This free BC security guard practice test helps you prepare for the Basic Security Training (BST) assessment, the exam you must pass at JIBC before you can apply for a BC security worker licence as a guard. Start with the free 20-question diagnostic to see where you stand, or take the free 75-question mock exam with a 90-minute timer if your course is already done.
The BST exam gives you only two attempts. After that you must pay for and sit the whole 40-hour theory course again. That makes practising before your first try more important than for most licence tests. Below you will find the current exam facts, how our mock is built, the BC-specific law that trips people up, and a study plan. Canada Licence Prep is an independent study aid, not affiliated with JIBC or the province.
BC BST exam facts
Exam details for BC are harder to pin down than for Ontario, because the province's training page does not publish the format. JIBC does, on its Basic Security Training page. These are the facts as JIBC listed them in October 2026.
| Item | Detail | Source |
|---|---|---|
| Exam | BST Assessment, SCRT-1656 | JIBC |
| Questions | 75 | JIBC BST page |
| Time | 90 minutes (sessions booked in 2-hour blocks) | JIBC BST page and assessment page |
| Pass mark | 70% (at least 53 of 75) | JIBC BST page |
| Attempts | Maximum 2; then retake BST Theory (SCRT-1651) | JIBC BST page |
| Deadline | Within 6 months of finishing BST Theory | JIBC assessment page |
| Format | Closed book; AI tools not permitted | JIBC BST page |
| Where | In person at JIBC New Westminster, with your own laptop; online proctoring only if you live outside the Lower Mainland | JIBC BST page |
| ID | Government-issued photo ID; without it you cannot write | JIBC BST page |
| Results | Shown immediately after you finish | JIBC BST page |
| Fee | About $64 per attempt (JIBC lists $64.14 on its BST page and $64.41 on the course page) | JIBC, October 2026 |
Why you see different numbers online
Search results for the BST exam disagree. Some study sites and PDFs describe an older 100-question exam with a 60% pass mark. JIBC currently states 75 questions and 70%, and that is the format our mock follows. Formats can change, and approved schools sometimes give their own instructions on booking. Confirm the current format, fee and booking process with JIBC or your approved training school before you write. You can reach JIBC student services at studenthelp@jibc.ca.
Key fact: JIBC stopped issuing BST certificates on 15 December 2025. According to the Province of BC, the province now verifies completion with JIBC directly when you apply for your licence.
How our BC security guard practice test works
Same length, timer and pass line
Each full mock has 75 four-option multiple-choice questions, a 90-minute countdown and a pass line of 53 correct (70%). That is 72 seconds a question. It is enough time, but not if you spend three minutes stuck on one scenario. The timer teaches you to mark a hard question, move on and come back.
BC law, not Ontario law
The BC bank has 1,293 questions written for BC. Licensing questions use the Security Services Act and Security Services Regulation, not Ontario's PSISA. Trespass questions use BC's Trespass Act. Privacy, human rights and workplace safety questions use the BC versions of those laws. Criminal Code questions on arrest, self-defence and use of force are the same across Canada.
This matters because many free "security guard test" quizzes online are written for Ontario. If you practise on them, you will learn uniform rules and trespass powers that do not apply in BC.
Topic balance
JIBC summarizes BST in four areas: professionalism and ethics, legal studies, report writing and personal safety. We break these into 12 practice topics so your results show exactly where you are weak. Our mock weighting is our own estimate; JIBC does not publish a per-topic breakdown.
| Practice topic | Approx. questions per mock | Covers |
|---|---|---|
| Introduction to the security industry | 5 | Roles, settings, professionalism |
| BC licensing and conduct (Security Services Act) | 10 | Licences, uniforms, equipment, offences |
| Basic security procedures | 10 | Patrols, access control, alarms, crowds |
| Report writing | 5 | Notebooks, incident reports, statements |
| Health and safety | 5 | Workplace rights, WHMIS |
| Emergency response | 6 | Fire, evacuation, bomb threats, medical |
| Canadian legal system | 7 | Sources of law, courts, criminal versus civil |
| Legal authorities | 10 | Arrest, trespass, search, evidence |
| Effective communications | 5 | Verbal, radio, de-escalation |
| Sensitivity and human rights | 5 | BC Human Rights Code, diversity, mental health |
| Use of force | 5 | Criminal Code ss.25–35, use-of-force model |
| First aid awareness | 2 | CPR, bleeding, shock |
Explanations that cite the law
Every answer explains the reason and names the section, for example Security Services Regulation s.12 for uniforms, or Trespass Act s.6 for demanding a name and address. Over hundreds of questions, that builds the kind of understanding that holds up when the real exam words things differently.
