ASO Cheat Sheet 2026

The 30 highest-yield ASO facts, distilled from real exam questions. Print it, save it as a PDF, or study it here — free, no sign-up.

1. A security contract requires the contractor to carry $1 million per occurrence / $2 million aggregate in general liability insurance. 'Aggregate' means: → The total maximum the insurer will pay for all claims during the policy period
2. When describing a suspect in a security report, the officer should include: → Physical descriptors: height, weight, hair color, clothing, and direction of travel
3. When is it appropriate for an armed security officer to use a subject's name during de-escalation? → Whenever it is known, as it personalizes communication and can reduce hostility
4. What is the correct immediate action for a stovepipe malfunction (spent case caught in ejection port)? → Tap the magazine, rack the slide vigorously to clear the case, reassess
5. How should security officers handle conflicts with the public? → Remain calm and de-escalate
6. An officer uses force against a subject who later turns out to be unarmed. The force may still be justified if: → The officer reasonably believed the subject posed an imminent threat at the time
7. In the context of the use-of-force continuum, 'proportionality' means: → Matching the level of force to the level of threat or resistance
8. A security officer who continues to use force after a subject is fully restrained and no longer resisting may be charged with: → Excessive use of force or assault
9. When can a private security officer detain someone? → With reasonable suspicion and in accordance with state law
10. Under the Service Contract Labor Standards enforced through FAR Part 22, a security contractor must pay guards at least: → The wage rate set in the applicable Wage Determination for the locality
11. What is the correct approach when a security officer does not know a specific detail while writing an incident report? → Write 'unknown' or 'unverified' to indicate the information is missing
12. A security officer should write reports in which type of language? → First-person, using 'I' statements
13. When a federal agency requires armed security officers and issues an Indefinite-Delivery Indefinite-Quantity (IDIQ) contract, what must each task order specify? → The scope, period of performance, and price for that order
14. Under the 'castle doctrine,' a security officer defending a client's facility is MOST accurately described as: → Potentially having expanded rights to defend the premises without a duty to retreat
15. A security officer discovers a contract amendment was verbally agreed upon by management but never signed. What is the legal status of that amendment? → Unenforceable if the original contract requires written modifications
16. Reporting an incident in chronological order is important because it: → Reflects how events actually unfolded and makes facts easier to verify
17. What type of ammunition should you use in a firearm? → Manufacturer-recommended ammunition
18. An officer's semi-automatic pistol fails to go into battery (slide does not fully close). What is this malfunction called? → Failure to return to battery
19. Under FAR, a 'Cure Notice' sent to a security contractor signals that: → The contractor has 10 days to correct a condition that endangers contract performance
20. Tennessee v. Garner (1985) specifically limited the use of deadly force to situations where: → The subject poses a significant threat of death or serious physical harm
21. What is the main purpose of a security patrol? → Deter and detect problems
22. A security services contract specifies a 'per-post' pricing structure. This is an example of a: → Unit-price contract
23. What is one example of unprofessional behavior? → Using offensive language in uniform
24. A security officer on patrol finds an unlocked door that should be secured. The proper procedure is to: → Secure the door, document the finding, and notify the supervisor promptly
25. OC (oleoresin capsicum) spray is classified under which category of the use-of-force continuum? → Intermediate/less-lethal force
26. A security officer disagrees with a supervisor's decision regarding post assignments. What is the appropriate professional response? → Discuss the concern privately with the supervisor through proper channels
27. When should an officer call for backup? → When dealing with unknown risks
28. What is 'reasonable force'? → Minimal force necessary
29. Which of the following is the correct way to use a fire extinguisher, as described by the PASS acronym? → Pull, Aim, Squeeze, Sweep
30. Which characteristic is MOST important when writing a security incident report? → Accuracy and factual objectivity