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Arizona Security Guard Knowledge Quiz 2026

To work as an unarmed security guard in Arizona, you need a security guard registration certificate (guard card) from the Department of Public Safety (DPS). The state does not set a written license exam: the rule is 8 hours of pre-assignment training from a DPS-certified instructor, so this is a knowledge quiz. Practice test 1 covers Arizona's own rules, and the other sets cover general security officer knowledge.

  • Security guard
  • Arizona
  • 85 questions
  • Checked
  • Edited by A. Singh
  • Fact-checked October 17, 2026

Quick answer

There is no time limit. It is run by the Arizona Department of Public Safety (DPS), Licensing Unit. Minimum age: 18. Practise here for free with 85 questions, each with the answer and an explanation. Checked against official sources on October 17, 2026.

Read before you practiseStart with the Arizona Security Guard Study Guide: plain-language notes, diagrams and the numbers to remember.
Plan for my exam date Mistake notebook

  1. Question 1 of 24

    Which Arizona agency issues security guard registration certificates?
    Show answer

    Answer: B. The Arizona Department of Public Safety (DPS) Licensing Unit

    Applications for unarmed and armed security guard registration go to the DPS Licensing Unit.

  2. Question 2 of 24

    Which part of the Arizona Revised Statutes covers private security guards?
    Show answer

    Answer: D. Title 32, Chapter 26

    Arizona's private security guard laws are in A.R.S. Title 32, Chapter 26, which the DPS training syllabus cites.

  3. Question 3 of 24

    What is the minimum age for an Arizona security guard certificate?
    Show answer

    Answer: C. 18

    A.R.S. 32-2622 says an applicant for a security guard certificate must be at least 18 years old.

  4. Question 4 of 24

    How many hours of pre-assignment training must an Arizona unarmed security guard complete?
    Show answer

    Answer: D. 8 hours

    A.R.S. 32-2632 requires 8 hours of pre-assignment training before a guard works as a security guard.

  5. Question 5 of 24

    Who may give the Arizona 8-hour pre-assignment training?
    Show answer

    Answer: D. A security guard training instructor certified and registered with DPS

    The training must be given by a DPS-certified instructor, and agencies may use only instructors registered under Chapter 26.

  6. Question 6 of 24

    Who sets the curriculum for Arizona pre-assignment training?
    Show answer

    Answer: B. The Arizona Department of Public Safety

    Under A.R.S. 32-2632 and rule R13-6-601, the training follows the curriculum set by DPS.

  7. Question 7 of 24

    Can the Arizona 8-hour unarmed training be done by watching videos only?
    Show answer

    Answer: A. No. Videos may only support a live instructor

    The DPS syllabus says training cannot be given by videos alone. Videos may only supplement the instructor.

  8. Question 8 of 24

    Does lunch count toward the 8 hours of Arizona pre-assignment training?
    Show answer

    Answer: D. No. Lunch is not part of the 8 hours

    The DPS syllabus says the training must last at least 8 hours, not counting lunch.

  9. Question 9 of 24

    What training must an Arizona guard complete before renewing a registration certificate?
    Show answer

    Answer: C. 8 hours of refresher training within 90 days before applying to renew

    A.R.S. 32-2632 requires 8 hours of refresher training within 90 days before the renewal application.

  10. Question 10 of 24

    Which subject is part of the Arizona pre-assignment training curriculum?
    Show answer

    Answer: D. Crime scene preservation and first response

    R13-6-601 lists nine subjects, including crime scene preservation and first response, use of force and ethics.

  11. Question 11 of 24

    Which list matches subjects in the Arizona 8-hour curriculum?
    Show answer

    Answer: D. Criminal law and laws of arrest; uniform and grooming; communications; ethics

    R13-6-601 also lists orientation, use of force, general procedures, crime scene preservation and emergency response.

  12. Question 12 of 24

    Who signs the Arizona training verification form after the 8-hour course?
    Show answer

    Answer: B. The guard, the instructor and the agency's qualifying party

    R13-6-601 says the guard, the instructor and the qualifying party each sign to confirm the training was completed.

  13. Question 13 of 24

    When may a new Arizona security guard start working a post?
    Show answer

    Answer: B. When they hold a valid guard card and wear the proper uniform

    The DPS syllabus says a guard may not work a post without physically holding a valid guard card and wearing the proper uniform. Working on a pending application is a violation.

