SIA CCTV Operator Practice Test 2026: Practice test 4

1. Question 1 of 25

   In the UK, a fire extinguisher with a black label or band contains:

   • AFoam
   • BDry powder
   • CWater
   • DCarbon dioxide (CO2)
   Show answer

   Answer: D. Carbon dioxide (CO2)

   All extinguishers have red bodies with a coloured band: red for water, cream for foam, blue for dry powder, black for CO2 and yellow for wet chemical.

2. Question 2 of 25

   Which right in the Human Rights Act is most affected when a security operative detains someone?

   • AThe right to liberty and security (Article 5)
   • BThe right to freedom of expression (Article 10)
   • CThe right to education
   • DThe right to free elections
   Show answer

   Answer: A. The right to liberty and security (Article 5)

   Detaining someone takes away their liberty. Any arrest must be lawful, or it may breach Article 5 and be false imprisonment.

3. Question 3 of 25

   Which group of people is most likely to be vulnerable at a venue?

   • AA staff member finishing a shift
   • BA sober person waiting for a lift with a partner
   • CSomeone very drunk and alone
   • DA group of friends leaving together by taxi
   Show answer

   Answer: C. Someone very drunk and alone

   Vulnerability can come from alcohol or drugs, being alone, age, mental health or being targeted by others.

4. Question 4 of 25

   What colour band is on a foam extinguisher?

   • ACream
   • BYellow
   • CBlack
   • DBlue
   Show answer

   Answer: A. Cream

   Foam extinguishers have a cream band. They are used on Class A and Class B fires.

5. Question 5 of 25

   Which class of fire involves solid materials such as wood, paper and textiles?

   • AClass B
   • BClass A
   • CClass F
   • DClass C
   Show answer

   Answer: B. Class A

   Class A is solids, Class B flammable liquids, Class C flammable gases, Class D metals and Class F cooking oils and fats.

6. Question 6 of 25

   How many terrorism threat levels does the UK use?

   • A5
   • B4
   • C3
   • D6
   Show answer

   Answer: A. 5

   The levels are low, moderate, substantial, severe and critical.

7. Question 7 of 25

   Under data protection law, what is "personal data"?

   • AInformation about an identifiable living person
   • BOnly a person's bank account and payment card details
   • COnly information written on paper
   • DInformation about companies only
   Show answer

   Answer: A. Information about an identifiable living person

   Personal data includes names, images, CCTV footage and notes that can identify someone.

8. Question 8 of 25

   Under section 24A of PACE, when may a non-police officer make an arrest?

   • AWhen a police officer cannot reasonably make the arrest instead and it is necessary for a listed reason
   • BOnly with the written permission of the venue manager or the client who employs them
   • COnly after a court has issued a warrant
   • DWhenever they feel like it
   Show answer

   Answer: A. When a police officer cannot reasonably make the arrest instead and it is necessary for a listed reason

   The arrest must be necessary, for example to stop the person causing injury or damage or making off, and it must not be reasonably practicable for a constable to do it.

9. Question 9 of 25

   What does a blue circular safety sign mean?

   • ASomething you must do, such as wear protective equipment
   • BA warning of danger
   • CSomething you must not do, such as smoking or using a mobile phone
   • DThe location of an emergency exit
   Show answer

   Answer: A. Something you must do, such as wear protective equipment

   Blue signs are mandatory. Red signs show prohibitions or fire equipment, yellow signs warn of hazards, and green signs show safe conditions such as escape routes.

10. Question 10 of 25

    Which sign may show that a colleague is struggling after a traumatic incident?

    • AAsking for a coffee break
    • BTrouble sleeping, flashbacks or avoiding the place where it happened
    • CTaking annual leave that was booked and approved several months earlier
    • DBeing slightly late once
    Show answer

    Answer: B. Trouble sleeping, flashbacks or avoiding the place where it happened

    These can be signs of stress or post-traumatic stress. Colleagues should be encouraged to seek support.

11. Question 11 of 25

    What is the standard of proof in a criminal court?

    • ABeyond reasonable doubt
    • BOn the balance of probabilities
    • CMore likely than not
    • DPossible but not certain
    Show answer

    Answer: A. Beyond reasonable doubt

    The prosecution must prove guilt beyond reasonable doubt. Civil cases use the lower standard of the balance of probabilities.

12. Question 12 of 25

    Which is a rule for keeping a pocket notebook?

    • AWrite in pencil so it can be changed
    • BMake entries in time order and leave no blank spaces
    • CRemove pages you no longer need
    • DLeave gaps between entries so you can add details later
    Show answer

    Answer: B. Make entries in time order and leave no blank spaces

    Entries should be in order, in ink, with no gaps or torn-out pages, so nothing can be added later.

13. Question 13 of 25

    Which of these is a protected characteristic under the Equality Act 2010?

    • AFootball team supported
    • BHeight
    • CReligion or belief
    • DHair colour
    Show answer

    Answer: C. Religion or belief

    Religion or belief is one of the nine protected characteristics. Refusing service because of one of them can be unlawful discrimination.

