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Connecticut Security Officer Knowledge Quiz 2026

To work as a security officer in Connecticut, you need a security officer license (often called a guard card) from DESPP. The state does not publish a licensing exam: what you need is at least 8 hours of approved training, a background check and an application, so this is a knowledge quiz. Practice test 1 covers Connecticut's own rules and law, and the other sets cover general security officer knowledge.

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

Quick answer

There is no time limit. It is run by the Connecticut Department of Emergency Services and Public Protection (DESPP), Special Licensing and Firearms Unit. Minimum age: 18 (21 for armed officers). Practise here for free with 84 questions, each with the answer and an explanation. Checked against official sources on October 17, 2026.

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

  1. Question 1 of 23

    Which Connecticut agency issues security officer licenses?
    Show answer

    Answer: A. The Department of Emergency Services and Public Protection (DESPP)

    Security officer licenses are handled by the Special Licensing and Firearms Unit of DESPP.

  2. Question 2 of 23

    Which DESPP unit handles security officer applications?
    Show answer

    Answer: B. The Special Licensing and Firearms Unit (SLFU)

    The Special Licensing and Firearms Unit processes security officer licenses and armed endorsements.

  3. Question 3 of 23

    What is the minimum age to be a security officer in Connecticut?
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    Answer: A. 18

    A security service may only hire security officers who are at least 18 and of good moral character.

  4. Question 4 of 23

    What is the minimum age for an armed security officer in Connecticut?
    Show answer

    Answer: C. 21

    DESPP says armed security officers must be at least 21 years old.

  5. Question 5 of 23

    How many hours of training must a Connecticut security officer applicant complete, at minimum?
    Show answer

    Answer: D. 8 hours

    Section 29-161q requires a minimum of eight hours of training before the license is issued.

  6. Question 6 of 23

    Which list matches the required subjects of Connecticut's security officer training?
    Show answer

    Answer: C. Basic first aid, search and seizure laws, use of force, and basic criminal justice and public safety issues

    The statute lists four training areas: basic first aid, search and seizure laws and regulations, use of force, and basic criminal justice and public safety issues.

  7. Question 7 of 23

    Who approves the training course for a Connecticut security officer license?
    Show answer

    Answer: A. The Commissioner of Emergency Services and Public Protection

    The course must be one approved by the Commissioner of Emergency Services and Public Protection.

  8. Question 8 of 23

    Who pays for the Connecticut security officer training course?
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    Answer: B. The applicant

    DESPP says applicants complete the approved course at their own expense.

  9. Question 9 of 23

    How does an applicant show that they finished the approved training?
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    Answer: B. The instructor signs off on the back of the application form DPS-135-C

    After the course, the instructor signs the reverse side of application form DPS-135-C.

  10. Question 10 of 23

    A Connecticut security officer wants to carry a baton or pepper spray on duty. What is needed?
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    Answer: D. Additional training in the lawful use of that less lethal weapon

    Under section 29-161q, applicants who will carry a less lethal weapon, such as a baton or pepper spray, need additional training on its lawful use.

  11. Question 11 of 23

    What background check is part of a Connecticut security officer application?
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    Answer: D. A state and national criminal history check using fingerprints

    Applicants submit fingerprints for state and national criminal history record checks.

  12. Question 12 of 23

    Which conviction will stop a person from getting the Connecticut security officer card?
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    Answer: D. A felony

    DESPP says no one convicted of a felony, any sexual offense or a crime that questions honesty and integrity will be approved.

  13. Question 13 of 23

    How long is a Connecticut security officer identification card good for?
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    Answer: C. 5 years

    The card is good for 5 years unless it is suspended or revoked, and licenses are renewed every five years.

  14. Question 14 of 23

    When must a Connecticut security officer carry their license identification card?
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    Answer: A. At all times while performing security duties

    Section 29-161q says the officer must carry the card at all times while on duty.

  15. Question 15 of 23

    A police officer asks a Connecticut security officer on duty to show their license card. What must the security officer do?
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    Answer: D. Show the card

    The officer must present the identification card when a law enforcement officer asks for it.

  16. Question 16 of 23

    When must a Connecticut security service apply to register a newly hired licensed security officer?
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    Answer: C. Immediately upon hiring

    The employer must apply to register the officer immediately upon hiring a licensed security officer.

  17. Question 17 of 23

    A registered security officer quits. How soon must the security service tell DESPP?
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    Answer: C. Within 5 days

    The security service must notify the commissioner not later than five days after the employment ends.

  18. Question 18 of 23

    What extra credential does a Connecticut security officer need to carry a firearm on duty?
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    Answer: C. A blue card armed security officer endorsement plus a state pistol permit

    Armed officers need the endorsement under section 29-161z in addition to a pistol permit under section 29-28.

  19. Question 19 of 23

    After getting the armed endorsement, how often must a Connecticut armed security officer take firearms refresher training?
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    Answer: A. Every year

    DESPP says armed officers take an 8-hour training and qualification course and then an annual refresher.

  20. Question 20 of 23

    Who may have the basic security officer training waived in Connecticut?
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    Answer: C. Active military members or those honorably separated within the last two years

    DESPP says the course is waived for active military or those honorably separated within the last two years.

  21. Question 21 of 23

    Under Connecticut's shoplifting detention law, a store employee with reasonable grounds may hold a suspect for how long?
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    Answer: D. For a time sufficient to summon a police officer

    Section 53a-119a allows questioning and holding the person for a time sufficient to call a police officer to the premises.

  22. Question 22 of 23

    A store employee in Connecticut detains a suspected shoplifter. What may they require the person to give before police arrive?
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    Answer: D. Their name and address

    The person must give their name and address. No other information may be required until police take the person into custody.

  23. Question 23 of 23

    In Connecticut, a person stays in a building after the owner or an authorized person personally tells them to leave, knowing they have no right to be there. What crime is this?
    Show answer

    Answer: C. Criminal trespass in the first degree

    Under section 53a-107, staying after an order to leave personally given by the owner or an authorized person is criminal trespass in the first degree, a class A misdemeanor.

What to know before the test

  • Security officers must be at least 18. Armed security officers must be at least 21.
  • Applicants must complete at least 8 hours of approved training in basic first aid, search and seizure laws, use of force, and basic criminal justice and public safety issues.
  • The instructor signs the back of application form DPS-135-C when you finish the course.
  • Applicants are fingerprinted for state and national criminal history checks.
  • The security officer card is good for 5 years unless it is suspended or revoked.
  • You must carry the card at all times on duty and show it to a police officer who asks.
  • Carrying a firearm on duty needs a separate armed endorsement (blue card) and a state pistol permit.

Frequently asked questions

Is there a state exam for the Connecticut guard card?

DESPP does not publish a state licensing exam. You must finish an approved course of at least 8 hours, have the instructor sign your application, pass the background check and apply to DESPP.

How long is the Connecticut security officer training?

At least 8 hours. It covers basic first aid, search and seizure laws, use of force, and basic criminal justice and public safety issues.

How old do I have to be to work security in Connecticut?

At least 18 for unarmed work and at least 21 for armed work.

How long does the Connecticut guard card last?

It is good for 5 years unless it is suspended or revoked, and then it must be renewed.

Can I carry pepper spray or a baton with a basic guard card?

Only after extra training in the lawful use of that less lethal weapon, as the law now requires.

Sources

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