What the Ontario security guard test looks like
To work as a security guard in Ontario you need a licence under the Private Security and Investigative Services Act, 2005 (PSISA). Before you can apply, you must finish a ministry-approved basic training course and then pass the ministry's basic test for security guards.
| Part of the test | What to expect |
|---|---|
| Questions | 60, all multiple choice |
| Time | 75 minutes to answer (the appointment itself is booked for two hours) |
| Pass mark | 62%, which means at least 38 correct out of 60 |
| Where | Online, or at select DriveTest centres across Ontario |
| Results | Available within five business days |
| Before you book | A training completion number from your basic training provider |
The ministry does not publish how many answer choices each question has. Our practice questions use four options with one correct answer, which is the most common multiple-choice style.
Who can take the test
You can register only if you have completed the mandatory basic training or already hold a valid Ontario security guard licence. Basic training must be at least 40 hours, including emergency first aid and CPR certification. If you already have a valid first aid and CPR certificate from a St. John Ambulance or WSIB-certified instructor, you can opt out of that part of the course. You also need to give the test provider a valid emergency first aid certificate before you write the test.
To hold a licence you must be at least 18, be legally entitled to work in Canada, have a clean criminal record under the regulation, and pass the training and test. A new individual licence ends on your second birthday after it is issued, and a renewed licence runs for two years.
The 12 sections of the syllabus
The test is based on the ministry's Training Syllabus for Security Guards. Our question bank follows the same 12 sections, and you can practise any one of them on its own. The suggested in-class hours below come from the syllabus and give a fair idea of how much weight each topic carries in training.
| Section | Suggested in-class hours |
|---|---|
| 1. Introduction to the Security Industry | 2 |
| 2. The PSISA and Code of Conduct | 2 |
| 3. Basic Security Procedures | 3 |
| 4. Report Writing | 2 |
| 5. Health and Safety | 1 |
| 6. Emergency Response Preparation | 4 |
| 7. Canadian Legal System | 3 |
| 8. Legal Authorities | 7.5 |
| 9. Effective Communications | 4 |
| 10. Sensitivity Training | 3 |
| 11. Use of Force Theory | 2 |
| 12. Emergency Level First Aid | 6.5 |
Topics that trip people up
- Arrest powers. Guards have no police or peace officer powers. Section 494 of the Criminal Code lets anyone arrest a person found committing an indictable offence, and lets a guard authorized by the owner arrest for a criminal offence on or in relation to that property. Anyone who arrests must deliver the person to a peace officer right away.
- The Trespass to Property Act. Know the three ways a person commits trespass, how notice is given (orally, in writing, by signs, or by red and yellow markings), and that a guard who arrests a trespasser must promptly call police and hand the person over.
- The Code of Conduct. O. Reg. 363/07 lists duties such as acting with honesty and integrity, treating everyone equally, avoiding insulting language and unnecessary force, and keeping information confidential.
- Use of force. Sections 25 and 26 of the Criminal Code allow only as much force as is necessary on reasonable grounds, and make you criminally responsible for any excess. Learn the warning signs of excited delirium and how to prevent positional asphyxia.
- Words you cannot use. The PSISA bans guards from calling themselves an officer, detective, police or law enforcement. "Security officer" is not allowed.
How to prepare
Read the ministry's free security guard study guide alongside your course notes. Then practise under real conditions: 60 questions in 75 minutes is about 75 seconds per question, so pace matters. Use section practice to drill your weakest areas, especially Legal Authorities, which has the most training hours. Read every explanation, including on questions you got right, because many items test the exact wording of a law.
The ministry is modernizing the PSISA and developing new standardized training. The current rules remain in force, but check the ministry's testing page before you book in case anything changes.
Aptitude Tests Canada is an independent practice platform. We are not affiliated with or endorsed by the Ministry of the Solicitor General, the Government of Ontario or the test delivery provider. Our questions are original practice questions written from the public study guide, syllabus and laws, not real exam questions.
Three worked examples
One question from different sections of the full pack, with the answer and explanation.
On what date was the Private Security and Investigative Services Act, 2005 (PSISA) proclaimed into force?
- July 1, 2019
- April 15, 2010
- August 23, 2007
- January 1, 2006
Which of these is NOT a requirement for an individual security guard licence?
- Having a clean criminal record
- Being a Canadian citizen
- Completing the required training and test
- Being legally entitled to work in Canada
Most security guard tasks require the guard to:
- Arrest, search, detain and charge
- Patrol, confront and remove people
- Observe, deter, record and report
- Investigate, interview and prosecute