NY Security Guard Exam Flashcards

Q: What score do I need to pass, and who administers the exam?

You need 70% (at least 7 of every 10 questions correct) on the exam given at the end of your DCJS-approved 8-hour Pre-Assignment Training Course. The exam is written and administered by your training school, not by a single statewide DCJS or DOS testing center, so exact item count and format can vary slightly by provider.

Q: If I fail, is there a mandatory waiting period before I can retake the exam?

DCJS does not publish a fixed statewide minimum waiting period for retaking the Pre-Assignment Training exam. Retake timing and any retake fee are set by your individual training school, so confirm the specific policy with your provider before your first attempt.

Q: What is the full New York security guard training timeline?

Complete the 8-hour DCJS-approved Pre-Assignment Training Course and pass its exam, then apply to the Department of State for your registration. After you start working, you must complete 16 hours of On-the-Job Training within 90 working days, then 8 hours of annual in-service training every 12 months to keep your registration active.

Q: Do I need an employer to register as a security guard in New York?

No. You can complete the 8-hour Pre-Assignment course and apply to the Department of State for registration on your own; an employer is not required to enroll in training or sit the exam. Once you are hired, your employer files a Notice of Employment so your registration reflects your job status.

Q: What is the difference between the Department of State and DCJS for security guards?

The Department of State (DOS) issues and renews the actual security guard registration card and sets its fees. The Division of Criminal Justice Services (DCJS) approves training schools and sets the training curricula. DOS licenses; DCJS trains — the exam tests knowledge from the DCJS curriculum, but DOS controls your registration status.

Q: Can a New York security guard arrest someone or carry a weapon?

A guard can only make a citizen's arrest under CPL 140.30 — for a felony that actually occurred anywhere in the state, or for a lesser offense that occurred in the guard's presence within that county — and has no other arrest power. Carrying a firearm requires a separate NYS pistol permit, employer authorization, and additional armed-guard training beyond the standard 8-hour course.

Question 1

Felony arrest under CPL 140.30 — what two conditions must be true?

Accepted Answer

The felony must have actually been committed, and the arrest can be made anywhere in New York State. The guard does not need to have witnessed the crime, unlike a misdemeanor arrest.

Question 2

Misdemeanor (or other non-felony offense) arrest under CPL 140.30 — what two conditions must be true?

Accepted Answer

The offense must have occurred in the guard's presence, and the arrest is valid only within the county where it happened. This presence-and-county rule is stricter than the felony rule.

Question 3

A guard 'just knows' a shoplifter is guilty but didn't actually see the theft occur — can the guard lawfully make a citizen's arrest?

Accepted Answer

No. A guard's subjective belief alone is not legally sufficient for a citizen's arrest; the crime must have actually occurred. Acting on belief alone exposes the guard and employer to false-imprisonment liability.

Question 4

After making a lawful citizen's arrest, what must the guard do next?

Accepted Answer

Deliver or attempt to deliver the arrested person to police without unnecessary delay. Guards have no power to detain someone indefinitely, issue a summons, or investigate further themselves.

Question 5

Do New York security guards have qualified immunity like sworn police officers?

Accepted Answer

No. Guards are private citizens exercising citizen's-arrest and shopkeeper's-privilege authority only; they and their employer can be personally sued for false imprisonment, assault, or other civil claims arising from an improper detention.

Question 6

What is a security guard's required first response to a confrontation, before any use of force is justified?

Accepted Answer

Verbal de-escalation. Physical force is a last resort under Penal Law Article 35's justification standard, used only when verbal methods fail and a real threat exists.

Question 7

When is 'reasonable force' legally justified for a New York security guard?

Accepted Answer

When it is proportional to the threat faced, such as to make a lawful citizen's arrest or defend against an attack. Reasonable force must never exceed what the situation actually requires.

Question 8

When is deadly physical force ever justified for a security guard?

Accepted Answer

Only to protect against imminent death or serious physical injury to the guard or another person. Deadly force is never justified to protect property alone, no matter how valuable.

Question 9

What is the 'duty to retreat' under New York use-of-force law, and its main exception?

Accepted Answer

Before using deadly force, a person must retreat if they can do so with complete safety. The exception is the castle-doctrine rule: no duty to retreat when the guard is in their own dwelling.

Question 10

What does 'justification' mean as a legal defense under Penal Law Article 35?

