100+ Free Security Guard Practice Questions

Pass your Australia Certificate II in Security Operations — Unarmed Guard exam on the first try — instant access, no signup required.

✓ No registration✓ No credit card✓ No hidden fees✓ Start practicing immediately

100+ Questions

100% Free

Loading practice questions...

Same family resources

Explore More Australian Security Licensing Exams

Continue into nearby exams from the same family. Each card keeps practice questions, study guides, flashcards, videos, and articles in one place.

2026 Statistics

Key Facts: Security Guard Exam

100

Practice Questions

OpenExamPrep

80%

Pass Mark

WA Police

Core Units

training.gov.au

45 mins

WA Test Time

SAIWA

The Australia Unarmed Guard licence requires completing the CPP20218 Certificate II in Security Operations. Licensing involves state-specific exams, background checks, and fees. This prep includes 100 practice questions.

Sample Security Guard Practice Questions

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

1Under what circumstances can an unarmed security guard in Australia perform a citizen's arrest?

A.Whenever a client or business owner verbally instructs the guard to detain an individual.

B.At any time they suspect a person might commit a minor offence or trespass.

C.Only when they have obtained a written warrant from the local police licensing branch.

D.Only when a person is found actively committing, or has just committed, an indictable offence, and it is immediately necessary.

Explanation: In Australia, security guards do not have special police arrest powers. They rely on the common law citizen's arrest (e.g., Section 100 of LEPRA in NSW or Section 458 of the Crimes Act in Victoria), which requires finding a person committing a serious (indictable) offence where arrest is necessary to prevent escape or ensure safety.

2What is the primary legislation governing Work Health and Safety (WHS) in most Australian states and territories?

A.The Crimes Act and civil liability guidelines.

B.The Federal Fair Work Act and national employment standards.

C.The Work Health and Safety Act (model WHS laws adopted by states, or equivalent state-specific Acts).

D.The Security Industry Act of each individual state.

Explanation: Work Health and Safety in Australia is regulated by the WHS Act in each jurisdiction (adopted from the model WHS laws by the Commonwealth, NSW, QLD, ACT, NT, TAS, SA, and WA in 2020/2022). Victoria maintains its Occupational Health and Safety (OHS) Act 2004, but the primary health and safety framework is equivalent.

3When conducting a risk assessment on site, what is the most effective level in the 'Hierarchy of Control'?

A.Implementing administrative controls like training.

B.Engineering controls such as safety barriers.

C.Providing Personal Protective Equipment (PPE).

D.Elimination of the hazard.

Explanation: The Hierarchy of Control is a step-by-step approach to managing workplace hazards. Elimination (completely removing the hazard) is the most effective control, followed by substitution, engineering controls, administrative controls, and lastly, PPE.

4In Australia, who holds the primary 'duty of care' under the Work Health and Safety (WHS) Act?

A.The individual security guard on duty.

B.The local police department regulating the venue.

C.The Person Conducting a Business or Undertaking (PCBU), such as the employer or venue operator.

D.The health and safety representative (HSR) elected by staff.

Explanation: Under the model WHS Act, the primary duty of care falls on the PCBU (Person Conducting a Business or Undertaking). PCBUs must ensure, so far as is reasonably practicable, the health and safety of workers and others at the workplace.

5Under common law in Australia, what level of force is a security guard permitted to use when defending themselves or property?

A.Any force necessary to detain a suspect, including lethal force.

B.Only verbal commands, as physical contact is entirely prohibited for unarmed guards.

C.Force that is one level higher than the force used by the aggressor.

D.Only force that is reasonable and proportional to the threat faced.

Explanation: Common law allows individuals (including security guards) to use force in self-defense, defense of others, or protection of property, but it must be 'reasonable and proportional.' Excessive force can lead to criminal charges (assault or manslaughter) and civil liability.

6What is a standard legal requirement for holding an unarmed security guard license in Australian states?

A.Holding a current firearms license and baton endorsement.

B.Obtaining a written reference from a federal Member of Parliament (MP).

C.Having at least two years of prior service in the Australian Defence Force or police.

D.Completing an approved security training course (such as Certificate II in Security Operations) and passing a criminal history check.

Explanation: Security licensing is run by state police or regulatory bodies. For an unarmed license, applicants must complete the Certificate II in Security Operations (CPP20218), be over 18, and pass fingerprinted background checks.

7In the context of Work Health and Safety (WHS), what is the difference between a hazard and a risk?

A.A hazard relates to physical objects, while a risk relates only to employee behavior.

B.A hazard is a minor safety issue, while a risk represents an immediate emergency.

C.A hazard is a source of potential harm, whereas a risk is the likelihood and consequence of that harm occurring.

D.A hazard is identified after an accident, while a risk is identified before an accident.

Explanation: Under WHS frameworks, a hazard is anything that has the potential to cause harm (e.g., a wet floor). A risk is the probability (likelihood) that the hazard will cause harm, combined with the severity of the consequence.

8What does a security guard's individual 'duty of care' mean under WHS legislation?

A.Ensuring that the security company they work for remains profitable.

B.Assuming full legal responsibility for any safety failures of the building's landlord.

C.Taking reasonable care for their own safety, and ensuring their actions do not harm others in the workplace.

