DSSAT Cheat Sheet 2026

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

1. What is the 'fruit of the poisonous tree' doctrine in federal criminal law? → Evidence obtained illegally, and any evidence derived from it, is inadmissible
2. What is the correct immediate action for a protective security detail when an attack on the principal occurs? → Cover and evacuate the principal to a pre-designated safe haven
3. Which federal agency has lead responsibility for counterintelligence investigations targeting foreign intelligence threats operating inside the United States? → The Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI)
4. Which is not an indication of ransomware infection? → Out-of-date software
5. New provisions under the PSISA would include: → All of the above
6. What can security personnel be exposed to in terms of workplace violence? → All of the above
7. The DS Anti-Terrorism Assistance (ATA) program primarily serves which purpose? → Training foreign law enforcement and security services in counterterrorism techniques
8. What is the purpose of the 'draw stroke' technique in firearms training? → A standardized sequence to efficiently present the weapon from holster to target
9. What is the correct way to write a possessive for a noun already ending in 's'? → Both forms are acceptable in standard usage; style guides vary
10. What is 'persona non grata' in diplomatic practice? → A host-country declaration that a foreign diplomat is no longer acceptable and must leave
11. What is the maximum BMI threshold that would typically trigger additional medical review during DS Special Agent candidate fitness screening? → BMI over 30 (obese), triggering further fitness assessment
12. The new policy will _______ the security clearance process for all incoming personnel, and the _______ of this change will be improved vetting efficiency. → affect, effect
13. Which motorcade vehicle position is typically occupied by the principal during a protective security movement? → The secure package vehicle, typically in the middle of the motorcade
14. What is the DS agent's primary action in the event of an attack during a motorcade movement? → Immediately evacuate the protectee via the 'get away' vehicle
15. Which of the following is not reason why security awareness training is essential for executives? → Executives are worse at retaining security basics than other employees.
16. What is the 'diamond formation' primarily used for in foot-based protective security operations? → Escorting a principal through a crowd or open area to provide 360-degree coverage
17. During protective security operations, what is a 'choke point'? → A narrow or confined area where movement is restricted and vulnerability is increased
18. Security guards must not only carry their license at all times, but they also must: → Wear ID that has either their name or their license number
19. What are the strict requirements to become a licensed security guard? → All of the above
20. What are the most important metrics to consider in security awareness training? → Human risk scores
21. When conducting a tactical reload, what is the agent doing? → Replacing a partially loaded magazine with a full one while retaining the partial mag
22. True or False: Deepfake technology is an enterprise security concern. → A. True
23. What are some examples of a type of security work? → All of the above
24. What federal criminal statute is most commonly used by DS Special Agents to prosecute passport fraud cases? → 18 U.S.C. § 1542 — False Statement in Application for Passport
25. What can a security guard do to reduce the risk and danger of the job? → Both B and D
26. What is the purpose of the DS Special Agent polygraph examination during the medical and security screening process? → To verify truthfulness of background information and detect deception
27. You discover that a colleague on your team has been falsifying overtime reports. What is the most appropriate first action? → Report what you have observed to your supervisor or the DS inspector general office
28. Security guards must not only carry their license at all times, but they also must: → Wear ID that has either their name or their license number
29. Why are humans still the weakest link despite security training and resources? → All of the above
30. Which Diplomatic Security program is responsible for training foreign security forces to protect U.S. diplomatic facilities abroad? → Antiterrorism Assistance (ATA) Program