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NZ Security Guard Test (Certificate of Approval) 2026

Security guards, crowd controllers and personal guards in New Zealand need a Certificate of Approval (CoA) from the Private Security Personnel Licensing Authority (PSPLA) and must complete set NZQA training. There is no single government exam; the training standards are assessed by training providers. This practice test covers licensing, the training standards and the knowledge they assess.

  • Security guard
  • New Zealand
  • 70 questions
  • Checked October 11, 2026

Quick answer

Pass mark: No single government exam. You must achieve unit standards 27364, 27360 and 27361 (or skill standards 40146, 40145 and 40147), 12 credits in total, through a training provider. It is run by Private Security Personnel Licensing Authority (PSPLA); training assessed against NZQA unit or skill standards. Practise here for free with 70 questions, each with the answer and an explanation. Checked against official sources on October 11, 2026.

Read before you practiseStart with the NZ Security Guard Study Guide (CoA): plain-language notes, diagrams and the numbers to remember.

  1. Question 1 of 25

    Which body issues security licences and certificates of approval in New Zealand?
    Show answer

    Answer: C. The Private Security Personnel Licensing Authority (PSPLA)

    The PSPLA decides applications for licences and certificates of approval for private security and investigation work.

  2. Question 2 of 25

    You will work as a security guard for a licensed security company. What do you need?
    Show answer

    Answer: B. A certificate of approval (CoA)

    Employees and contractors of a security company need their own current certificate of approval.

  3. Question 3 of 25

    A sole trader wants to provide guarding services for money. What do they need?
    Show answer

    Answer: B. An individual licence

    Sole traders who provide private security services for money must hold an individual licence.

  4. Question 4 of 25

    A security company has 30 guards. Which documents are needed?
    Show answer

    Answer: B. A company licence, plus a certificate of approval for each guard

    The company needs a company licence, and every staff member who provides security services needs a current certificate of approval.

  5. Question 5 of 25

    A bar hires a door person directly to check who comes in and to remove people. What does the door person need?
    Show answer

    Answer: A. A certificate of approval as a crowd controller

    Crowd controllers need a certificate of approval whether they are engaged by a bar, club, event organiser or licence holder.

  6. Question 6 of 25

    A bar worker only makes drinks and clears tables. Do they need a certificate of approval?
    Show answer

    Answer: B. No, not unless they also act as a crowd controller

    Bar staff need a certificate of approval only if crowd control is part of their job.

  7. Question 7 of 25

    Which class of security work covers checking who enters an event, keeping order and removing people?
    Show answer

    Answer: A. Crowd controller

    Crowd controllers include bouncers, door security and event security.

  8. Question 8 of 25

    Which class of security work covers guarding property and attending alarm callouts on site?
    Show answer

    Answer: D. Property guard

    Security guards who protect property and respond to alarms on site work in the property guard class.

  9. Question 9 of 25

    A bodyguard who protects a person works in which class?
    Show answer

    Answer: A. Personal guard

    Personal guards protect people, for example as bodyguards.

  10. Question 10 of 25

    Someone who installs and repairs alarms and safes works in which class?
    Show answer

    Answer: A. Security technician

    Security technicians install, repair or remove security devices such as alarms or safes.

  11. Question 11 of 25

    A person watches alarm systems from an off-site control room but never responds to callouts. Which class is this?
    Show answer

    Answer: A. Monitoring officer

    Monitoring officers monitor systems remotely, off site, without responding to callouts.

  12. Question 12 of 25

    Which law sets up the licensing system for private security work in New Zealand?
    Show answer

    Answer: B. The Private Security Personnel and Private Investigators Act 2010

    The Private Security Personnel and Private Investigators Act 2010 sets out who needs a licence or certificate and the grounds for refusing one.

  13. Question 13 of 25

    What is the maximum fine for working as security staff without a certificate of approval, or employing someone who has none?
    Show answer

    Answer: A. Up to $20,000

    Working or employing staff without a certificate of approval can lead to a fine of up to $20,000.

  14. Question 14 of 25

    What is the maximum fine for a company that provides security services without a company licence?
    Show answer

    Answer: C. Up to $60,000

    A company can be fined up to $60,000, and an individual involved up to $40,000.

  15. Question 15 of 25

    In an emergency, can a licence holder use staff who do not yet have certificates of approval?
    Show answer

    Answer: D. Yes, emergency appointments are allowed

    The rules allow company and individual licence holders to make emergency appointments of staff without certificates.

