100+ Free OH Security Guard Practice Questions
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Key Facts: OH Security Guard Exam
55 Q
Exam Questions
PISGS
70%
Passing Score (38/55)
PISGS
$25
Exam Fee
PISGS
$40
Guard Card Registration
PISGS
18+
Minimum Age
ORC 4749
Annual
Guard Card Renewal
PISGS
Ohio regulates security guards through PISGS (Private Investigator Security Guard Services), a section of the Ohio Department of Public Safety. The PISGS exam has 55 multiple-choice questions requiring 70% (38 correct) to pass. Key topics: Class A (investigation + security), Class B (investigation only), Class C (security only) licenses; guard card registration ($40); BCI/FBI fingerprint background check (WebCheck); $100,000 minimum liability insurance; armed guards need OPOTC 20-hour firearms training + 5 hours range qualification (ORC 4749.10); qualifying agent must be 21+; guard card expires annually; company license renewed biennially. Ohio follows the shopkeeper's privilege (ORC 2935.041) for merchant detention.
About the OH Security Guard Exam
The Ohio PISGS licensing exam tests knowledge of ORC Chapter 4749 and OAC 4501:7-1 governing private investigation and security guard services. The 55-question multiple-choice exam covers license classifications (Class A, B, and C), guard card registration requirements, employee eligibility, liability insurance mandates, firearms training requirements (OPOTC 20-hour course), ethical conduct, and operational best practices for security guard companies and employees in Ohio.
Questions
55 scored questions
Time Limit
2 hours
Passing Score
70% (38 of 55 correct)
Exam Fee
$25 exam fee + $40 guard card registration (Ohio PISGS / Ohio Department of Public Safety)
OH Security Guard Exam Content Outline
Ohio License Law & PISGS Regulations
ORC Chapter 4749, OAC 4501:7-1, Class A/B/C license distinctions, guard card registration, renewal requirements, qualifying agent, background check (WebCheck), liability insurance ($100,000 minimum), PISGS authority and enforcement
Legal Authority & Use of Force
Security guard legal authority vs. law enforcement, citizen's arrest, shopkeeper's privilege (ORC 2935.041), search and seizure limitations, use of force continuum, reasonable force standard, deadly force, armed security (OPOTC training)
Patrol, Access Control & Emergency Response
Patrol procedures, post orders, access control systems, CCTV monitoring, fire response, medical emergencies, bomb threats, suspicious packages, active shooter response, severe weather, power outages
Documentation, Ethics & Communications
Incident reports, daily activity reports, evidence preservation, chain of custody, DCJS Code of Ethics, professional conduct, confidentiality, radio communications, de-escalation, shift handoff, court testimony
How to Pass the OH Security Guard Exam
What You Need to Know
- Passing score: 70% (38 of 55 correct)
- Exam length: 55 questions
- Time limit: 2 hours
- Exam fee: $25 exam fee + $40 guard card registration
Keys to Passing
- Complete 500+ practice questions
- Score 80%+ consistently before scheduling
- Focus on highest-weighted sections
- Use our AI tutor for tough concepts
OH Security Guard Study Tips from Top Performers
Frequently Asked Questions
How many questions are on the Ohio PISGS security guard exam?
The Ohio PISGS licensing exam consists of 55 multiple-choice questions. You need to score at least 70% (38 correct answers) to pass. The exam is administered by PISGS and covers ORC Chapter 4749 and OAC 4501:7-1.
What are the requirements to get a security guard card in Ohio?
To obtain a guard card in Ohio, you must: be at least 18 years old, pass a BCI and FBI fingerprint-based background check (WebCheck), be employed by a licensed security company (Class A or C), pay the $40 registration fee, and have your employer submit the registration to PISGS. The guard card expires annually on the date of issuance.
What is the difference between Class A, B, and C licenses in Ohio?
Under ORC 4749, Class A licenses authorize both investigation and security guard services, Class B licenses authorize investigation services only, and Class C licenses authorize security guard services only. A qualifying agent (21+ years old) must be designated for each licensed company.
What training is needed to carry a firearm as a security guard in Ohio?
Under ORC 4749.10, armed security guards must complete a 20-hour basic firearm training course through an OPOTC-certified (Ohio Peace Officer Training Commission) program plus 5 hours of range qualification. A personal concealed carry permit alone does not authorize carrying while on duty as a security guard.