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BC security (BST): 50 practice questions

Real test: 75 questions, 90 minutes, pass 53/75 (71%). Answer key on the last page. From canadianlicensetest.com · independent study aid, not an official test.

  1. 1. Which Charter section guarantees equality before and under the law without discrimination?

    1. A. Section 11
    2. B. Section 15
    3. C. Section 2
    4. D. Section 32

  2. 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?

    1. A. No one, because only licensed security businesses keep reports
    2. B. The nurse who was threatened, on the hospital incident form
    3. C. Dana herself, as a condition of her security worker licence
    4. D. The police, but only if they are called to the hospital

  3. 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?

    1. A. Obstructing a peace officer
    2. B. Nothing, because guards control access
    3. C. Defence of property under s.35
    4. D. A lawful citizen's arrest

  4. 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?

    1. A. Call a WorkSafeBC officer before telling anyone at work
    2. B. Quit on the spot and leave the site without a word
    3. C. Do the patrol anyway and file a complaint later on
    4. D. Report the unsafe condition to her supervisor right away

  5. 5. After applying a tourniquet, what should the first aider do?

    1. A. Loosen it every five minutes to check the wound
    2. B. Note the time it was applied and leave it on
    3. C. Remove it as soon as the bleeding stops
    4. D. Cover it with clothing so no one sees it

  6. 6. Under BC's Security Services Act, which of these may an inspector do during an inspection of a security business?

    1. A. Enter a private home without consent or warrant
    2. B. Arrest the business owner for any offence
    3. C. Remove records for copying, giving a receipt
    4. D. Cancel the business licence on the spot

  7. 7. A guard pushes a customer out of the store without any lawful reason, and the customer is bruised. Which civil claim fits best?

    1. A. Defamation
    2. B. Negligent misstatement
    3. C. Breach of contract
    4. D. Battery

  8. 8. Under BC's Security Services Regulation, what must an applicant provide for an armoured car guard business licence?

    1. A. Proof of an armoured vehicle and its safety certificate
    2. B. A list of all bank clients and their account numbers
    3. C. A current guard dog validation certificate
    4. D. A letter of approval from the Bank of Canada

  9. 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?

    1. A. Ignore it, since staff often prop that door open for smokers
    2. B. Remove the wedge and keep patrolling without noting anything
    3. C. Lock yourself in the guard booth and wait until morning
    4. D. Check the area safely, secure the door, then record and report

  10. 10. You must describe a suspect in your report. Which description is most useful?

    1. A. Scary-looking guy who seemed dangerous and nervous
    2. B. Male, about 180 cm, slim, short black hair, red jacket, left-leg limp
    3. C. Tall man, maybe in his thirties, possibly wearing a jacket
    4. D. Typical troublemaker type, the kind we always see here

  11. 11. In a transit station lobby, you find a man slumped on a bench. He does not respond when you speak loudly, his lips look bluish and his breathing is very slow. A syringe lies beside him. What should you do first?

    1. A. Wake him by shaking him hard and then ask him to leave
    2. B. Pick up the syringe with your bare hand and bag it as evidence
    3. C. Call 911 and follow your first aid training and site overdose procedure
    4. D. Leave him alone since he is probably just sleeping

  12. 12. The study guide says non-verbal cues such as posture and eye contact do not convey information.

    1. A. True
    2. B. False

  13. 13. According to JIBC, how many attempts does a student get at the BST assessment before having to retake the BST theory course?

    1. A. 2 attempts
    2. B. 1 attempt
    3. C. 3 attempts
    4. D. Unlimited attempts within one year

  14. 14. At a stabbing scene in a parking lot, paramedics have taken the victim. Bystanders start walking through the blood trail to look. What should the guard do until police arrive?

    1. A. Wash away the blood so no one slips
    2. B. Keep people out of the area and protect the scene
    3. C. Collect every item and take it home for safekeeping
    4. D. Leave, since the victim is gone

  15. 15. Under SPD policy, why is the Code of Conduct made a condition of every BC licence?

    1. A. So the registrar can investigate conduct complaints and act on breaches
    2. B. So clients can set their own discipline rules for guards
    3. C. So guards can be sued more easily in civil court
    4. D. So employers never have to write their own policies

  16. 16. Over two weeks, a man keeps waiting outside a store employee's workplace and following her to her car. She is afraid. What should the site guard do?

