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Free Practice Questions for OR Security Guard

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Key Facts: OR Security Guard Exam

85%

Passing Score

DPSST

85-99%

Scores Needing Remediation

DPSST Bulletin 2025-1

14 hrs

Required Training (incl. exam)

OAR 259-060-0120

$200

New Applicant State Fees

DPSST ($152 + $48)

2 yrs

Certification Duration

DPSST

180 days

Application Deadline

DPSST

Oregon DPSST unarmed certification requires the 14-hour basic course, which includes the written exam and assessments; scores of 85-99% need individual remediation and scores below 85% mean failing or reinstruction and a full retake. New-applicant state fees are $200 ($152 certification + $48 background check) plus training fees. Certification lasts 2 years. Applicants must be 18+, hold a high school diploma, GED or college degree, and meet moral fitness standards. The training affidavit must reach DPSST within 180 days of course completion.

Sample OR Security Guard Practice Questions

Try these sample questions to review concepts for the OR Security Guard exam. Each question includes a detailed explanation. Start the interactive quiz above for the full 100+ question experience with AI tutoring.

1What Oregon state agency certifies and regulates private security professionals?
A.Oregon State Police
B.Oregon Department of Public Safety Standards and Training (DPSST)
C.Oregon Bureau of Labor and Industries
D.Oregon Department of Consumer and Business Services
Explanation: The Oregon Department of Public Safety Standards and Training (DPSST) is the state agency responsible for certifying and regulating private security professionals, including unarmed and armed security officers, executive protection agents, and security companies. DPSST establishes training standards, administers certification, and conducts background checks.
2What does DPSST stand for in Oregon security licensing?
A.Division of Private Security Standards and Training
B.Department of Public Safety Standards and Training
C.Department of Private Security Standards and Testing
D.Division of Public Safety Standards and Testing
Explanation: DPSST stands for the Department of Public Safety Standards and Training. It oversees training, certification, and regulation of private security professionals, law enforcement, corrections officers, and other public safety personnel in Oregon. DPSST sets the curriculum standards and administers the certification exam for security professionals.
3How many hours of training are required for Oregon DPSST unarmed security certification?
A.8 hours
B.14 hours
C.16 hours
D.24 hours
Explanation: Oregon DPSST requires a 16-hour training course for unarmed security certification. The course is typically conducted over two 8-hour days and covers topics mandated by DPSST including use of force, civil law, criminal law, and emergency procedures. Upon completion, students must pass a closed-book exam.
4What is the passing score required on the Oregon DPSST unarmed security certification exam?
A.70%
B.75%
C.80%
D.85%
Explanation: Oregon requires a minimum score of 85% on the DPSST unarmed security certification exam. This is one of the highest passing scores among state security guard exams nationally. The exam consists of 50 closed-book multiple-choice questions, meaning candidates must answer at least 43 out of 50 questions correctly to pass.
5How many questions are on the Oregon DPSST unarmed security certification exam?
A.25 questions
B.30 questions
C.40 questions
D.50 questions
Explanation: The Oregon DPSST unarmed security certification exam consists of 50 closed-book multiple-choice questions. With the 85% passing requirement, candidates must answer at least 43 questions correctly. The exam covers material from the 16-hour training course including legal authority, use of force, patrol procedures, and emergency response.
6Is the Oregon DPSST security certification exam open-book or closed-book?
A.Open-book with unlimited reference materials
B.Closed-book with no reference materials
C.Open-book with only the study guide
D.Open-note with personal notes only
Explanation: The Oregon DPSST security certification exam is a closed-book exam. Candidates may not use any reference materials, notes, or study guides during the exam. This requirement means candidates must thoroughly study and memorize the course material during the 16-hour training to achieve the required 85% passing score.
7What is the minimum age to apply for Oregon DPSST security certification?
A.16 years old
B.18 years old
C.21 years old
D.25 years old
Explanation: The minimum age to apply for DPSST security certification in Oregon is 18 years old. Applicants must also hold a GED or higher education credential and pass a background check to satisfy moral fitness and legal eligibility requirements. The 21-year age requirement applies only to armed security positions.
8What educational requirement must Oregon DPSST security applicants meet?
A.Bachelor's degree
B.Associate degree
C.GED or higher
D.No educational requirement
Explanation: Oregon DPSST requires security certification applicants to hold a GED (General Educational Development) or higher educational credential. This ensures that candidates have the basic literacy and comprehension skills necessary for security duties including report writing, understanding legal concepts, and following written procedures.
9Within how many days of completing the DPSST training course must applicants submit their certification application?
A.30 days
B.60 days
C.90 days
D.180 days
Explanation: Oregon DPSST requires applicants to submit their application packet within 180 days (approximately 6 months) of completing the certification course. If the application is not submitted within this window, the training may expire and the applicant would need to retake the course. This gives applicants ample time to gather required documents.
10What is the total cost for Oregon DPSST certification including the license fee and background check?
A.$78
B.$94
C.$139
D.$200
Explanation: The total nonrefundable cost for Oregon DPSST certification is $139, which includes the state license fee of $94 and the background check fee of $45. This does not include the cost of the 16-hour training course, which is set by the training provider and is an additional expense.

