Security Guard License Exam
Ethics & Professionalism Practice Questions
70 practice questions with detailed explanations — aligned to the Security Guard License Exam.
Q1.Professionalism in security is demonstrated by:
A.Wearing a clean uniform, being on time, and treating people with respectB.Having the biggest flashlightC.Yelling commandsD.Being friends with everyoneA. Wearing a clean uniform, being on time, and treating people with respectExplanation: Professionalism is a combination of appearance, reliability, and conduct (courtesy).
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Q2.Discrimination involves:
A.Treating people differently based on race, gender, religion, or disabilityB.Asking for IDC.Enforcing rulesD.Wearing sunglassesA. Treating people differently based on race, gender, religion, or disabilityExplanation: Discrimination is illegal and unethical. Security must be applied equally to all persons.
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Q3.If a client asks you to perform an illegal act (e.g., break into a locker without cause), you should:
A.Do it to keep your jobB.Refuse professionally and report it to your supervisorC.Do it but don't write a reportD.Ask for extra payB. Refuse professionally and report it to your supervisorExplanation: An employer cannot force you to break the law. You are liable for your own actions.
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Q4.Sexual harassment includes:
A.Unwelcome sexual advancesB.Offensive jokes or commentsC.Requests for sexual favorsD.All of the aboveD. All of the aboveExplanation: Harassment creates a hostile work environment and is a major liability.
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Q5.Is it ethical to accept a 'tip' or gift from a thief to let them go?
A.Yes, if it's smallB.No, this is bribery and a crimeC.Yes, if you donate itD.Only on holidaysB. No, this is bribery and a crimeExplanation: Accepting money to ignore a crime is bribery and compounding a crime.
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Q6.If you smell alcohol on your partner's breath while on duty, you should:
A.Ignore itB.Report it to your supervisor immediatelyC.Tell them to chew gumD.Cover for themB. Report it to your supervisor immediatelyExplanation: Safety is compromised by intoxication. You have a duty to report unfit guards.
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Q7.Confidentiality means:
A.Telling your friends about the high-value items at the siteB.Keeping client information (codes, schedules, secrets) privateC.Hiding evidenceD.Not writing reportsB. Keeping client information (codes, schedules, secrets) privateExplanation: Security guards are trusted with sensitive access. Breaching confidentiality violates that trust.
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Q8.Falsifying a time sheet or daily report is:
A.Standard practiceB.A crime (Fraud/Forgery) and grounds for termination/revocationC.Okay if you worked hardD.Okay if the client likes youB. A crime (Fraud/Forgery) and grounds for termination/revocationExplanation: Dishonesty destroys credibility. Falsifying documents is fraud.
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Q9.Off-duty conduct (like getting arrested for a violent crime):
A.Is your own businessB.Can result in the suspension or revocation of your guard cardC.Doesn't matterD.Is allowedB. Can result in the suspension or revocation of your guard cardExplanation: BSIS can revoke licenses for crimes 'substantially related' to the qualifications (violence, theft, fraud).
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Q10.Wearing your uniform while off-duty (e.g., at a bar) is:
A.Good advertisingB.Generally prohibited and unprofessional; it confuses the publicC.RequiredD.Okay if you cover the badgeB. Generally prohibited and unprofessional; it confuses the publicExplanation: Uniforms signify authority. Wearing them while drinking or off-duty creates liability and confusion.
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Q11.Good public relations skills (courtesy) generally:
A.Make you look weakB.Increase voluntary compliance and reduce conflictC.Waste timeD.Cost moneyB. Increase voluntary compliance and reduce conflictExplanation: People cooperate more when treated with respect. 'Verbal Judo' relies on professional courtesy.
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Q12.If a visitor becomes verbally abusive, the professional response is to:
A.Insult them backB.Remain calm, maintain a safe distance, and use de-escalation techniquesC.Fight themD.CryB. Remain calm, maintain a safe distance, and use de-escalation techniquesExplanation: Maintaining composure ('Command Presence') prevents escalation.
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Q13.Social media use while on duty:
A.Is a great way to pass timeB.Can compromise security (distraction) and violate client privacy (posting photos of site)C.Is requiredD.Is always allowedB. Can compromise security (distraction) and violate client privacy (posting photos of site)Explanation: Distraction is a safety hazard. Posting site photos violates confidentiality.
