Can a security guard arrest a trespasser in PEI?

Not for trespass. Section 5 of the Trespass to Property Act gives that power only to police. A guard may tell the person to leave and call police. A guard's arrest powers for criminal offences come from section 494 of the Criminal Code.

Is a PEI security guard a peace officer?

No. Section 18 of the Regulations says a licensed guard is not an authorized peace officer.

What happens to my PEI guard licence if I change companies?

The licence is revoked when your employment ends. You give your licence and ID card to your employer, who sends them to the Minister. For a new job you need a new licence; the new employer confirms your employment on the application form.

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.

Prince Edward Island Security Law & Trespass Course 2026

Question 1 of 25

Which Prince Edward Island law requires security guards to be licensed?

The Security Services Act
The Trespass to Property Act
The Private Investigators and Security Guards Act
The Private Security and Investigative Services Act

Show answer

Answer: C. The Private Investigators and Security Guards Act

Section 3 of PEI's Private Investigators and Security Guards Act says no one may act as a security guard without a licence.

Question 2 of 25

Which office handles security guard licence applications in Prince Edward Island?

The Office of the Fire Marshal
The PEI Firearms Office
The local RCMP detachment office
The Workers Compensation Board of PEI

Show answer

Answer: B. The PEI Firearms Office

The PEI Firearms Office administers the Private Investigators and Security Guards Act and provides the licence application forms.

Question 3 of 25

What is the minimum age to act as a security guard in Prince Edward Island?

18
21
16
19

Show answer

Answer: A. 18

Section 6 of the Act says no person may act as a security guard unless they are 18 or older.

Question 4 of 25

A PEI security company is short of staff. May it send an unlicensed person to work as a guard for one night?

No, the Act bans employing an unlicensed person as a guard
Yes, if a licensed guard works the same shift with them
Yes, as long as the client agrees to it in writing
Yes, for up to 30 days while their licence is processed

Show answer

Answer: A. No, the Act bans employing an unlicensed person as a guard

Section 22 of the Act says a guard business must not employ as a security guard a person who does not hold a licence.

Question 5 of 25

You leave your job with a PEI security company. What happens to your guard licence?

You keep it and show it to your next employer at hiring
It stays valid for any employer until its expiry date
It is revoked, and you hand it and your ID card to your employer
It moves to your next employer without any new application

Show answer

Answer: C. It is revoked, and you hand it and your ID card to your employer

Under section 13 of the Act, a guard's licence is revoked when the employment ends, and the licence and ID card go to the employer, who forwards them to the Minister.

Question 6 of 25

Within how many days must a PEI guard business tell the Minister in writing that a guard's employment has ended?

90 days
30 days
Three days
Seven days

Show answer

Answer: D. Seven days

Section 12(2) of the Act requires the business to notify the Minister in writing within seven days of a guard's termination and of other changes such as a new address.

Question 7 of 25

While on duty in PEI, a member of the public asks to see proof that you are a licensed guard. What must you do?

Refuse, because only a police officer may ask to see it
Give them your employer's phone number and nothing else
Show your driver's licence as proof of who you are
Show the identification card issued to you under the Act

Show answer

Answer: D. Show the identification card issued to you under the Act

Section 17(2) of the Act says a guard on duty must carry the prescribed ID card and produce it for inspection at the request of any person.

Question 8 of 25

Under PEI law, what evidence of authority may a guard carry or display while on duty?

Any badge or crest the employer chooses to issue
Business cards stating that the guard is licensed
Only the uniform and the ID card issued under the Act
A police-style badge, as long as it says Security

Show answer

Answer: C. Only the uniform and the ID card issued under the Act

Section 17(1) of the Act says a guard on duty may not have or display any evidence of authority except the uniform and the prescribed ID card.

Question 9 of 25

Where must a PEI security guard wear the "Security Guard" fabric patch?

On the right sleeve, just below the shoulder seam
Over the left breast pocket of the outermost garment
On the front of the hat, just above the brim
On the back of the outermost jacket, between the shoulders

Show answer

Answer: B. Over the left breast pocket of the outermost garment

Section 14(2) of the Regulations requires a fabric patch with the words Security Guard over the left breast pocket of the outermost garment, at all times on duty.

Question 10 of 25

Who must approve a security guard uniform in Prince Edward Island?

The client who hires the company
Each guard chooses their own
The Minister
The local police chief

Show answer

Answer: C. The Minister

Section 14(1) of the Regulations says no security guard may wear a uniform that has not been approved by the Minister.

Question 11 of 25

Which word must never appear on a badge or insignia worn on a PEI guard's uniform?

Guard
Police
Patrol
Security

Show answer

Answer: B. Police

Section 14(3) of the Regulations says a guard must not wear any insignia or badge that uses or displays the word Police.

Question 12 of 25

Which item is banned as part of a security guard uniform in PEI?

Steel-toed safety boots and gloves
A Sam Browne belt and shoulder strap
A reflective high-visibility safety vest
A dark winter parka with a hood

Show answer

Answer: B. A Sam Browne belt and shoulder strap

Section 14(4) of the Regulations bans Sam Browne equipment or any similar belt and shoulder strap like those worn by police officers.

Question 13 of 25

What do the PEI Regulations say about a licensed guard's legal status?

