• 130 questions

Arkansas Security Guard Practice Test

Unofficial practice on the Arkansas Act, State Police rules and legal authority that the private security officer examination covers.

Which license class is a security services contractor license under Ark. Code Ann. § 17-40-309?

Pick an answer, then press Check answer. Then you see Correct or Not quite, with the reason. Keys: A to D pick, Enter checks.

Print covers the next 70 questions. Share this set copies a link to the same questions in the same order.

Exam mode: 70 questions, no time limit, 49 right to pass (70%).

More options

Unofficial practice questions, not affiliated with the Division of Arkansas State Police. Bank checked October 16, 2026.

Next step Louisiana guard law questionsArkansas bail bond law questions

All 130 questions

The Act: who it covers, its words and its exemptions 16

  • Does "convicted" in Ark. Code Ann. § 17-40-102(13) include a conviction that has been sealed or expunged? Ark. Code Ann. § 17-40-102(13)
  • To what extent may a private security officer direct the movements of the public, under Ark. Code Ann. § 17-40-102(29)(C)? Ark. Code Ann. § 17-40-102(29)(C)
  • To whom does the chapter not apply under Ark. Code Ann. § 17-40-103(a)(1)? Ark. Code Ann. § 17-40-103(a)(1)
  • What does a "license" entitle a person to do under Ark. Code Ann. § 17-40-102(19)? Ark. Code Ann. § 17-40-102(19)
  • What does the Act call the authorization granted to an individual to perform the duties of a private security officer? Ark. Code Ann. § 17-40-102(14)
  • What is a "guard company" under Ark. Code Ann. § 17-40-102(17)? Ark. Code Ann. § 17-40-102(17)
  • What is a "security services contractor" under Ark. Code Ann. § 17-40-102(34)? Ark. Code Ann. § 17-40-102(34)
  • What is the title of Arkansas Code Title 17, Chapter 40, under § 17-40-101? Ark. Code Ann. § 17-40-101
  • What marks the "security department of a private business" in Ark. Code Ann. § 17-40-102(33)? Ark. Code Ann. § 17-40-102(33)
  • What may a city or county require of a security company operating in its jurisdiction, under Ark. Code Ann. § 17-40-106(c)? Ark. Code Ann. § 17-40-106(c)
Show all 130 questions (120 more)

The Act: who it covers, its words and its exemptions, continued

  • Which duty is in the definition of "private security officer" in Ark. Code Ann. § 17-40-102(29)? Ark. Code Ann. § 17-40-102(29)
  • Which employees of a licensee are not required to register with the director under Ark. Code Ann. § 17-40-103(c)? Ark. Code Ann. § 17-40-103(c)
  • Which license class includes the operations of both a Class A and a Class B license, under Ark. Code Ann. § 17-40-309? Ark. Code Ann. § 17-40-309(3)
  • Which license class is a security services contractor license under Ark. Code Ann. § 17-40-309? Ark. Code Ann. § 17-40-309(2)
  • Which person is outside the chapter under Ark. Code Ann. § 17-40-103(a)(3)? Ark. Code Ann. § 17-40-103(a)(3)
  • Who has exclusive authority to regulate security companies under Ark. Code Ann. § 17-40-106(a)? Ark. Code Ann. § 17-40-106(a)

