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100+ Free VA Security Guard Practice Questions

Pass your Virginia DCJS Security Officer 01E Core Subjects Exam exam on the first try — instant access, no signup required.

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Under the Confrontation Management module, what role does 'empathy' play in de-escalation?

A
B
C
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2026 Statistics

Key Facts: VA Security Guard Exam

18 hrs

01E Course Duration

Virginia DCJS

6 Modules

Core Curriculum Areas

DCJS 01E syllabus

3 Days

Typical Course Length

DCJS-approved schools

$50

DCJS Registration Fee

Virginia DCJS

18+

Minimum Age

Code of Virginia

US Citizen

Citizenship Requirement

DCJS regulations

Virginia regulates security officers through DCJS (Department of Criminal Justice Services). The 01E course is 18 hours over 3 days through a DCJS-certified school. Curriculum: Orientation (2 hrs — Code of Virginia, Code of Ethics, terrorism awareness), Law (4 hrs — criminal/civil law, citizen's arrest, search/seizure, trespass), Patrol/Access Control/Communications (2 hrs), Documentation (4 hrs — report writing, evidence preservation), Emergency Procedures (4 hrs — fire, medical, active shooter, bomb threat), Confrontation Management (2 hrs — de-escalation, force continuum). Must be 18+ and a US citizen or legal resident. Class 1 misdemeanor for working without registration. In-service renewal: 01I course. Applies to unarmed, armed, canine handlers, and alarm respondents.

Sample VA Security Guard Practice Questions

Try these sample questions to test your VA 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 Virginia state agency regulates the private security industry and administers security officer registrations?
A.Virginia State Police
B.Virginia Department of Criminal Justice Services (DCJS)
C.Virginia Department of Professional and Occupational Regulation
D.Virginia Department of Labor and Industry
Explanation: The Virginia Department of Criminal Justice Services (DCJS) regulates the private security industry in Virginia, including security officer training, registration, and compliance under the Code of Virginia and DCJS regulations.
2What is the course code for the Virginia DCJS entry-level Security Officer Core Subjects training?
A.01A
B.01C
C.01E
D.01I
Explanation: The 01E course is the DCJS entry-level Security Officer Core Subjects training required for all new security officers in Virginia. The 01I course is the in-service (renewal) training taken after initial certification.
3How many hours of training does the Virginia DCJS 01E Security Officer Core Subjects course require?
A.8 hours
B.12 hours
C.18 hours
D.24 hours
Explanation: The Virginia DCJS 01E Security Officer Core Subjects course requires 18 hours of instruction, typically conducted over three days. The course covers orientation, law, patrol/access control/communications, documentation, emergency procedures, and confrontation management.
4Which of the following is one of the six core curriculum areas in the Virginia DCJS 01E course?
A.Advanced firearms training
B.Confrontation Management
C.Criminal investigation techniques
D.Computer forensics
Explanation: Confrontation Management is one of the six core curriculum areas in the 01E course. The six areas are: Orientation (2 hrs), Law (4 hrs), Security Patrol/Access Control/Communications (2 hrs), Documentation (4 hrs), Emergency Procedures (4 hrs), and Confrontation Management (2 hrs).
5How many hours of the 01E course are dedicated to the 'Law' module?
A.2 hours
B.4 hours
C.6 hours
D.8 hours
Explanation: The Law module of the 01E course is allocated 4 hours of instruction. It covers the Code of Virginia as it pertains to private security, criminal and civil law, arrest authority, search and seizure, trespass, and the legal limitations of security officers.
6What is the minimum age requirement to work as a registered security officer in Virginia?
A.16 years old
B.18 years old
C.21 years old
D.25 years old
Explanation: Virginia requires security officer applicants to be at least 18 years of age. Additionally, they must be a United States citizen or legal resident alien of the United States to qualify for DCJS registration.
7Under the Virginia Code, what types of private security personnel must complete the 01E entry-level training?
A.Only unarmed security officers
B.Unarmed security officers, armed security officers/couriers, security canine handlers, and alarm respondents
C.Only armed security officers
D.Only security supervisors
Explanation: The 01E entry-level training applies to unarmed security officers, armed security officers/couriers, security canine handlers, and alarm respondents. All these categories of private security personnel must complete the core subjects training before being deployed.
8The Orientation module of the Virginia 01E course covers which of the following topics?
A.Firearms qualification procedures
B.Virginia law and regulations, Code of Ethics, general duties and responsibilities, and signs of terrorism
C.Advanced surveillance techniques
D.Courtroom prosecution procedures
Explanation: The Orientation module (2 hours) covers Virginia law and regulations applicable to private security, the DCJS Code of Ethics, general duties and responsibilities of security officers, and recognition of signs of terrorism.
9Under the Code of Virginia, which of the following is required for a private security company to operate legally?
A.Only a business license from the local government
B.A DCJS license and compliance with all applicable regulations
C.Approval from the Virginia State Police only
D.A federal security clearance
Explanation: A private security company in Virginia must hold a valid DCJS license and comply with all applicable regulations, including ensuring all employees have proper DCJS registrations, maintaining required records, and following operational guidelines established by DCJS.
10The DCJS Code of Ethics for security officers emphasizes which core value?
A.Maximizing revenue for the security company
B.Acting with integrity, professionalism, and respect for the rights of all individuals
C.Enforcing all laws with the same authority as police
D.Prioritizing client wishes over legal obligations
Explanation: The DCJS Code of Ethics emphasizes acting with integrity, professionalism, and respect for the rights of all individuals. Security officers are expected to uphold ethical standards, operate within legal boundaries, and maintain public trust.

