SIA Security Officer Practice Test 2026: Practice test 2

1. Question 1 of 37

   What is a "lone worker" check call?

   • AA call to a friend to stay awake on nights
   • BA call to the client to report the day's events
   • CA regular call to the control room to confirm a lone officer is safe
   • DA call to the next officer to ask them to come in early and take over
   Show answer

   Answer: C. A regular call to the control room to confirm a lone officer is safe

   Lone working is risky. Regular check calls mean help can be sent if an officer does not respond.

2. Question 2 of 37

   Which item of equipment helps a security officer to communicate with the control room?

   • AA two-way radio
   • BA torch
   • CA high-visibility vest
   • DA notebook
   Show answer

   Answer: A. A two-way radio

   Radios let officers call for help and pass information quickly. Torches, notebooks and high-visibility clothing have other uses.

3. Question 3 of 37

   A security officer is wearing a body-worn camera. What is good practice before recording?

   • ASwitch it on only inside staff toilets
   • BTell people they are being recorded, if it is safe to do so
   • CHide the camera so people act normally
   • DGet every person's written consent before switching the camera on
   Show answer

   Answer: B. Tell people they are being recorded, if it is safe to do so

   Telling people about recording is fair and often calms behaviour. Footage is personal data and must be handled under data protection law.

4. Question 4 of 37

   What should a security officer do with an item of lost property handed in by a member of the public?

   • AGive it to the first person who says it is theirs and can describe its colour
   • BRecord it in the lost property log and store it securely
   • CThrow it away
   • DKeep it if no one claims it within an hour
   Show answer

   Answer: B. Record it in the lost property log and store it securely

   Lost property should be recorded with details and stored safely so the owner can claim it.

5. Question 5 of 37

   A parent reports that their young child is missing in a shopping centre. What should the officer do?

   • ASearch alone without telling anyone else
   • BTell the parent to wait until closing time
   • CAsk the parent to complete a missing person form first, then start searching
   • DGet a description, alert all staff and follow the missing child procedure
   Show answer

   Answer: D. Get a description, alert all staff and follow the missing child procedure

   Speed matters. Many sites have a procedure that covers exits and alerts all staff.

6. Question 6 of 37

   An intruder alarm goes off on site. What should the officer do?

   • AFollow the instructions, check safely and record it
   • BReset the alarm and ignore it
   • CLeave the site until it stops
   • DAssume every activation is a false alarm unless someone phones to report a crime
   Show answer

   Answer: A. Follow the instructions, check safely and record it

   Alarms must be checked and recorded. Follow the procedure and call for help if there are signs of a crime.

7. Question 7 of 37

   A crime has happened in an office. How should the officer protect the scene?

   • ALet staff look around carefully to help the police find clues later
   • BClean the area so it is safe for staff
   • CKeep people out, avoid touching anything and record who entered
   • DMove any evidence into a desk drawer
   Show answer

   Answer: C. Keep people out, avoid touching anything and record who entered

   Protecting the scene preserves evidence for the police.

8. Question 8 of 37

   What should a security officer record about a person seen acting suspiciously?

   • ATheir likely religion and background
   • BA detailed description, the time, the place and what they did
   • CNothing, unless they commit a crime
   • DOnly that they looked suspicious to you, so you do not seem to be judging them
   Show answer

   Answer: B. A detailed description, the time, the place and what they did

   Clear, factual descriptions help the police and the client. Avoid opinions and assumptions.

9. Question 9 of 37

   Which is a professional standard of behaviour for a security officer?

   • AShare client information with friends
   • BUse your position to get free goods
   • CAccept small gifts in return for ignoring minor rules, if the client agrees
   • DNever accept bribes or gifts that could affect your work
   Show answer

   Answer: D. Never accept bribes or gifts that could affect your work

   Security officers must act with honesty and integrity and never abuse their position.

10. Question 10 of 37

    In conflict management, what is "Betari's box" used to explain?