D.Guarding client property even if it puts their own life at direct, unmitigated risk.

Explanation: Under WHS Acts, employees (including security guards) have a duty to take reasonable care for their own health and safety, co-operate with reasonable policies, and ensure that their acts or omissions do not adversely affect the health and safety of others.

9Under the NSW Security Industry Act 1997, which class of license is required for a standard unarmed security guard performing patrol duties?

A.Class 1A.

B.Class 2A.

C.Class 1B.

D.Class 2C.

Explanation: In New South Wales, a Class 1A license authorizes the licensee to work as an unarmed security guard (patrolling, protecting, or guarding property). Class 1B is for bodyguards, Class 2A is for security consultants, and Class 2C is for security advice/equipment specialists.

10A security guard detains a person for shoplifting without meeting the legal requirements for a citizen's arrest. Which civil tort has the guard likely committed?

A.Negligence.

B.Defamation.

C.False imprisonment.

D.Trespass to land.

Explanation: If a security guard detains an individual without proper legal justification (i.e., failing to satisfy the citizen's arrest criteria), they have unlawfully restricted that person's freedom of movement. This constitutes the civil tort of false imprisonment and can also result in criminal charges of assault or kidnapping.

About the Security Guard Exam

The Australia Certificate II in Security Operations (CPP20218) — Unarmed Guard course is the national standard qualification required to obtain a security licence to work as an unarmed security officer, patrol guard, or retail loss prevention agent in Australia. Topics cover state licensing laws, property protection, patrolling procedures, access control, emergency response, work health and safety (WHS), security risk assessments, first aid (HLTAID011), and incident reporting. This practice exam contains 100 high-quality multiple-choice questions covering all core competencies to help you pass your training assessments and state licensing competency tests.

Assessment

Assessments are completed through Registered Training Organisations (RTOs) for the CPP20218 Certificate II in Security Operations, followed by a state-specific licensing test (e.g., the SAIWA Security Competency Test in Western Australia).

Time Limit

45 minutes (SAIWA competency test)

Passing Score

80%

Exam Fee

Typically $650 - $1,200 for RTO training, plus state-specific licence application fees (e.g., $395 - $423 in WA, $160 - $640 in NSW) (State Police Licensing Authorities (e.g., SLED in NSW, Victoria Police LRD, WA Police Licensing Services, QLD Office of Fair Trading) and training is delivered by accredited Registered Training Organisations (RTOs).)

Security Guard Exam Content Outline

20%

Legal Powers & Licensing Laws

State regulatory powers, citizen's arrest criteria, trespass, privacy obligations (Privacy Act 1988), and use of force limitations.

20%

Patrolling & Property Protection

Patrolling procedures, physical security systems, access and exit control, static guarding, and property surveillance.

20%

Risk Assessment & Hazard Identification

Dynamic risk assessments, hazard reporting, risk control hierarchy, situational awareness, and security audits.

15%

Communication & Conflict De-escalation

Verbal and non-verbal communication, de-escalation strategies, active listening, negotiation, and telephone/radio protocols.

15%

WHS & Emergency Response

Work Health and Safety duties, fire safety equipment, evacuation procedures, and HLTAID011 first aid protocols.

10%

Incident Reporting & Crime Scene Preservation

Factual and objective incident reports, security notebook entries, crime scene preservation, and police liaison.

How to Pass the Security Guard Exam

What You Need to Know

Passing score: 80%
Assessment: Assessments are completed through Registered Training Organisations (RTOs) for the CPP20218 Certificate II in Security Operations, followed by a state-specific licensing test (e.g., the SAIWA Security Competency Test in Western Australia).
Time limit: 45 minutes (SAIWA competency test)
Exam fee: Typically $650 - $1,200 for RTO training, plus state-specific licence application fees (e.g., $395 - $423 in WA, $160 - $640 in NSW)

Keys to Passing

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

Security Guard Study Tips from Top Performers

1Memorize the criteria for a lawful citizen's arrest: you must witness the offence or have strong evidence of a serious indictable offence, use only reasonable/proportionate force, and deliver the person to police immediately.

2Understand the WHS Hierarchy of Control: Elimination, Substitution, Engineering, Administration, and Personal Protective Equipment (PPE). Elimination is always the most effective control.

3Remember first aid DRSABCD: Danger, Response, Send for help, Airway, Breathing, CPR, Defibrillation. The correct CPR ratio is 30 compressions to 2 breaths.

4Learn fire safety equipment classes: Class A (paper/wood), Class B (liquids), and Class E (electrical). Never use water or foam on Class E electrical fires.

Frequently Asked Questions

What qualification is required to work as an unarmed security guard in Australia?

You must complete the national CPP20218 Certificate II in Security Operations qualification from an approved Registered Training Organisation (RTO).

Are there licensing exams after completing the training?

Yes, some states require a competency test before licensing. For example, Western Australia requires passing the SAIWA Security Competency Test (20 multiple-choice and 10 short-answer questions).

What is the passing score for state security competency tests?

State tests typically require a high passing score. For example, the Western Australia SAIWA test requires scoring at least 80% (16/20 on multiple-choice and 8/10 on short-answer sections).