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100+ Free AR Security Guard Practice Questions

Pass your Arkansas Commissioned Security Officer Class A Examination exam on the first try — instant access, no signup required.

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What is important about documenting physical evidence at a security incident?

A
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to track
2026 Statistics

Key Facts: AR Security Guard Exam

100 Q

CSO Class A Exam

17 CAR § 350-1017

70%

Passing Score

Arkansas State Police Regulatory Services

$50

Re-Exam Fee

Arkansas State Police

AR Code 17-40

Governing Statute

Private Investigators and Private Security Agencies

$35-$60

License Fee Range

Arkansas State Police Regulatory Services

Arkansas State Police Regulatory Services administers the CSO Class A exam (100 multiple-choice questions) for private security officers under AR Code 17-40. Minimum passing score is 70%. The exam covers private security law, use of force, patrol, emergency response, report writing, ethics, and communication. Re-exam fee is $50; license fees are $35-$60. Background clearance is required. CSO Class A is a higher classification than PSO Class B.

Sample AR Security Guard Practice Questions

Try these sample questions to test your AR Security Guard exam readiness. Each question includes a detailed explanation. Start the interactive quiz above for the full 100+ question experience with AI tutoring.

1Which Arkansas statute is the primary law governing private security officers?
A.Arkansas Code Title 5, Chapter 71
B.Arkansas Code Title 17, Chapter 40
C.Arkansas Code Title 23, Chapter 60
D.Arkansas Code Title 12, Chapter 9
Explanation: Private Security Officers in Arkansas are regulated under Arkansas Code Title 17, Chapter 40 (Private Investigators and Private Security Agencies) as amended. The Arkansas State Police Regulatory Services Division administers the licensing and examination.
2Which state agency administers private security officer licensing in Arkansas?
A.Arkansas Department of Labor and Licensing
B.Arkansas Secretary of State
C.Arkansas State Police Regulatory Services
D.Arkansas Attorney General's Office
Explanation: The Arkansas State Police Regulatory Services Division administers PSO/CSO licensing under AR Code 17-40. The division handles applications, background checks, examinations, and disciplinary actions for security officers.
3Under 17 CAR § 350-1017, what is the passing score for the Arkansas Security Guard exam?
A.60%
B.65%
C.70%
D.75%
Explanation: Under Arkansas Regulation 17 CAR § 350-1017, applicants must achieve a minimum score of 70% on the CSO Class A exam (100 questions) to pass and qualify for licensure.
4What is the re-exam fee for the Arkansas Security Guard (CSO) exam?
A.$25
B.$35
C.$50
D.$75
Explanation: The re-exam fee for the CSO Class A exam is $50. The initial license fee ranges from $35-$60 depending on the license class and renewal period.
5What are the two primary classifications for private security officers under Arkansas law?
A.Class A and Class B
B.Class I and Class II
C.Registered and Certified
D.Armed and Unarmed
Explanation: Arkansas law recognizes two classifications: PSO Class B (Private Security Officer) with 70 exam questions and CSO Class A (Commissioned Security Officer) with 100 exam questions. The CSO Class A typically has broader authority and more training requirements.
6Under the Arkansas Private Security Act (17 CAR § 350), what is required before a security officer can be armed?
A.High school diploma only
B.CSO Class A certification and weapons training
C.Age 21 and a clean criminal record
D.Any of the above
Explanation: CSO Class A certification carries greater authority and training requirements, including weapons training and qualification when armed. PSO Class B officers have more limited authority and cannot carry firearms without additional certification.
7What is the general scope of a security officer's authority under the Arkansas Private Security Act?
A.Same authority as a police officer
B.Authority to protect property and persons as contracted; limited to private property or specific assignments
C.Authority to make arrests anywhere in the state
D.Authority to enforce all state and federal laws
Explanation: Security officers' authority is limited to the property or location specified in their assignment. They enforce rules on that property but do not have statewide police authority. Their powers of arrest are more limited than sworn law enforcement.
8Under Arkansas law, what constitutes unlawful detention by a security officer?
A.Briefly stopping a person to prevent a crime
B.Holding a person without legal cause or exceeding reasonable time
C.Requesting identification in a secure area
D.Escorting a trespasser from the premises
Explanation: Unlawful detention occurs when a security officer holds someone without legal justification or holds them longer than reasonably necessary. Security officers can briefly detain to prevent a crime but must contact law enforcement if extended detention is needed.
9What is the proper response if a security officer encounters a person trespassing on the premises?
A.Immediately arrest the person
B.Issue a verbal warning and request they leave; contact law enforcement if they refuse
C.Use force to remove them
D.Take a photograph and file a report
Explanation: The appropriate response is to issue a clear verbal warning requesting the person leave the premises. If they refuse, the officer should contact law enforcement. Improper handling can expose the officer and employer to liability.
10Under the Arkansas use-of-force statute, when may a security officer use physical force?
A.Whenever a person refuses a lawful order
B.Only in self-defense or to prevent an imminent crime
C.When protecting the client's property from any interference
D.Never; only law enforcement can use force
Explanation: Security officers may use reasonable force in self-defense or to prevent an imminent felony or serious misdemeanor. Excessive force or force used to compel compliance with arbitrary demands can result in civil and criminal liability.

