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100+ Free AZ Security Guard Practice Questions

Pass your Arizona Unarmed Security Guard License exam on the first try — instant access, no signup required.

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Question 1
Score: 0/0

What information should be collected from a customer or employee who witnesses a crime?

A
B
C
D
to track
2026 Statistics

Key Facts: AZ Security Guard Exam

2 Years

Card Validity Period

ARS 32-2611

70%

Passing Score Required

Arizona DPS Training Standards

8 Hours

Mandatory Course Duration

Arizona DPS Requirement

$77

DPS Card Issuance Fee

Arizona DPS

18+

Minimum Age Requirement

ARS 32-2624

100 Q

Practice Question Bank

OpenExamPrep

As of 2026-05-13, Arizona DPS issues the Unarmed Guard Card, a 2-year state license for security personnel. Applicants must complete an 8-hour DPS-mandated training course covering licensing law (ARS 32-2611), detention authority under the shopkeeper privilege (ARS 13-305), use-of-force standards (ARS 13-404), patrol and observation, emergency response, report writing, and professional ethics. The course includes a final exam with ~50-100 multiple-choice questions; 70% passing score is required. Total cost is $29-$99 for course plus $77 card fee. Renewal is needed every 2 years.

Sample AZ Security Guard Practice Questions

Try these sample questions to test your AZ 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 Arizona statute is the primary law governing unarmed security guards?
A.ARS 32-2601
B.ARS 32-2611
C.ARS 17-101
D.ARS 13-306
Explanation: Arizona Revised Statutes 32-2611 governs the licensing and regulation of unarmed security guards in Arizona. This statute establishes the requirements for obtaining an Arizona DPS Unarmed Guard Card, including eligibility, training, and renewal cycles.
2Who administers and issues the Arizona Unarmed Guard Card?
A.Arizona Attorney General's Office
B.Arizona Department of Public Safety
C.Arizona Peace Officer Standards and Training Board
D.Arizona Department of Commerce
Explanation: The Arizona Department of Public Safety (DPS) administers and issues the Unarmed Guard Card under ARS 32-2611. DPS sets training standards, processes applications, maintains records, and oversees the licensing renewal process.
3What is the minimum age requirement to obtain an Arizona Unarmed Guard Card?
A.16 years old
B.18 years old
C.19 years old
D.21 years old
Explanation: Applicants must be at least 18 years old to obtain an Arizona Unarmed Guard Card under ARS 32-2624. This age requirement is one of the basic eligibility criteria established by Arizona law and DPS rules.
4Which of the following is a disqualifying factor for obtaining an Arizona Unarmed Guard Card?
A.Speeding ticket from 3 years ago
B.Felony conviction
C.Minor traffic violation
D.Expired driver's license
Explanation: Per ARS 32-2624, individuals with certain felony convictions and other serious criminal history are disqualified from obtaining an Unarmed Guard Card. Arizona DPS conducts background checks to identify disqualifying factors during the application process.
5How long is an Arizona Unarmed Guard Card valid?
A.1 year
B.2 years
C.3 years
D.5 years
Explanation: The Arizona Unarmed Guard Card is valid for 2 years from the date of issuance. After 2 years, guards must renew their card by completing required continuing education and other renewal obligations per DPS rules.
6What must you do if your Arizona Unarmed Guard Card is lost or stolen?
A.Wait 30 days before applying for a replacement
B.Immediately notify Arizona DPS and apply for a replacement
C.Report only to your employer
D.Apply for a new card only at renewal time
Explanation: If your Unarmed Guard Card is lost or stolen, you must immediately notify Arizona DPS and apply for a replacement card. DPS issues replacement cards to ensure your authorization to work remains current and verifiable.
7Which Arizona statute addresses the private citizen's right to detain a person for theft?
A.ARS 13-201
B.ARS 13-305
C.ARS 13-701
D.ARS 2-701
Explanation: Arizona Revised Statute 13-305 allows private persons, including store owners and security guards, to detain a person reasonably suspected of theft. This is often called the Arizona 'shopkeeper's privilege' and is a key law for security guards to understand.
8Under Arizona law, what is required to legally detain someone for suspected theft?
A.Any suspicion, no proof needed
B.Reasonable grounds to believe the person is shoplifting
C.A witness statement is always required
D.The person must be caught in the act of taking merchandise
Explanation: Under ARS 13-305, a private person (including a security guard) may detain another if that person has reasonable grounds to believe the person is about to commit theft or has already committed theft. The detention must be reasonable in manner and duration.
9How long may a security guard legally detain a person under Arizona's shopkeeper privilege?
A.Only until law enforcement arrives
B.Up to 24 hours without contacting police
C.Only for 15 minutes maximum
D.Indefinitely until a manager approves release
Explanation: A security guard's detention under Arizona's shopkeeper privilege (ARS 13-305) must be reasonable in duration and manner. Detention should only continue until law enforcement arrives or until it is clear that detention is no longer justified. Excessive detention can result in false imprisonment liability.
10A private citizen in Arizona can use force to detain a suspected shoplifter. What type of force is permitted?
A.Any amount of force necessary
B.Only non-deadly force that is reasonable and necessary
C.Deadly force is always justified
D.No force is ever permitted by private citizens
Explanation: Arizona law permits a private citizen to use reasonable non-deadly force to detain a person for suspected theft. The force must be necessary to effect or maintain the detention and cannot be excessive or malicious. Deadly force is generally not justified in shoplifting detention.

