shifts?

• AIt guarantees that the security officer will not fall asleep while on duty.
• BIt increases the transmission speed of the video signals to the monitors.
• CIt eliminates the need for any physical patrols on the site.
• DIt prevents physical strain, eye fatigue, and musculoskeletal injuries, keeping the opera…

A guardhouse has a portable bar heater plugged into a multi-plug adapter that also powers a kettle, microwave, and computer. What safety hazard does this present?

• AOverloading the electrical circuit, which can cause overheating, wire damage, and a elect…
• BReducing the efficiency of the computer's virus protection software.
• CIncreasing the cost of the site's water bill due to kettle usage.
• DCreating a biological hazard by attracting insects to the heat source.

While responding to an altercation, a security officer finds a casualty bleeding heavily on the floor. What biological safety precaution must the officer take?

• AUse a rag found in the garbage bin to wipe the blood off the casualty's face.
• BWash their hands with petrol to sterilize them before touching the wound.
• CAvoid direct contact with the blood by wearing disposable latex or nitrile gloves from th…
• DDirectly press their bare hands onto the open wound to show bravery.

What is the security guard's role when stationed near a chemical storage warehouse containing hazardous substances?

• AEnsure unauthorized persons do not enter, check that emergency doors are clear, and know…
• BPerform chemical mixtures and decant substances into smaller bottles.
• CDispose of chemical waste by pouring it down the regular stormwater drains.
• DTest the chemical quality by opening containers and smelling the vapors.

A security guard is stationed inside a generator room where noise levels exceed 85 decibels. What is a mandatory safety requirement?

• AThe guard must wear safety goggles to prevent noise from entering their eyes.
• BThe guard should shout continuously to drown out the generator sound.
• CThe generator must be turned off whenever the guard is on duty.
• DThe guard must wear hearing protection (earplugs or earmuffs) and limit their exposure ti…

According to General Safety Regulation 3 under the South African OHS Act, what is the requirement for first aid boxes in a workplace?

• AA first aid box must be provided, easily accessible, stocked with prescribed materials, a…
• BFirst aid boxes are only required if the site has suffered a death within the past year.
• CThe first aid box must be locked, and the key kept at the company's head office.
• DFirst aid kits should only contain painkillers and prescription medications.

Under Section 24 of the OHS Act, when must an incident resulting in a serious injury or unconsciousness at a workplace be reported to the Department of Labour?

• AOnly if the injured employee decides to sue the company in court.
• BWithin 7 days of the incident, or immediately by the quickest means possible if it result…
• CWithin 6 months of the incident, but only if the employee has returned to work.
• DAt the end of the financial year during the annual general meeting.

How does good housekeeping in a security guard house contribute to health and safety?

• AIt allows the security company to pass off cleaning duties to the client.
• BIt removes slip and trip hazards, keeps emergency exit pathways clear, and prevents clutt…
• CIt increases the wireless range of the security officer's walkie-talkie.
• DIt guarantees that the guard house will never be targeted by criminals.

What is a major safety risk associated with fatigue in the private security industry?

• ASlowed reaction times, poor decision-making, and the risk of sleeping on duty, which comp…
• BAn increase in the physical weight of the security uniform.
• CA decrease in the security company's monthly insurance premiums.
• DThe automatic activation of site alarm systems.

What is the legal requirement for fire escape doors in an office building?

• AThey must remain unlocked from the inside and completely free of obstructions at all time…
• BThey must be padlocked shut during working hours to prevent theft.
• CThey must only be opened by a manager who carries the master key.
• DThey should be used as general storage areas for broken office furniture.

What is the role of an employee designated as a Health and Safety Representative (SHE Rep) in a security team?

• ATo identify hazards, inspect the workplace, investigate employee complaints, and report f…
• BTo take over the legal and criminal liabilities of the company CEO.
• CTo issue safety fines to the client's management team.
• DTo arrest any worker who does not wear their hard hat.

What is the primary purpose of positive public relations in the private security industry?

• ATo gather gossip and personal information about the site employees.
• BTo convince visitors to buy security products from the company.
• CTo make the security officer popular enough to bypass site safety rules.
• DTo build trust with the public, project a professional image, and represent both the secu…

Which of the following is the most professional way for a security officer to answer a site control room telephone?

• A"Yeah? What do you want? Speak fast, I am busy."
• B"Good morning, Delta Security at Office Park Main Gate, Officer Sibanda speaking, how may…
• C"Hello, who is this? Why are you calling this number?"
• D"Security control. Leave a message, I will call you back later."

A visitor is shouting and waving their arms aggressively because they were denied entry for not having a valid ID. How should a Grade C officer respond?

• ARemain calm, speak in a polite and firm tone, listen to their frustration, and explain th…
• BShout back at the visitor to show that security will not be intimidated.
• CDraw their baton immediately and threaten to hit the visitor if they do not quiet down.
• DWalk away and lock themselves inside the guardhouse, ignoring the visitor completely.

How does a security officer's body language affect their authority and public relations?

• ASlouching, crossing arms, and staring blankly shows that the guard is relaxed and friendl…
• BStanding upright, making polite eye contact, and keeping hands visible projects alertness…
• CKeeping hands in pockets and leaning against walls shows that the guard is conserving ene…
• DAvoiding eye contact and looking down makes the guard appear humble and approachable.

When resolving a customer complaint on site, what is the correct order of action?

• AListen actively without interruption, empathize, investigate the facts objectively, propo…
• BInterrupt the customer to correct them, defend the company, and tell them to write an ema…
• CAgree with the customer blindly, promise them a financial refund, and blame the junior st…
• DLog the complaint in the OB immediately but refuse to speak to the customer directly.

How should a Grade C officer communicate a site security incident to the client's operations manager?

• AWrite a long, emotional letter sharing personal opinions and guesses about who is to blam…
• BWait for a few weeks until the client asks about the incident during a routine review.
• CSend a casual text message with slang and abbreviations to the manager's personal phone.
• DProvide a factual, objective, and clear written or verbal report detailing the time, even…