About the VA Security Guard Exam

The Virginia DCJS 01E Security Officer Core Subjects exam is taken at the end of the mandatory 18-hour entry-level training course. The course covers six core areas: Orientation (2 hrs) including Virginia law, Code of Ethics, and terrorism awareness; Law (4 hrs) covering criminal/civil law, arrest authority, and search and seizure; Security Patrol, Access Control, and Communications (2 hrs); Documentation (4 hrs) covering report writing and evidence preservation; Emergency Procedures (4 hrs); and Confrontation Management (2 hrs) covering de-escalation and use of force.

Questions

40 scored questions

Time Limit

1 hour

Passing Score

Minimum passing score on written exam

Exam Fee

$50 DCJS registration fee (Virginia DCJS / DCJS-Approved Training Schools)

VA Security Guard Exam Content Outline

15%

Orientation & Ethics

Code of Virginia Title 9.1, DCJS regulations, Code of Ethics, general duties and responsibilities, terrorism awareness and pre-attack indicators, DCJS registration requirements, company licensing

25%

Virginia Law

Criminal vs. civil law, citizen's arrest authority, search and seizure limitations, trespass enforcement, assault and battery, larceny vs. robbery, shopkeeper's privilege, use of force standards, deadly force, negligence, duty of care, respondeat superior, Good Samaritan law

25%

Emergency Procedures & Safety

Fire response (PASS technique), medical emergencies, active shooter (Run-Hide-Fight), bomb threats, suspicious packages, natural disasters, power outages, shelter-in-place, evacuation procedures, Incident Command System, ADA evacuation assistance

35%

Patrol, Documentation & Communications

Patrol techniques (foot vs. vehicle), access control, visitor management, CCTV monitoring, report writing (six elements), incident reports vs. daily activity reports, evidence preservation, chain of custody, photographic documentation, de-escalation, verbal judo, body language, radio protocol, confrontation management, pre-attack indicators

How to Pass the VA Security Guard Exam

What You Need to Know

  • Passing score: Minimum passing score on written exam
  • Exam length: 40 questions
  • Time limit: 1 hour
  • Exam fee: $50 DCJS registration fee

Keys to Passing

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

VA Security Guard Study Tips from Top Performers

1Know the 01E curriculum breakdown: Orientation (2 hrs), Law (4 hrs), Patrol/Access Control/Communications (2 hrs), Documentation (4 hrs), Emergency Procedures (4 hrs), Confrontation Management (2 hrs)
2Study the Law module thoroughly — it covers the most testable material including arrest authority, search/seizure, and use of force
3Master the use of force continuum: presence → verbal commands → soft control → hard control → deadly force
4Know the Run-Hide-Fight protocol for active shooter situations
5Understand citizen's arrest in Virginia: felony OR breach of peace committed in your presence
6Study report writing elements: Who, What, When, Where, How, Why — every report needs all six
7Remember: Class 1 misdemeanor penalty for working without DCJS registration (up to 12 months jail, $2,500 fine)
8Know the difference between detention (brief investigative stop) and arrest (taking into custody)

Frequently Asked Questions

How long is the Virginia DCJS 01E security officer course?

The Virginia DCJS 01E Security Officer Core Subjects course is 18 hours, typically taught over 3 days. It must be completed through a DCJS-certified or licensed training school. The course covers six core areas: Orientation (2 hrs), Law (4 hrs), Patrol/Access Control/Communications (2 hrs), Documentation (4 hrs), Emergency Procedures (4 hrs), and Confrontation Management (2 hrs).

What are the requirements to become a security officer in Virginia?

To become a security officer in Virginia, you must: be at least 18 years old, be a US citizen or legal resident alien, complete the 18-hour DCJS 01E course through a DCJS-certified school, pass the written exam, and submit registration through your employing security company. The DCJS registration fee is $50.

What is the difference between the 01E and 01I courses in Virginia?

The 01E is the entry-level Security Officer Core Subjects course (18 hours) required for all new security officers. The 01I is the in-service training course required for renewal of registration. The 01E covers foundational knowledge, while the 01I provides updates on changes in law, procedures, and best practices.

What happens if you work as a security officer without DCJS registration in Virginia?

Working as a security officer without proper DCJS registration in Virginia is a Class 1 misdemeanor, which can carry up to 12 months in jail and/or up to $2,500 in fines. Both the individual and the employing company can face these penalties.