About the AZ Security Guard Exam

The Arizona Unarmed Security Guard Card is a 2-year state license issued by the Arizona Department of Public Safety. Applicants must complete an 8-hour DPS-mandated course covering Arizona Revised Statutes (ARS 32-2611 licensing law, ARS 13-305 detention authority, ARS 13-404 self-defense), detention and use-of-force law, patrol and observation techniques, loss prevention, emergency response, report writing, and professional ethics. The course culminates in a final exam with approximately 50-100 multiple-choice questions; a 70% score is required to pass. The license is valid for 2 years, after which renewal requires continuing education and reapplication.

Assessment

Multiple-choice final exam embedded within 8-hour DPS-mandated training course. Questions cover Arizona security law, detention authority, use of force, patrol & observation, emergency response, report writing, and ethics.

Time Limit

Embedded in 8-hour course; final exam administered at course conclusion

Passing Score

70%

Exam Fee

$29-$99 course fee + $77 DPS card issuance fee (Arizona Department of Public Safety (DPS) and DPS-approved private training providers)

AZ Security Guard Exam Content Outline

20%

AZ Security Guard Law & Licensing

ARS 32-2611 licensing requirements, DPS administration, card validity (2 years), renewal process, eligibility criteria per ARS 32-2624, disqualifying factors, and license maintenance

16%

Detention Authority & Shopkeeper Privilege

ARS 13-305 private citizen detention for suspected theft, reasonable grounds standard, duration limits, false imprisonment liability, detention vs. arrest, search authority, and legal limits on detention

16%

Use of Force Standards

ARS 13-404 self-defense, ARS 13-405 defense of third parties, reasonable force doctrine, non-deadly vs. deadly force, proportional response, force justification, Arizona stand-your-ground law, and documentation requirements

16%

Patrol, Observation & Loss Prevention

Visible presence as deterrent, observation of suspicious behavior, identification of theft indicators, suspect approach protocols, vehicle and property monitoring, behavioral red flags, and effective patrol techniques

14%

Emergency Response & First Aid

Medical emergencies, calling 911, first aid and CPR basics, evacuation procedures, life safety priorities, suspicious packages, armed persons, fire response, and emergency documentation

14%

Report Writing & Documentation

Structured incident reports, detailed documentation standards, witness information gathering, use-of-force reporting, medical incident reports, crime reports, daily logs, and evidence preservation

4%

Ethics, Professionalism & Communication

Professional appearance and conduct, customer service, conflict de-escalation, discrimination prevention, confidentiality obligations, workplace safety, off-duty responsibilities, and social media boundaries

How to Pass the AZ Security Guard Exam

What You Need to Know

  • Passing score: 70%
  • Assessment: Multiple-choice final exam embedded within 8-hour DPS-mandated training course. Questions cover Arizona security law, detention authority, use of force, patrol & observation, emergency response, report writing, and ethics.
  • Time limit: Embedded in 8-hour course; final exam administered at course conclusion
  • Exam fee: $29-$99 course fee + $77 DPS card issuance fee

Keys to Passing

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

AZ Security Guard Study Tips from Top Performers

1Master ARS 32-2611 (licensing law), ARS 32-2624 (eligibility), and ARS 13-305 (detention authority) — these appear frequently on the exam
2Understand the standard of 'reasonable grounds' for detention and the difference between detention and arrest — this is critical for avoiding false imprisonment liability
3Study ARS 13-404 carefully: Arizona's stand-your-ground law and self-defense principles apply to security guards just as to any citizen
4Practice writing detailed incident reports with all required elements: date, time, location, persons involved, detailed description, actions taken, witness information, and signature
5Learn the behavioral indicators of suspicious activity (fitting room visits, tag removal, concealment, nervous behavior) and proper approaches to suspects without escalation
6Review emergency protocols: when to call 911, how to assist with first aid if trained, evacuation procedures, and how to document medical or fire emergencies
7Understand the distinction between the authority of an unarmed guard vs. an armed guard — know the restrictions and requirements

Frequently Asked Questions

Who administers the Arizona Unarmed Guard Card exam?

The Arizona Department of Public Safety (DPS) administers and issues the Unarmed Guard Card. The 8-hour training course and final exam are delivered by DPS-approved private training providers. DPS sets standards, processes applications, and renews licenses.

What does the AZ security guard exam cover?

The exam covers Arizona Revised Statutes (ARS 32-2611 licensing, ARS 13-305 detention/shopkeeper privilege, ARS 13-404 self-defense), use of force, patrol and observation, loss prevention, emergency response, first aid, report writing, professional ethics, and customer communication.

How much does the Arizona security guard license cost?

The 8-hour training course costs $29-$99 depending on the provider. The Arizona DPS card issuance fee is $77. Total cost ranges from $106 to $176. Fee waivers or discounts may be available through some training providers.

What is ARS 13-305 and why is it important for security guards?

ARS 13-305 is Arizona's shopkeeper privilege law, which permits private citizens (including security guards) to detain a person if they have reasonable grounds to believe the person is committing theft. The detention must be reasonable in manner and duration. Guards must understand this law to avoid false imprisonment liability.

How long is the Arizona Unarmed Guard Card valid?

The Unarmed Guard Card is valid for 2 years from the date of issuance. Renewal requires completion of continuing education hours, a background check, and submission of a renewal application to Arizona DPS before the card expires.

Can an Arizona unarmed security guard use force against a suspected shoplifter?

Yes, Arizona law permits reasonable non-deadly force to detain a suspected shoplifter under ARS 13-305, provided the guard has reasonable grounds to believe the person is committing theft. The force must be necessary to effect or maintain the detention and cannot be excessive. Excessive force can result in liability.