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Radio Communication Course for Guards 2026

This course is for security guards who use two-way radios on shift. It covers how radios work, how to make a clear call, standard procedure words, the phonetic alphabet and numbers, emergency messages and keeping private information off the air.

  • Security course
  • Canada
  • 25 questions
  • Checked October 11, 2026

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.

Start with the lessonsRadio Communication Course: Lessons: about 15 minutes of reading. Every test question is covered in the lessons.

What you will learn

  • Prepare and check a radio at the start of a shift
  • Make a clear, short call using the standard call format
  • Use standard procedure words and avoid slang
  • Spell names and plates with the phonetic alphabet
  • Give an emergency message in a clear order
  • Keep personal information off the radio

Score 80% or more to download your certificate.

  1. Question 1 of 25

    On a two-way radio channel, what should you do before you press the button to talk?
    Show answer

    Answer: B. Listen to make sure no one else is talking

    Most radios let only one person talk at a time. Listening first stops you from cutting off someone else.

  2. Question 2 of 25

    What does the procedure word “over” mean?
    Show answer

    Answer: D. I have finished speaking and expect a reply

    “Over” invites the other station to reply.

  3. Question 3 of 25

    What does the procedure word “out” mean?
    Show answer

    Answer: B. The conversation is finished and no reply is expected

    “Out” ends the exchange.

  4. Question 4 of 25

    Why should you avoid saying “over and out”?
    Show answer

    Answer: C. “Over” asks for a reply and “out” ends the call, so together they make no sense

    Federal radio guidance lists “over and out” as slang to avoid. Say “out” when you are done.

  5. Question 5 of 25

    You did not hear a message clearly. What should you say?
    Show answer

    Answer: D. Say again

    “Say again” is the standard request for a repeat. Federal guidance lists “repeat” among words that should not be used.

  6. Question 6 of 25

    What does “stand by” mean?
    Show answer

    Answer: D. Wait, I will get back to you

    “Stand by” asks the other person to wait.

  7. Question 7 of 25

    You make a mistake while speaking on the radio. Which word comes before the right information?
    Show answer

    Answer: A. Correction

    “Correction” tells the listener that the right word or phrase follows.

  8. Question 8 of 25

    What does “go ahead” tell the station that called you?
    Show answer

    Answer: D. Start your message, I am listening

    “Go ahead” tells the caller to give their message.

  9. Question 9 of 25

    In the phonetic alphabet, which word stands for B?
    Show answer

    Answer: C. Bravo

    The international phonetic alphabet uses Bravo for B.

  10. Question 10 of 25

    In the phonetic alphabet, which word stands for M?
    Show answer

    Answer: C. Mike

    M is Mike in the international phonetic alphabet.

  11. Question 11 of 25

    How do you spell the letters CKX on the radio?
    Show answer

    Answer: B. Charlie Kilo X-ray

    C is Charlie, K is Kilo and X is X-ray.

  12. Question 12 of 25

    How should you say the number 153 when reading a plate?
    Show answer

    Answer: C. One five three, digit by digit

    Radio guidance says to send each digit separately so nothing is misheard.

  13. Question 13 of 25

    In standard radio procedure, how is the number 9 said?
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    Answer: C. Niner

    Saying “niner” keeps 9 from sounding like other words.

  14. Question 14 of 25

    Which is the correct way to start a radio call?
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    Answer: B. “Control, this is Patrol 2”

    Say who you are calling first, then who you are, so the right person answers.

  15. Question 15 of 25

    What is the best way to keep radio messages useful?
    Show answer

    Answer: A. Think first, then keep the message short and clear

    Short messages keep the channel free for others, especially in an emergency.

  16. Question 16 of 25

    How should you speak into the radio?
    Show answer

    Answer: A. At a normal volume and steady pace, without shouting

    Federal guidance says to speak clearly, not shout, and keep a steady pace.

  17. Question 17 of 25

    Why press the talk button and wait a moment before speaking?
    Show answer

    Answer: A. So your first words are not cut off

    Many radios take a moment to start sending. Speaking too soon cuts off the start of your message.

  18. Question 18 of 25

    When should you do a radio check?
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    Answer: D. At the start of your shift, before you need the radio

    A quick check confirms your radio works and control can hear you.

  19. Question 19 of 25

    Under Canada’s Radiocommunication Act, which statement is true?
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    Answer: B. Radios need a radio authorization unless they are exempt, such as certified Family Radio Service handhelds

    Federal rules say all radio apparatus needs authorization unless exempted. Business systems are usually licensed by the employer.

  20. Question 20 of 25

    Which message may interrupt other radio traffic?
    Show answer

    Answer: C. A message about an emergency, such as a fire or someone hurt

    Federal guidance says distress, urgency and safety messages may interrupt less important traffic.

  21. Question 21 of 25

    In an emergency call, what should you say first?
    Show answer

    Answer: C. What is happening, where, and what help is needed

    Give the most important facts first so help can be sent fast.

  22. Question 22 of 25

    Control asks for an injured person’s health details. What is the best way to share them?
    Show answer

    Answer: D. By phone or in person, keeping them off the open radio if you can

    Radio channels are shared and others may hear. Protect personal information.

  23. Question 23 of 25

    Why is plain language usually better than 10-codes?
    Show answer

    Answer: D. Codes differ between sites and can confuse people

    A code that means one thing at one site can mean something else at another.

  24. Question 24 of 25

    Alberta allows two-way radios while driving only in some listed situations. What is the safest habit for a patrol driver?
    Show answer

    Answer: C. Pull over safely before a long radio conversation

    Alberta’s exemptions for two-way radios are limited. Pulling over removes the distraction.

  25. Question 25 of 25

    Using the 24-hour clock, how would you give 4:30 p.m. over the radio?
    Show answer

    Answer: C. 16:30

    Add 12 to afternoon hours: 4 + 12 = 16. Radio guidance uses four-figure 24-hour times.

What to know before the test

  • In Canada, all radio equipment needs a radio authorization under the Radiocommunication Act unless it is exempt. Certified Family Radio Service handhelds are an example of licence-exempt radios.
  • Federal radio operator guidance says to listen before transmitting so you do not interfere with a message already in progress.
  • The same guidance lists “over” as an invitation to reply and “out” as the end of the conversation, and says slang such as “ten-four” and “over and out” should not be used.
  • A station with a distress, urgency or safety message may interrupt a less important transmission already in progress.
  • Alberta’s distracted driving law allows two-way radio use while driving only in some listed situations, such as escorting oversized vehicles or search and rescue.

Frequently asked questions

Do security guards need a radio licence in Canada?

Radios need a radio authorization under the Radiocommunication Act unless they are exempt. Business radio systems are normally licensed by the employer, and guards use the channels they are assigned.

Should I use 10-codes on the radio?

Only if your site requires them. Codes differ between companies and can confuse people, so plain language is usually clearer, especially in an emergency.

Why not say “over and out”?

“Over” asks for a reply and “out” ends the conversation, so using both makes no sense. Say “out” when you are finished.

Can other people hear my radio calls?

Assume they can. Radio channels are shared, so keep names, health details and other personal information off the air when you can.

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.

Sources

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