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100+ Free TN Security Guard Practice Questions

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What additional training hours are required for armed security guards in Tennessee beyond the unarmed training?

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

Key Facts: TN Security Guard Exam

70%

Passing Score

TDCI

100 Q

Practice Questions

OpenExamPrep

4 hrs

Unarmed Training

TDCI

$95

Registration Fee

TDCI

50 Q

Exam Questions

TDCI

Tennessee requires 4 hours of general training for unarmed guards with a 50-question exam at 70% passing. Armed guards need 12 additional hours of firearms training plus marksmanship qualification at 70% accuracy. Registration through TDCI costs $95 plus fingerprint fees.

Sample TN Security Guard Practice Questions

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

1Which Tennessee state agency regulates the private security industry, including security guard registration?
A.Tennessee Bureau of Investigation
B.Tennessee Department of Commerce and Insurance (TDCI), Private Protective Services
C.Tennessee Department of Safety and Homeland Security
D.Tennessee Secretary of State
Explanation: The Tennessee Department of Commerce and Insurance (TDCI), through its Private Protective Services division, regulates the private security industry in Tennessee. TDCI oversees licensing of security companies, registration of security guards, and enforcement of training standards.
2How many hours of general training must an unarmed security guard complete in Tennessee?
A.2 hours
B.4 hours
C.8 hours
D.16 hours
Explanation: Tennessee requires all unarmed security guards to complete 4 hours of general training covering orientation, legal powers and limitations, emergency procedures, and general duties. This training must be provided by a TDCI-approved instructor before the guard can work independently.
3What is the passing score required on the Tennessee security guard examination?
A.60%
B.70%
C.75%
D.80%
Explanation: Tennessee requires a minimum passing score of 70% on the 50-question security guard examination. Candidates who do not pass on the first attempt are given up to three chances to pass the exam.
4How many questions are on the Tennessee security guard examination?
A.25 questions
B.50 questions
C.75 questions
D.100 questions
Explanation: The Tennessee security guard examination consists of 50 multiple-choice questions. A score of 70% (35 correct answers) is required to pass. Candidates who fail have up to three attempts to pass the exam.
5How many attempts does a candidate have to pass the Tennessee security guard exam?
A.One attempt only
B.Two attempts
C.Three attempts
D.Unlimited attempts
Explanation: Tennessee allows candidates up to three attempts to pass the security guard examination. If a candidate fails all three attempts, they must retake the training course before being eligible to attempt the exam again.
6Under Tennessee law, what powers of arrest does a security guard possess?
A.Full arrest powers identical to law enforcement
B.Citizen's arrest authority only, as provided under Tennessee law
C.No arrest powers under any circumstances
D.Limited arrest powers granted by TDCI registration
Explanation: Tennessee security guards possess only citizen's arrest authority. They do not have law enforcement arrest powers. A citizen's arrest may be made when a felony has been committed and the person making the arrest has reasonable cause to believe the person arrested committed it.
7What additional training hours are required for armed security guards in Tennessee beyond the unarmed training?
A.4 hours of firearms training only
B.8 hours of firearms training plus 4 hours of marksmanship training
C.16 hours of combined classroom and range training
D.No additional training beyond unarmed requirements
Explanation: Armed security guards in Tennessee must complete 8 hours of firearms training covering legal limitations, handling, safety, and maintenance, plus 4 hours of marksmanship training achieving a minimum of 70% accuracy. This is in addition to the 4 hours of general unarmed training.
8What minimum marksmanship accuracy must an armed security guard achieve during Tennessee firearms qualification?
A.50%
B.60%
C.70%
D.80%
Explanation: Tennessee requires armed security guards to achieve a minimum of 70% accuracy during marksmanship qualification. This ensures that armed guards can safely and accurately use their firearm if a deadly force situation ever arises during their duties.
9What type of background check is required for Tennessee security guard registration?
A.Local county records check only
B.Electronic fingerprint processing for TBI and FBI criminal history check
C.A self-declaration of no criminal history
D.Only an employer reference check
Explanation: Tennessee requires all security guard applicants to submit electronic fingerprints for processing by both the Tennessee Bureau of Investigation (TBI) and the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) for a comprehensive criminal history check. The approximate cost is $35.15.
10As of January 1, 2023, how often must unarmed security guard registrants in Tennessee complete refresher training?
A.Annually
B.Every two years — 2 hours of refresher training
C.Every three years
D.No refresher training is required
Explanation: As of January 1, 2023, all unarmed security guard registrants in Tennessee must complete 2 hours of refresher training every two years. This ensures guards maintain current knowledge of regulations, procedures, and industry best practices.

About the TN Security Guard Exam

The Tennessee security guard registration exam covers legal powers and limitations, emergency procedures, general duties, patrol techniques, use of force, report writing, and professional ethics as required by TDCI's Private Protective Services division under TCA Title 62, Chapter 35.

Questions

50 scored questions

Time Limit

1 hour

Passing Score

70%

Exam Fee

$95 (registration) (Tennessee Department of Commerce and Insurance (TDCI))

TN Security Guard Exam Content Outline

25%

Tennessee State Regulations & TDCI Requirements

TCA Title 62 Chapter 35, registration process, training requirements, background checks, renewal, armed vs. unarmed requirements

20%

Legal Authority & Limitations

Citizen's arrest, trespass law, Castle Doctrine, criminal classifications, false imprisonment, shopkeeper's privilege, liability

15%

Use of Force

Force continuum, reasonable force, deadly force, de-escalation, restraint devices, self-defense law, excessive force

20%

Patrol & Emergency Procedures

Foot patrol techniques, post orders, crime scene preservation, fire safety, bomb threats, active shooter, severe weather

20%

Report Writing, Communications & Ethics

Incident reports, activity logs, radio communications, access control, confidentiality, professional conduct, media relations

How to Pass the TN Security Guard Exam

What You Need to Know

  • Passing score: 70%
  • Exam length: 50 questions
  • Time limit: 1 hour
  • Exam fee: $95 (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

TN Security Guard Study Tips from Top Performers

1Focus on TCA Title 62, Chapter 35 provisions governing private protective services in Tennessee
2Know the difference between citizen's arrest authority and law enforcement powers
3Study Tennessee's Castle Doctrine (TCA § 39-11-611) and how it relates to defense of premises
4Practice the 50-question format — you need 35 correct answers to pass at 70%
5Review de-escalation techniques and the use-of-force continuum for scenario questions

Frequently Asked Questions

What training is required for Tennessee security guards?

Unarmed guards must complete 4 hours of general training covering orientation, legal powers, emergency procedures, and duties. Armed guards need an additional 8 hours of firearms training plus 4 hours of marksmanship training at 70% accuracy.

How many questions are on the Tennessee security guard exam?

The exam consists of 50 multiple-choice questions. A score of 70% (35 correct answers) is required to pass. Candidates get three attempts to pass before needing to retake the training.

How much does it cost to register as a security guard in Tennessee?

The total state registration fee is $95, which covers application review, card issuance, and administration. Electronic fingerprints for TBI/FBI background checks cost approximately $35.15 paid separately.

Is continuing education required for Tennessee security guards?

Yes, as of January 1, 2023, all unarmed security guard registrants must complete 2 hours of refresher training every two years to maintain their registration.