About the OR Security Guard Exam

The Oregon DPSST unarmed security certification exam is the written examination given within the mandatory 14-hour basic course. Students scoring 85-99% are remediated on each missed question; below 85% they fail or are reinstructed and retake the whole exam. It covers regulations, civil and criminal law, use of force, communication, patrol, scene management, medical, fire and current trends.

Exam sponsor: Oregon Department of Public Safety Standards and Training (DPSST). 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

Part of the 14-hour basic course

Passing Score

85%

Exam / Certification Fees

$200

Exam sponsor website

Reported exam pass rate: Not publicly reported. 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.

Not published

Law — Regulations

DPSST certification, minimum standards, renewal, reporting duties and Oregon Administrative Rules for private security

Not published

Law — Civil Law

Torts, limited authority, citizen's arrest, use of force, detaining, searches, surveillance and civil rights

Not published

Law — Criminal Law

Classes of offenses, property and person crimes, and protecting evidence

Not published

Communication

Angry or emotional people, people with mental illness, and 9-1-1 calls

Not published

Decision Making and Problem Solving

The SARA model and situational awareness

Not published

Fundamentals

Patrol procedures, post orders and identity checks

Not published

Scene Management

Scene safety, approach, witnesses and protection of scene and evidence

Not published

Medical

Role in medical emergencies, the Good Samaritan law and disease prevention with PPE

Not published

Fire

Public safety principle, fire extinguishers (PASS) and safety data sheets

Not published

Current Trends

Active threat, bomb threats, weapons of mass destruction awareness and report writing

Preparing for the OR Security Guard Exam

What You Need to Know

  • Passing score: 85%
  • Assessment: Question count not published by the exam provider
  • Time limit: Part of the 14-hour basic course
  • Exam / certification fees: $200 Official sources

Using Our Practice Resources

  • Work through all 100 available questions
  • Review every answer and explanation
  • Track weak areas and revisit them
  • Use our AI tutor for tough concepts

OR Security Guard: Suggested Study Strategy

1Scores of 85-99% require remediation of every missed question and scores below 85% mean failing or a full retake, so study the manual thoroughly
2Memorize Oregon Revised Statutes: ORS 161.209 (defense of a person), ORS 161.255 (force in a citizen's arrest), ORS 133.225 (citizen's arrest)
3Know trespass degrees: 2nd degree (motor vehicle or premises, Class C misdemeanor) vs 1st degree (dwelling and other listed places, Class A misdemeanor)
4Understand theft classifications: 3rd degree (<$100), 2nd degree ($100-999), 1st degree ($1,000+)
5Know ORS 161.215: an initial aggressor may use force only after withdrawing and clearly communicating that intent while the other person continues or threatens unlawful force; ORS 161.229 covers defense of property
6This is a closed-book exam: create flashcards for all ORS numbers and definitions during training

Frequently Asked Questions

Why is the Oregon DPSST exam considered difficult?

DPSST sets an 85% standard: a student scoring 85-99% must be remediated on every missed question, and a student scoring below 85% must fail or be reinstructed and retake the complete exam. The exam is given within the 14-hour course and covers Oregon statutes (ORS) on arrest, force and common crimes, so close study of the manual matters.

How long is the Oregon DPSST training course?

The DPSST unarmed basic course is 14 hours, and those hours include the instruction, the written exam and assessments (OAR 259-060-0120(3)(a)). It covers regulations, civil and criminal law, use of force, communication, patrol and scene management, medical and fire response, and current trends such as active threats and bomb threats.

How much does Oregon DPSST certification cost in total?

State fees for a new unarmed applicant total $200: the $152 certification fee plus the $48 background check fee. The 14-hour training course is paid separately to the instructor or training provider, and prices vary.

How long do I have to submit my DPSST application after completing training?

The PS-6 training affidavit must be submitted to DPSST within 180 days of the training completion date, and your application must be mailed to DPSST before you perform private security services.

What Oregon criminal statutes should I study for the exam?

Key Oregon statutes in the DPSST curriculum include: ORS 133.225 (citizen's arrest), ORS 161.209 (defense of a person), ORS 161.229 (defense of property), ORS 161.255 (force in a citizen's arrest), ORS 164.245 (criminal trespass in the second degree), ORS 163.160 (assault 4th degree), ORS 164.015 (theft), ORS 166.025 (disorderly conduct), and ORS 166.065 (harassment).