Key BC facts the exam tests
Security Services Act and Regulation
- You must not do security work, or hold yourself out as available to do it, without a security worker licence for that kind of work.
- Minimum age for a guard licence is 19. A serving police officer cannot hold one.
- Carry your licence while working and produce it on request.
- Never describe yourself or your work using "detective", "law enforcement", "peace officer" or "police".
Uniforms (Regulation s.12): "SECURITY" on the chest of the shirt in letters at least 1.25 cm high, and on the back of any jacket or vest in letters at least 5 cm high. The uniform must show the name of your employer. You may not wear a uniform that looks like a police uniform, carry an identification badge, or wear an equipment belt with an over-the-shoulder strap.
Equipment (Regulation s.11): no restraining devices, such as handcuffs, unless the registrar authorizes them, which in practice means completing JIBC Advanced Security Training. No Criminal Code prohibited weapons, and nothing designed to debilitate or control people or animals. Firearms are banned during security work, except that armoured car guards may get the registrar's permission.
Note the difference from Ontario: in BC the chest letters are 1.25 cm and the back 5 cm; in Ontario they are 1.5 cm and 10 cm. Questions on this detail are easy to write and easy to get wrong. Our BC licensing study note has the full list, and you can drill it with BC licensing practice questions.
Exam tip: If an answer has a BC guard wearing a badge, carrying handcuffs without extra training, or calling themselves a "peace officer", it is wrong.
BC Trespass Act
BC's trespass law is different from Ontario's in ways the exam likes to test.
- Notice that entry or an activity is prohibited can come from the occupier or an authorized person, such as a guard acting for the client. It can be oral, written or a sign at the ordinary access point. A sign showing an activity with a slash through it is enough notice that the activity is prohibited.
- On enclosed land, meaning land surrounded by a lawful fence or natural boundary, or posted with signs, a person found there is presumed to be there without consent.
- Resuming an activity after being told to stop is an offence.
- The occupier or authorized person may demand the correct name and address of someone they reasonably believe is or was trespassing (s.6). Refusing is an offence.
- Arrest under the Trespass Act itself is a peace-officer power (s.7). Unlike Ontario's Trespass to Property Act, it does not give guards an arrest power. A BC guard who wants to arrest needs another lawful authority, usually the Criminal Code.
- Colour of right, an honest belief in a legal right to be there, is a defence.
Arrest, search and evidence
Arrest powers come from Criminal Code s.494, the same in every province:
- Anyone may arrest a person found committing an indictable offence, including hybrid offences such as theft under $5,000.
- Anyone may arrest a person they reasonably believe committed a criminal offence and who is escaping and being freshly pursued.
- A property owner, or a guard they authorize, may arrest a person found committing a criminal offence on or in relation to that property, at the time or within a reasonable time after, if police cannot make the arrest.
- The person must then be delivered forthwith to a peace officer.
There is no general power to search people. Searches rely on informed consent, such as a bag check as a condition of entry. Protect any evidence, keep a chain of custody and expect your notebook to be examined in court. See the legal authorities study note and drill legal authorities questions.
Use of force
The Criminal Code applies to guards exactly as it applies to anyone. Section 25 allows as much force as necessary for a lawful arrest on reasonable grounds; s.26 makes you liable for any excess; s.34 covers self-defence that is reasonable in the circumstances. Force likely to cause death or grievous bodily harm is justified only to prevent the same to yourself or someone in your care. The use-of-force model is an assessment tool, not a ladder. Presence and communication come first, and stepping back to call police is always allowed. Know the signs of positional asphyxia and excited delirium. See the use of force note.
Report writing
Notebook rules are the same as in every province: ink, chronological order, 24-hour clock, no blank lines, no torn pages, and a single line through any error, initialled. Record facts, not opinions, and cover who, what, when, where, why and how. Witness statements are written word for word, read and signed by the witness. See the report writing note.
Privacy, human rights and safety in BC
- Personal information collected at work falls under BC's Personal Information Protection Act for most private-sector employers.
- The BC Human Rights Code prohibits discrimination in services. Act on behaviour, never on who a person is.
- Workplace safety is governed by the Workers Compensation Act and the OHS Regulation. Know the right to refuse unsafe work and the three parts of WHMIS.
How to read your BST practice score
| Mock score | What it means | Next step |
|---|---|---|
| Under 60% | Not ready; core rules missing | Reread the BC licensing and legal authorities notes; drill by topic |
| 60–70% | Close to the line, high risk | Focus on BC-specific law and scenarios; full mock again in two days |
| 70–80% | Likely to pass | One more full mock under strict timing |
| Over 80% on two mocks | Safe margin | Book your exam |
With only two attempts, aim for at least 80% on two different full mocks before your first sitting. That is a higher target than we suggest for Ontario, and it is deliberate. A second fail costs you the whole course again.
