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100+ Free HI Security Guard Practice Questions

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A Hawaii security guard suspects that a visitor has a concealed weapon. What should the guard do?

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B
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D
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Key Facts: HI Security Guard Exam

75%

Passing Score

DCCA

8 hrs

Initial Training

HRS §463-10.5

4 hrs

Annual Refresher

HRS §463-10.5

Monthly

Exam Frequency

DCCA

Oahu

Exam Location

DCCA

2 yrs

License Validity

DCCA

Hawaii requires 8 hours of initial classroom training, a written exam with 75% passing score, and 4 hours of supervised OJT. Exams are monthly on Oahu only. Guards must complete 4 hours of annual refresher training covering active shooter, workplace violence, fire safety, and bloodborne pathogen awareness. The Board of Private Detectives and Guards under DCCA oversees all licensing.

Sample HI Security Guard Practice Questions

Try these sample questions to test your HI 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 Hawaii Revised Statutes Chapter 463, which state agency oversees the licensing of security guards?
A.Department of Public Safety
B.Department of Commerce and Consumer Affairs (DCCA)
C.Hawaii State Police
D.Department of Labor and Industrial Relations
Explanation: The Board of Private Detectives and Guards, operating under the Department of Commerce and Consumer Affairs (DCCA), is the regulatory authority responsible for licensing and overseeing security guards in Hawaii under HRS Chapter 463.
2How many hours of initial classroom instruction must a Hawaii security guard complete before the first day of service?
A.4 hours
B.8 hours
C.16 hours
D.24 hours
Explanation: Under HRS §463-10.5, guards must successfully complete eight hours of classroom instruction before beginning their first day of service. This initial training covers essential topics including legal authority, arrest procedures, and use of force limitations.
3What is the minimum passing score required on the Hawaii security guard licensing examination?
A.65%
B.70%
C.75%
D.80%
Explanation: Applicants for a Hawaii security guard license must attain a score of at least 75% on the written examination administered by the Board of Private Detectives and Guards. Results are mailed within two weeks after the exam.
4Where are the Hawaii security guard licensing examinations administered?
A.All major islands
B.Oahu and Maui only
C.Oahu only
D.Any DCCA-approved location statewide
Explanation: Security guard licensing examinations in Hawaii are held monthly on Oahu only. Applicants from neighbor islands must travel to Oahu to take the exam, which is administered at a location specified in the Notice of Exam Approval letter.
5How many hours of annual refresher training are required for Hawaii security guards?
A.2 hours
B.4 hours
C.8 hours
D.12 hours
Explanation: Hawaii security guards must complete four hours of classroom instruction annually after their initial eight-hour training. This annual refresher training helps maintain current knowledge of procedures, legal updates, and safety protocols.
6Under HRS §803-3, who has the authority to make an arrest in Hawaii?
A.Only sworn law enforcement officers
B.Only security guards with a valid license
C.Law enforcement officers and private persons under certain conditions
D.Only individuals with a court warrant
Explanation: HRS §803-3 establishes that both law enforcement officers and private persons (including security guards) have the authority to make arrests under certain conditions. Private persons may arrest when a felony is committed in their presence or when they have probable cause to believe a felony has been committed.
7What type of arrest can a Hawaii security guard legally perform?
A.Felony arrest with a warrant only
B.Citizen's arrest under HRS §803-5
C.Police-level arrest with full authority
D.Arrest only when accompanied by law enforcement
Explanation: Hawaii security guards can perform a citizen's arrest under HRS §803-5, which permits a private person to arrest another when the person to be arrested has committed a crime in the presence of the arresting person or when the person has committed a felony, although not in the presence of the arresting person.
8According to HRS §803-6, what must be done immediately after a private person makes an arrest?
A.Contact the property owner
B.File a written report with DCCA
C.Take the arrested person before a district judge or deliver to a police officer
D.Obtain a warrant from a magistrate
Explanation: Under HRS §803-6, when a private person makes an arrest, they must take the arrested person without unnecessary delay before a district judge or deliver the person to a police officer. This ensures proper legal processing and protects both the arrested person's rights and the security guard's liability.
9Under HRS §803-7, what level of force may be used when making an arrest in Hawaii?
A.Any force necessary to subdue the suspect
B.Only verbal commands without physical contact
C.Reasonable force necessary to effect the arrest
D.Deadly force in all circumstances
Explanation: HRS §803-7 permits the use of reasonable force necessary to effect an arrest. The force used must be proportional to the threat and situation. Excessive or unnecessary force is prohibited and can result in criminal liability for the security guard.
10A security guard in Hawaii observes a person shoplifting merchandise. What is the FIRST action the guard should take?
A.Physically restrain the suspect immediately
B.Observe and confirm the theft has occurred
C.Draw a weapon to deter the suspect
D.Call 911 before attempting any contact
Explanation: The first step is to observe and confirm that a theft has actually occurred. The guard should verify all elements of the theft: selection of merchandise, concealment or movement past the point of sale, and intent to leave without paying. Acting without confirmation could lead to false detention claims.

