Ontario Security Guard Test Private Security and Investigative Services Act 1 — Questions and Answers
Question 1: Under the Private Security and Investigative Services Act (PSISA), what is the minimum age to be licensed as a security guard in Ontario?
- 16 years old
- 18 years old (Correct answer)
- 19 years old
- 21 years old
Correct answer: 18 years old
The PSISA requires that all applicants for a security guard licence must be at least 18 years of age at the time of application.
Question 2: Who is responsible for administering the Private Security and Investigative Services Act in Ontario?
- Ontario Provincial Police
- Ministry of the Solicitor General (Correct answer)
- Ministry of Labour
- Municipal Police Services
Correct answer: Ministry of the Solicitor General
The Ministry of the Solicitor General is responsible for administering and enforcing the PSISA, including licensing of security guards and private investigators.
Question 3: How long is a security guard licence valid in Ontario under the PSISA?
- 1 year
- 2 years (Correct answer)
- 3 years
- 5 years
Correct answer: 2 years
A security guard licence issued under the PSISA is valid for a period of two years from the date of issue, after which it must be renewed.
Question 4: Under the PSISA, which of the following is NOT a requirement for obtaining a security guard licence?
- Completion of mandatory training
- Being a Canadian citizen (Correct answer)
- Being at least 18 years old
- Passing a background check
Correct answer: Being a Canadian citizen
The PSISA does not require Canadian citizenship. Applicants must be legally entitled to work in Canada, which includes permanent residents and those with valid work permits.
Question 5: What must a licensed security guard carry while on duty according to the PSISA?
- A firearm permit
- Their security guard licence (Correct answer)
- A first aid certificate
- A copy of the Criminal Code
Correct answer: Their security guard licence
Under the PSISA, a licensed security guard must carry their licence at all times while performing security work and must produce it upon request.
Question 6: Under the PSISA, what happens if a security guard fails to renew their licence before it expires?
- They receive a 30-day grace period
- They must stop performing security work immediately (Correct answer)
- They can continue working for up to 90 days
- Their employer automatically renews it
Correct answer: They must stop performing security work immediately
Once a licence expires, the individual is no longer authorized to perform security guard work. Continuing to work without a valid licence is an offence under the PSISA.
Under the Private Security and Investigative Services Act (PSISA), what is the minimum age to be licensed as a security guard in Ontario?