The PSO credential: qualifications, application, fees and renewal 29

  • A departing employee has returned the credential card to the licensee. How soon must the licensee mail or deliver it to the director for cancellation, under Ark. Code Ann. § 17-40-329(e)? Ark. Code Ann. § 17-40-329(e)
  • A misdemeanor plea does not block a credential under Ark. Code Ann. § 17-40-306(d)(2) once it is how old? Ark. Code Ann. § 17-40-306(d)(2)
  • After how long past its expiration can a credential no longer be renewed, under Ark. Code Ann. § 17-40-313(d)? Ark. Code Ann. § 17-40-313(d)
  • An applicant withdraws after paying. Are the fees refunded under Ark. Code Ann. § 17-40-302(c)? Ark. Code Ann. § 17-40-302(c)
  • The background check on a new employee uncovers a potential disqualifying factor. What must the applicant do under 17 CAR § 350-214(b)(3)? 17 CAR § 350-214(b)(3)
  • Does a private security officer's credential stay valid when the holder changes employers, under Ark. Code Ann. § 17-40-329(b)? Ark. Code Ann. § 17-40-329(b)
  • How does 17 CAR § 350-214 define the "supervision" a new employee works under until the application is processed? 17 CAR § 350-214(b)(2)
  • How early may a credential holder renew, under 17 CAR § 350-301(a)? 17 CAR § 350-301(a)
  • How many classifiable sets of fingerprints does Ark. Code Ann. § 17-40-307(a)(6) require of an individual applicant? Ark. Code Ann. § 17-40-307(a)(6)
  • How old must an applicant for a private security officer credential be at the time of application, under Ark. Code Ann. § 17-40-306(a)? Ark. Code Ann. § 17-40-306(a)(1)
  • How soon after starting work must a private security officer submit the application for the credential, under Ark. Code Ann. § 17-40-325(a)? Ark. Code Ann. § 17-40-325(a)
  • How soon must a credential holder notify the director of a change of address, telephone number or email address, under Ark. Code Ann. § 17-40-316(a)? Ark. Code Ann. § 17-40-316(a)
  • How soon must a lost or stolen credential card be reported under 17 CAR § 350-402? 17 CAR § 350-402(a)
  • In what form is a lost or stolen credential card reported under 17 CAR § 350-402? 17 CAR § 350-402(a)(2)
  • May a credential be assigned to another person under Ark. Code Ann. § 17-40-311? Ark. Code Ann. § 17-40-311
  • What becomes of the expired credential card when the credential is renewed, under 17 CAR § 350-302? 17 CAR § 350-302
  • What fee may the director assess for an initial application for a security guard credential, under Ark. Code Ann. § 17-40-302(a)(1)? Ark. Code Ann. § 17-40-302(a)(1)(K)
  • What is the fee for a replacement credential photo identification card under Ark. Code Ann. § 17-40-302(a)(3)? Ark. Code Ann. § 17-40-302(a)(3)(A)
  • What must a credentialed individual do with the photo identification card when he or she leaves the position, under Ark. Code Ann. § 17-40-329(c)? Ark. Code Ann. § 17-40-329(c)
  • What must be submitted with a renewal, besides the form and the fee, under 17 CAR § 350-301(a)(3)? 17 CAR § 350-301(a)(3)
  • What must go with a written notice of a legal name change under 17 CAR § 350-403? 17 CAR § 350-403(a)
  • When a credentialed individual moves from one licensee to another, who notifies the director under Ark. Code Ann. § 17-40-329(d)? Ark. Code Ann. § 17-40-329(d)
  • When does a private security officer credential expire under Ark. Code Ann. § 17-40-313(a)? Ark. Code Ann. § 17-40-313(a)(1)
  • Which fact disqualifies an applicant under Ark. Code Ann. § 17-40-306(a)? Ark. Code Ann. § 17-40-306(a)(3)
  • Which finding of guilt bars a credential under Ark. Code Ann. § 17-40-306(d)(1), where no pardon has been granted? Ark. Code Ann. § 17-40-306(d)(1)
  • Which item is displayed on the credential photo identification card under Ark. Code Ann. § 17-40-329(a)(2)? Ark. Code Ann. § 17-40-329(a)(2)
  • Which prior conviction does not disqualify an applicant under 17 CAR § 350-210? 17 CAR § 350-210(b)
  • While the application is pending, on what condition may the applicant perform the services of a private security officer, under Ark. Code Ann. § 17-40-325(b)? Ark. Code Ann. § 17-40-325(b)
  • Who conducts the criminal background check required by Ark. Code Ann. § 17-40-307(e)? Ark. Code Ann. § 17-40-307(e)

