Arkansas Private Security Officer Practice Test 2026
Arkansas Private Security Officers are credentialed by the Arkansas State Police after at least 8 hours of Phase I training and an in-person exam of at least 70 questions, which you pass with 70%. These questions cover Arkansas's own rules first, then general security officer knowledge.
Quick answer
The Arkansas private security officer examination has 70 questions. Pass mark: 70% or above. It is run by the Arkansas State Police, Regulatory Services Division. Minimum age: 18 (21 for a commission). Practise here for free with 84 questions, each with the answer and an explanation. Checked against official sources on October 17, 2026.
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Question 1 of 23
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Answer: D. The Arkansas State Police
The Arkansas State Police administers the licensing rules for private investigators and private security.
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Question 2 of 23
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Answer: D. Private Security Officer
Arkansas issues Private Security Officer (PSO), Commissioned Security Officer (CSO) and Commissioned School Security Officer (CSSO) credentials.
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Question 3 of 23
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Answer: D. Phase I training and an exam
Under 17 CAR 350-1001, a PSO needs Phase I training and an examination.
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Question 4 of 23
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Answer: C. At least 8 hours
Rule 17 CAR 350-1004 requires a minimum of eight hours of Phase I training for PSO, CSO and CSSO applicants.
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Question 5 of 23
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Answer: D. Legal authority, classification of crimes, arrests and detentions, use of force, and report writing
Phase I covers legal authority, classification of crimes, arrests and detentions, deadly and nondeadly force, the licensing Act and rules, and field notes and report writing.
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Question 6 of 23
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Answer: C. 70
Rule 17 CAR 350-1017 sets at least 70 questions for PSO, 100 for CSO and 120 for CSSO.
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Question 7 of 23
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Answer: C. 70% or above
Scoring seventy percent or above on the examination counts as successful completion.
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Question 8 of 23
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Answer: A. In person
Rule 17 CAR 350-1017 says the examination must be taken in person.
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Question 9 of 23
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Answer: A. 5 working days
A failed applicant must wait five working days to retest.
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Question 10 of 23
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Answer: D. The pending application is canceled
After two failed attempts, the pending application is canceled.
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Question 11 of 23
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Answer: A. 18
A.C.A. 17-40-306 requires applicants to be at least 18 at the time of application.
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Question 12 of 23
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Answer: D. 21
A.C.A. 17-40-337 says a commission is not issued to anyone under 21.
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Question 13 of 23
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Answer: C. No, carrying a firearm requires a security officer commission
A.C.A. 17-40-301 bars an officer from carrying a firearm unless the director has issued a security officer commission.
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Question 14 of 23
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Answer: D. At least 16, including classroom and range hours
Phase II is at least 16 hours: at least eight classroom hours and eight firing range hours.
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Question 15 of 23
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Answer: B. 2 years
A.C.A. 17-40-329 says the credential expires two years from the date it is issued.
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Question 16 of 23
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Answer: A. At least 6 hours, completed within the 12 months before renewal
PSO renewal training is at least six hours on Phase I subjects, done in the twelve months before renewal.
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Question 17 of 23
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Answer: C. It cannot be renewed
Under A.C.A. 17-40-313, a credential not renewed within six months after expiration shall not be renewed after that.
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Question 18 of 23
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Answer: C. 14 days
Rule 17 CAR 350-214 requires the application within fourteen days of the hire.
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Question 19 of 23
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Answer: C. Only under supervision, in the line of sight of the licensee or a credential holder
The rules allow work under supervision, meaning watching and directing in line-of-sight proximity at all times.
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Question 20 of 23
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Answer: B. In plain sight
Rule 17 CAR 350-506 requires the card to be worn in plain sight and produced on request.
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Question 21 of 23
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Answer: A. They cannot resemble those worn by police agencies in Arkansas
Rule 17 CAR 350-507 says badges, uniforms and insignia cannot resemble those of Arkansas police agencies.
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Question 22 of 23
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Answer: B. Current, active certified law enforcement officers
Rule 17 CAR 350-1007 exempts certified law enforcement officers from the training, but only if they are current, active officers.
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Question 23 of 23
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Answer: D. Return it immediately
A.C.A. 17-40-329 says the card must be returned immediately upon termination.
Keyboard: 1–4 to answer, Enter for the next question.
The real test: 70% or above
What to know before the test
- A Private Security Officer (PSO) needs Phase I training of at least 8 hours and an exam.
- The PSO exam has at least 70 questions, is taken in person, and you pass with 70% or above.
- After a failed exam you wait five working days to retest. Two failed attempts cancel the pending application.
- You must be at least 18 for a PSO credential and at least 21 for a commission, which is needed to carry a firearm.
- A PSO credential expires two years after it is issued. PSO renewal training is at least 6 hours within the 12 months before renewal.
- While on duty, wear your pocket ID or credential card in plain sight and show it on request.
Frequently asked questions
How many hours of training does an Arkansas Private Security Officer need?
At least 8 hours of Phase I training. Commissioned (armed) officers add at least 16 hours of Phase II, including range training.
How many questions are on the Arkansas Private Security Officer exam?
At least 70. Commissioned officer exams have at least 100 questions and commissioned school security officer exams at least 120. You need 70% or above.
What happens if I fail the Arkansas exam?
You wait five working days before retesting. If you fail twice, your pending application is canceled.
How old do I have to be to work security in Arkansas?
At least 18 for a Private Security Officer credential and at least 21 for a commission to carry a firearm.
Can I work before my Arkansas credential is issued?
Your employer must file your application within 14 days of hire. Until it is processed, you may work only under line-of-sight supervision, and not in an armed role.