Alberta Security Guard (ABST): Industry, licensing and professional conduct

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1. Which English term is among the permitted security uniform labels in AR 55/2010?

   1. MUNICIPAL POLICE SERVICE.
   2. LAW ENFORCEMENT OFFICER.
   3. SECURITY GUARD.
   4. PRIVATE DETECTIVE UNIT.
   Show answer and explanation

   Correct answer: SECURITY GUARD.

   The uniform rule lists SECURITY, SECURITY GUARD and SECURITY AGENT. Required markings distinguish private security from police and must meet the regulation’s placement and lettering requirements.

   Based on: s. 21(3)(d); source checked 2026-10-24

   Official reference ↗

2. A post instruction conflicts with a law that applies to the guard’s work. Which principle governs?

   1. The client’s payment makes the instruction legally superior.
   2. The instruction cannot override the applicable law.
   3. A verbal instruction cancels the guard’s licence conditions.
   4. Workplace rules replace federal law during paid shifts.
   Show answer and explanation

   Correct answer: The instruction cannot override the applicable law.

   The code requires compliance with applicable laws and licence conditions. Post instructions guide the assignment but do not create an exemption from the law.

   Based on: s. 20(2)(b), (d), (e); source checked 2026-10-24

   Official reference ↗

3. A worker completed equipment training, but their licence does not authorize the weapon offered by the client. What is correct?

   1. The course certificate permits any weapon during a paid shift.
   2. The client’s written permission replaces all licence conditions.
   3. Training and client preference do not replace licence authorization.
   4. The worker may carry it until the next licence renewal.
   Show answer and explanation

   Correct answer: Training and client preference do not replace licence authorization.

   The regulation ties permitted weapon possession and use to applicable rules, licence authorization and employer issuance. A training certificate or client request alone does not meet those requirements.

   Based on: ss. 8–9; source checked 2026-10-24

   Official reference ↗

4. A licensee changes the address supplied to the Registrar. What is the ordinary reporting deadline under AR 52/2010?

   1. Report the covered change in writing within 30 days.
   2. Wait until the current two-year licence expires.
   3. Report it only if the employer changes as well.
   4. Wait until a member of the public files a complaint.
   Show answer and explanation

   Correct answer: Report the covered change in writing within 30 days.

   Section 3(3) sets a 30-day written reporting period for changes covered by SSIA section 18. Do not confuse this with the 24-hour rule for a lost licence or specified arrests and charges.

   Based on: s. 3(3); SSIA s. 18; source checked 2026-10-24

   Official reference ↗

5. A learner passes the provincial final exam but has not received a worker licence. What does the exam result establish?

   1. Training success, not automatic issuance of a worker licence.
   2. Permission to start all security work without further steps.
   3. Automatic authorization to operate a security business.
   4. Permission to lend the training certificate to a colleague.
   Show answer and explanation

   Correct answer: Training success, not automatic issuance of a worker licence.

   Passing the required training test is part of licensing, but it does not itself issue the worker licence. The application and applicable licensing requirements remain separate.

   Based on: s. 14; SSIA ss. 3, 38; source checked 2026-10-24

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6. Someone asks where to submit a statutory written complaint about an individual security licensee. Which is the initial channel?

   1. Only the guard personally, with no employer involvement.
   2. Any unrelated training provider in the province.
   3. A public social-media group chosen by the complainant.
   4. The individual licensee’s employer under the SSIA process.
   Show answer and explanation

   Correct answer: The individual licensee’s employer under the SSIA process.

   SSIA section 24 directs a written complaint about an individual licensee to that licensee’s employer within the statutory period. Further review routes exist; the guard must not obstruct the process.

   Based on: s. 24; source checked 2026-10-24

   Official reference ↗

7. A licensed guard discovers that their licence has been lost. Which reporting requirement applies?

   1. Report only if the missing licence is later used by someone.
   2. Wait for the next renewal before telling the Registrar.
   3. Tell a colleague and treat the reporting duty as complete.
   4. Report the loss to the Registrar in writing within 24 hours.
   Show answer and explanation

   Correct answer: Report the loss to the Registrar in writing within 24 hours.

   AR 52/2010 section 3(2) requires a written report to the Registrar within 24 hours of losing the licence. Reporting only to a supervisor or colleague does not fulfil that statutory duty.

   Based on: s. 3(2); source checked 2026-10-24

   Official reference ↗

8. A general training licensee is asked to drive the patrol vehicle while on duty. What restriction applies?

   1. Driving is allowed whenever the trainee has a driver’s licence.
   2. Driving is allowed if the client rides in the passenger seat.
   3. A general training licensee may not drive a vehicle on duty.
   4. Driving is allowed if the vehicle stays on private property.
   Show answer and explanation

   Correct answer: A general training licensee may not drive a vehicle on duty.

