PassEveryTest

Security guard

BC Security Guard Test (BST) Practice 2026

Practise for the Basic Security Training (BST) final exam that the Justice Institute of British Columbia runs for the province's Security Programs Division. The real exam has 75 questions in 90 minutes, and you need 70%. Practice test 1 covers BC's own rules, and the other sets cover topics taught across Canada.

Read before you practiseStart with the BC Security Guard Study Guide (BST): plain-language notes, diagrams and the numbers to remember.

  1. Question 1 of 20

    Which British Columbia law governs security worker licences?
    Show answer

    Answer: B. Security Services Act

    BC licenses security workers under the Security Services Act. The code of conduct for security workers is in the Security Services Regulation.

  2. Question 2 of 20

    Who issues security worker licences in British Columbia?
    Show answer

    Answer: A. The Security Programs Division of the Ministry of Public Safety and Solicitor General

    Licences come from the Security Programs Division. JIBC delivers Basic Security Training for the province but does not issue licences.

  3. Question 3 of 20

    How old must you be to apply for a BC security worker licence?
    Show answer

    Answer: D. 19

    You must be 19 to apply for a security worker licence in British Columbia.

  4. Question 4 of 20

    How many questions are on the BC Basic Security Training (BST) final exam?
    Show answer

    Answer: D. 75

    The BST final assessment has 75 questions and a 90-minute time limit.

  5. Question 5 of 20

    What is the time limit for the BST final exam?
    Show answer

    Answer: D. 90 minutes

    You have 90 minutes to answer the 75 questions.

  6. Question 6 of 20

    What is the pass mark for the BST final exam?
    Show answer

    Answer: B. 70%

    A score of 70% or higher passes. Your score is shown as soon as you finish.

  7. Question 7 of 20

    How many hours of theory does the BC Basic Security Training course include?
    Show answer

    Answer: B. 40 hours

    BST is 40 hours of theory, taken in class or online and self-paced, followed by a separate final exam.

  8. Question 8 of 20

    How many attempts do you get at the BST final exam before you must retake the theory course?
    Show answer

    Answer: C. Two

    There is a maximum of two attempts. After two unsuccessful attempts you must take the theory course again.

  9. Question 9 of 20

    Within what time after finishing the BST theory course must you complete the final exam?
    Show answer

    Answer: C. Six months

    The final assessment must be completed within six months of finishing the theory course.

  10. Question 10 of 20

    Can you use notes or the course book during the BST final exam?
    Show answer

    Answer: A. No. It is closed book, and web browsers and AI tools are also not allowed

    The BST exam is closed book, whether written in person or online with a remote proctor.

  11. Question 11 of 20

    Under BC's rules, which item is a security worker banned from carrying while doing security work?
    Show answer

    Answer: D. A badge

    BC security workers may not carry a badge. Your licence is your identification.

  12. Question 12 of 20

    Which kind of belt are BC security workers banned from wearing on duty?
    Show answer

    Answer: A. An over-the-shoulder Sam Browne belt linked to a waist belt

    The Sam Browne style, with a strap over the shoulder linked to the waist belt, is not allowed for BC security workers.

  13. Question 13 of 20

    Which items are BC security workers banned from carrying or using?
    Show answer

    Answer: A. Items designed to injure or control people, such as batons, pepper spray and tasers

    BC does not allow security workers to carry or use weapons designed to injure or control people. Restraints such as handcuffs need a separate authorization on the licence.

  14. Question 14 of 20

    What must a BC security worker do after using force?
    Show answer

    Answer: C. Record it on a Use of Force Incident Report (SPD Form 0513) or an equivalent, and give it to their manager

    Every use of force must be recorded on SPD Form 0513 or an equivalent document. If you work for a security business, give the form to your manager.

  15. Question 15 of 20

    Under BC's rules for security workers, which of these counts as a use of force that must be recorded?
    Show answer

    Answer: D. Blocking a person's way or physically holding them

    BC treats blocking access, physically moving or restraining someone, using handcuffs and using a weapon as force.

  16. Question 16 of 20

    What proof of licence must a BC security worker carry while working?
    Show answer

    Answer: B. The valid physical licence

    You must carry your valid, physical licence. A photo is not accepted, and working with an expired licence is not allowed.

  17. Question 17 of 20

    In BC, which security workers do not have to show their licence to anyone who asks?
    Show answer

    Answer: B. Armoured car guards and door security at liquor establishments

    Most BC security workers must show their licence on request. Armoured car guards and liquor establishment door security are the exceptions.

  18. Question 18 of 20

    In BC, to whom may you hand over your security licence?
    Show answer

    Answer: D. Only Special Provincial Constables acting for the Registrar, or police officers

    You show your licence on request, but you give it up only to Special Provincial Constables under the Registrar's authority or to police.

  19. Question 19 of 20

    How often must BC Advanced Security Training (AST), used for a restraints authorization, be renewed?
    Show answer

    Answer: A. Every three years

    AST must be renewed every three years to keep the authorization to use restraints.

  20. Question 20 of 20

    A security worker licence from which of these provinces can qualify you for a full BC security guard licence?
    Show answer

    Answer: C. Alberta

    BC accepts a security worker licence from Alberta, Saskatchewan, Manitoba or Ontario instead of BST for a full security guard licence.

What to know before the test

  • BST is 40 hours of theory, taken in class or online and self-paced, followed by a separate final exam.
  • The final exam has 75 questions, a 90-minute limit and a 70% pass mark. It is closed book, and you see your score when you finish.
  • You get a maximum of two attempts, and the exam must be done within six months of finishing the theory course.
  • Most students write at JIBC in New Westminster. Students who live outside the Lower Mainland can write online with a remote proctor.
  • JIBC stopped issuing BST certificates on December 15, 2025. The Security Programs Division now checks course completion with JIBC.
  • BC security workers may not carry a badge, a baton, pepper spray or a taser, and must record every use of force on SPD Form 0513 or an equivalent.

Frequently asked questions

How many questions are on the BC BST exam?

75 multiple-choice questions. You have 90 minutes and need 70% to pass.

What happens if I fail the BST exam?

You can try once more, and each rewrite has a fee. After two unsuccessful attempts you must take the 40-hour theory course again.

Can I write the BST exam online?

Only if you live outside the Lower Mainland. You register through JIBC and write with remote proctoring software. Everyone else writes in person at JIBC in New Westminster.

I am licensed in another province. Do I need BST?

A security worker licence from Alberta, Saskatchewan, Manitoba or Ontario can qualify you for a full BC security guard licence. Some police, corrections and sheriff experience is also accepted.

Can BC security guards use handcuffs?

Only with a restraints authorization on the licence, usually through Advanced Security Training (AST), which must be renewed every three years.

Sources

Related tests