    1. A. Arrest him the next time he appears on the sidewalk
    2. B. Tell her it is not a security matter
    3. C. Confront him and threaten him to stay away
    4. D. Document each incident and help her report it to police

  17. 17. The syllabus lists principles of communication. Which of these is a non-verbal element?

    1. A. Spatial distance
    2. B. Word choice
    3. C. Spelling
    4. D. Grammar

  18. 18. A police officer chasing a suspect asks you to help hold him. Under Criminal Code s.25(1)(c), what protects you if you help?

    1. A. Your security licence, which gives you the powers of police
    2. B. Aiding a peace officer on reasonable grounds, using only needed force
    3. C. The client's written permission for you to assist police
    4. D. Nothing; helping police is always illegal for any guard

  19. 19. Under Charter s.11(a), a person charged with an offence has the right to:

    1. A. be told without unreasonable delay of the specific offence
    2. B. a trial by jury for every offence, however minor
    3. C. refuse to be fingerprinted after the charge is laid
    4. D. choose the judge who will hear the trial

  20. 20. At a medical emergency scene, which extra task does the study guide say a guard may perform?

    1. A. Give the casualty prescription medicine
    2. B. Decide the casualty's hospital
    3. C. Protect the casualty's belongings
    4. D. Question the casualty about their insurance

  21. 21. The study guide says section 25 of the Criminal Code applies to security guards in the same way as to all members of the public.

    1. A. True
    2. B. False

  22. 22. Under the Security Services Regulation, which body armour sale detail must a BC body armour vendor record?

    1. A. That the buyer showed photo identification
    2. B. The buyer's favourite colour of armour
    3. C. The buyer's employer's annual revenue
    4. D. The name of the buyer's doctor

  23. 23. What does "situational awareness" mean for a security guard?

    1. A. Keeping up with the latest national news headlines
    2. B. Knowing what is normal on site so changes and threats stand out
    3. C. Memorizing every employee's birthday and phone number
    4. D. Focusing only on your phone between your rounds

  24. 24. The study guide says foot patrol is used where the same protection cannot be given by other methods such as motorized patrol or electronic surveillance.

    1. A. True
    2. B. False

  25. 25. For weeks, a former tenant has sent a condo guard angry text messages. Tonight he shows up and swings at the guard, who pushes him away. Which s.34(2) factor lets the court consider the texts?

    1. A. History of interaction or communication between them
    2. B. The size, age and gender of each party
    3. C. Whether either party used or threatened a weapon
    4. D. The guard's own role in the incident

  26. 26. The fire alarm sounds at 2 a.m. You find no smoke or fire on the floor shown. A tenant asks you to silence and reset the panel. What should you do?

    1. A. Leave it for the fire department to check and reset
    2. B. Reset it right away so tenants can sleep
    3. C. Pull the panel's power to stop the noise
    4. D. Reset it and tell the fire department not to come

  27. 27. Fixed surveillance relies mainly on only one of the guard's senses: vision.

    1. A. True
    2. B. False

  28. 28. A new BC security worker applicant must submit a passport-quality photo taken within what period?

    1. A. The last 3 months
    2. B. The last 5 years
    3. C. The last 30 days
    4. D. The last 12 months

  29. 29. If you are unable or unwilling to give rescue breaths to an adult in cardiac arrest, you should still give continuous chest compressions.

    1. A. True
    2. B. False

  30. 30. Which offence is purely a summary conviction offence under the Criminal Code?

    1. A. Robbery of a convenience store clerk
    2. B. Break and enter of a private home
    3. C. Aggravated assault causing wounding
    4. D. Causing a disturbance in a public place

  31. 31. Before using an extinguisher on a small fire, which check matters most?

    1. A. That the extinguisher's class matches the burning material
    2. B. That the extinguisher is the newest model
    3. C. That a supervisor has signed off
    4. D. That the fire has burned for at least five minutes

  32. 32. A guard stops a small, frightened woman who ran from a store with unpaid cosmetics. She stops struggling once held by the wrist. What should the guard do next with force?

    1. A. Keep force to a minimum now that she is no longer resisting
    2. B. Take her to the ground to make sure she cannot run
    3. C. Handcuff her tightly to show authority
    4. D. Push her against a wall until police arrive

  33. 33. Criminal Code s.27 protects a person who uses force to prevent an offence only if the offence would certainly have happened.