  14. Question 14 of 24

    An Arizona guard wants to work in another state with their Arizona registration. What is true?
    Show answer

    Answer: D. Arizona security guard registrations are not transferable between states or persons

    DPS states that security guard registrations are not transferable between states or persons.

  15. Question 15 of 24

    Which person cannot get an Arizona security guard certificate?
    Show answer

    Answer: C. A person with a felony conviction

    A.R.S. 32-2622 says an applicant must not have been convicted of a felony and must not be under felony indictment.

  16. Question 16 of 24

    For certain misdemeanors, such as theft or violence, how far back does Arizona look?
    Show answer

    Answer: A. Five years before applying

    A.R.S. 32-2622 bars applicants convicted within five years before applying of listed misdemeanors, such as violence, dishonesty, theft and sexual misconduct.

  17. Question 17 of 24

    How much firearms training does an armed Arizona security guard need?
    Show answer

    Answer: A. 16 hours of initial firearms training and 8 hours every year

    A.R.S. 32-2632 requires at least 16 hours of initial firearms training and 8 hours of continuing training each year on the weapon used.

  18. Question 18 of 24

    Which is an extra requirement for an Arizona ARMED security guard certificate?
    Show answer

    Answer: A. Not being a prohibited possessor of firearms

    A.R.S. 32-2622 adds armed requirements, such as not being a prohibited possessor and no domestic violence convictions.

  19. Question 19 of 24

    Which area of Arizona law does the DPS syllabus call the most important part of the legal training?
    Show answer

    Answer: B. Justification, in Title 13, Chapter 4

    The syllabus calls justification (A.R.S. 13-402 to 13-419), the law on when force is legally justified, the most crucial legal topic.

  20. Question 20 of 24

    Under the Arizona curriculum, what is a security guard's role when police arrive at a scene?
    Show answer

    Answer: D. Be a good witness and not physically help police unless asked

    The DPS syllabus teaches guards to be good witnesses and not to physically assist police unless asked.

  21. Question 21 of 24

    After a private person makes an arrest in Arizona, what must they do?
    Show answer

    Answer: C. Call the police

    The DPS syllabus covers the duty to call police after an arrest by a private person under A.R.S. 13-3900.

  22. Question 22 of 24

    Which topic does the Arizona 8-hour syllabus include besides the nine curriculum subjects?
    Show answer

    Answer: D. Sexual harassment

    The DPS unarmed syllabus has a sexual harassment module along with law, ethics, communications and crime scene response.

  23. Question 23 of 24

    Where does an Arizona guard learn the duties of a specific post?
    Show answer

    Answer: C. At the work location, after the 8-hour course

    The DPS syllabus says post-specific duties are taught at the work location.

  24. Question 24 of 24

    Which crimes does the Arizona curriculum teach guards to recognize?
    Show answer

    Answer: B. Criminal trespass, theft, assault and criminal damage

    The syllabus covers crimes a guard is likely to see, including trespass, burglary, theft, assault, criminal damage and disorderly conduct.

What to know before the test

  • Before working, an unarmed guard must complete 8 hours of pre-assignment training from a DPS-certified instructor.
  • The training follows a DPS curriculum of nine subjects, from criminal law and laws of arrest to emergency response.
  • Training cannot be given by videos alone, and lunch does not count toward the 8 hours.
  • To renew, a guard needs 8 hours of refresher training within 90 days before applying.
  • Applicants must be at least 18 and must not have a felony conviction.
  • A guard may not work a post without physically holding a valid guard card. Working on a pending application breaks state law.
  • Armed guards also need 16 hours of initial firearms training and 8 hours every year.

Frequently asked questions

Is there a state security guard exam in Arizona?

The law does not set a state written exam. What you need is 8 hours of pre-assignment training from a DPS-certified instructor, a signed training verification form, fingerprints and an approved application.

How many hours of training does an Arizona security guard need?

8 hours before starting work, and 8 hours of refresher training within 90 days before each renewal. Armed guards need extra firearms training.

Can I work while my Arizona guard card application is pending?

No. The DPS syllabus says you must physically hold a valid guard card and wear the proper uniform before you work a post.

How old do you have to be to be a security guard in Arizona?

At least 18, for both unarmed and armed certificates.

Can I use my Arizona guard card in another state?

No. DPS says security guard registrations are not transferable between states or persons.

Sources

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