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Q14.Integrity means:
A.Doing the right thing even when no one is watchingB.Being strongC.Being on timeD.Knowing the lawA. Doing the right thing even when no one is watchingExplanation: Integrity is the foundation of security. Clients trust guards with keys and assets.
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Q15.If you find a wallet with cash in it:
A.Keep the cash, turn in the walletB.Turn it in intact to Lost & Found or your supervisorC.Keep it allD.Leave it thereB. Turn it in intact to Lost & Found or your supervisorExplanation: Theft by finding (misappropriation) is a crime. Integrity requires turning it in.
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Q16.Impersonating a Peace Officer is:
A.A felonyB.A misdemeanorC.Allowed for securityD.FunnyB. A misdemeanorExplanation: It is a crime to wear a uniform or badge that a reasonable person would mistake for police, or to claim police powers.
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Q17.Which of the following creates a 'Conflict of Interest'?
A.Guarding a store where your spouse worksB.Working two jobsC.Being tiredD.Not liking the clientA. Guarding a store where your spouse worksExplanation: You may be tempted to let your spouse break rules (e.g., employee theft). This conflicts with your duty to the client.
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Q18.The 'Code of Ethics' generally requires guards to:
A.Protect life and propertyB.Prevent and report crimeC.Observe and reportD.All of the aboveD. All of the aboveExplanation: These are the fundamental duties of the profession.
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Q19.Sleeping on duty is:
A.Acceptable on night shiftB.A fireable offense and negligenceC.Okay if you set an alarmD.Okay if nothing happensB. A fireable offense and negligenceExplanation: Sleeping guards cannot protect the client. It is gross negligence.
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Q20.If a tenant offers you a key to their apartment 'just in case':
A.Take itB.Refuse; accept keys only through official channels (property management)C.Take it but don't tell anyoneD.Put it on the master ringB. Refuse; accept keys only through official channels (property management)Explanation: Accepting personal keys creates massive liability if something goes missing from that apartment. Adhere to official key control policies.
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Q21.Using excessive force because the suspect 'deserved it' is:
A.JusticeB.Unethical and illegalC.AllowedD.PolicyB. Unethical and illegalExplanation: Punishment is the court's job. Force is for control only.
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Q22.A guard's 'Command Presence' refers to:
A.Yelling ordersB.Projecting confidence and authority through appearance and demeanorC.Carrying a gunD.Being bossyB. Projecting confidence and authority through appearance and demeanorExplanation: Looking sharp and acting calm commands respect without words.
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Q23.If you witness another guard stealing:
A.Join themB.Ignore it (Code of Silence)C.Report it to your supervisorD.Blackmail themC. Report it to your supervisorExplanation: Failure to report a crime by a partner makes you an accessory or negligent.
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Q24.Cultural awareness means:
A.Treating everyone exactly the same regardless of contextB.Understanding that different cultures communicate differently (e.g., eye contact, personal space) to avoid misunderstandingsC.Learning every languageD.ProfilingB. Understanding that different cultures communicate differently (e.g., eye contact, personal space) to avoid misunderstandingsExplanation: Recognizing cultural norms helps de-escalate. For example, some cultures view direct eye contact as aggressive or disrespectful.
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Q25.Making up details in a report to 'help' the police is:
A.HelpfulB.Perjury and obstruction of justiceC.StandardD.AllowedB. Perjury and obstruction of justiceExplanation: Reports must be 100% factual. Lying on a report used in court is perjury.
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Q26.What is the primary ethical duty of a security guard?
A.Maximize company profitB.Protect people and property while upholding law and ethicsC.Catch criminals at any costD.Protect only high-value itemsB. Protect people and property while upholding law and ethicsExplanation: Guards have ethical duty to people and property, not profit or vendetta.
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Q27.Should a security guard accept a bribe or gift?
A.Yes; free gifts are fineB.No; accepting bribes/improper gifts violates ethics and lawC.Small gifts are okayD.Only from managersB. No; accepting bribes/improper gifts violates ethics and lawExplanation: Gifts can create conflicts of interest and corruption.
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Q28.Can a security guard make personal relationships with employees?
A.Never allowedB.Yes; but must maintain professional distance and not let it affect judgmentC.Only romantic relationshipsD.Only with approvalB. Yes; but must maintain professional distance and not let it affect judgmentExplanation: Personal relationships must not compromise professional judgment.