    • AHow to lay out an incident report so it is accepted as evidence
    • BHow to search a bag safely
    • CHow attitudes and behaviour affect each other
    • DThe order of extinguisher colours
    Show answer

    Answer: C. How attitudes and behaviour affect each other

    Betari's box, the attitude and behaviour cycle, shows that a positive attitude can lead to positive behaviour from others.

11. Question 11 of 37

    Which is a common trigger of conflict for a security officer?

    • AA customer receiving a polite greeting
    • BA customer being thanked for waiting
    • CA customer being given clear and helpful directions by the officer
    • DA customer feeling they have been treated unfairly
    Show answer

    Answer: D. A customer feeling they have been treated unfairly

    Feeling disrespected, embarrassed or treated unfairly can quickly lead to anger.

12. Question 12 of 37

    Which is an early warning sign that a person may become aggressive?

    • ASmiling, nodding and relaxed shoulders
    • BClenched fists, a raised voice and staring
    • CWalking away calmly
    • DThanking the officer
    Show answer

    Answer: B. Clenched fists, a raised voice and staring

    Recognising warning signs early gives the officer time to calm the situation or move to safety.

13. Question 13 of 37

    What is a "dynamic risk assessment"?

    • AA written report on site risks completed once a year
    • BA continuous check of risk as a situation develops
    • CA list of banned customers
    • DA fitness test for new officers
    Show answer

    Answer: B. A continuous check of risk as a situation develops

    Situations change quickly. Officers keep assessing the threat and adjust their response.

14. Question 14 of 37

    Why should an officer keep a safe distance (the reactionary gap) from an angry person?

    • ATo give time to react if the person becomes violent
    • BBecause touching a member of the public is always illegal
    • CTo make them shout louder
    • DTo avoid hearing what they say
    Show answer

    Answer: A. To give time to react if the person becomes violent

    Distance gives time to respond and is less threatening to the other person.

15. Question 15 of 37

    Which stance is least likely to look aggressive while still keeping the officer ready?

    • AStanding face to face with folded arms
    • BStanding with hands on hips, close to their face, to show you are in charge
    • CPointing a finger at the person
    • DStanding slightly side-on with open hands at waist height
    Show answer

    Answer: D. Standing slightly side-on with open hands at waist height

    An open, side-on stance looks non-threatening and keeps the officer balanced and ready to move.

16. Question 16 of 37

    Which is an example of positive communication to calm an angry person?

    • A"Rules are rules, I'm afraid. There's nothing more I can do for you here."
    • B"Calm down right now or you'll have to leave!"
    • C"That's not my problem, talk to someone else."
    • D"I understand this is frustrating. Let me see what I can do."
    Show answer

    Answer: D. "I understand this is frustrating. Let me see what I can do."

    Showing empathy and offering help lowers tension. Orders and dismissive replies often make anger worse.

17. Question 17 of 37

    What does "active listening" involve?

    • APlanning your reply while the person is talking
    • BNodding while you deal with other tasks
    • CInterrupting politely to correct any wrong facts as soon as you possibly can
    • DPaying attention, letting the person speak and checking you have understood
    Show answer

    Answer: D. Paying attention, letting the person speak and checking you have understood

    Active listening helps people feel heard, which often reduces anger.

18. Question 18 of 37

    A customer is angry because they cannot enter an area. Which approach is best?

    • AIgnore them until they get bored and leave
    • BRepeat "no" more loudly until they give up
    • CTell them firmly that they will be arrested if they stay in the area
    • DExplain the reason calmly and offer an alternative if there is one
    Show answer

    Answer: D. Explain the reason calmly and offer an alternative if there is one

    Explaining why and offering options helps manage expectations and saves face for the customer.

19. Question 19 of 37

    During a conflict, why should an officer always be aware of exit routes?

