Sample Questions
Practice BST questions with verified answers
Here are sample questions from our complete 200-question bank demonstrating the core concepts tested on the BC Security Guard exam.
Sample Question 1
Under British Columbia's Security Services Act, who issues and oversees security worker licences?
- A. The Registrar of Security Services (Security Programs Division) ✓
- B. The Justice Institute of British Columbia Police Academy
- C. The Workers' Compensation Board of British Columbia (WorkSafeBC)
- D. The Royal Canadian Mounted Police Provincial Divisional Headquarters
Explanation: Security worker licences in British Columbia are issued and regulated by the Registrar of Security Services within the Security Programs Division of the Ministry of Public Safety and Solicitor General.
Sample Question 2
What is a licensed security guard in BC legally required to do with their licence while on duty?
- A. Carry the licence and present it for inspection upon request by any person ✓
- B. Leave the original licence document safely at home in a locked fireproof safe
- C. Display the licence visibly on their vehicle's front windshield at all times
- D. Hand the physical licence to any member of the public who requests to keep it
Explanation: Under Section 13 of the Security Services Act, security workers must carry their licence on duty and produce it for inspection upon request.
Sample Question 3
Within how many days must a licensed security worker notify the Registrar of a change in residential address?
- A. Within 14 days of changing your legal residential address ✓
- B. Within 30 days of changing your legal residential address
- C. Within 60 days of changing your legal residential address according to the standard operating procedures and guidelines in effect
- D. Upon renewal of your security worker licence after three years
Explanation: Under the Security Services Act, licensees must notify the Registrar in writing within 14 days of any change of address or criminal charge.
Sample Question 4
Are security guards in BC legally permitted to carry handcuffs or batons without specific licence conditions?
- A. No, carrying restraints or batons requires specific Advanced Security training and licence endorsement ✓
- B. Yes, all licensed security guards are automatically authorized to carry batons on duty as specified in regulations
- C. Yes, provided the security guard purchased the equipment from an authorized uniform retailer
- D. Only when working night shifts between midnight and 6 AM on commercial construction properties when operating in accordance with established provincial requirements
Explanation: Security guards in BC may not carry or use restraints (handcuffs) or batons unless they have completed approved Advanced Security Training (AST) and have that condition on their licence.
Frequently Asked Questions
Everything you need to know about BC Security Guard Licensing
Who needs a Security Worker Licence in British Columbia?+
Anyone working in private security in BC (including security guards, door staff/bouncers, patrol guards, loss prevention officers, private investigators, and armored car guards) must hold a valid Security Worker Licence issued by the Registrar of Security Services.
What are the requirements to get a security licence in BC?+
You must be at least 19 years old, legally entitled to work in Canada, fluent in English, have a clean criminal record, and successfully complete the 40-hour Basic Security Training (BST) course and provincial exam.
What is the passing mark on the JIBC BST exam?+
The provincial BST exam consists of 100 multiple-choice questions with a 2-hour time limit. You need 60% (60/100) to pass.
How long is a BC Security Worker Licence valid?+
A standard security worker licence in British Columbia is valid for 1, 2, or 3 years depending on the duration requested and approved upon application/renewal.