Québec Security Guard (BSP): Private Security Act and the agent licence

All 22 questions in this test

Every question and its answer choices. The correct answers and explanations appear when you take the test above.

1. An employee guards a factory entrance only for their employer, which is not a security business. When do they need a licence?

   1. Only if the factory has more than 50 employees
   2. If guarding is their main activity
   3. Never, because the employer is not an agency
   4. Only if they work nights and weekends

2. A self-employed person offers guarding to clients. Which licences do they need?

   1. An agent licence and an agency licence
   2. A municipal business permit is enough
   3. Only a guarding agent licence
   4. Only a guarding agency licence

3. What happens if an agent does not pay the annual fees?

   1. They just receive a friendly reminder letter once each year
   2. The licence is suspended, then revoked if still unpaid
   3. Their employer pays automatically for them
   4. Nothing, the fees are optional for agents

4. Before suspending a licence, how long must the BSP give the holder to submit observations?

   1. At least 48 hours, in all cases
   2. At least 30 days, without exception
   3. At least 10 days, except in an emergency
   4. The Act sets no time limit at all

5. An agent wants to contest the revocation of their licence. Where do they do so?

   1. The joint committee for security agents
   2. The labour standards commission
   3. The Tribunal administratif du Québec
   4. The Small Claims Court

6. Does any criminal conviction always prevent getting an agent licence?

   1. Yes, unless it is more than two years old
   2. Yes, any conviction bars a licence for life
   3. No, the BSP never checks convictions at all
   4. No, only one related to the activity and not pardoned

7. What status in Canada is required for an agent licence?

   1. No particular status is required
   2. Canadian citizenship only, proven by a passport or birth certificate
   3. Five years' residence in Québec only
   4. Citizenship, permanent residence or a work permit

8. Which of these people is not covered by the Private Security Act when guarding premises?

   1. A volunteer
   2. A paid summer student
   3. An agency employee in training
   4. A part-time agent

9. An agent changes employer. By when must the BSP register be updated?

   1. Before the end of the calendar year
   2. Within 30 days after the change
   3. Within 7 days after the change
   4. Only when the licence is renewed

10. What is the minimum age for a guarding agent licence in Québec?

    1. 21
    2. 19
    3. 16
    4. 18

11. Under Québec's Private Security Act, what is guarding (gardiennage)?

    1. Transporting valuables in an armoured vehicle
    2. Watching over or protecting people, property or places
    3. Searching for information about another person's conduct
    4. Installing alarm systems that protect against theft

12. What is the maximum length of a temporary agent licence?

    1. 30 days
    2. 60 days
    3. 120 days
    4. One year

13. An agent's licence is revoked. By when must it be returned to the BSP?

    1. Within 15 days of the decision
    2. Within 60 days of the decision
    3. Within 48 hours of the decision
    4. It may be kept as a souvenir

14. Besides the agent doing the guarding, who else must hold an agent licence?

    1. The owner of the guarded building
    2. Their immediate supervisor
    3. The client who signed the contract
    4. The site's union representative

15. In which case must the BSP revoke an agent licence?

    1. The agent works in two regions
    2. The agent changes employer twice
    3. The agent no longer has good character
    4. The agent once forgets the licence

16. For how long is an agent licence issued or renewed?

    1. Five years
    2. Three years
    3. Ten years
    4. One year

17. Which police force checks applicants' records and good character?

    1. The RCMP
    2. The Sûreté du Québec
    3. The École nationale de police
    4. The city police service

18. Is the BSP register of licence holders open to the public?

    1. No, only police may consult it
    2. Yes, the register is public
    3. No, only employers may see it
    4. Yes, but only with a warrant

19. A security agent takes a clerical job with a police service. What does the Act say?

    1. It is allowed with the agency's approval
    2. It is allowed if they work under 20 hours
    3. It is allowed, since they are not an officer
    4. It is incompatible and the licence will be revoked

20. An agent is charged with a criminal offence. When must they tell the BSP?

    1. Within 90 days
    2. At licence renewal
    3. Without delay
    4. Only if convicted

21. For how many years can an earlier refusal or revocation justify refusing a licence?

    1. Five years
    2. Ten years
    3. Two years
    4. One year

22. Does a security agent licence holder have the status of a peace officer?

    1. No, the Act says they never do
    2. Yes, if wearing the agency's uniform
    3. Yes, but only during working hours
    4. Yes, on the client's private property