    1. A. True
    2. B. False

  34. 34. Where are most of Canada's criminal offences found?

    1. A. In the Trespass to Property Act
    2. B. In the Criminal Code
    3. C. In municipal by-laws
    4. D. In the Provincial Offences Act

  35. 35. At the start of a shift at a new site, what should a guard read to learn the site's specific duties and procedures?

    1. A. A newspaper article about the building
    2. B. The previous guard's personal diary
    3. C. A general textbook from another province
    4. D. The site's post orders and instructions

  36. 36. In the six core steps for containing evidence, what does 'ensure continuity' mean?

    1. A. Accounting for the evidence at all times, from collection to court
    2. B. Collecting as much evidence as possible at the scene
    3. C. Keeping the evidence in the guard's locker indefinitely
    4. D. Showing the evidence to each witness for confirmation

  37. 37. According to the study guide, how should a guard treat all evidence after an incident?

    1. A. As property the guard can keep
    2. B. As trash to clear away quickly
    3. C. As though it could be used in a trial
    4. D. As something to show on social media

  38. 38. Under BC's Security Services Act, what is a "locking device"?

    1. A. A car door lock or a vehicle ignition switch
    2. B. A device that secures a door, window, lid or drawer
    3. C. A bicycle chain and padlock, and nothing else
    4. D. A computer password or a phone passcode

  39. 39. When answering the phone at a security desk, what is a professional way to begin?

    1. A. Say "What?" and wait for the caller to explain
    2. B. Greet the caller, and give your name and the site or company
    3. C. Answer with a joke to relax the caller
    4. D. Pick up and say nothing until they speak

  40. 40. During CPR on an adult who choked and became unresponsive, what should you do each time you open the airway?

    1. A. Do a blind finger sweep deep in the throat
    2. B. Give five abdominal thrusts before each breath
    3. C. Look in the mouth and remove an object only if you see it
    4. D. Skip the breaths and never check the mouth

  41. 41. According to the study guide, positional asphyxia can only happen to people who are in excited delirium.

    1. A. True
    2. B. False

  42. 42. You arrest a shoplifter at the store exit. The man demands to know why he is being held. What should you do?

    1. A. Tell him clearly that he is under arrest for theft
    2. B. Refuse to say anything until police arrive
    3. C. Tell him he will find out in court
    4. D. Tell him only that he looks suspicious

  43. 43. According to the Ontario study guide, what are the three aims of first aid?

    1. A. Preserve life, prevent further injury and promote recovery
    2. B. Diagnose illness, give medicine and discharge the casualty
    3. C. Find the cause, blame someone and file a report
    4. D. Move the casualty, call family and clean the scene

  44. 44. According to the study guide, what is one drawback of relying on foot patrol?

    1. A. It makes the guard less visible to the public
    2. B. It prevents the guard from using the sense of smell
    3. C. It is difficult to supervise and covers a limited area
    4. D. It requires a driver's licence

  45. 45. According to the training syllabus, what should sensitivity training help guards recognize?

    1. A. Which groups of people are most likely to commit crimes
    2. B. How to avoid all contact with people who seem different
    3. C. How to diagnose a mental illness quickly just by sight
    4. D. How mental, physical, cultural and sexual differences affect events

  46. 46. You are alone on a night shift when a coworker collapses and is not breathing. You have only your cell phone. What is best?

    1. A. Call 911 on speaker and start CPR while you talk
    2. B. Run to the lobby to find someone else to call
    3. C. Do CPR for 10 minutes before calling 911
    4. D. Text a supervisor and wait for a reply

  47. 47. The syllabus asks trainers to explain the difference between case law and which other kind of law?

    1. A. Company policy and procedures
    2. B. Statute law passed by legislatures
    3. C. Post orders for a specific site
    4. D. Union bylaws and agreements

  48. 48. You are asked to copy CCTV footage of an assault for police. Which practice best protects its admissibility?

    1. A. Edit out the boring parts so police can see the key moment
    2. B. Make a copy without altering it, seal and label it, and log who handled it
    3. C. Record it on your personal phone from the monitor
    4. D. Post it to the staff group chat for identification

  49. 49. At an outdoor summer concert, a guard is sweating heavily, has a headache and feels weak, but he is alert. What should you do?