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Q29.What should a guard do if ordered to violate the law?
A.Follow orders; not their responsibilityB.Refuse; report to supervisor/management/authorities as appropriateC.Ignore but not refuseD.Quit immediatelyB. Refuse; report to supervisor/management/authorities as appropriateExplanation: Guards have ethical and legal duty to refuse illegal orders.
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Q30.Should a security guard be truthful in reports?
A.Only if it helps the companyB.Always; truth is fundamental to professionalism and lawC.Only when necessaryD.It dependsB. Always; truth is fundamental to professionalism and lawExplanation: Truthfulness is core to professional integrity and legal obligation.
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Q31.How should a security guard treat all people?
A.Based on appearanceB.With respect and without discriminationC.Only those in authorityD.Based on socioeconomic statusB. With respect and without discriminationExplanation: Professional guards treat everyone with equal respect.
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Q32.Can a security guard use their authority to settle personal disputes?
A.Yes, if justifiedB.No; authority is for legitimate security purposes onlyC.Only if in uniformD.Only off-dutyB. No; authority is for legitimate security purposes onlyExplanation: Authority is limited to legitimate security functions, not personal vendettas.
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Q33.What should a guard do if they observe a coworker violating the law?
A.Cover it upB.Report through proper channels to supervisor/management/authoritiesC.Ignore itD.Tell other guards onlyB. Report through proper channels to supervisor/management/authoritiesExplanation: Professional obligation is to report violations through proper channels.
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Q34.Should a security guard maintain confidentiality?
A.No; tell everyoneB.Yes, within legal/professional bounds; disclose only as requiredC.Only for friendsD.Only for managersB. Yes, within legal/professional bounds; disclose only as requiredExplanation: Confidentiality is professional and often legal obligation.
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Q35.What should a guard do if they make a mistake on the job?
A.Hide itB.Report promptly and work to correct; documentationC.Ignore and hope no one noticesD.Blame someone elseB. Report promptly and work to correct; documentationExplanation: Accountability and correction are professional standards.
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Q36.Can a security guard use excessive force because they had a bad day?
A.Yes, understandableB.No; personal emotions don't justify improper forceC.Only if frustratedD.Depends on the dayB. No; personal emotions don't justify improper forceExplanation: Professional guards control emotions; force rules apply always.
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Q37.Should a guard be familiar with their company's code of conduct?
A.No, not necessaryB.Yes; understanding and following company policies is essentialC.Only management reads itD.Too long to readB. Yes; understanding and following company policies is essentialExplanation: Guards must know company standards and policies.
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Q38.What is appropriate professional appearance for a security guard?
A.Whatever they wantB.Clean, well-maintained uniform per company standards; displays professionalismC.Casual clothesD.Personal style onlyB. Clean, well-maintained uniform per company standards; displays professionalismExplanation: Professional appearance builds trust and credibility.
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Q39.Can a security guard use security systems or access for personal benefit?
A.Yes, guards have special privilegesB.No; systems are for security purposes onlyC.Only minor personal useD.Only off-hoursB. No; systems are for security purposes onlyExplanation: Misuse of systems is theft and violates professional ethics.
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Q40.What is the long-term value of ethical behavior for a security guard?
A.No valueB.Builds reputation, trust, legal protection, career advancementC.Wastes timeD.Just slows you downB. Builds reputation, trust, legal protection, career advancementExplanation: Ethics are fundamental to professional success and legal protection.
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Q41.What does 'professional conduct' mean for a security guard?
A.Doing whatever the client requestsB.Maintaining integrity, following laws, treating all persons with respectC.Doing the minimum requiredD.Personal beliefs override job dutyB. Maintaining integrity, following laws, treating all persons with respectExplanation: Professional conduct means maintaining integrity, following the law and policies, respecting all persons, and acting ethically in all situations.
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Q42.What is a conflict of interest for a security guard?
A.Disagreeing with managementB.Personal interests that conflict with job duties or employer interestsC.Being friends with colleaguesD.Having outside employmentB. Personal interests that conflict with job duties or employer interestsExplanation: A conflict of interest arises when personal interests or relationships could compromise job performance or employer interests.
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Q43.Should a security guard accept gratuities from clients or guests?
A.Always acceptB.Only if expensiveC.Never, or only small items per company policyD.Only if no one knowsC. Never, or only small items per company policyExplanation: Gratuities can create conflicts of interest. Company policy should address whether small tips are acceptable or all should be declined.