   Section 16(4) prohibits a general training licensee from driving a vehicle while on duty. An ordinary driver’s licence does not remove this separate security-training restriction.

   Based on: s. 16(4); source checked 2026-10-24

   Official reference ↗

9. During a shift, a guard notices a new hazard near a public entrance. Which response best fits the security role?

   1. Promise the public that no incident can occur.
   2. Ignore the area until a crime has been proved.
   3. Investigate unrelated customers for possible offences.
   4. Protect the area and report the observed hazard.
   Show answer and explanation

   Correct answer: Protect the area and report the observed hazard.

   Security work includes protecting people and property through observation and appropriate reporting. A new hazard deserves a response within the assignment, without inventing police authority or guarantees.

   Based on: Module 1, pp. 3–4; SSIA s. 3; source checked 2026-10-24

   Official reference ↗

10. A trainee changes security employers before completing the course. Can the trainee simply keep using the former employer’s training licence?

    1. Yes; the trainee can cross out the old employer’s details.
    2. Yes; the course receipt replaces the employer application.
    3. Yes; every training licence is portable between employers.
    4. No; the new employer must apply for the training licence.
    Show answer and explanation

    Correct answer: No; the new employer must apply for the training licence.

    Alberta’s worker guidance says training licences are not portable, and the employer submits the application. Do not apply the portability rule for a standard licence to a training licence.

    Based on: s. 15; worker page — Training licences; source checked 2026-10-24

    Official reference ↗

11. A proposed uniform closely resembles a police uniform. How should it be assessed?

    1. It is acceptable if the guard removes their licence card.
    2. It is acceptable whenever the client prefers it.
    3. It is acceptable if the guard never makes an arrest.
    4. It must not be used as a security-work uniform.
    Show answer and explanation

    Correct answer: It must not be used as a security-work uniform.

    The ministerial regulation prohibits a security uniform resembling one used by police or other law-enforcement agencies. Client preference and the guard’s intentions do not override that restriction.

    Based on: s. 21(2); source checked 2026-10-24

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12. A guard with a valid standard individual licence changes to another licensed employer. Which statement is correct?

    1. The former employer owns the guard’s individual licence.
    2. The licence can remain portable between employers.
    3. The licence automatically becomes a training licence.
    4. The licence must be lent to the replacement guard.
    Show answer and explanation

    Correct answer: The licence can remain portable between employers.

    A standard individual licence can be used with more than one licensed employer during its valid term, subject to its conditions. Employer reporting duties remain; a training licence has different portability rules.

    Based on: s. 12; current worker page — Licensing; source checked 2026-10-24

    Official reference ↗

13. While a guard is on duty, a member of the public asks to see the guard’s licence identification card. What is required?

    1. Present the licence identification card on request.
    2. Show the card only if the requester is a police officer.
    3. Give the requester a different worker’s licence number.
    4. Show only the employer’s badge instead of the card.
    Show answer and explanation

    Correct answer: Present the licence identification card on request.

    AR 55/2010 section 24 requires the individual licensee to carry the licence identification card while on duty and present it to any person on request. A badge is not a substitute.

    Based on: s. 24(2); source checked 2026-10-24

    Official reference ↗

14. A licensee proposes using “security officer” on their work identification. Which Alberta rule is relevant?

    1. The title is permitted only on an evening shift.
    2. SSIA section 40 prohibits that title in licensed work.
    3. The title is permitted whenever the client approves it.
    4. The title automatically grants limited police status.
    Show answer and explanation

    Correct answer: SSIA section 40 prohibits that title in licensed work.

    SSIA section 40 specifically includes security officer among prohibited titles connected with the licensed business or employment. Do not assume terminology used in another province is allowed in Alberta.

    Based on: s. 40; source checked 2026-10-24

    Official reference ↗

15. Who may supervise a general training licensee under AR 55/2010 section 16?

    1. A current same-class licensee with at least two years holding that class.
    2. Any client who agrees to watch the trainee’s activities.
    3. Any experienced employee, even without a current licence.
    4. Any person who recently registered for the same course.
    Show answer and explanation

    Correct answer: A current same-class licensee with at least two years holding that class.

    Section 16(3) requires supervision by an individual who currently holds, and has held for at least two years, a valid licence in the same class. General experience alone is insufficient.

    Based on: s. 16(3); source checked 2026-10-24

    Official reference ↗

16. A friend asks a guard to send an incident photograph for a social-media post. Which response is appropriate?

    1. Decline unauthorized sharing of confidential work material.
    2. Send it because the photograph was taken during work.
    3. Send it after removing only the guard’s own name.
    4. Post it first so the friend can copy the public version.
    Show answer and explanation

    Correct answer: Decline unauthorized sharing of confidential work material.

    Confidentiality is part of the required code of conduct. Work access to an incident photograph does not authorize sharing it for personal publicity or social-media discussion.

