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British Columbia Security Law and Trespass Course 2026

This course is for security guards in British Columbia. It covers the Security Services Act and Regulation, the rules for licences, uniforms, vehicles and equipment, BC's Trespass Act, and arrest and use of force under the Criminal Code. It does not replace Basic Security Training.

  • Course
  • British Columbia
  • 25 questions
  • Checked October 12, 2026

Quick answer

This free course has about 20 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 12, 2026.

Start with the lessonsBritish Columbia Security Law and Trespass Course: Lessons: about 20 minutes of reading. Every test question is covered in the lessons.

What you will learn

  • Explain who needs a BC security worker licence and what it shows
  • Follow BC rules on carrying the licence, reporting changes, uniforms and vehicles
  • Apply BC's conduct conditions and use-of-force reporting
  • Give trespass notice under BC's Trespass Act
  • Explain why guards rely on the Criminal Code, not the Trespass Act, to arrest

Score 80% or more to download your certificate.

  1. Question 1 of 25

    Which BC law licenses security guards and other security workers?
    Show answer

    Answer: A. The Security Services Act

    Security workers in BC are licensed under the Security Services Act and the Security Services Regulation.

  2. Question 2 of 25

    Unless exempt, what minimum age does BC's Security Services Act set for a security worker licence?
    Show answer

    Answer: A. 19

    Section 3 of the Act requires an applicant to be at least 19 years of age, unless exempt by regulation.

  3. Question 3 of 25

    Who does BC's Security Services Act say the minister must appoint to oversee licensing?
    Show answer

    Answer: D. A Registrar of Security Services

    Section 49 says the minister must appoint a Registrar of Security Services under the Public Service Act.

  4. Question 4 of 25

    Under BC's Security Services Act, which work is part of a "security guard service"?
    Show answer

    Answer: C. Door security at a licensed bar

    The Act's definition of security guard service includes door security at an establishment licensed under the Liquor Control and Licensing Act.

  5. Question 5 of 25

    Under section 8 of the Security Services Act, what must a licensed security worker do while working?
    Show answer

    Answer: B. Carry it and show it when asked

    Section 8 requires the licence holder to carry the licence and produce it on request of any person they present themselves to as a security worker.

  6. Question 6 of 25

    Can a BC guard carry a photo of their licence on their phone instead of the card?
    Show answer

    Answer: B. No, it must be the physical licence

    The province says you cannot carry a photograph of the licence; it must be the physical copy.

  7. Question 7 of 25

    Which BC security workers does the province say do NOT have to show their licence to anyone who asks?
    Show answer

    Answer: A. Armoured car guards

    The province makes an exception for armoured car guards and for door security at liquor establishments.

  8. Question 8 of 25

    A licensed BC guard is charged with a crime. Under section 9 of the Act, how soon must they report it to the registrar?
    Show answer

    Answer: D. Within 14 days

    Section 9 requires a report within 14 days of a change of address, a charge, or a conviction.

  9. Question 9 of 25

    Which words does section 44(5) of BC's Security Services Act ban from describing your security work?
    Show answer

    Answer: A. "Police" and "peace officer"

    Section 44(5) bars "detective", "law enforcement", "peace officer" and "police", alone or with other words, to describe security work or a security business.

  10. Question 10 of 25

    Under the Security Services Regulation, how high must the word SECURITY be on the chest of a guard's uniform shirt?
    Show answer

    Answer: A. At least 1.25 cm

    Section 12 requires the word SECURITY on the chest in letters at least 1.25 cm high.

  11. Question 11 of 25

    If a BC guard wears a jacket or vest, what does section 12 of the Regulation require on the back?
    Show answer

    Answer: A. SECURITY, at least 5 cm high

    Section 12 requires SECURITY on the back of an outer garment in letters at least 5 cm high.

  12. Question 12 of 25

    Which item is a BC guard NOT allowed to carry or wear while doing security work?
    Show answer

    Answer: A. An ID badge

    Section 12(3) of the Regulation and the provincial rules bar ID badges and Sam Browne belts.

  13. Question 13 of 25

    What must a BC security guard service vehicle show?
    Show answer

    Answer: A. SECURITY on both sides, 7.5 cm or more

    Section 10 of the Regulation requires SECURITY on both sides in letters at least 7.5 cm high, plus the employer's name and phone number, and bars markings or light bars that look like police or emergency vehicles.

  14. Question 14 of 25

    Under BC rules, may a security guard carry pepper spray or a baton on duty?
    Show answer

    Answer: B. No, these items are banned

    Section 11 of the Regulation bars items designed to debilitate or control a person; the province names tasers, pepper spray and batons.