Common mistakes on the BC exam
- Using Ontario rules. Ontario uniform sizes, Ontario's trespass arrest power and the PSISA do not apply in BC.
- Giving guards Trespass Act arrest powers. In BC that power belongs to peace officers.
- Forgetting the name-and-address demand. It is one of the few specific powers the Trespass Act gives an authorized person.
- Over-using force. The right answer usually uses less force, or no force.
- Skipping the hand-over. Every citizen's arrest ends with delivery to police.
Next steps after you pass
Passing the BST exam is not the licence. You still apply through the Security Services Platform, with a criminal record check, fingerprints on a first application, and a licence fee from $60 for 90 days to $240 for three years, according to the Province of BC as of October 2026. Our guide on how to become a security guard in BC walks through every step and cost.
Working in other provinces later? See the Ontario security guard practice test and the Alberta security guard practice test.
Your study plan
- Day 1. Take the free diagnostic and read the free BC BST exam guide.
- Days 2–3. Study the BC licensing note: uniform sizes, equipment bans and prohibited words.
- Days 4–5. Study legal authorities, the BC Trespass Act and use of force. Practise each by topic.
- Day 6. Sit the free full mock under exam conditions: 75 questions, 90 minutes, no notes.
- Days 7–10. Review every wrong answer, drill your weakest two topics, and sit a second full mock, such as mock 2. Print the free practice questions PDF for revision away from a screen.
- Book your SCRT-1656 sitting when you score 80% or more on two full mocks, well inside your six-month window.
Pro gives you mocks 2 to 10, practice by topic and every study note for all nine tests from CA$7.99 a week. See pricing. The free diagnostic and mock 1 stay free.
10 free BC security (BST) practice questions with answers
Try each one, then open the answer. For a timed experience use the free mock exam.
1. Which Charter section guarantees equality before and under the law without discrimination?
- A. Section 11
- B. Section 15
- C. Section 2
- D. Section 32
Show answer
B. Section 15
Charter s.15(1) says every individual is equal before and under the law and has the right to equal protection and benefit of the law without discrimination, including based on race, national or ethnic origin, colour, religion, sex, age or mental or physical disability.
2. Dana, a BC hospital guard employed directly by the hospital, holds a patient's arm to stop him from hitting a nurse. Under SPD policy, who must keep a use-of-force report?
- A. No one, because only licensed security businesses keep reports
- B. The nurse who was threatened, on the hospital incident form
- C. Dana herself, as a condition of her security worker licence
- D. The police, but only if they are called to the hospital
Show answer
C. Dana herself, as a condition of her security worker licence
SPD policy 3.7.2.1 makes it a condition of every security worker licence that the licensee maintain use-of-force reports for incidents where they use any force against another person while doing security work. This covers guards employed by non-security businesses too.
3. Police arrive to arrest a guard's friend at a mall. The guard stands in the doorway to block them. What might the guard be committing?
- A. Obstructing a peace officer
- B. Nothing, because guards control access
- C. Defence of property under s.35
- D. A lawful citizen's arrest
Show answer
A. Obstructing a peace officer
Section 129 of the Criminal Code prohibits resisting or wilfully obstructing a peace officer in the execution of their duty. Section 35(3) also removes the defence of property against people lawfully enforcing the law.
4. A BC guard is told to patrol a roof with no fall protection in icy wind, and she believes it is dangerous. What must she do first under the OHS Regulation?
- A. Call a WorkSafeBC officer before telling anyone at work
- B. Quit on the spot and leave the site without a word
- C. Do the patrol anyway and file a complaint later on
- D. Report the unsafe condition to her supervisor right away
Show answer
D. Report the unsafe condition to her supervisor right away
Section 3.12(2) of the OHS Regulation requires a worker who refuses unsafe work to immediately report the unsafe condition to their supervisor or employer, who must then investigate and fix it or explain why the report is not valid (s.3.12(3)).
5. After applying a tourniquet, what should the first aider do?
- A. Loosen it every five minutes to check the wound
- B. Note the time it was applied and leave it on
- C. Remove it as soon as the bleeding stops
- D. Cover it with clothing so no one sees it
Show answer
B. Note the time it was applied and leave it on
Once a tourniquet is on, leave it in place for medical staff to remove. Note the time it was applied and tell paramedics. Loosening it can restart severe bleeding.
6. Under BC's Security Services Act, which of these may an inspector do during an inspection of a security business?
- A. Enter a private home without consent or warrant
- B. Arrest the business owner for any offence
- C. Remove records for copying, giving a receipt
- D. Cancel the business licence on the spot
Show answer
C. Remove records for copying, giving a receipt
Section 32(1) lets an inspector enter business premises, examine records, question people and remove records for review and copying, with a receipt (s.32(3)). A private dwelling needs consent or a warrant (s.32(4)); cancellation is a registrar decision.