    Based on: s. 20(2)(i); source checked 2026-10-24

    Official reference ↗

17. A client asks a guard to change a report so it falsely shows an earlier arrival. What should the guard do?

    1. Change the time because the client owns the premises.
    2. Delete the first report and quietly sign the replacement.
    3. Choose whichever time makes the security team look better.
    4. Keep the record accurate and raise the improper request.
    Show answer and explanation

    Correct answer: Keep the record accurate and raise the improper request.

    The required code of conduct includes honesty and prohibits false or misleading statements. A client’s request does not justify falsifying an incident record.

    Based on: s. 20(2)(a), (h); source checked 2026-10-24

    Official reference ↗

18. A worker has an individual security licence and wants to advertise an independent security business. What else must be considered?

    1. A business licence is needed only after hiring staff.
    2. The separate business-licensing requirements apply.
    3. An individual card authorizes any security business.
    4. A client’s verbal permission replaces a business licence.
    Show answer and explanation

    Correct answer: The separate business-licensing requirements apply.

    An individual licence does not authorize holding yourself out as a business providing security work. The business-licensing requirements are separate, even for a person who already holds a worker licence.

    Based on: s. 11; source checked 2026-10-24

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19. A licence has been suspended, but its printed expiry date is still months away. How may the worker represent it?

    1. It becomes valid whenever the employer schedules another shift.
    2. It remains valid for clients who do not ask about the suspension.
    3. It remains valid because only the printed expiry date matters.
    4. It cannot be represented as a valid licence during suspension.
    Show answer and explanation

    Correct answer: It cannot be represented as a valid licence during suspension.

    SSIA section 39(d) prohibits representing a suspended licence as valid. The printed expiry date does not cancel a suspension or authorize continued licensed work.

    Based on: s. 39(d); source checked 2026-10-24

    Official reference ↗

20. A licensee is charged with a Criminal Code offence. May they wait for the trial result before reporting it to the Registrar?

    1. Yes; the employer can waive the Registrar’s reporting rule.
    2. Yes; only a conviction triggers the written reporting rule.
    3. No; the specified charge must be reported within 24 hours.
    4. Yes; reporting is unnecessary if the charge is disputed.
    Show answer and explanation

    Correct answer: No; the specified charge must be reported within 24 hours.

    The individual reporting rule concerns the arrest or charge, not only a later conviction. Section 3(1) requires a written report to the Registrar within 24 hours for the specified federal offences.

    Based on: s. 3(1); source checked 2026-10-24

    Official reference ↗

21. A loss-prevention worker is exempt from routine uniform requirements, but the employer requires a uniform. What follows?

    1. The employer can waive the regulation’s uniform requirements.
    2. The exemption allows any police-style uniform the worker prefers.
    3. The worker may replace required security lettering with any title.
    4. The uniform worn must still comply with the regulation.
    Show answer and explanation

    Correct answer: The uniform worn must still comply with the regulation.

    Section 22 exempts specified classes, including loss prevention, from the general requirement to wear a uniform. If the employer requires one, section 22(2) says it must comply with section 21.

    Based on: s. 22(1)–(2); source checked 2026-10-24

    Official reference ↗

22. A guard leaves a security company that issued an authorized badge. What must happen to that badge?

    1. Attach it to the uniform of the next employer.
    2. Give it to a friend who is applying for the same job.
    3. Return the badge to the issuing business licensee.
    4. Keep it because an individual licence can be portable.
    Show answer and explanation

    Correct answer: Return the badge to the issuing business licensee.

    Section 23(4) requires return of the employer-issued badge when employment ends. Portability of the individual licence does not transfer ownership or authority over the former employer’s badge.

    Based on: s. 23(4); source checked 2026-10-24

    Official reference ↗

23. A colleague offers a guard their licence card because the guard forgot theirs. What should the guard do?

    1. Use it until the colleague’s next scheduled shift.
    2. Decline to use a licence issued to someone else.
    3. Use it if both workers have the same employer.
    4. Use it after covering the colleague’s photograph.
    Show answer and explanation

    Correct answer: Decline to use a licence issued to someone else.

    SSIA section 39 prohibits transferring a licence for another person’s use and representing someone else’s licence as your own. Shared employment does not remove the prohibition.

    Based on: s. 39(b)–(c); source checked 2026-10-24

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24. A guard receives a complaint about another licensee’s conduct. What should they avoid?

    1. Passing the complaint through the authorized process.
    2. Hiding the complaint to protect a colleague.
    3. Explaining the appropriate employer complaint channel.
    4. Recording the information received without adding facts.
    Show answer and explanation

    Correct answer: Hiding the complaint to protect a colleague.

    The required code prohibits withholding or suppressing complaints and reports about another licensee. Professional loyalty does not justify hiding a complaint.

    Based on: s. 20(2)(g); source checked 2026-10-24

    Official reference ↗