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Key Facts: DC Security Officer Exam
70%
Passing Score
DLCP
$69
PSI Exam Fee
DLCP
24 hrs
Pre-Assignment Training
17 DCMR § 2108.8
16 hrs
OJT (First 90 Working Days)
17 DCMR § 2108.9
18+
Minimum Age
17 DCMR § 2102.3
2 yrs
Certification Card Validity
DLCP
DC requires 24 hours of pre-assignment training, 16 hours of OJT within 90 working days, and 8 hours of in-service training each year. The exam fee is $69, paid directly to PSI, and the $103 DLCP application fee (which covers fingerprint and record checks) is paid by the employer. Minimum age is 18 (US citizen or valid work permit), and applicants need employer sponsorship and a physician's certificate. Special Police Officers are a separate commissioned role with stricter rules — age 21, US citizen, and 40+ hours of training including arrest powers and firearms.
Sample DC Security Officer Practice Questions
Try these sample questions to review concepts for the DC Security Officer exam. Each question includes a detailed explanation. Start the interactive quiz above for the full 136+ question experience with AI tutoring.
1Which District of Columbia agency oversees the licensing of security officers?
2What testing organization administers the DC security officer examination?
3What is the total fee paid to Pearson VUE for the DC security officer application and license?
4What is the minimum age requirement to become a security officer in the District of Columbia?
5How many hours of pre-assignment classroom training are required for DC unarmed security officers?
6How many additional hours of on-the-job training must a DC security officer complete during their first 90 days?
7What is the passing score required for the DC security officer examination?
8What must a DC security officer carry at all times during their workday?
9How often must a DC security officer's commission card be renewed?
10What is required for a DC security officer applicant in terms of sponsorship?
About the DC Security Officer Exam
The DC security officer exam is given by PSI for DLCP. Under 17 DCMR § 2108.2 it tests security-related knowledge and a security officer's powers, limitations and duties under DC regulations, including identification cards, uniforms, discipline, and the pre-assignment training topics of terrorism awareness, emergency procedures and first aid, and customer service.
Exam sponsor: DLCP / PSI. The requirements and fees below concern the certification or admission exam, separate from our free practice resources.
Assessment
Question count not published by the exam provider
Time Limit
1 hour
Passing Score
70%
Reported exam pass rate: N/A. Not publicly reported by DLCP Exam sponsor website
Fees, eligibility, and exam policies can change. Confirm them with the exam sponsor before applying or paying.
Our practice resources: topics covered
We aim to reflect publicly available exam outlines and topic information in our study resources. Coverage, format, and difficulty may differ from the actual exam, and we cannot guarantee that every detail is accurate or current. Confirm exam requirements, fees, and policies with the official exam sponsor.
Certification, Eligibility & Renewal
Who is a security officer, age 18 and work-permit rules, health and criminal-history checks, temporary certification and two-year renewal (17 DCMR §§ 2100–2109, 2114)
Powers & Limitations
Ordinary-citizen powers, no arrest authority, prohibited weapons, handcuffs and chemical sprays, and the security officer vs special police officer distinction (§§ 2108.1–2108.2, 2111.1, 2120.1)
ID Cards, Uniforms & Patches
Identification card rules, uniforms, red half-moon patches and badge restrictions (§§ 2110–2113)
Discipline, Hearings & Appeals
Grounds for denial, suspension and revocation, notice, hearings before the Office of Administrative Hearings, and appeals (§§ 2120–2123)
Security Agency Licensing
Agency licenses, fines, bond and liability insurance (§§ 2124–2127)
Pre-Assignment Training Topics
Terrorism awareness, emergency procedures including evacuation and first aid, and customer service with tourists (§ 2108.8)
Preparing for the DC Security Officer Exam
What You Need to Know
- Passing score: 70%
- Assessment: Question count not published by the exam provider
- Time limit: 1 hour
- Exam / certification fees: $69 Official sources
Using Our Practice Resources
- Work through all 136 available questions
- Review every answer and explanation
- Track weak areas and revisit them
- Use our AI tutor for tough concepts
DC Security Officer: Suggested Study Strategy
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the DC security officer training requirements?
DC requires at least 24 hours of pre-assignment training, specifically including terrorism awareness (building evacuation, unattended packages and unknown substances), emergency procedures including evacuation and first aid, and customer service and interaction with tourists. Officers must also complete a 16-hour on-the-job course within 90 working days of employment and an 8-hour in-service course every year. Special Police Officers (SPOs) instead complete 40 hours covering arrest powers, search and seizure, and firearms.
How much does the DC security officer exam cost?
The exam fee is $69, paid directly to the PSI testing center. The DLCP new application fee is $103 and includes the cost of the fingerprint card and record checks; under 17 DCMR § 2108.5 the employer pays the application fee and training costs and may not deduct them from the officer's pay.
What is the difference between a DC security officer and a Special Police Officer?
Regular security officers have only the powers of an ordinary citizen and no arrest authority, and they may not carry a deadly weapon, handcuffs or a chemical spray; only a wooden night stick is allowed. Special Police Officers (SPOs) are commissioned, have arrest authority on the property they are contracted to protect, and may carry firearms with proper training. SPOs need at least 40 additional training hours.
Why is terrorism awareness training important for DC security officers?
Washington DC is the nation's capital, home to the White House, Capitol, government agencies, embassies, and major monuments attracting millions of tourists. This makes DC a potential target, requiring officers to recognize suspicious activities, unattended packages, and unknown substances.
What is the minimum age for a DC security officer?
The minimum age for a DC Security Officer is 18. Applicants must be a US citizen or hold a valid work permit, have employer sponsorship from a licensed security agency, and pass drug tests and physical exams. (Special Police Officers must be at least 21 and US citizens.)