7. A guard pushes a customer out of the store without any lawful reason, and the customer is bruised. Which civil claim fits best?
- A. Defamation
- B. Negligent misstatement
- C. Breach of contract
- D. Battery
Show answer
D. Battery
The syllabus asks guards to understand common torts in security work. Battery is intentional, harmful or offensive physical contact without consent or legal justification.
8. Under BC's Security Services Regulation, what must an applicant provide for an armoured car guard business licence?
- A. Proof of an armoured vehicle and its safety certificate
- B. A list of all bank clients and their account numbers
- C. A current guard dog validation certificate
- D. A letter of approval from the Bank of Canada
Show answer
A. Proof of an armoured vehicle and its safety certificate
Section 4(3)(e) of the Security Services Regulation requires an armoured car business applicant to provide proof of possession of an armoured vehicle and of a safety certificate under the Motor Vehicle Act Regulations.
9. On your first round you noted that a rear fire door was closed and locked. On your second round it is propped open with a wooden wedge. What is the best first step?
- A. Ignore it, since staff often prop that door open for smokers
- B. Remove the wedge and keep patrolling without noting anything
- C. Lock yourself in the guard booth and wait until morning
- D. Check the area safely, secure the door, then record and report
Show answer
D. Check the area safely, secure the door, then record and report
The syllabus (s.3) stresses recognizing typical conditions, detecting anomalies and prioritizing actions. A change from your baseline, such as a propped fire door, could mean an intrusion or a safety hazard, so check it safely, secure it and document it in your notebook.
10. You must describe a suspect in your report. Which description is most useful?
- A. Scary-looking guy who seemed dangerous and nervous
- B. Male, about 180 cm, slim, short black hair, red jacket, left-leg limp
- C. Tall man, maybe in his thirties, possibly wearing a jacket
- D. Typical troublemaker type, the kind we always see here
Show answer
B. Male, about 180 cm, slim, short black hair, red jacket, left-leg limp
The syllabus lists description of individuals among the basic elements of report writing, and reports must be factual and free of bias. Specific, observable details help police identify a person.
Frequently asked questions
+How many questions are on the BC BST exam?
JIBC's Basic Security Training page describes the SCRT-1656 assessment as 75 questions in 90 minutes, with sessions booked in two-hour blocks. Some older study materials quote 100 questions and a 60% pass mark, so confirm the current format with JIBC or your approved school.
+What is the pass mark for the BC security guard exam?
JIBC states a minimum grade of 70%. On a 75-question exam that is at least 53 correct answers. You see your score as soon as you finish.
+How many times can you take the BST exam in BC?
JIBC allows a maximum of two attempts, and each rewrite has its own fee. If you fail twice, you must retake the 40-hour BST Theory course before you can write again.
+Can I take the BC BST exam online?
Only if you live outside the Lower Mainland, according to JIBC. Those students write with an online proctor after contacting JIBC registration. Everyone else writes in person at the JIBC New Westminster campus with their own laptop.
+Is the BST exam open book?
No. JIBC describes the exam as closed book, and using AI tools is not allowed. Cheating results in a fail, no rewrite and a one-year suspension from security training courses.
+How long do I have to write the BST exam after the course?
JIBC requires you to complete the assessment within six months of finishing BST Theory (SCRT-1651). Plan your study so you write well before that deadline, leaving time for a second attempt if needed.
+Is this the official JIBC practice exam?
No. Canada Licence Prep is an independent study aid and is not affiliated with JIBC, any approved school or the Province of British Columbia. Our questions are written from BC legislation and the published course areas.
+Is there a BC BST exam questions PDF?
We offer a free printable version of our practice questions at /print/bc-security-bst. Open it and print, or choose Save as PDF in your browser.
Study offline on your phone too
The Canada Licence Prep app has the same questions with audio, French explanations and an ACTS & PROVE coach.
Keep reading
- How to Become a Security Guard in BCHow to become a security guard in BC: Basic Security Training, the JIBC exam, licence application, fingerprints, fees and renewal, with a full cost table.
- Ontario Security Guard Practice TestFree 60-question Ontario security guard practice test: 75-minute timer, 62% pass mark, and PSISA, arrest, trespass and use-of-force questions explained.
- Alberta Security Guard Practice Test (ABST)Free Alberta security guard practice test for the ABST provincial exam: 80% pass mark, timed 60-question mock and an explanation for every answer.
- How to Get a Security Guard Licence in OntarioHow to get a security guard license in Ontario: 40-hour training, first aid, the ministry test, police check and application. Full cost table and timeline.