    1. A. Move him to a cool place and give him water to sip
    2. B. Tell him to keep working and drink later
    3. C. Give him a coffee to boost his energy
    4. D. Wrap him in a blanket to stop the sweating

  50. 50. Police are on their way to a break-in you discovered on your patrol. How can you best support them, according to the study guide?

    1. A. Search the area and question witnesses yourself
    2. B. Clean up broken glass so the store can reopen
    3. C. Leave the site since police will handle it
    4. D. Secure the scene until police arrive and share what you saw

Answer key

  1. 1. B — 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. 2. C — 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. 3. A — 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. 4. D — 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. 5. B — 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. 6. C — 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. 7. D — 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. 8. A — 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. 9. D — 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. 10. B — 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.
  11. 11. C — Slow breathing, blue lips and no response can signal an opioid overdose, which is a medical emergency. Calling 911 and giving first aid within your training (including naloxone if your site provides it and you are trained) comes first; never handle a needle with bare hands.
  12. 12. B — The study guide says a guard's posture, gestures, facial expression and eye contact can all convey information.
  13. 13. A — JIBC allows a maximum of two attempts at the BST assessment, each subject to the exam fee. After two unsuccessful attempts, the student must take the BST theory course again.
  14. 14. B — The study guide says guards should be capable of securing and protecting a crime scene until the appropriate personnel arrive. Keeping people out prevents contamination; cleaning or removing items destroys evidence.
  15. 15. A — SPD policy 3.2.1 explains that making the Code of Conduct a condition of every worker licence lets the registrar investigate complaints about conduct and take action against a licensee who breaches it.
  16. 16. D — Repeatedly following someone or besetting their workplace so they reasonably fear for their safety can be criminal harassment (s.264). Guards should record dates, times and descriptions, support the victim in calling police, and avoid threats, which could be offences themselves.
  17. 17. A — Section 9 of the syllabus lists verbal and non-verbal principles including posture, tone, assertiveness, spatial distance, eye contact and facial expressions. Spatial distance is non-verbal.
  18. 18. B — Criminal Code s.25(1)(c) protects everyone required or authorized by law to act in aid of a peace officer, if they act on reasonable grounds and use only as much force as is necessary. The PSISA licence gives no police powers.
  19. 19. A — Charter s.11(a) gives any person charged with an offence the right to be informed without unreasonable delay of the specific offence.
  20. 20. C — The study guide (s.12) says a guard on an emergency scene may, besides giving first aid, protect the casualty's belongings, keep unnecessary people away and reassure the casualty's family or friends.
  21. 21. A — True. The study guide (s.11) explains that where a guard is required or authorized by law to do anything in the administration or enforcement of the law, s.25 applies and allows the guard, like all members of the public, to use as much force as necessary on reasonable grounds, subject to s.26.
  22. 22. A — Section 7(1)(h)(iv) of the Security Services Regulation requires a record, for each body armour sale, of a statement that the purchaser showed the vendor identification displaying a photograph of the purchaser, along with name, address and permit or exemption details.
  23. 23. B — The Training Syllabus (s.3) describes surveillance skills such as recognizing patterns (situational awareness), observing minor but critical details, and recognizing what is typical so anomalies can be detected.
  24. 24. A — The study guide says foot patrol is normally used where it is not possible to provide the same protective coverage through other methods such as motorized patrol or electronic surveillance.
  25. 25. A — Section 34(2)(f.1) lets the court consider any history of interaction or communication between the parties. Weeks of angry messages can help show why the guard's belief and response were reasonable.
  26. 26. A — An alarm is treated as real until the fire department has checked it. Resetting or silencing the system early can hide a real fire and leave it unable to warn people. Follow site procedure and let the responders decide.
  27. 27. A — True. The study guide (s.3) lists reliance on only one sense, vision, as a disadvantage of surveillance, along with blind spots and equipment failure. Foot patrol, by contrast, lets a guard use sight, hearing, smell and touch.
  28. 28. D — SPD policy 2.4.1.1 requires a new applicant to submit a passport-quality photograph taken within the last twelve months, clearly showing a front view of the full face.