14. Question 14 of 25

    What is "county lines"?

    • AA system for counting customers in and out of a venue to stay within its capacity
    • BCouncil boundaries for licensing
    • CGangs using children and vulnerable people to move and sell drugs across areas
    • DA type of patrol route
    Show answer

    Answer: C. Gangs using children and vulnerable people to move and sell drugs across areas

    Security operatives should watch for signs of exploitation, such as young people out late with unexplained money or phones, and report concerns.

15. Question 15 of 25

    Which extinguisher is suitable for a fire in electrical equipment?

    • AWet chemical
    • BWater
    • CA bucket of sand on live wiring with the power still on
    • DCarbon dioxide (CO2)
    Show answer

    Answer: D. Carbon dioxide (CO2)

    CO2 does not conduct electricity and leaves no residue. Never use water on electrical fires.

16. Question 16 of 25

    In the 4 Cs approach to a suspicious item, what does "Clear" mean?

    • AMove people away from the item to a safe distance
    • BClean the area around the item
    • CClear the item away to a bin
    • DOpen the item carefully to check whether it is safe
    Show answer

    Answer: A. Move people away from the item to a safe distance

    The 4 Cs are Confirm, Clear, Communicate and Control. Never touch or move the item.

17. Question 17 of 25

    What is one of the SIA's main functions?

    • ATraining police officers
    • BIssuing alcohol licences to pubs and clubs
    • CLicensing individuals who work in designated security activities
    • DProsecuting all crimes committed in licensed premises across the UK
    Show answer

    Answer: C. Licensing individuals who work in designated security activities

    The SIA licenses individuals, runs the Approved Contractor Scheme and works to raise standards in the industry.

18. Question 18 of 25

    In the HOT principle for unattended items, what does the H stand for?

    • AHidden
    • BHarmless
    • CHeavy
    • DHot to touch
    Show answer

    Answer: A. Hidden

    HOT asks whether the item is Hidden, Obviously suspicious, and not Typical of what you would expect in that place.

19. Question 19 of 25

    In England and Wales, under section 24A of the Police and Criminal Evidence Act 1984, a person who is not a police officer may arrest without a warrant for:

    • ABreaking a venue's dress code
    • BAny offence, however minor
    • CParking offences only
    • DAn indictable offence
    Show answer

    Answer: D. An indictable offence

    Section 24A powers apply only to indictable offences, such as theft or assault causing injury, and only when further conditions are met.

20. Question 20 of 25

    When should an incident report be written?

    • AOnly if a customer makes a formal complaint later
    • BAt the end of the month
    • COnly if the police ask for it
    • DAs soon as possible after the incident
    Show answer

    Answer: D. As soon as possible after the incident

    Reports written soon after an event are more accurate and carry more weight as evidence.

21. Question 21 of 25

    Which law covers fire safety in most non-domestic premises in England and Wales?

    • AThe Licensing Act 2003
    • BThe Regulatory Reform (Fire Safety) Order 2005
    • CThe Fire (Scotland) Act 2005
    • DThe Protection of Freedoms Act 2012
    Show answer

    Answer: B. The Regulatory Reform (Fire Safety) Order 2005

    The Fire Safety Order applies in England and Wales. Scotland has the Fire (Scotland) Act 2005, and Northern Ireland has its own fire safety laws.

22. Question 22 of 25

    Which is a barrier to effective communication?

    • ALoud background noise
    • BChecking the person has understood
    • CUsing simple words
    • DSpeaking clearly
    Show answer

    Answer: A. Loud background noise

    Noise, language differences, intoxication and strong emotions can all stop a message being understood.

23. Question 23 of 25

    Which is an example of non-verbal communication?

    • AA telephone call
    • BFacial expressions and body posture
    • CA radio message
    • DThe words used in a written incident report
    Show answer

    Answer: B. Facial expressions and body posture

    Non-verbal communication includes body language, gestures, facial expressions and eye contact. It can say more than words.

24. Question 24 of 25

    In Scotland, what is the legal basis for an arrest by a private citizen?

    • ASection 24A of the Police and Criminal Evidence Act 1984
    • BThe Data Protection Act 2018
    • CCommon law
    • DThe Licensing Act 2003
    Show answer

    Answer: C. Common law

    PACE does not apply in Scotland. A citizen's arrest there is based on common law, generally for a serious crime the person has seen being committed.

25. Question 25 of 25

    Why should fire doors be kept closed?

    • ATo slow the spread of fire and smoke
    • BTo make patrols quicker
    • CTo keep the building warm in winter
    • DTo stop customers seeing into the kitchen and staff areas
    Show answer

    Answer: A. To slow the spread of fire and smoke

    Fire doors hold back fire and smoke so people have time to escape. Wedging them open defeats their purpose.

Keyboard: 1–4 to answer, Enter for the next question.

The real test: 70% in each multiple-choice exam (72 questions and 40 questions)