About the HI Security Guard Exam

The Hawaii security guard licensing exam covers HRS Chapter 463, citizen's arrest authority under HRS §803-3 through §803-7, use of force limitations, emergency response, report writing, and Hawaii-specific regulations including the Board of Private Detectives and Guards requirements for initial and annual refresher training.

Questions

40 scored questions

Time Limit

1 hour

Passing Score

75%

Exam Fee

Varies (Board of Private Detectives and Guards (DCCA))

HI Security Guard Exam Content Outline

25%

Hawaii Regulations & Licensing

HRS Chapter 463, DCCA Board requirements, training mandates, license renewal, and registration procedures

20%

Legal Authority & Arrest

Citizen's arrest under HRS §803-3 to §803-7, reasonable suspicion, probable cause, false imprisonment, and civil liability

15%

Use of Force

Force continuum, reasonable force, deadly force limitations, de-escalation techniques, and reactionary gap

15%

Emergency Response

Fire safety, natural disasters (tsunami, hurricane), active shooter, bomb threats, and medical emergencies

15%

Patrol & Access Control

Patrol techniques, situational awareness, visitor management, key control, and CCTV monitoring

10%

Report Writing & Ethics

Incident reports, daily activity reports, professional ethics, confidentiality, and court testimony

How to Pass the HI Security Guard Exam

What You Need to Know

  • Passing score: 75%
  • Exam length: 40 questions
  • Time limit: 1 hour
  • Exam fee: Varies

Keys to Passing

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

HI Security Guard Study Tips from Top Performers

1Master HRS Chapter 463 — know the Board of Private Detectives and Guards requirements inside and out
2Learn the citizen's arrest statutes: HRS §803-3 (who can arrest), §803-5 (private person arrest), §803-6 (post-arrest duties), §803-7 (use of force)
3Understand the force continuum: presence → verbal → soft control → hard control → deadly force (last resort only)
4Know the 75% passing score and monthly Oahu-only exam schedule
5Study the annual refresher topics: active shooter, workplace violence, fire safety, bloodborne pathogens, aloha training

Frequently Asked Questions

What are the Hawaii security guard training requirements?

Hawaii requires 8 hours of initial classroom instruction before the first day of service, a written exam with a 75% passing score, and 4 hours of supervised on-the-job training. Guards must also complete 4 hours of annual refresher training covering topics like active shooter response, workplace violence, and fire safety.

Where are Hawaii security guard exams administered?

Hawaii security guard licensing exams are held monthly on Oahu only. After your application is approved, you receive a Notice of Exam Approval letter with available dates. Applicants from neighbor islands must travel to Oahu to take the exam.

What topics are on the Hawaii security guard exam?

The exam covers HRS Chapter 463 regulations, citizen's arrest authority (HRS §803-3 to §803-7), use of force limitations, patrol procedures, emergency response, report writing, and professional ethics. The exam is heavily focused on Hawaii-specific statutes and regulations.

How much does it cost to become a security guard in Hawaii?

Costs include the initial 8-hour training course fee (varies by provider), exam fees, application fees to the Board of Private Detectives and Guards, and fingerprinting/background check fees. Total initial costs typically range from $200-$400 depending on the training provider.

What is the annual refresher training for Hawaii security guards?

Hawaii guards must complete 4 hours of annual refresher training covering professional image/aloha training, active shooter response, workplace violence, fire safety, bloodborne pathogen awareness, professional ethics, and civil liability updates.