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Q44.What should a guard do if asked to perform an illegal act by a supervisor?
A.Comply to keep the jobB.Refuse, report to HR/management, and follow proper proceduresC.Comply then report laterD.Ignore the requestB. Refuse, report to HR/management, and follow proper proceduresExplanation: A guard should never comply with illegal directives. Refuse, report to HR or upper management, and document the request.
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Q45.What is the importance of confidentiality in security work?
A.Not importantB.Critical - information about client, employees, and incidents must be protectedC.Only important for criminal informationD.Okay to share with friendsB. Critical - information about client, employees, and incidents must be protectedExplanation: Confidentiality is critical. Information learned during security work should not be shared except with authorized personnel.
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Q46.How should a security guard respond to discrimination or harassment?
A.Participate or ignore itB.Report it to HR/management and follow company proceduresC.Only report serious casesD.Handle it personallyB. Report it to HR/management and follow company proceduresExplanation: Any discrimination or harassment should be reported to HR or management following company procedures for investigation and resolution.
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Q47.What is 'abuse of authority' by a security guard?
A.Using authority appropriatelyB.Using security position for personal gain or to harm others wrongfullyC.Following company policyD.Being strict about rulesB. Using security position for personal gain or to harm others wrongfullyExplanation: Abuse of authority means misusing the security position for personal gain, harassment, discrimination, or exceeding legal/policy authority.
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Q48.Should a security guard disclose personal information about clients or employees?
A.Yes, if it's interestingB.No, personal information must be kept confidentialC.Only to the policeD.Only if paid to do soB. No, personal information must be kept confidentialExplanation: Personal information about clients, employees, or anyone encountered in security work must remain strictly confidential.
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Q49.What is the importance of proper incident documentation ethics?
A.Document only what helps your positionB.Document all facts accurately and truthfully, avoiding biasC.Don't document to avoid troubleD.Exaggerate severity to protect yourselfB. Document all facts accurately and truthfully, avoiding biasExplanation: Ethical documentation requires writing truthfully and completely, without exaggeration, bias, or omission to appear better or worse.
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Q50.Can a security guard moonlight at another security job?
A.Yes, with no restrictionsB.Only with employer permission and if it doesn't create conflictsC.NeverD.Only weekendsB. Only with employer permission and if it doesn't create conflictsExplanation: Outside employment may be allowed with employer permission, provided there are no conflicts of interest and primary job is not compromised.
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Q51.How should a guard handle a bribe or offer of money for improper action?
A.Accept and keep quietB.Report it to management immediately and decline firmlyC.Negotiate the amountD.Accept but don't do what was askedB. Report it to management immediately and decline firmlyExplanation: Any bribe offer should be immediately reported to management and firmly declined. Document the incident.
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Q52.What is 'duty of care' for a security guard?
A.No duty to anyoneB.Obligation to perform job with reasonable care to protect persons and propertyC.Only care about paying clientsD.No responsibility for client safetyB. Obligation to perform job with reasonable care to protect persons and propertyExplanation: Duty of care means the guard must perform their job with reasonable care to protect persons on the property and client assets.
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Q53.Should personal biases affect how a guard treats people?
A.Yes, biases are naturalB.No, all persons should be treated with equal respect regardless of personal feelingsC.Yes, they justify different treatmentD.Biases are relevantB. No, all persons should be treated with equal respect regardless of personal feelingsExplanation: Professional ethics require treating all persons with equal respect and fairness regardless of personal biases or preferences.
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Q54.What should a guard do if they witness another guard's misconduct?
A.Say nothing to protect the relationshipB.Report to appropriate management/HRC.Confront the guard privately onlyD.Only report if it's very seriousB. Report to appropriate management/HRExplanation: Misconduct by colleagues should be reported to management or HR so appropriate investigation and discipline can occur.
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Q55.Is it ethical for a security guard to become friends with clients?
A.Yes, always appropriateB.Caution needed - must not compromise professional judgment or create appearance of biasC.Never, completely inappropriateD.Only during off-hoursB. Caution needed - must not compromise professional judgment or create appearance of biasExplanation: While friendly professional relationships are appropriate, guards must avoid close personal relationships that could create conflicts or compromise judgment.
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Q56.What is a core ethical responsibility of a security guard?
