SIA Door Supervisor Practice Test 2026: Practice test 4

1. Question 1 of 25

   The Human Rights Act 1998 brings which rights into UK law?

   • AThe rights in the European Convention on Human Rights
   • BThe rights in the Universal Declaration of Human Rights
   • CThe rights in the US Constitution
   • DOnly the rights of employers
   Show answer

   Answer: A. The rights in the European Convention on Human Rights

   The Human Rights Act lets people rely on European Convention rights, such as the right to liberty (Article 5) and to respect for private life (Article 8), in UK courts.

2. Question 2 of 25

   In the NATO phonetic alphabet, which word represents the letter D?

   • ADover
   • BDog
   • CDavid
   • DDelta
   Show answer

   Answer: D. Delta

   The phonetic alphabet uses Alpha, Bravo, Charlie, Delta and so on so that letters are not misheard on the radio.

3. Question 3 of 25

   Under section 5 of the Private Security Industry Act 2001, who commits an offence?

   • AAn operative who forgets their uniform
   • BA police officer who works in a venue
   • CA customer who refuses to show photo ID to a door supervisor at the entrance to a nightclub
   • DA person who knowingly uses unlicensed security operatives to provide security services
   Show answer

   Answer: D. A person who knowingly uses unlicensed security operatives to provide security services

   Section 5 makes it an offence to use unlicensed people to carry out licensable activities, unless a defence applies.

4. Question 4 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.

5. Question 5 of 25

   Which example is a civil wrong rather than a crime?

   • AAssault causing injury
   • BTheft from a shop
   • CTrespass on private land, in most cases
   • DRobbery
   Show answer

   Answer: C. Trespass on private land, in most cases

   Simple trespass on land is usually a civil matter in England and Wales, so the remedy is to ask the person to leave. Theft, assault and robbery are crimes.

6. Question 6 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.

7. Question 7 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.

8. Question 8 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.

9. Question 9 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.

10. Question 10 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.

11. Question 11 of 25

    An unconscious person is breathing normally and has no injuries that stop them being moved. What should you do?

    • APut them in the recovery position, call for help and monitor breathing
    • BLeave them alone to sleep it off quietly
    • CSit them upright in a chair so they do not choke, and wait for help
    • DGive them a drink of water to wake them
    Show answer

    Answer: A. Put them in the recovery position, call for help and monitor breathing

    The recovery position keeps the airway open. Keep monitoring until medical help arrives.

12. Question 12 of 25

    Before taking door supervisor or security officer licence training for the first time, what must a learner hold?

    • AA full UK driving licence
    • BA firearms certificate
    • CA personal licence to sell alcohol from the local council
    • DA valid first aid or emergency first aid certificate
    Show answer

    Answer: D. A valid first aid or emergency first aid certificate

    The SIA requires learners to hold a first aid certificate that is valid for at least 12 months from the start of the course.

13. Question 13 of 25

    What is the SIA Approved Contractor Scheme (ACS)?

    • AA scheme that lets companies employ unlicensed staff
    • BA compulsory licence that every security officer must hold in addition to their own
    • CA voluntary scheme that assesses security companies against a set of standards
    • DA police vetting service for venue customers
    Show answer

    Answer: C. A voluntary scheme that assesses security companies against a set of standards

    The ACS is voluntary. Companies that meet its standards can show they are committed to quality.

14. Question 14 of 25

    What is good customer service for a security operative?

    • ABeing polite, helpful and treating everyone fairly
    • BIgnoring questions that are not about security or safety
    • COnly helping people who are regular customers
    • DBeing rude so people respect your authority
    Show answer

    Answer: A. Being polite, helpful and treating everyone fairly

    Good customer service builds trust and helps prevent conflict.

15. Question 15 of 25

    Which of these jobs needs an SIA front-line licence when done under a contract?

    • ADriving a taxi
    • BServing drinks behind a bar in a licensed nightclub
    • CDoor supervision at licensed premises
    • DCleaning offices at night
    Show answer

    Answer: C. Door supervision at licensed premises

    Door supervision, security guarding, public space surveillance (CCTV), close protection, cash and valuables in transit and key holding are licensable activities.

16. Question 16 of 25

    You believe a child is in immediate danger. What should you do?

    • ACall the police on 999
    • BWait until the end of your shift to tell your manager
    • CAsk the child to leave the area
    • DDo nothing unless you are certain
    Show answer

    Answer: A. Call the police on 999

    If a child is in immediate danger, call 999. Then report your concerns through your organisation's safeguarding procedure.

17. Question 17 of 25

    What is "hostile reconnaissance"?

    • AInformation gathering by people planning an attack, such as filming security points
    • BA fire drill at a shopping centre
    • CA friendly visit by a council inspector
    • DA security patrol carried out by the venue's own staff to look for hidden weapons or bags
    Show answer

    Answer: A. Information gathering by people planning an attack, such as filming security points

    Attackers often study a site first. Unusual interest in security, loitering or filming entrances should be reported.

18. Question 18 of 25

    Which change must an SIA licence holder tell the SIA about?

    • AA change of address or a new criminal conviction
    • BBuying a new mobile phone
    • CChanging their hairstyle
    • DGoing on holiday somewhere in the UK for a fortnight
    Show answer

    Answer: A. A change of address or a new criminal conviction

    Licence conditions require holders to report changes such as name, address and convictions, cautions or charges.

19. Question 19 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.

20. Question 20 of 25

    The ADVOKATE mnemonic helps you to:

    • ARemember the order of fire extinguisher colours
    • BPlan a patrol route
    • CFill in a licence application
    • DRecord the details of what a witness saw
    Show answer

    Answer: D. Record the details of what a witness saw

    ADVOKATE stands for Amount of time, Distance, Visibility, Obstruction, Known or seen before, Any reason to remember, Time lapse and Errors.

21. Question 21 of 25

    After making a lawful citizen's arrest, what should a security operative do?

    • AQuestion the person until they confess
    • BTell them they are under arrest and why, and hand them to the police quickly
    • CLet the person go once they apologise
    • DTake them to the security office and search their home or car for stolen goods
    Show answer

    Answer: B. Tell them they are under arrest and why, and hand them to the police quickly

    The person should be told why they are being arrested, kept safe, and handed to the police promptly. The arrest must then be recorded.

22. Question 22 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.

23. Question 23 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.

24. Question 24 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.

25. Question 25 of 25

    Which body regulates data protection in the UK?

    • AThe Security Industry Authority
    • BThe Information Commissioner's Office (ICO)
    • CThe Health and Safety Executive
    • DThe Crown Prosecution Service
    Show answer

    Answer: B. The Information Commissioner's Office (ICO)

    The ICO enforces the Data Protection Act 2018 and the UK GDPR.

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

The real test: 70% in each main multiple-choice exam (72 questions and 50 questions); 80% in the physical intervention exam