A licensed guard is a special constable while on duty
A licensed guard is a peace officer while in uniform
A licensed guard is not an authorized peace officer
A licensed guard is a peace officer only on night shifts

Show answer

Answer: C. A licensed guard is not an authorized peace officer

Section 18 of the Regulations states that a person licensed under the Act is not an authorized peace officer.

Question 14 of 25

May a licensed PEI security guard carry a restricted weapon on duty?

Only with a registrar's authorization for a specific duty
Only after five years of work as a licensed guard
Yes, at any site where cash or valuables are kept
Yes, whenever the employer gives written permission

Show answer

Answer: A. Only with a registrar's authorization for a specific duty

Section 20 of the Regulations bans restricted weapons, unless the local registrar of firearms authorizes one for a specific duty, supported by a senior police recommendation.

Question 15 of 25

Which guard is exempt from PEI's Private Investigators and Security Guards Act?

A guard who works only at concerts, fairs and other events
A guard who is a full-time student working part-time shifts
A guard working fewer than 20 hours a week for any company
An in-house guard working only on their employer's own affairs

Show answer

Answer: D. An in-house guard working only on their employer's own affairs

Section 2(g) of the Act exempts guards permanently employed by one employer whose business is not supplying guards and whose work is confined to that employer's affairs.

Question 16 of 25

Under PEI's Trespass to Property Act, how may notice that entry is prohibited be given?

Only by a court order
Orally or in writing
Only by registered letter
Only by a sign approved by police

Show answer

Answer: B. Orally or in writing

Section 2(2) of the Trespass to Property Act says notice may be given orally or in writing.

Question 17 of 25

A PEI site uses signs to keep people out. Where must the signs be posted?

On the site's website and in local newspaper notices
Visible in daylight from the approach to each usual access point
Only at the main office door, where staff can see them
Inside the building, near the security desk or front counter

Show answer

Answer: B. Visible in daylight from the approach to each usual access point

Section 2(3) of the Trespass to Property Act requires signs to be clearly visible in daylight under normal conditions from the approach to each usual point of access.

Question 18 of 25

Under the PEI Trespass to Property Act, who may direct a person to leave premises?

The occupier or someone the occupier authorizes
Only a police officer who is on duty in that area
Any adult member of the public who sees them
Only the owner of the land, acting in person

Show answer

Answer: A. The occupier or someone the occupier authorizes

Section 3 makes it an offence to remain after being directed to leave by the occupier or a person authorized by the occupier, such as a guard.

Question 19 of 25

What is the fine range in PEI for staying on premises after being directed to leave?

There is no fine, only a warning
$200 to $2,000
$1,000 to $10,000
$50 to $500

Show answer

Answer: B. $200 to $2,000

Section 3 of the Trespass to Property Act sets a fine of not less than $200 and not more than $2,000 on summary conviction.

Question 20 of 25

Who may arrest a person for an offence under PEI's Trespass to Property Act?

A licensed security guard
Only a police officer
The occupier
Any adult who sees the trespass

Show answer

Answer: B. Only a police officer

Section 5(1) gives the power of arrest under the Act to a police officer only. Guards and occupiers have no arrest power for trespass in PEI.

Question 21 of 25

A person refuses to leave a PEI shopping centre with ten stores. Before police may arrest them for trespass, what must have happened?

A guard must have held the person in an office for 30 minutes
The person stayed after being told to leave and warned of arrest
The person must have been banned in writing for a year
The person must have damaged property inside the centre

Show answer

Answer: B. The person stayed after being told to leave and warned of arrest

Section 5(2) says that in a shopping centre with four or more stores, police may not arrest unless the person persists after being told to leave and warned they may be arrested.

Question 22 of 25

After a trespass conviction for premises open to the public, how long may a PEI court ban the person from those premises?

For life
Up to six months
Up to 30 days
Up to five years

Show answer

Answer: B. Up to six months

Section 9(1) of the Trespass to Property Act lets the court prohibit the person from entering those premises for up to six months.

Question 23 of 25

A store owner in Summerside authorizes you to protect the store. Under Criminal Code section 494(2), when may you arrest a person without a warrant?

When you suspect they may commit an offence on the property later in the week
Any time they refuse to show you their identification after you ask for it
Only after a police officer phones you and gives you permission to arrest them
When you find them committing a criminal offence on or in relation to the property

Show answer

Answer: D. When you find them committing a criminal offence on or in relation to the property

Section 494(2) lets the owner, a person in lawful possession, or a person they authorize arrest someone found committing a criminal offence on or in relation to the property, at that time or within a reasonable time if police cannot feasibly make the arrest.

Question 24 of 25

A guard in Charlottetown makes a lawful citizen's arrest. What must the guard do next?

Drive the person home and write a short report
Take the person's photo, then let them go home
Hold the person in the office until the end of the shift
Deliver the person to a peace officer right away

Show answer

Answer: D. Deliver the person to a peace officer right away

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

Question 25 of 25

During a lawful arrest, a guard uses much more force than was needed. What does section 26 of the Criminal Code say?

The guard is criminally responsible for the excess force
Extra force is allowed if the person was trespassing
Only the guard's employer can be held responsible for it
Any amount of force is allowed once the arrest is lawful

Show answer

Answer: A. The guard is criminally responsible for the excess force

Section 25 allows only as much force as is necessary, and section 26 makes a person criminally responsible for any excess force.

Prince Edward Island Security Law & Trespass Course 2026

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