A.Making personal gain from the positionB.Protecting people and property with integrity and professionalismC.Intimidating othersD.Ignoring rulesB. Protecting people and property with integrity and professionalismExplanation: Professional ethics require guards to act with integrity in protection of persons and property.
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Q57.Can a security guard accept gifts or bribes?
A.Yes, alwaysB.No, accepting bribes or inappropriate gifts is unethical and illegalC.Yes, small giftsD.Only cashB. No, accepting bribes or inappropriate gifts is unethical and illegalExplanation: Accepting bribes is unethical and may violate law; professional boundaries must be maintained.
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Q58.What should a guard do if they witness another guard behaving unprofessionally?
A.Ignore itB.Report to supervisor or management; address if minor and appropriateC.Join the behaviorD.Tell coworkersB. Report to supervisor or management; address if minor and appropriateExplanation: Professional responsibility includes reporting unethical behavior.
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Q59.How should a security guard treat all people, regardless of status?
A.With bias based on appearanceB.With equal respect and fairnessC.Only kindly to supervisorsD.With suspicionB. With equal respect and fairnessExplanation: Professional ethics require fair, unbiased treatment of all persons.
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Q60.What is the guard's responsibility regarding confidential information?
A.Share it freelyB.Maintain confidentiality; share only with authorized personnelC.Post on social mediaD.Tell friendsB. Maintain confidentiality; share only with authorized personnelExplanation: Guards must maintain confidentiality of employer and property information.
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Q61.Can a security guard use their position for personal gain?
A.Yes, anytimeB.No, position must be used only for legitimate security purposesC.Yes, if supervisor approvesD.Only after hoursB. No, position must be used only for legitimate security purposesExplanation: Security positions must not be exploited for personal benefit.
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Q62.What should a guard do if their supervisor orders them to do something unethical or illegal?
A.Obey without questionB.Respectfully decline and report through proper channelsC.Do it but hide itD.Quit immediatelyB. Respectfully decline and report through proper channelsExplanation: Guards have ethical duty to refuse unethical orders and report through proper procedures.
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Q63.How should a security guard use social media regarding work?
A.Post everything about workB.Avoid posting confidential information, property details, or client informationC.Share all incidentsD.Post about colleaguesB. Avoid posting confidential information, property details, or client informationExplanation: Social media use must respect confidentiality and professional boundaries.
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Q64.What should a guard do if they make an error or mistake at work?
A.Hide itB.Acknowledge it, report to supervisor, and take corrective actionC.Blame someone elseD.Continue as if nothing happenedB. Acknowledge it, report to supervisor, and take corrective actionExplanation: Professional integrity requires honesty about mistakes.
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Q65.Can a security guard show favoritism in performing their duties?
A.YesB.No, all persons must be treated fairly without favoritismC.Only for friendsD.Only for attractive peopleB. No, all persons must be treated fairly without favoritismExplanation: Professional conduct requires fair, unbiased treatment of all persons.
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Q66.What is the guard's responsibility regarding accurate reporting?
A.Exaggerate incidentsB.Report facts accurately and honestlyC.Report only what helps reputationD.Minimize all problemsB. Report facts accurately and honestlyExplanation: Accurate reporting is essential to professional integrity and proper operations.
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Q67.What training covers ethics and professionalism for NY security guards?
A.No ethics training requiredB.8-hour pre-assignment training covers public relations and professional conductC.Only optional trainingD.Only supervisor trainingB. 8-hour pre-assignment training covers public relations and professional conductExplanation: NY GBL 89-n requires pre-assignment training covering professionalism.
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Q68.How should a security guard interact with the public?
A.AggressivelyB.Professionally, courteously, and respectfullyC.SuspiciouslyD.DismissivelyB. Professionally, courteously, and respectfullyExplanation: Professional public relations are essential to security guard responsibilities.
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Q69.What should a guard do if they are offered special treatment or privileges?
A.Accept gratefullyB.Decline politely and maintain professional boundariesC.Demand moreD.Tell others about itB. Decline politely and maintain professional boundariesExplanation: Maintaining professional distance protects integrity and objectivity.
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Q70.How should a security guard handle disputes with colleagues?
A.Engage in confrontationB.Address professionally through proper channels; avoid public disputesC.Involve other staffD.Ignore completelyB. Address professionally through proper channels; avoid public disputesExplanation: Professional conflict resolution maintains workplace professionalism.
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