Post Orders and Shift Handover Course 2026
This course is for new and working security guards at any kind of site. It explains what post orders contain, how to follow them, how to give and take a clean shift handover, how to keep logs, and which licence rules apply while you are on post.
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 post orders contain and why they matter
- Follow post orders and handle unclear or conflicting instructions
- Give and receive a complete shift handover
- Keep accurate daily logs and notebook entries
- Meet basic licence rules while on post
Score 80% or more to download your certificate.
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Question 1 of 25
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Answer: C. Written instructions for the duties at a specific security post
Post orders are the written instructions that tell any guard what to do at that post.
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Question 2 of 25
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Answer: D. The security company and the client
Post orders are set by the employer with the client for that site.
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Question 3 of 25
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Answer: B. Patrol routes and times
Post orders describe duties such as patrol routes, access rules and alarm response.
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Question 4 of 25
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Answer: C. A temporary order
Temporary orders cover short-term changes at a site.
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Question 5 of 25
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Answer: C. General orders
General orders are company-wide rules that apply everywhere.
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Question 6 of 25
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Answer: C. Before your first shift there
You need to know the site's duties and emergency steps before you start.
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Question 7 of 25
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Answer: D. Updates and temporary orders
Orders can change between shifts, so check for updates each time.
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Question 8 of 25
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Answer: A. Ask your supervisor before you act
Clarifying first prevents mistakes.
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Question 9 of 25
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Answer: D. Stay polite, call your supervisor and record the request
Requests outside the post orders, especially about searches or force, should be checked with your supervisor and recorded.
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Question 10 of 25
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Answer: D. No; a guard's powers come from the law and their licence
Post orders cannot authorize anything the law does not allow.
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Question 11 of 25
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Answer: B. BC security workers may not carry items designed to injure or control people
BC rules ban items like batons and pepper spray, regardless of client wishes.
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Question 12 of 25
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Answer: D. A badge
BC security workers may not carry a badge or wear a Sam Browne belt.
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Question 13 of 25
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Answer: A. Face to face, with time to go through a checklist
A face-to-face handover with a checklist avoids missed information.
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Question 14 of 25
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Answer: A. Count them together and record the count
Counting together shows exactly when a key went missing.
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Question 15 of 25
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Answer: B. Contractors still on site
The next guard needs to know who is still on site and what is still open.
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Question 16 of 25
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Answer: C. Stay at the post and call your supervisor or dispatch
Never abandon your post; call for direction and record what you were told.
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Question 17 of 25
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Answer: D. A check at the end of the shift
BC requires a check-in at the end of the shift as well as at set intervals.
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Question 18 of 25
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Answer: B. To show the handover happened and what was handed over
Signed handovers create a clear record of responsibility.
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Question 19 of 25
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Answer: A. At the time or as soon as possible after
Notes made at the time are more accurate and more credible.
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Question 20 of 25
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Answer: D. 19:45
In 24-hour time, add 12 to p.m. hours: 7:45 p.m. is 19:45.
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Question 21 of 25
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Answer: A. Draw a single line through it so it can still be read, and initial it
A single line keeps the original visible and shows nothing was hidden.
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Question 22 of 25
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Answer: D. So nothing can be added later
No gaps means no one can add to the notes later, which protects their credibility.
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Question 23 of 25
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Answer: B. Record it as a use of force on SPD Form 0513 or an equivalent
BC counts blocking access as force and requires a Use of Force Incident Report.
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Question 24 of 25
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Answer: B. Carry the original with you
Alberta requires you to carry the original and give your employer a photocopy.
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Question 25 of 25
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Answer: C. The physical licence
BC says it must be the physical copy; a photo does not count.
Keyboard: 1–4 to answer, Enter for the next question.
What to know before the test
- In Alberta, you must carry your original security licence card while working and give your employer a photocopy.
- In British Columbia, you must carry the physical licence (not a photo of it) when doing security work and show it to anyone who asks, with a few exceptions.
- BC security workers must record any use of force, including blocking someone's way, on SPD Form 0513 or an equivalent and give it to their manager.
- BC security workers may not carry a badge, wear a Sam Browne belt, or carry items such as batons or pepper spray.
- In BC, lone worker check-in procedures must include a check at the end of the shift.
Frequently asked questions
What are post orders?
Post orders are the written instructions for a specific security post. They explain the site, the guard's duties, patrol routes, access rules, emergency steps and who to contact.
What should I do if my relief does not show up?
Do not leave the post. Call your supervisor or dispatch, record the time and what you were told, and stay until you are relieved or told otherwise.
What if a client asks me to do something that is not in my post orders?
Be polite, but check with your supervisor before you act, especially if the request involves force, searches, detaining someone or anything that may be illegal. Record the request.
How often should I read the post orders?
Read them fully before your first shift at a site, and check for updates or temporary orders at the start of every shift.
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.