100+ Free WA Security Guard Practice Questions
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Under RCW 9A.16.020, when may a private person (including a security guard) use non-deadly force?
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Key Facts: WA Security Guard Exam
50 Q minimum
WA Unarmed Security Guard Exam
WAC 308-18
85%
Passing Score
Washington Department of Licensing
$20-$70
Application Fee Range
WA DOL fee schedule
RCW 18.170
Governing Statute
Washington Private Security Guard Act
18+
Minimum Age
RCW 18.170.030
Fingerprint check
Background Requirement
RCW 18.170.030
As of 2026-05-13, WA DOL requires unarmed security guard applicants to complete a DOL-approved pre-assignment training course and pass a proctored end-of-course exam with a minimum of 50 multiple-choice questions at 85% passing under WAC 308-18. Licensure is governed by RCW 18.170, application fees run $20-$70, and candidates must be 18+, complete fingerprint background checks per RCW 18.170.030, and renew per WA DOL renewal cycle.
Sample WA Security Guard Practice Questions
Try these sample questions to test your WA 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 Washington statute is the primary law governing private security guards?
2Which Washington agency licenses unarmed private security guards?
3What is the minimum passing score on the Washington unarmed security guard exam under WAC 308-18?
4Under RCW 18.170, what is the minimum age to be licensed as a private security guard in Washington?
5How many hours of pre-assignment training does Washington require before a guard can be certified under WAC 308-18?
6Within how many days must an unarmed guard complete the post-assignment training under WAC 308-18?
7What is the application fee range for an initial unarmed security guard license in Washington?
8How often must a Washington unarmed security guard license be renewed?
9Which background check is required for Washington unarmed security guard licensure?
10Which conviction would most likely disqualify an applicant from Washington security guard licensure?
About the WA Security Guard Exam
The Washington Unarmed Security Guard License Exam is administered through Washington Department of Licensing (WA DOL)-approved pre-assignment training programs under authority of RCW 18.170 (Washington Private Security Guard Act) and WAC 308-18. The exam consists of a minimum of 50 multiple-choice questions covering Washington security law, use of force, patrol and observation, emergency response, report writing, professional ethics, and communication. Applicants must achieve a minimum score of 85% to qualify for licensure. The application fee ranges from $20-$70 paid to WA DOL, plus tuition for the required DOL-approved training course. Fingerprint-based background checks are required per RCW 18.170.030.
Assessment
Minimum 50 multiple-choice questions; 85% passing score per WAC 308-18
Time Limit
Not publicly published
Passing Score
85%
Exam Fee
$20-$70 application + course tuition (Washington Department of Licensing)
WA Security Guard Exam Content Outline
RCW 18.170 & WAC 308-18 Regulatory Framework
Washington Private Security Guard Act (RCW 18.170), WAC 308-18 administrative rules, licensing classes, scope of authority, and regulatory oversight by the Department of Licensing
Use of Force & Legal Authority
Reasonable force standards, self-defense, citizen's arrest, detention authority limits, trespass handling, and liability for unlawful detention or excessive force
Patrol & Observation
Vehicle and foot patrol techniques, observation skills, identifying suspicious activity, securing premises, access control, and threat assessment
Emergency Response
Medical emergencies, fire response, active threat protocols, evacuation, 911 coordination, AED/CPR basics, and life-safety prioritization
Report Writing & Documentation
Incident report structure, factual vs opinion, chronology, witness statements, evidence preservation notes, and legally defensible documentation
Professional Ethics
Honesty, confidentiality, conflicts of interest, refusing illegal orders, reporting misconduct, and professional standards under WAC 308-18
Communication & De-escalation
Verbal de-escalation, respectful interaction, identifying as security, handling complaints, cultural awareness, and crisis communication
How to Pass the WA Security Guard Exam
What You Need to Know
- Passing score: 85%
- Assessment: Minimum 50 multiple-choice questions; 85% passing score per WAC 308-18
- Time limit: Not publicly published
- Exam fee: $20-$70 application + course tuition
Keys to Passing
- Complete 500+ practice questions
- Score 80%+ consistently before scheduling
- Focus on highest-weighted sections
- Use our AI tutor for tough concepts
WA Security Guard Study Tips from Top Performers
Frequently Asked Questions
Who administers the Washington Unarmed Security Guard exam?
The Washington Department of Licensing (WA DOL) regulates the unarmed security guard license under RCW 18.170 and WAC 308-18. The exam is delivered as a proctored end-of-course test by WA DOL-approved pre-assignment training schools.
How many questions are on the WA security guard exam and what is the passing score?
WAC 308-18 requires a minimum of 50 multiple-choice questions with an 85% passing score. Specific question counts vary by approved school, but every exam must meet the 50-question minimum and 85% threshold.
How much does it cost to get a Washington unarmed security guard license?
Application fees paid to WA DOL run $20-$70 depending on license type and processing path, plus tuition for the required DOL-approved pre-assignment training course. Fingerprint background check fees may also apply per RCW 18.170.030.
What are the prerequisites for the Washington security guard license?
Applicants must be at least 18 years old, complete a fingerprint-based state and FBI background check per RCW 18.170.030, finish a WA DOL-approved pre-assignment training course, and pass the end-of-course exam at 85% or higher.
What topics are covered on the WA unarmed security guard exam?
The exam covers RCW 18.170 and WAC 308-18 regulations, use of force and legal authority, patrol and observation, emergency response, report writing, professional ethics, and communication and de-escalation techniques.
How long does it take to become a licensed security guard in Washington?
Most applicants complete training, sit the exam, and receive licensure within 2-4 weeks after the course, depending on background check processing time at WA DOL and class scheduling at the approved school.