Active Threat and Lockdown Course for Guards 2026
This course is for security guards and front-line staff in offices, malls, schools, hospitals and other public places. It explains what an active threat is, the run, hide, defend options, the difference between lockdown, hold and secure and shelter in place, and how to work with police when they arrive.
Quick answer
This free course has about 15 minutes of lessons and a 25-question test. Score 80% or more to download a certificate of completion (private, not accredited). Checked against official sources on October 11, 2026.
What you will learn
- Describe what an active threat is and the guard's role
- Choose between escaping, hiding and defending as a last resort
- Tell the difference between lockdown, hold and secure, and shelter in place
- Give 911 the information police need
- Act safely when police arrive
Score 80% or more to download your certificate.
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Question 1 of 25
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Answer: C. A person actively trying to kill or seriously hurt people
An active threat is someone actively killing or trying to kill people, usually in a crowded or confined place.
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Question 2 of 25
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Answer: B. Raise the alarm, help people to safety and call 911
Guards are not police; their role is to alert, help people escape or hide, and support police.
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Question 3 of 25
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Answer: D. Escape
If there is a safe way out, leave right away; hiding and defending come after.
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Question 4 of 25
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Answer: B. Leave them behind
Taking belongings costs time; leave them and get out.
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Question 5 of 25
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Answer: A. Urge them to come, but do not delay your own escape
Help others leave, but do not wait if they will not move.
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Question 6 of 25
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Answer: B. Call 911 and keep others from going into the area
Call 911 when safe and stop others from entering the danger area.
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Question 7 of 25
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Answer: A. Hide out of sight, lock or barricade the door and stay silent
If you cannot escape, hide: get out of sight, lock or barricade, silence your phone.
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Question 8 of 25
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Answer: D. Silence it
A ringing phone can give away your hiding place.
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Question 9 of 25
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Answer: B. Only as a last resort when your life is in immediate danger
Defending is the last option, only when escape and hiding are not possible and your life is at risk.
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Question 10 of 25
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Answer: B. Reasonable in the circumstances
Section 34 requires a reasonable belief that force is being used, a protective purpose, and an act that is reasonable in the circumstances.
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Question 11 of 25
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Answer: C. Hold and secure
Hold and secure is used for threats nearby but not on or right next to the property.
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Question 12 of 25
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Answer: D. Outside doors are locked and normal activity can continue inside
In a hold and secure, people stay inside with outside doors locked, and normal activity can usually continue.
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Question 13 of 25
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Answer: B. Lockdown
Lockdown is used when the threat is in or near the building.
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Question 14 of 25
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Answer: A. Shelter in place
Shelter in place is for outside hazards like airborne chemicals or extreme weather.
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Question 15 of 25
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Answer: C. Shut them off
Shutting off fans and heating or cooling keeps outside air from being drawn in.
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Question 16 of 25
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Answer: A. Keep it closed unless you have a plan; police or security will announce themselves
Do not open the door unless you have a plan; police or security will announce themselves.
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Question 17 of 25
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Answer: B. Lie on the floor behind something solid
Lying low behind solid cover reduces your chance of being hit.
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Question 18 of 25
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Answer: A. When police or security say it is over
Stay in lockdown until police or security tell you otherwise.
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Question 19 of 25
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Answer: D. Your exact location and the number and description of attackers
Police need your location, the attackers, any weapons and any injuries.
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Question 20 of 25
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Answer: D. Leave the line open so the call-taker can hear
An open line lets the call-taker hear what is happening without you talking.
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Question 21 of 25
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Answer: D. Drop it and keep your hands visible
Drop items, raise your hands slowly with fingers spread, and follow instructions.
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Question 22 of 25
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Answer: A. Their first priority is to find and stop the threat
Stopping the threat saves the most lives; medical help follows as soon as it is safe.
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Question 23 of 25
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Answer: B. Building maps, keys or access cards, staff lists and key phone numbers
Police can move faster with maps, keys, staff lists and contacts.
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Question 24 of 25
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Answer: D. Learn every exit and how to lock rooms on your site
Knowing exits and lock procedures lets you act quickly instead of searching.
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Question 25 of 25
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Answer: B. Write them as soon as you are allowed and give them to police as needed
Fresh, accurate notes help the police investigation.
Keyboard: 1–4 to answer, Enter for the next question.
What to know before the test
- Police in Canada teach three options in an active threat: escape if you can, hide if you cannot, and defend yourself only if you must.
- When you call 911, give your exact location, the number and description of attackers, any weapons seen or heard, and any known injuries.
- When police arrive, drop what you are holding, keep your hands visible and follow instructions. Officers may pass injured people to stop the threat first.
- Hold and secure is used when a threat is nearby but not on site; lockdown is used when the threat is in or near the building.
- Shelter in place is used for outside hazards like airborne chemicals or extreme weather, when leaving is not safe.
- Under section 34 of the Criminal Code, self-defence must be for protection and reasonable in the circumstances.
Frequently asked questions
What is the difference between lockdown and hold and secure?
Hold and secure means a threat is nearby but not on your property: lock the outside doors and carry on inside. Lockdown means the threat is in or near the building: lock or barricade, hide, stay silent and wait for police.
Should a security guard confront an active attacker?
No. A guard's job is to raise the alarm, help people escape or hide, call 911 and help police with information, keys and maps. Defending yourself is only a last resort when your life is in danger.
What should I do when police arrive?
Stay calm, drop anything in your hands, keep your hands visible with fingers spread, do not run toward officers or point, and follow their instructions.
Do I open the door during a lockdown if someone knocks?
Not unless you have a plan for it. Police or security will announce themselves, and you stay in lockdown until they tell you it is over.
Is the certificate accredited or officially recognised?
No. It is a private certificate of completion for knowledge only. It is not recognised, accredited or approved by any government, licensing body, regulator or educational institution, and it does not replace the security licence training required in your province or territory.