  16. Question 16 of 25

    Which of these people does NOT need a security licence or certificate for their security work?
    Show answer

    Answer: D. An unpaid volunteer

    Unpaid volunteers are on the list of people who do not need a licence or certificate.

  17. Question 17 of 25

    Which of these workers is on the list of people who do not need a security licence or certificate?
    Show answer

    Answer: D. A licensed tow truck driver

    Licensed tow truck drivers are listed as people who do not need a security licence or certificate.

  18. Question 18 of 25

    How much experience do you need to apply for an individual licence?
    Show answer

    Answer: A. At least 12 months in the last 5 years, in each class you apply for

    Individual licence applicants need at least 12 months' experience in the last 5 years in the classes they apply for.

  19. Question 19 of 25

    What is the minimum training for crowd controllers, property guards and personal guards?
    Show answer

    Answer: B. 3 unit or skill standards worth 12 credits in total

    These classes must complete 3 set unit or skill standards, totalling 12 credits.

  20. Question 20 of 25

    Which three NZQA unit standards make up the minimum training for security guards?
    Show answer

    Answer: C. 27364, 27360 and 27361

    The unit standards are 27364 (security industry knowledge), 27360 (conflict management) and 27361 (managing conflict situations).

  21. Question 21 of 25

    Unit standard 27364 is about what?
    Show answer

    Answer: B. Knowledge of the security industry before you start work

    Unit standard 27364 covers pre-employment knowledge: licensing, roles, legal powers, health and safety, emergencies and reporting.

  22. Question 22 of 25

    What is unit standard 27360 called?
    Show answer

    Answer: A. Describe conflict management in a security context

    27360 is the describing standard: it covers causes of conflict, risk assessment, duty of care and resources.

  23. Question 23 of 25

    What is unit standard 27361 called?
    Show answer

    Answer: B. Manage conflict situations in a security context

    27361 is the practical standard: assessing a conflict, making a plan, de-escalating and acting after the incident.

  24. Question 24 of 25

    Which qualification also meets the minimum training rule?
    Show answer

    Answer: C. The New Zealand Certificate in Security (Foundation) (Level 3)

    Holding the New Zealand Certificate in Security (Foundation) Level 3 or (Advanced) Level 4 counts as meeting the training rule.

  25. Question 25 of 25

    Which new skill standard replaced unit standard 27364?
    Show answer

    Answer: D. 40146

    NZQA lists skill standard 40146 (foundation knowledge of the security industry) as the replacement for 27364.

What to know before the test

  • Staff of a security company, including crowd controllers hired directly by bars and event organisers, need a Certificate of Approval. Sole traders need an individual licence; companies need a company licence.
  • Crowd controllers, property guards and personal guards must complete 3 standards worth 12 credits: 27364, 27360 and 27361, or the new skill standards 40146, 40145 and 40147.
  • A temporary Certificate of Approval lets you work while you finish training. It usually takes about 10 days to issue and lasts 3 months.
  • The minimum training is done once. You do not repeat it when you renew.
  • Working without a Certificate of Approval, or employing someone without one, can lead to a fine of up to $20,000.
  • Convictions for offences such as dishonesty, violence or harassment in the last 7 years are disqualifying grounds, but you can ask the Authority to waive them.
  • NZQA lists 31 December 2027 as the last date for assessment against unit standards 27364, 27360 and 27361.

Frequently asked questions

Is there an official security guard exam in New Zealand?

No single government exam. You complete NZQA unit or skill standards with a training provider, then send your NZQA record to the PSPLA. This practice test checks the same knowledge; its 40-question, 80% mock is our own format.

Which unit standards do I need for a Certificate of Approval?

Crowd controllers, property guards and personal guards need 27364, 27360 and 27361 (12 credits). The new skill standards 40146, 40145 and 40147, or the New Zealand Certificate in Security Level 3 or 4, also count.

Can I work as a guard before I finish training?

Yes, with a temporary Certificate of Approval. It lasts 3 months. If you have not finished training by then, you must apply by mail for another one.

Will a criminal conviction stop me getting a certificate?

It can. Some grounds apply forever, such as ever being sentenced to imprisonment; others apply for 7 years. Grounds are not automatic, so declare them and ask the Authority to consider your situation.

Do bar staff need a Certificate of Approval?

Only if they act as crowd controllers as part of their job. Staff who only make drinks or clear tables do not.

Sources

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