Phase I training and the PSO examination 24

  • A guest instructor teaches part of the required training. Who must be present during that instruction, under 17 CAR § 350-806? 17 CAR § 350-806(b)
  • According to the State Police licensing page, what is the study material for the state exam it gives to managers and trainers? Arkansas State Police licensing page
  • How long is the renewal training for a PSO credential, at the least, under 17 CAR § 350-1011? 17 CAR § 350-1011(a)
  • How long must an applicant who fails the examination wait before retaking it, under 17 CAR § 350-1017(e)? 17 CAR § 350-1017(e)(1)
  • How long must Phase I training be, at the least, under 17 CAR § 350-1004? 17 CAR § 350-1004
  • How many "most important questions" must a report answer, according to the Phase I outline in 17 CAR § 350-1004(2)? 17 CAR § 350-1004(2)(D)
  • How must the applicant take the examination under 17 CAR § 350-1017(c)? 17 CAR § 350-1017(c)(1)
  • How often is renewal training required for a PSO under 17 CAR § 350-1010(a)? 17 CAR § 350-1010(a)
  • Phase I has two subject areas in 17 CAR § 350-1004. One is legal authority. What is the other? 17 CAR § 350-1004
  • What does the examination cover under 17 CAR § 350-1017(a)? 17 CAR § 350-1017(a)
  • What follows a failure to pass the examination after two attempts, under 17 CAR § 350-1017(f)? 17 CAR § 350-1017(f)
  • What is the "company/site/account-specific legal issues" part of Phase I geared toward, under 17 CAR § 350-1004(1)(F)? 17 CAR § 350-1004(1)(F)
  • What is the minimum number of questions on the PSO examination under 17 CAR § 350-1017(b)? 17 CAR § 350-1017(b)(1)
  • What must an applicant for a PSO credential complete under 17 CAR § 350-1001? 17 CAR § 350-1001
  • What must the manager keep copies of under 17 CAR § 350-511? 17 CAR § 350-511
  • What reexamination fee applies when the test is administered by the Division of Arkansas State Police, under 17 CAR § 350-1017(e)? 17 CAR § 350-1017(e)(2)
  • What score is successful completion of the examination under 17 CAR § 350-1017(d)? 17 CAR § 350-1017(d)
  • Which are among the "key provisions of the statute" that Phase I must cover under 17 CAR § 350-1004(1)(G)? 17 CAR § 350-1004(1)(G)
  • Which topic does Ark. Code Ann. § 17-40-208(b) itself list for the training of a private security officer? Ark. Code Ann. § 17-40-208(b)
  • Which topic is listed under legal authority in Phase I, in 17 CAR § 350-1004(1)? 17 CAR § 350-1004(1)
  • Who certifies to the director that required training has been completed, under Ark. Code Ann. § 17-40-102(37)? Ark. Code Ann. § 17-40-102(37)
  • Who develops and administers the examination under 17 CAR § 350-1017(a)? 17 CAR § 350-1017(a)
  • Who is exempt from the training requirements to qualify as a PSO under 17 CAR § 350-1007? 17 CAR § 350-1007
  • Within what period before renewal must a PSO's renewal training be completed, under 17 CAR § 350-1010(a)? 17 CAR § 350-1010(a)

