Key and Lock Control Course for Security Guards 2026
This course is for security guards, concierges and site supervisors who hold, issue or track keys and access cards. It explains how master key systems work, how to keep an accurate key log, what to do when a key goes missing, and how key control links to privacy and licensing rules in Canada.
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
- Explain why key control matters for site security
- Describe how a master key system is organized
- Issue, sign out and audit keys and access cards correctly
- Respond to lost, stolen or unreturned keys
- Know where security work ends and licensed locksmith work begins
Score 80% or more to download your certificate.
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Question 1 of 25
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Answer: D. A system for deciding who gets keys, recording who has them and getting them back
Key control tracks every key from issue to return so the client knows who has access.
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Question 2 of 25
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Answer: D. Locks across the building may need to be changed
A master key opens many locks, so losing it can mean re-keying a whole building.
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Question 3 of 25
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Answer: A. Restricted access to offices
PIPEDA Schedule 1 lists locked filing cabinets and restricted access to offices as physical safeguards, which depend on key control.
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Question 4 of 25
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Answer: A. One lock or door
A change key is the lowest level and opens a single lock.
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Question 5 of 25
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Answer: A. Grand master key
The grand master is the highest level and covers multiple buildings or areas.
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Question 6 of 25
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Answer: A. A group of locks, such as all offices on one floor
Sub-master keys open a defined group of locks below the master level.
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Question 7 of 25
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Answer: C. There should be fewer copies and tighter control
Higher-level keys open more doors, so fewer copies and tighter control reduce risk.
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Question 8 of 25
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Answer: A. Some key-cutting shops ignore the stamp
A stamp is only a request; restricted key blanks provide real control over copying.
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Question 9 of 25
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Answer: C. Special key blanks that only an authorized dealer can cut with approval
Restricted systems control copying through special blanks and authorization.
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Question 10 of 25
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Answer: D. They can be switched off quickly if lost
Electronic credentials can be deactivated in seconds and often record each use.
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Question 11 of 25
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Answer: D. Refuse and follow the post orders for giving access
Cards are treated like keys; never lend them.
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Question 12 of 25
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Answer: C. Only people on the client's authorized list, for keys they are approved to have
Keys go only to authorized people for approved keys.
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Question 13 of 25
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Answer: C. By its key or card number
Numbers identify keys exactly and avoid confusion.
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Question 14 of 25
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Answer: A. The date and time the key was taken out and returned
Logs record who had which key and when it went out and came back.
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Question 15 of 25
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Answer: A. So a lost key does not show what it opens
A tag that names the room or address helps a finder or thief use the key.
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Question 16 of 25
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Answer: D. In a locked key cabinet
A locked cabinet keeps spares controlled and accounted for.
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Question 17 of 25
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Answer: A. At every shift change, with the count recorded
Counting at handover shows exactly when a key went missing.
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Question 18 of 25
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Answer: C. Comparing every key in the log with the keys actually on hand
An audit checks that the records match reality.
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Question 19 of 25
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Answer: D. They are collected and the log is updated
Recovering keys from departing people closes an easy gap in security.
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Question 20 of 25
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Answer: D. Report it to your supervisor immediately
Report lost keys at once; delay leaves the site at risk.
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Question 21 of 25
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Answer: D. Deactivation of the card
Deactivating a stolen card stops it from being used.
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Question 22 of 25
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Answer: B. Increase patrols of the areas that key opens
Extra patrols help protect areas at risk until locks are changed.
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Question 23 of 25
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Answer: C. Record and report it, and secure the door if it is safe
Taped latches defeat locks and may signal planned entry; record and report.
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Question 24 of 25
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Answer: D. A certified journeyperson
Alberta says locksmiths must be licensed and certified journeypersons.
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Question 25 of 25
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Answer: B. No, a locksmith cannot also hold a security service worker licence
Alberta says locksmiths cannot hold a second licence as an investigator or security service worker.
Keyboard: 1–4 to answer, Enter for the next question.
What to know before the test
- Alberta licenses locksmiths under the Security Services and Investigators Act; a licensed locksmith must also be a certified journeyperson.
- In Alberta, a locksmith cannot also hold a security service worker or investigator licence.
- In British Columbia, locksmith work is a type of security work that needs a licence, alongside security guard, alarm and armoured car work.
- PIPEDA says personal information must be protected by safeguards, including physical measures such as locked filing cabinets and restricted access to offices.
Frequently asked questions
What should a key log record?
At a minimum: the key or card number, who took it, the date and time out, the date and time back, and signatures or initials. Many sites also record the reason and who authorized it.
What should I do if I lose a key?
Report it to your supervisor right away, even if you think you will find it. Write down when and where you last had it. The client then decides whether to re-key locks or deactivate cards.
Can a security guard rekey or pick locks?
Not as part of security guard work. Locksmith work is a separately licensed trade in provinces such as Alberta and British Columbia. Guards report lock problems so a qualified locksmith can fix them.
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.