Ontario Security Guard Licence Exam Questions & Answers 2026 (1–10)

Question 1

What is the primary role of a security guard in Ontario?

TheoryPractice · Accepted Answer

To observe, deter, report and respond in order to protect people and property. A guard's core function is to deter, observe, report and respond. Guards are not police and do not have special enforcement powers.

Question 2

A security guard is often described as the 'eyes and ears' of their client. What does this mean?

TheoryPractice · Accepted Answer

The guard mainly observes, monitors and reports conditions and incidents. Observing and accurately reporting what happens is one of a guard's most important duties.

Question 3

Where does a security guard's authority to act on a site mostly come from?

TheoryPractice · Accepted Answer

The same rights any citizen has, plus authority the property owner/occupier grants on that property. Guards generally have the same legal authority as any private citizen, supplemented by the occupier's authority on the protected property (e.g., under the Trespass to Property Act).

Question 4

What is the difference between a security guard and a private investigator under Ontario law?

TheoryPractice · Accepted Answer

A guard protects people/property and deters loss, while an investigator gathers information and conducts inquiries. PSISA licenses guards and private investigators separately for different functions; a guard protects, an investigator inquires.

Question 5

What is the main difference between a security guard and a police officer?

TheoryPractice · Accepted Answer

A police officer is a peace officer with broad legal powers; a guard generally has only the powers of a private citizen. Police officers are peace officers with statutory powers. Security guards do not have those powers.

Question 6

What is 'proprietary' (in-house) security as opposed to 'contract' security?

TheoryPractice · Accepted Answer

Guards employed directly by the organization they protect, rather than by an outside agency. Proprietary guards work directly for the business; contract guards are supplied by a licensed security agency.

Question 7

A guard witnesses a serious crime in progress. What is generally the most appropriate first action?

TheoryPractice · Accepted Answer

Ensure personal safety, observe carefully, and notify police. Personal safety and accurate reporting come first. Guards observe and report; they intervene physically only when reasonable and necessary.

Question 8

While on duty at a mall, a guard sees a collision in the public street outside the property. What should they do?

TheoryPractice · Accepted Answer

Note what they observed and report it / call for emergency help as appropriate, but recognize their authority is on the protected property. A guard's authority is tied to the protected site. They can still report and summon help, but should not abandon their post or assume powers off-site.

Question 9

Which Ontario law governs the licensing of security guards?

TheoryPractice · Accepted Answer

The Private Security and Investigative Services Act, 2005 (PSISA). The PSISA is the provincial statute that regulates and licenses security guards and private investigators in Ontario.

Question 10

Which ministry is responsible for administering security guard licensing in Ontario?

TheoryPractice · Accepted Answer

The Ministry of the Solicitor General. Licensing under the PSISA is administered by the Ministry of the Solicitor General (formerly the Ministry of Community Safety and Correctional Services).

Ontario Security Guard Licence Exam Questions & Answers 2026 (1–10)

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