Accepted Answer

It is a complete defense to what would otherwise be a criminal charge, such as assault. If the force used met the statute's conditions, the guard is not criminally liable for using it.

Question 11

A visitor collapses and is unresponsive — what is the guard's first action?

Accepted Answer

Call 911 immediately. Guards act as first responders who summon professional help and provide basic aid; they are not a substitute for EMS.

Question 12

When should a guard perform CPR on a collapsed person?

Accepted Answer

Only when the person is unresponsive and not breathing normally. Use an AED as soon as one is available on-site to improve survival odds before EMS arrives.

Question 13

What does New York's Good Samaritan Law (Public Health Law 3000-a) protect?

Accepted Answer

It shields a guard who provides good-faith emergency medical assistance from civil liability for ordinary negligence, encouraging bystanders and guards to help without fear of being sued.

Question 14

Should a guard move an unconscious victim before EMS arrives?

Accepted Answer

No, generally do not move them — moving an unconscious person risks worsening a spinal or other serious injury. Keep the area safe and wait for trained responders unless there is an immediate danger like fire.

Question 15

A guard responds to a possible domestic-violence disturbance on post — what is the correct move?

Accepted Answer

Call 911 and do not enter or physically intervene. Domestic violence calls are volatile and outside a guard's authority and safety training; law enforcement handles the response.

Question 16

What does the PASS method stand for when using a fire extinguisher?

Accepted Answer

Pull the safety pin, Aim at the base of the fire, Squeeze the handle, and Sweep side to side. A guard should only attempt this on a small, contained fire.

Question 17

A guard discovers an uncontrolled, spreading fire that small-fire tools won't help — what should the guard do?

Accepted Answer

Sound the fire alarm and begin evacuation procedures immediately, then call 911. Do not attempt to fight a fire that has grown beyond a small, containable stage.

Question 18

A guard receives a bomb threat by email — what is the correct handling?

Accepted Answer

Preserve the message exactly as received, do not forward or alter it, and call 911, then notify a supervisor. The original message may contain evidence for investigators.

Question 19

Why does unusual or repeated photography of a building's security features matter to a guard?

Accepted Answer

It can indicate pre-attack surveillance and is a terrorism-awareness red flag. Guards are trained to notice and report this kind of suspicious activity rather than ignore it.

Question 20

A guard smells gas in a building — what precautions apply during evacuation?

Accepted Answer

Evacuate the area, avoid creating sparks such as flipping light switches, and do not use elevators, since a spark or power interruption could trigger an explosion.

Question 21

What communication skill does DCJS training emphasize as most important for a security guard?

Accepted Answer

Active listening — fully focusing on and understanding what a person is saying before responding. It underlies effective de-escalation and accurate incident reporting.

Question 22

What communication technique should a guard use first when a person becomes hostile or aggressive?

Accepted Answer

Calm, active-listening-based de-escalation — acknowledging the person's concern and lowering tension through tone and word choice, before any physical response is considered.

Question 23

How should a guard communicate with someone who doesn't speak English well?

Accepted Answer

Use simple words, short sentences, and visual aids or gestures rather than complex language or jargon. The goal is mutual understanding, not literal translation.

Question 24

A guard learns sensitive information about a tenant during an incident — what is the confidentiality rule?

Accepted Answer

Share it only on a need-to-know basis, such as with supervisors, police, or those directly involved. Discussing incidents or personal details outside that circle breaches guard ethics and trust.

Question 25

Why does public relations matter as part of a guard's communications role?

Accepted Answer

A calm, professional, respectful tone builds trust and cooperation with tenants, visitors, and the public. Guards are often the first and most visible representative of a property or company.

Question 26

What tone must an incident report use?

Accepted Answer

Objective — facts only, with no personal opinions or speculation about intent. Reports document what was observed, not what the guard assumes happened.

Question 27

What are the '5 W's' every incident report should answer?

Accepted Answer

Who, What, When, Where, and Why — covering the parties involved, what happened, the time and date, the location, and the cause or context.

Question 28

When should a guard write an incident report?

Accepted Answer

As soon as possible after the event, while details are fresh. Timeliness protects accuracy and credibility if the report is later used in court.

Question 29

Why can an incident report matter in a courtroom?

Accepted Answer

It can refresh a guard's memory before testifying and may be entered as evidence, so accuracy and completeness at the time of writing directly affect its later value in legal proceedings.

Question 30

A guard knowingly writes a false statement in an incident report — what is the consequence?