    • ASo they know where to take people for searching away from the public
    • BSo they can withdraw to safety if the situation becomes dangerous
    • CSo they can block the other person's way out
    • DSo they can leave work early if it is quiet
    Show answer

    Answer: B. So they can withdraw to safety if the situation becomes dangerous

    Withdrawing to safety is a valid option. Officers should never trap themselves or the other person.

20. Question 20 of 37

    In conflict management, what does "allowing a person to save face" mean?

    • AGiving them a way to back down without feeling humiliated
    • BTaking a photo of their face for the record
    • CMaking them apologise in front of their friends so the matter is closed
    • DAsking them to wash their face
    Show answer

    Answer: A. Giving them a way to back down without feeling humiliated

    People who feel humiliated are more likely to fight. A dignified way out helps end conflict.

21. Question 21 of 37

    After a conflict incident, what should the officer do?

    • AContact the other person later to settle it
    • BForget about it and move on to the next task
    • CReport and record it, and take part in any debrief or support offered
    • DPost about it on social media to warn other officers about that person
    Show answer

    Answer: C. Report and record it, and take part in any debrief or support offered

    Reporting helps the organisation learn and protects the officer. Support helps with stress after incidents.

22. Question 22 of 37

    Which is a barrier to communication during a conflict?

    • AMaking polite eye contact
    • BUsing simple, everyday words
    • CSpeaking in a calm, steady voice at a normal, even volume
    • DThe person being drunk or under the influence of drugs
    Show answer

    Answer: D. The person being drunk or under the influence of drugs

    Alcohol and drugs affect how people understand and react. Officers should adapt their approach and stay safe.

23. Question 23 of 37

    Which statement about a security officer's search powers is true?

    • AThey can stop and search people in the street near the site they protect
    • BThey have no general power to search and rely on consent
    • CThey can search anyone on site at any time
    • DThey can search people's homes nearby
    Show answer

    Answer: B. They have no general power to search and rely on consent

    Unlike the police, security officers rely on consent and the conditions of entry set by the site.

24. Question 24 of 37

    An officer notices a smell of burning near an electrical cupboard during a patrol. What should they do first?

    • AOpen the cupboard and touch the wires
    • BIgnore it if there is no smoke
    • CFinish the patrol and report it later if the smell is still there
    • DRaise the alarm and follow the fire procedure
    Show answer

    Answer: D. Raise the alarm and follow the fire procedure

    A burning smell can mean a fire is starting. Raising the alarm early gives everyone time to escape.

25. Question 25 of 37

    Which is a good reason to keep a daily occurrence book or log?

    • AIt replaces the need for separate incident reports and statements to the police
    • BIt gives a record of events, handovers and actions taken on each shift
    • CIt lets officers write opinions about colleagues
    • DIt is only needed when the client visits
    Show answer

    Answer: B. It gives a record of events, handovers and actions taken on each shift

    Logs give continuity between shifts and can be used as evidence.

26. Question 26 of 37

    At the end of a shift, what should a security officer hand over to the next officer?

    • ATheir own SIA licence and ID card
    • BInformation about ongoing issues, keys and equipment, recorded in the log
    • CNothing; the next officer should read the assignment instructions and work it out
    • DOnly gossip about staff and visitors
    Show answer

    Answer: B. Information about ongoing issues, keys and equipment, recorded in the log

    A proper handover makes sure nothing is missed between shifts.

27. Question 27 of 37

    Which personal protective equipment may a security officer be given for patrols near traffic?

    • AAn extendable baton
    • BA high-visibility vest or jacket
    • CA set of handcuffs
    • DA firearm and holster
    Show answer

    Answer: B. A high-visibility vest or jacket

    High-visibility clothing helps drivers see the officer. Security officers in the UK do not carry firearms, and other items depend on law and training.

28. Question 28 of 37

    A security officer hears on the radio that the site is going into lockdown. What does this usually mean?

    • AThe building is closing for the day
    • BDoors are secured and people stay inside, away from the threat
    • CThe officer can go home
    • DEveryone must leave the building by the nearest exit and go to the assembly point
    Show answer

    Answer: B. Doors are secured and people stay inside, away from the threat

    Lockdown keeps people inside and away from a threat outside or inside. Follow the site plan.