  29. 29. A — True. Canadian CPR guidance supports compression-only (hands-only) CPR for adults when a rescuer cannot or will not give breaths. Continuous, good-quality compressions are much better than doing nothing.
  30. 30. D — Causing a disturbance under s.175(1) is punishable on summary conviction. Robbery (s.344), break and enter of a dwelling (s.348(1)(d)) and aggravated assault (s.268) are indictable offences.
  31. 31. A — CCOHS stresses using the right type of extinguisher for the class of fire (for example A, B, C, D or K). The wrong type can be ineffective or dangerous, such as water on electrical or grease fires.
  32. 32. A — Criminal Code s.25(1) allows only as much force as is necessary, and s.26 makes a person criminally liable for any excess. Force should stop or be reduced as soon as the person stops resisting.
  33. 33. B — Section 27(b) also covers force used to prevent something the person believes, on reasonable grounds, would be an offence described in s.27(a). A reasonable belief is enough, even if the harm would not in fact have occurred.
  34. 34. B — The study guide (s.7) notes that the federal government placed the bulk of criminal laws in one comprehensive statute, the Criminal Code. The Trespass to Property Act is an Ontario statute, and the Provincial Offences Act sets the procedure for provincial offences.
  35. 35. D — The study guide (s.3 and s.6) says duties vary from site to site, that the supervisor should explain access rules at a new site, and that the guard's emergency role should be documented before starting work. Post orders set out these site-specific instructions.
  36. 36. A — The study guide lists collect, secure, preserve, identify, ensure continuity and log. Continuity means an unbroken, documented chain of custody so the court can trust the item is what it claims to be.
  37. 37. C — The study guide (s.7) says that in the event of an incident, guards should treat all evidence as though it could potentially be used in a trial. That means careful collection, security and documentation.
  38. 38. B — Section 1 of the Security Services Act defines a locking device as one designed to secure a door, window, lid, drawer or other point of access by mechanical, electrical or electromagnetic means, but not devices on motor vehicles.
  39. 39. B — The study guide (s.9) says guards should be courteous and professional to build rapport and trust, and that tone matters especially on the phone. A clear greeting that identifies you and the site helps the caller and sets a professional tone.
  40. 40. C — When a choking person becomes unresponsive, start CPR. Each time you open the airway to give breaths, look in the mouth; if you can see the object, remove it. Do not do blind finger sweeps, which can push it deeper.
  41. 41. B — The study guide says positional asphyxia could happen to any person being physically restrained, although the risk is much higher for those suffering from excited delirium.
  42. 42. A — Criminal Code s.29(2) requires anyone making an arrest to tell the person the reason for the arrest where it is feasible. Clear, calm communication also helps prevent the situation from escalating.
  43. 43. A — The study guide (s.12) defines first aid as emergency care given to an injured or ill person with readily available materials before regular medical attention is available, intended to preserve life, prevent further injury and promote recovery.
  44. 44. C — The study guide (s.3) lists the disadvantages of foot patrol: restricted mobility and coverage, time needed to patrol, weather limits, difficulty carrying equipment, communication problems without a radio, and difficult supervision. Foot patrol is highly visible and uses all the senses.
  45. 45. D — The Training Syllabus (s.10) lists recognizing one's own biases and recognizing the impact of mental, physical, cultural and sexual differences on situational dynamics as minimum requirements. Stereotyping groups or diagnosing people is not part of the guard's role.
  46. 46. A — Putting the phone on speaker lets you call 911 and start compressions without delay. The dispatcher can coach you through CPR and send help. Leaving the person or delaying the call both waste critical time.
  47. 47. B — Section 7 of the syllabus says the trainer outlines criminal, provincial and municipal law as well as case and common law. Case law comes from court decisions; statutes are passed by Parliament or legislatures.
  48. 48. B — The syllabus includes proper procedures for handling and sealing audio and video materials. Unaltered copies that are sealed, labelled and logged keep continuity. Editing, informal phone recordings and sharing can damage admissibility and breach confidentiality.
  49. 49. A — Heavy sweating, headache and weakness in an alert person suggest heat exhaustion. Move him to a cool, shaded place, loosen clothing and have him sip water. If he gets worse or becomes confused, call 911 because it may be heat stroke.
  50. 50. D — The study guide (s.3) explains that security can supplement police by securing crime scenes until police arrive, and that guards can be a valuable source of information for police. Disturbing the scene can destroy evidence.

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