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100+ Free OH Security Guard Practice Questions

Pass your Ohio Security Guard PISGS Licensing Exam exam on the first try — instant access, no signup required.

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Which of the following is the BEST practice for key control in a security operation?

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ArticleFree Security Guard Practice Test by State 2026: 2,000+ Questions24 min read
2026 Statistics

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.

Sample OH Security Guard Practice Questions

Try these sample questions to test your OH 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 ORC Chapter 4749, which class of license authorizes a company to provide ONLY security guard services in Ohio?
A.Class A license
B.Class B license
C.Class C license
D.Class D license
Explanation: A Class C license under ORC 4749 authorizes a company to provide only security guard services. Class A covers both investigation and security, Class B covers investigation only, and there is no Class D license under this chapter.
2What is the minimum passing score required on the Ohio PISGS licensing exam?
A.60%
B.65%
C.70%
D.75%
Explanation: The Ohio PISGS licensing exam requires a minimum passing score of 70%, which means answering at least 38 out of 55 questions correctly. This threshold is set by PISGS under OAC 4501:7-1.
3How many multiple-choice questions are on the Ohio PISGS licensing exam?
A.40 questions
B.50 questions
C.55 questions
D.60 questions
Explanation: The Ohio PISGS licensing exam consists of 55 multiple-choice questions. Candidates must score at least 70% (38 correct) to pass. The exam covers ORC Chapter 4749 and OAC 4501:7-1.
4Under ORC 4749, which entity is responsible for issuing security guard licenses in Ohio?
A.Ohio Peace Officer Training Commission (OPOTC)
B.Private Investigator Security Guard Services (PISGS)
C.Ohio Department of Commerce
D.Ohio Bureau of Criminal Investigation
Explanation: PISGS (Private Investigator Security Guard Services), a section within the Ohio Department of Public Safety, is the regulatory body responsible for issuing security guard licenses in Ohio under ORC Chapter 4749.
5A Class A license in Ohio under ORC 4749 authorizes a company to provide which services?
A.Investigation services only
B.Security guard services only
C.Both investigation and security guard services
D.Armed security services only
Explanation: A Class A license under ORC 4749 authorizes a company to provide both private investigation and security guard services. This is the most comprehensive license class available under Ohio's private security regulations.
6What is the annual renewal fee for an Ohio security guard registration card (guard card)?
A.$15
B.$25
C.$40
D.$50
Explanation: The annual renewal fee for an Ohio security guard registration card is $25. If renewal is late, a $40 fee applies. The guard card expires annually on the date of issuance and must be renewed to continue working legally.
7Under Ohio law, a security guard employee must be registered with which entity before beginning work?
A.The local police department
B.PISGS through their employing licensed company
C.The Ohio Attorney General's office
D.The county sheriff's department
Explanation: Ohio law requires that a security guard employee be registered with PISGS through their employing licensed security company before beginning work. The guard card serves as proof of this registration.
8Which of the following is required to carry a firearm as a security guard in Ohio?
A.A valid concealed carry permit only
B.Completion of a 20-hour OPOTC-certified firearm training course and 5 hours of range qualification
C.A letter of authorization from the employer only
D.A Class B license
Explanation: Under ORC 4749.10, armed security guards in Ohio must complete a 20-hour basic firearm training course through an OPOTC-certified program plus 5 hours of range qualification. A concealed carry permit alone is not sufficient for on-duty armed security work.
9An Ohio security guard observes someone shoplifting in a retail store. What is the most appropriate action under Ohio law?
A.Physically detain the suspect and search their belongings
B.Observe and report to the client and/or law enforcement
C.Use force to stop the suspect from leaving
D.Arrest the suspect and transport them to the police station
Explanation: Ohio security guards are generally expected to observe and report incidents to their client and/or law enforcement. Security guards do not have police powers of arrest in most situations. Physical intervention should be a last resort and only to prevent imminent harm.
10What minimum amount of liability insurance must a licensed security guard company maintain in Ohio?
A.$50,000
B.$100,000
C.$250,000
D.$500,000
Explanation: Under ORC 4749, a licensed security guard company in Ohio must maintain at least $100,000 in general liability insurance. This requirement ensures financial responsibility for damages that may arise from security operations.

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

30%

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

20%

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)

25%

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

25%

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

1Know the three license classes: Class A (investigation + security), Class B (investigation only), Class C (security only) — this is heavily tested
2Understand guard card registration: $40 fee, annual renewal, BCI/FBI fingerprint background check required
3Master the use of force continuum — security guards use only reasonable, proportional force as a last resort
4Study ORC 4749.10 armed security requirements: OPOTC 20-hour firearms + 5-hour range qualification
5Know the shopkeeper's privilege (ORC 2935.041): probable cause, reasonable time, reasonable manner
6Remember the $100,000 minimum liability insurance requirement for licensed security companies
7Understand the qualifying agent role: minimum age 21, responsible for company compliance with PISGS
8Study citizen's arrest authority: limited to felonies committed in the guard's presence

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.