  15. Question 15 of 25

    A BC guard stands in a doorway to block a person from leaving. How does the province treat this?
    Show answer

    Answer: C. It is force and must be recorded

    BC counts blocking access as force and requires a use-of-force record on SPD Form 0513 or an equivalent.

  16. Question 16 of 25

    Section 14 of BC's Security Services Regulation lists conduct conditions. Which is one of them?
    Show answer

    Answer: A. Do not misrepresent your authority

    Section 14(o) says a licensee must not misrepresent the licence or their authority under the law.

  17. Question 17 of 25

    Under BC's Trespass Act, which of these counts as "enclosed land"?
    Show answer

    Answer: A. Land with a lawful fence

    Section 1 defines enclosed land to include land surrounded by a lawful fence or a natural boundary, or land posted with signs under section 4(1).

  18. Question 18 of 25

    Under section 4 of BC's Trespass Act, how may notice that entry is prohibited be given?
    Show answer

    Answer: B. Orally, in writing or by a sign

    Section 4(2) allows notice orally, in writing, or by a sign posted at or near an ordinary point of access.

  19. Question 19 of 25

    A sign shows a picture of a skateboard with an oblique line drawn through it. Under BC's Trespass Act, what does it do?
    Show answer

    Answer: C. It gives notice the activity is banned

    Section 4(3) says a sign naming or showing an activity with an oblique line through it is sufficient notice.

  20. Question 20 of 25

    A guard, acting for the occupier, tells a person to leave. Under BC's Trespass Act, what must the person do?
    Show answer

    Answer: A. Leave as soon as practicable

    Section 2(3) makes it an offence not to leave as soon as practicable after direction by an occupier or authorized person, or to re-enter.

  21. Question 21 of 25

    Under section 6 of BC's Trespass Act, what may an authorized person demand from a trespasser, on reasonable grounds?
    Show answer

    Answer: B. Their correct name and address

    Section 6 requires the person to give their correct name and address on demand of an occupier or authorized person who has reasonable grounds; refusing is an offence.

  22. Question 22 of 25

    Under section 7 of BC's Trespass Act, who may arrest without a warrant a person found trespassing?
    Show answer

    Answer: B. A peace officer

    Section 7 gives the arrest power under the Trespass Act to a peace officer (including a conservation officer), not to guards or owners.

  23. Question 23 of 25

    A guard finds a person stealing from the store they protect. Under Criminal Code section 494(2), who may arrest the person?
    Show answer

    Answer: C. The owner or someone they authorize

    Section 494(2) lets the owner, person in lawful possession, or someone they authorize arrest a person found committing a criminal offence on or in relation to the property.

  24. Question 24 of 25

    After a BC guard makes a citizen's arrest, what does Criminal Code section 494(3) require?
    Show answer

    Answer: C. Deliver them to police right away

    Section 494(3) says anyone other than a peace officer who arrests without warrant must deliver the person to a peace officer forthwith (right away).

  25. Question 25 of 25

    Under Criminal Code section 25, how much force may a person use when doing what the law authorizes, acting on reasonable grounds?
    Show answer

    Answer: B. As much as is necessary

    Section 25(1) justifies as much force as is necessary for the purpose, when acting on reasonable grounds.

What to know before the test

  • BC security workers must carry their physical licence and report a charge, conviction or address change within 14 days.
  • BC bans the words "detective", "law enforcement", "peace officer" and "police" to describe security work.
  • A BC guard's uniform shows SECURITY on the chest (at least 1.25 cm) and on the back of a jacket (at least 5 cm).
  • BC guards may not carry badges, batons, pepper spray or tasers, and must record every use of force on SPD Form 0513 or an equivalent.
  • Under BC's Trespass Act, only a peace officer may arrest a trespasser without a warrant.

Frequently asked questions

Can a security guard arrest a trespasser in BC?

Not under the Trespass Act. Section 7 gives that arrest power to peace officers. A guard can give notice, direct the person to leave and ask for their name and address, then call police.

How do I give trespass notice in BC?

Under section 4 of the Trespass Act, notice can be given orally, in writing, or by a sign posted at or near an ordinary point of access.

Can I call myself a security officer in BC?

The Act bans the words "detective", "law enforcement", "peace officer" and "police" to describe security work, and you must not misrepresent your authority. Use the title your employer and licence allow.

What must I report to the registrar?

Within 14 days, report a change of home address, a criminal charge or a conviction. The province also asks you to report a legal name change and becoming a peace officer.

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 any licence, certification or training required by law.

Sources

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