Legal authority: classes of crime, arrest, detention and force 28

  • A detention under Ark. Code Ann. § 5-36-116(a)(2) does not make the store's employee or agent liable for what? Ark. Code Ann. § 5-36-116(a)(2)(B)
  • Ark. Code Ann. § 5-2-609 justifies nondeadly physical force to prevent or terminate which offenses, or flight from them? Ark. Code Ann. § 5-2-609
  • Besides the cases of § 5-2-607, when may deadly physical force be used against a trespasser under Ark. Code Ann. § 5-2-608(b)? Ark. Code Ann. § 5-2-608(b)
  • Deadly physical force is justified under Ark. Code Ann. § 5-2-607(a) against a person reasonably believed to be using or about to use unlawful deadly physical force, or to be doing what? Ark. Code Ann. § 5-2-607(a)
  • For what purpose does Ark. Code Ann. § 5-36-116(a)(2)(A) allow the detention? Ark. Code Ann. § 5-36-116(a)(2)(A)
  • How does Ark. Code Ann. § 5-1-105(b) classify offenses? Ark. Code Ann. § 5-1-105(b)
  • How does Ark. Code Ann. § 5-2-601(2) define "deadly physical force"? Ark. Code Ann. § 5-2-601(2)
  • How many classes of misdemeanor does Ark. Code Ann. § 5-1-107(b) list? Ark. Code Ann. § 5-1-107(b)
  • How may a person who has concealed unpurchased store property be detained under Ark. Code Ann. § 5-36-116(a)(2)(A)? Ark. Code Ann. § 5-36-116(a)(2)(A)
  • Under Ark. Code Ann. § 5-11-104, what is the offense of knowingly restraining another person, without consent and without lawful authority, so as to interfere substantially with that person's liberty? Ark. Code Ann. § 5-11-104(a)
  • What class of offense is criminal impersonation in the first degree under Ark. Code Ann. § 5-37-208(a)? Ark. Code Ann. § 5-37-208(a)
  • What class of offense is false imprisonment in the second degree under Ark. Code Ann. § 5-11-104(b)? Ark. Code Ann. § 5-11-104(b)
  • What force may a person in lawful possession or control of premises use to end a criminal trespass, under Ark. Code Ann. § 5-2-608(a)? Ark. Code Ann. § 5-2-608(a)
  • What gives rise to the shoplifting presumption in Ark. Code Ann. § 5-36-116(a)(1)? Ark. Code Ann. § 5-36-116(a)(1)
  • What is criminal trespass under Ark. Code Ann. § 5-39-203(a)? Ark. Code Ann. § 5-39-203(a)
  • What must the employee who observed the conduct provide if a law enforcement officer arrests the person for theft of property, under Ark. Code Ann. § 5-36-116(c)? Ark. Code Ann. § 5-36-116(c)
  • When does the activation of an antishoplifting device as a person exits give reasonable cause to detain, under Ark. Code Ann. § 5-36-116(b)(1)? Ark. Code Ann. § 5-36-116(b)(1)
  • When is a person justified in using physical force upon another under Ark. Code Ann. § 5-2-606(a)? Ark. Code Ann. § 5-2-606(a)
  • When is an offense a violation under Ark. Code Ann. § 5-1-108(b), whatever the statute that defines it calls it? Ark. Code Ann. § 5-1-108(b)
  • When may a private person make an arrest under Ark. Code Ann. § 16-81-106(d)? Ark. Code Ann. § 16-81-106(d)
  • Which act is part of criminal impersonation in the first degree under Ark. Code Ann. § 5-37-208(a)(1)? Ark. Code Ann. § 5-37-208(a)(1)
  • Which is "physical force" under Ark. Code Ann. § 5-2-601(6)? Ark. Code Ann. § 5-2-601(6)
  • Which is a defense to prosecution for criminal trespass under Ark. Code Ann. § 5-39-203(c)? Ark. Code Ann. § 5-39-203(c)
  • Which of these is a class of felony under Ark. Code Ann. § 5-1-106(b)? Ark. Code Ann. § 5-1-106(b)
  • Which person has no duty to retreat before using physical force that the subchapter permits, under Ark. Code Ann. § 5-2-606(c)? Ark. Code Ann. § 5-2-606(c)
  • Who is not justified in using physical force under Ark. Code Ann. § 5-2-606(b)(1)? Ark. Code Ann. § 5-2-606(b)(1)
  • Who may detain a person whose conduct gives rise to the shoplifting presumption, under Ark. Code Ann. § 5-36-116(a)(2)? Ark. Code Ann. § 5-36-116(a)(2)
  • Who may make an arrest under Ark. Code Ann. § 16-81-106(a)? Ark. Code Ann. § 16-81-106(a)