About the AR Security Guard Exam

The Arkansas Commissioned Security Officer Class A Examination is administered by the Arkansas State Police Regulatory Services Division under authority of Arkansas Code Title 17, Chapter 40 (Private Investigators and Private Security Agencies). The exam comprises 100 multiple-choice questions covering private security law, use of force, patrol and observation, emergency response, report writing, professional ethics, and communication skills. Applicants must achieve a minimum score of 70% to pass. CSO Class A certification grants broader authority and responsibility than PSO Class B (70 questions). The re-exam fee is $50; initial license fees range from $35-$60 depending on the license class and renewal period. Background clearance and regulatory approval are required.

Questions

100 scored questions

Time Limit

2-3 hours (not specified by regulatory authority)

Passing Score

70%

Exam Fee

$50 re-exam fee; initial license $35-$60 depending on class and renewal period (Arkansas State Police Regulatory Services Division)

AR Security Guard Exam Content Outline

22%

Arkansas Private Security Act & Legal Authority

AR Code Title 17, Chapter 40; 17 CAR § 350; officer classifications (PSO Class B vs CSO Class A); scope of authority, licensing requirements, and regulatory oversight

18%

Use of Force & Detention

Reasonable force standards, self-defense, detention authority, false imprisonment, unlawful detention, handling trespassers, and legal limitations on security officer power

16%

Patrol & Observation

Vehicle and foot patrol duties, observation standards, documenting suspicious activity, checking premises, emergency equipment, responding to unusual conditions, and threat assessment

14%

Emergency Response & First Aid

Medical emergencies, fire response, active threat situations, evacuation procedures, 911 protocols, initial first aid if trained, and life-safety priorities

14%

Report Writing & Documentation

Incident report requirements, objectivity, factual vs opinion, proper corrections, detail completeness, and use of reports for legal/insurance purposes

8%

Professional Ethics & Conduct

Impartiality, honesty, confidentiality, conflicts of interest, reporting misconduct, refusing illegal orders, and professional integrity standards

8%

Communication & Customer Relations

De-escalation, respectful communication, identifying oneself as security, handling complaints, cultural competency, and balancing security with customer service

How to Pass the AR Security Guard Exam

What You Need to Know

  • Passing score: 70%
  • Exam length: 100 questions
  • Time limit: 2-3 hours (not specified by regulatory authority)
  • Exam fee: $50 re-exam fee; initial license $35-$60 depending on class and renewal period

Keys to Passing

  • Complete 500+ practice questions
  • Score 80%+ consistently before scheduling
  • Focus on highest-weighted sections
  • Use our AI tutor for tough concepts

AR Security Guard Study Tips from Top Performers

1Master AR Code Title 17, Chapter 40 and 17 CAR § 350 thoroughly — these are the foundation of private security law questions
2Understand the scope of a security officer's authority: what you can and cannot do legally, especially regarding detention and use of force
3Focus on de-escalation and professional communication — these reduce liability and improve real-world outcomes
4Study the distinction between reasonable force and excessive force; courts evaluate force based on the threat and circumstances at the time
5Learn to write clear, objective incident reports with specific details, times, locations, and witness names — bad reports undermine investigations
6Recognize common threats: theft, trespassing, medical emergencies, fires, and suspicious indicators that warrant observation and reporting
7Understand the chain of custody for evidence — do not touch or move evidence; secure the area and call law enforcement
8Practice scenario responses: What would you do if you discovered an open door? A fire? An intoxicated person? An injured person?
9Know when to call law enforcement (911): for any crime, emergency, injury, or situation beyond your authority or training
10Review conflict-resolution and de-escalation techniques — most incidents can be resolved without force through calm, professional communication

Frequently Asked Questions

Who administers the Arkansas Security Guard exam?

The Arkansas State Police Regulatory Services Division administers the CSO Class A and PSO Class B exams under authority of Arkansas Code Title 17, Chapter 40 (Private Investigators and Private Security Agencies) and 17 CAR § 350-1017.

What is the difference between PSO Class B and CSO Class A?

PSO Class B has 70 exam questions and more limited authority. CSO Class A has 100 exam questions, broader authority, and typically includes weapons training and qualification if the officer carries a firearm. Both require 70% passing score.

What is the passing score for the Arkansas Security Guard exam?

The minimum passing score is 70% (70 correct answers out of 100 questions for CSO Class A). Applicants must score 70% on either attempt to qualify for licensure.

How much does the Arkansas security guard exam cost?

The re-exam fee is $50. Initial license fees range from $35-$60 depending on the license class and renewal period. Fee payment is typically due at application or exam registration with the Arkansas State Police Regulatory Services Division.

What is covered on the Arkansas security guard exam?

The exam covers Arkansas private security law (AR Code 17-40, 17 CAR § 350), use of force and detention, patrol and observation, emergency response and first aid, report writing, professional ethics, and communication and customer relations.

What does 17 CAR § 350-1017 specify about the exam?

17 CAR § 350-1017 specifies that CSO Class A applicants must achieve a minimum score of 70% on a 100-question multiple-choice exam. PSO Class B applicants take a 70-question exam with the same 70% passing threshold. The regulation is published by the Arkansas State Police Regulatory Services.

Is weapons training required for Arkansas security officers?

Weapons training and qualification are required only if the CSO Class A officer will carry a firearm as part of their duties. The requirement varies by employer contract. Unarmed security officers do not require weapons certification.

Can I retake the exam if I fail?

Yes. The re-exam fee is $50 per attempt. Applicants may retake the exam after failing until they achieve the 70% passing score required by the Arkansas State Police Regulatory Services.