29. Question 29 of 37

    Why must a security officer not leave their post without permission?

    • ABecause the client may stop paying for the day
    • BBecause the SIA tracks every officer by satellite and checks their location
    • CBecause taking any break is illegal
    • DIt leaves the site unprotected and breaks the instructions
    Show answer

    Answer: D. It leaves the site unprotected and breaks the instructions

    Leaving a post can create a security gap. Officers should follow procedures for breaks and handovers.

30. Question 30 of 37

    How can CCTV help a security officer on site?

    • AIt lets them watch more areas and record evidence
    • BIt gives them the same powers as the police to follow suspects
    • CIt replaces the need for any patrols
    • DIt lets them watch inside staff toilets
    Show answer

    Answer: A. It lets them watch more areas and record evidence

    CCTV supports patrols and access control. Its use must follow data protection law and site procedures.

31. Question 31 of 37

    What is a personal attack (panic) alarm used for?

    • ATo wake up the next shift
    • BTo test the building's fire alarm
    • CTo log the start and end of each patrol in the control room
    • DTo call for urgent help when someone is under threat
    Show answer

    Answer: D. To call for urgent help when someone is under threat

    Officers should know where panic alarms are and how the response works on their site.

32. Question 32 of 37

    What is "static guarding"?

    • AGuarding a fixed site or post, such as a building entrance
    • BGuarding a person as a bodyguard
    • CGuarding goods inside a moving vehicle, such as a delivery lorry
    • DGuarding cash while it is being moved
    Show answer

    Answer: A. Guarding a fixed site or post, such as a building entrance

    Static guards work at one site, often controlling access and patrolling the premises.

33. Question 33 of 37

    As a key holder, you attend an alarm at a client's closed premises. What should you do first?

    • AReset the alarm from outside and leave
    • BGo straight in and search the building alone, so the intruder does not escape
    • CCheck outside for signs of entry first, and call the police if there are any
    • DWait in your car until the morning shift
    Show answer

    Answer: C. Check outside for signs of entry first, and call the police if there are any

    Checking from outside protects you. If there are signs of a break-in, do not enter alone.

34. Question 34 of 37

    A hand-held metal detector signals near a person's pocket during a search. What should you do?

    • ARefuse entry without asking anything
    • BAsk the person to show you what caused the signal
    • CIgnore it
    • DPut your hand into their pocket straight away to find the item
    Show answer

    Answer: B. Ask the person to show you what caused the signal

    Asking the person to remove the item is safer for you and respects their dignity.

35. Question 35 of 37

    In conflict management, what is a "win-win" approach?

    • AFinding a solution that both sides can accept
    • BEnding the conversation as fast as possible so no one gets upset
    • CLetting the customer do whatever they want
    • DMaking sure the officer wins the argument
    Show answer

    Answer: A. Finding a solution that both sides can accept

    When both sides gain something, people are more likely to cooperate and the conflict ends.

36. Question 36 of 37

    Why should a security officer avoid using jargon with the public?

    • APeople may not understand it and become frustrated
    • BIt makes radio messages too short for the control room to understand
    • CJargon is against the law
    • DThe public always know security terms
    Show answer

    Answer: A. People may not understand it and become frustrated

    Plain words help people understand what is happening and reduce frustration.

37. Question 37 of 37

    A member of staff tries to leave with company equipment but has no property pass. What should the officer do?

    • APolitely ask for authorisation and follow the site procedure, then record it
    • BLet them go, because they work there
    • CAccuse them of theft in front of others so that other staff are put off stealing
    • DTake the equipment off them by force
    Show answer

    Answer: A. Politely ask for authorisation and follow the site procedure, then record it

    Property pass systems control what leaves a site. Follow the procedure calmly and record what happens.

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

The real test: 70% in each multiple-choice exam (72 questions and 60 questions)