New York DCJS Security Guard Exam Questions & Answers 2026 (1–10)

Question 1

What is the PRIMARY function of a security guard in New York State?

TheoryPractice · Accepted Answer

To protect people and property and deter criminal activity through observation and reporting. Security guards in NY primarily protect people and property, deter criminal activity through a visible presence, and report incidents. They do not enforce criminal law or replace police.

Question 2

Under New York State law, which agency oversees the registration and regulation of security guards?

TheoryPractice · Accepted Answer

Division of Criminal Justice Services (DCJS). The NYS Division of Criminal Justice Services (DCJS) is responsible for registering and regulating security guards under the Security Guard Act (General Business Law Article 7-A).

Question 3

The NYS Security Guard Act requires security guards to complete pre-assignment training within how many hours before working as a guard?

TheoryPractice · Accepted Answer

8 hours. NYS General Business Law Article 7-A requires all registered security guards to complete an 8-hour pre-assignment training course before beginning work.

Question 4

A security guard on post witnesses a fight break out between two visitors. What should be the FIRST action?

TheoryPractice · Accepted Answer

Contact law enforcement and notify supervisors while ensuring bystander safety. Guards should summon law enforcement and notify supervisors first. Physical intervention without training and authority can create liability. Bystander safety is the immediate priority.

Question 5

Which of the following BEST describes the 'observe and report' role of a security guard?

TheoryPractice · Accepted Answer

Watching for and documenting incidents without direct intervention beyond what is legally authorized. The core duty of 'observe and report' means guards watch for incidents, document them accurately, and report to the appropriate authorities—staying within their limited legal authority.

Question 6

When a security guard is assigned to a post, they should FIRST:

TheoryPractice · Accepted Answer

Review the post orders and familiarize themselves with the site. Post orders contain site-specific instructions and emergency procedures. A guard must review them at the start of every assignment to be effective and legally protected.

Question 7

Security guards in New York are considered:

TheoryPractice · Accepted Answer

Private citizens with limited authority granted by their employer and applicable law. Security guards are private citizens—not government agents—and their authority is limited to what is granted by their employer and NYS law. They do not have police powers.

Question 8

A security guard's annual registration in New York State must include completion of:

TheoryPractice · Accepted Answer

16 hours of on-the-job training within 90 days of employment. After the 8-hour pre-assignment course, registered guards must complete 16 hours of on-the-job training within 90 days, then 8 hours of annual in-service training each year.

Question 9

Which of the following is NOT a typical duty of a security guard?

TheoryPractice · Accepted Answer

Issuing traffic summonses to motorists on public streets. Issuing traffic summonses on public streets is a police function. Security guards have no authority to issue legal citations on public roadways.

Question 10

A registered security guard in New York must wear or carry their registration card:

TheoryPractice · Accepted Answer

At all times while working as a security guard. NYS law requires guards to carry their registration card while on duty and produce it upon lawful request by a police officer or their employer.

New York DCJS Security Guard Exam Questions & Answers 2026 (1–10)

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