Accepted Answer

It can be a criminal offense, separate from any workplace discipline. Knowingly false written statements undermine investigations and expose the guard to prosecution.

Question 31

What is a visitor log used for at a security post?

Accepted Answer

Tracking who enters and exits a property, including time in and out. It creates an accountability record for access control and later investigations.

Question 32

A visitor presents an ID a guard believes is fake — what should the guard do?

Accepted Answer

Deny entry, but do not confiscate the ID — guards have no legal authority to seize someone's identification. Report the incident to a supervisor instead.

Question 33

What are 'post orders' and why do they matter?

Accepted Answer

Written, post-specific instructions covering duties, procedures, and expectations for that exact location. Following them consistently is central to a guard's job performance and liability protection.

Question 34

A guard finds a lost access card or key on post — what is the correct step?

Accepted Answer

Log it and take reasonable steps to locate the owner or turn it in through the proper chain. Never use it for personal access or simply ignore it.

Question 35

What does 'concentric circles of protection' mean in access-control design?

Accepted Answer

Layered security barriers moving from the outer perimeter inward to the interior. Each layer, such as a fence, lobby, or controlled floor, adds another checkpoint before reaching sensitive areas.

Question 36

What is the core function of a guard's patrol, beyond just walking a route?

Accepted Answer

Observe, document, and report. Patrol is primarily a deterrence and detection function; guards are trained to notice and record, not to act as police investigators.

Question 37

How does a visible, uniformed guard presence help security, even without any incident occurring?

Accepted Answer

It deters crime through visibility alone — potential wrongdoers are less likely to act when they see an active, uniformed patrol presence.

Question 38

A guard observes a suspected shoplifter but hasn't yet seen a clear theft — what should the guard do?

Accepted Answer

Maintain continuous, unbroken observation rather than confronting immediately. Losing sight of the suspect can break the chain needed to support a later detention or arrest.

Question 39

A guard finds physical evidence related to an incident — what is the rule?

Accepted Answer

Preserve it and do not touch or move it. Guards protect the scene for investigators rather than handling potential evidence themselves.

Question 40

Why is a thorough shift handoff important for a security post?

Accepted Answer

It ensures the incoming guard knows about outstanding issues, ongoing incidents, or special instructions. Gaps in handoff communication create security blind spots.

Question 41

What training must a candidate complete before applying for DOS security guard registration?

Accepted Answer

The DCJS-approved 8-hour Pre-Assignment Training Course — it is a prerequisite for registration, not something completed afterward.

Question 42

After starting work, when must a guard complete the 16-hour On-the-Job Training?

Accepted Answer

Within 90 working days of starting employment. It is a one-time requirement that follows the initial 8-hour course.

Question 43

How often must a registered guard complete annual in-service training, and for how many hours?

Accepted Answer

8 hours every 12 months. This is a recurring requirement that continues throughout a guard's registration, unlike the one-time 16-hour OJT.

Question 44

How long is a New York security guard registration valid before it must be renewed?

Accepted Answer

2 years from the date of issuance. Guards may file for renewal up to 90 days before it expires.

Question 45

A guard's registration has lapsed for more than 6 months — what happens?

Accepted Answer

They must reapply as a new applicant, generally repeating the training and application process rather than simply renewing the old registration.

Question 46

Which state agency issues the security guard registration card, and which one approves the training?

Accepted Answer

The Department of State (DOS) issues registration; the Division of Criminal Justice Services (DCJS) approves training schools and curricula. DOS licenses, DCJS trains.

Question 47

What is the DOS application fee for initial security guard registration?

Accepted Answer

$36, paid to the Department of State, separate from the roughly $102.50 fingerprinting fee charged through the state's authorized vendor.

Question 48

A guard notices a coworker accepting bribes or cutting corners on post — what is the ethical obligation?

Accepted Answer

Report it to a supervisor and document the concern. Looking the other way on misconduct violates the professional-conduct standards guards are trained to uphold.

Question 49

A guard is posted during a labor strike or picket line — what is the correct posture?

Accepted Answer

Stay neutral and focus on keeping access and safety intact, rather than taking a side in the labor dispute. Guards are not there to enforce management's position on the dispute itself.

Question 50

Must a guard apply access-control and detention procedures equally regardless of a person's disability?

Accepted Answer

Yes. ADA compliance requires guards not to use discriminatory procedures against people with disabilities; the same reasonable, non-discriminatory standards apply to everyone accessing the site.

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