NSW security licence practice questions

10 free sample questions

1. Security law, licence classes and conditions

   Which law regulates the private security industry in NSW?

   1. The Security Industry Act 1997 (NSW) and its Regulation
   2. The Liquor Act 2007 only
   3. The Crimes Act 1900 only
   4. The Liquor Act 2007 and the Gaming Machines Act 2001
   Show answer

   A. The Security Industry Act 1997 (NSW) and its Regulation

   The Security Industry Act sets out who needs a licence, the licence classes, conditions and offences. SLED (the Security Licensing & Enforcement Directorate of NSW Police) administers it. The full set is the Security Industry Act 1997 (NSW) and the Security Industry Regulation 2016.

   Source: Security Industry Act 1997 (NSW); CPPSEC2102

2. Legal powers and their limits

   What legal powers does a security officer have compared with an ordinary member of the public?

   1. The same powers as any citizen, plus what the owner or occupier authorises on their premises
   2. The same powers as a police officer, but only while on duty, in uniform and wearing their licence
   3. Power to search anyone on the premises if they suspect a theft
   4. Power to detain a person for up to 24 hours until police arrive
   Show answer

   A. The same powers as any citizen, plus what the owner or occupier authorises on their premises

   There are no special police-style powers. Your authority comes from the law that applies to everyone (citizen's arrest, self-defence, trespass) and from the owner's rights that you exercise as their agent.

   Source: CPPSEC2102

3. Communication, radio and reports

   What is the phonetic alphabet word for the letter 'M'?

   1. Mike
   2. Mary
   3. Mother
   4. Mango
   Show answer

   A. Mike

   The NATO alphabet avoids confusion over radio: Alpha, Bravo, Charlie, Delta, Echo, Foxtrot, Golf, Hotel, India, Juliett, Kilo, Lima, Mike, November, Oscar, Papa, Quebec, Romeo, Sierra, Tango, Uniform, Victor, Whiskey, X-ray, Yankee, Zulu.

   Source: CPPSEC2101: radio communication

4. Ethics and professional conduct

   A patron offers you $100 to let their friends skip the queue and the ID check. What should you do?

   1. Refuse, and report the offer to your supervisor
   2. Accept it if nobody sees
   3. Accept the money but still check every ID properly
   4. Refuse the money but let them skip the queue as a favour
   Show answer

   A. Refuse, and report the offer to your supervisor

   Accepting a bribe is corrupt conduct and would breach your licence conditions. Integrity is the foundation of a security licence. Report attempts so patterns can be addressed.

   Source: CPPSEC2102; Security Industry Act 1997 (NSW), s 15 (fit and proper)

5. Crowd behaviour, intoxication and removal

   What is the first aim when dealing with an angry or aggressive person?

   1. De-escalate: lower the tension using calm words, space and time, with force only as a last resort
   2. Win the argument quickly and show the person who is in charge
   3. Show who is in charge by standing close and raising your voice
   4. Get them outside the venue as fast as possible, using force straight away if they hesitate at all
   Show answer

   A. De-escalate: lower the tension using calm words, space and time, with force only as a last resort

   Most conflicts end without force when the officer stays calm, listens and offers a way out that lets the person keep face. The aim is that nobody gets hurt.

   Source: CPPSEC2110

6. Patrols, access control and alarms

   Why should patrol routes and times be varied?

   1. So that offenders can't predict when an area is unwatched
   2. To make the shift more interesting for the officer
   3. They shouldn't; a fixed routine shows offenders the site is always watched
   4. To confuse the client
   Show answer

   A. So that offenders can't predict when an area is unwatched

   Predictable patrols are studied by thieves. Vary start points, direction and timing, while still covering every checkpoint.

   Source: CPPSEC2107

7. Screening people and items

   What is the purpose of screening people and their belongings at an entry?

   1. To stop prohibited or dangerous items entering and to deter people who intend harm, within the law
   2. To give staff the power to search any patron's bags, pockets and clothing, with or without the patron's consent
   3. To delay entry
   4. To embarrass patrons
   Show answer

   A. To stop prohibited or dangerous items entering and to deter people who intend harm, within the law

   Prohibited items include weapons, drugs, glass and alcohol, as set by the law and the venue's conditions of entry. Screening is only lawful with consent, applied consistently to everyone the procedure specifies.

   Source: CPPSEC2108

8. Emergencies, first aid and WHS

   What number do you call for police, fire or ambulance in Australia?

   1. 000 (112 also works from mobiles)
   2. 911
   3. 999
   4. 131 444, the national number for all emergencies
   Show answer

   A. 000 (112 also works from mobiles)

   Give the exact address, nearest cross street, what has happened, how many people are involved and any dangers. 131 444 is the Police Assistance Line for non-emergencies.

   Source: CPPSEC2103

9. Risk assessment and observation

   What is a security risk assessment?

   1. Identifying threats and weaknesses, judging how likely and how bad harm would be, and choosing a response
   2. A yearly financial audit of the client's losses, done by the accountant and shared with the security team
   3. Guessing who looks dangerous
   4. A police function only
   Show answer

   A. Identifying threats and weaknesses, judging how likely and how bad harm would be, and choosing a response

   Risk = likelihood × consequence. The response you choose should reduce the risk. Officers do a quick 'dynamic' risk assessment constantly as situations change.

   Source: CPPSEC2104

10. Escorts, valuables and customer service

    May a Class 1A officer escort a staff member carrying the night's takings to the bank down the street?

    1. No; moving cash or valuables across a public road is cash-in-transit work requiring a 1C licence
    2. Yes, any guard can
    3. Yes, if under $5,000
    4. Yes, if in uniform
    Show answer

    A. No; moving cash or valuables across a public road is cash-in-transit work requiring a 1C licence

    Within the premises (e.g. from the registers to the office) a 1A can escort; the public road is the dividing line.

    Source: SLED: class 1C; CPPSEC2113

Practise all 303 questions, take timed mock tests and track your progress in the free app.

Official links

• Security training requirements (SLED)
• Class 1 licences explained
• Approved organisations and trainers
• Apply for a security operative licence