On the job: identification, vehicles and limits of authority 19

  • 17 CAR § 350-1022 limits an employee of a licensee to what a private citizen may do. Which kind of case does it name as the one exception? 17 CAR § 350-1022
  • A credential holder is arrested for a crime that would disqualify him. When must he notify the Division of Arkansas State Police, under 17 CAR § 350-605(a)? 17 CAR § 350-605(a)(1)
  • A person licensed only as a security services contractor may engage in an investigation only when it is incidental to what, under Ark. Code Ann. § 17-40-301(i)? Ark. Code Ann. § 17-40-301(i)
  • Are vehicles used by licensees or their employees authorized emergency vehicles, under 17 CAR § 350-508(a)? 17 CAR § 350-508(a)
  • How must a private security officer carry the credential card while performing a function described in the Act, under 17 CAR § 350-506(a)? 17 CAR § 350-506(a)(1)
  • How often must a licensee send the Division a list of personnel transactions, in a week that has any, under 17 CAR § 350-503? 17 CAR § 350-503
  • What does 17 CAR § 350-507 say about a badge, uniform or insignia used by a licensee or its employees? 17 CAR § 350-507
  • What does 17 CAR § 350-1022 say about arrests and detentions by an employee of a licensee? 17 CAR § 350-1022
  • What does Ark. Code Ann. § 17-40-301(b) forbid a credential holder to do knowingly? Ark. Code Ann. § 17-40-301(b)
  • What happens to an employee who fails to return issued equipment when the employer asks for it, under 17 CAR § 350-1021? 17 CAR § 350-1021
  • What may a vehicle used by a licensee or its employees not display on any public road, street, highway or property, under 17 CAR § 350-508(b)? 17 CAR § 350-508(b)
  • What must a credential holder who finds a violation of the chapter do, under Ark. Code Ann. § 17-40-315(c)? Ark. Code Ann. § 17-40-315(c)
  • What must a private security officer do when asked for the credential card, under 17 CAR § 350-506(a)(2)? 17 CAR § 350-506(a)(2)
  • What must the driver of a company vehicle do when responding to an alarm, under 17 CAR § 350-508(b)? 17 CAR § 350-508(b)
  • Which act does Ark. Code Ann. § 17-40-301(d) forbid a credential holder who is not a full-time police officer? Ark. Code Ann. § 17-40-301(d)
  • Which act is unlawful under Ark. Code Ann. § 17-40-301(a)(3)? Ark. Code Ann. § 17-40-301(a)(3)
  • Which company name may an employee of a licensee use, under 17 CAR § 350-510? 17 CAR § 350-510
  • Which statement is unlawful under Ark. Code Ann. § 17-40-301(e)? Ark. Code Ann. § 17-40-301(e)
  • Who is legally responsible for the good conduct in the business of each employee, under Ark. Code Ann. § 17-40-315(b)? Ark. Code Ann. § 17-40-315(b)

Violations, suspension and appeals 14

  • A credential holder is suspended after an arrest and the charges are later dismissed. What does 17 CAR § 350-605(c) provide? 17 CAR § 350-605(c)
  • For how long may the director summarily suspend a credential where the health, safety or welfare of the public is endangered, under Ark. Code Ann. § 17-40-350(b)? Ark. Code Ann. § 17-40-350(b)
  • How long does an applicant have to perfect an appeal to the director after receiving a notice of denial, under Ark. Code Ann. § 17-40-351(c)? Ark. Code Ann. § 17-40-351(c)
  • In what form must the director's decision be when an application is denied or a credential is suspended or revoked, under Ark. Code Ann. § 17-40-352(a)? Ark. Code Ann. § 17-40-352(a)
  • In which county is the venue for an appeal to circuit court under Ark. Code Ann. § 17-40-355? Ark. Code Ann. § 17-40-355(b)
  • May a credential holder work while the credential is suspended, if he or she has renewed it, under Ark. Code Ann. § 17-40-313(b)? Ark. Code Ann. § 17-40-313(b)
  • What is a violation of the chapter within one year of a previous violation, under Ark. Code Ann. § 17-40-104(b)? Ark. Code Ann. § 17-40-104(b)
  • What is a violation of the chapter, upon conviction, under Ark. Code Ann. § 17-40-104(a)? Ark. Code Ann. § 17-40-104(a)
  • What is the highest fine the director may issue for each violation of the chapter, under Ark. Code Ann. § 17-40-350(a)? Ark. Code Ann. § 17-40-350(a)
  • Which is a ground for discipline under Ark. Code Ann. § 17-40-350(a)? Ark. Code Ann. § 17-40-350(a)(3)
  • Which law governs an appeal to circuit court from a denial, suspension or revocation, under Ark. Code Ann. § 17-40-355(a)? Ark. Code Ann. § 17-40-355(a)
  • Which notice requires the director to suspend a credential under Ark. Code Ann. § 17-40-349? Ark. Code Ann. § 17-40-349(a)
  • Which notification lets the director revoke a credential during its term, under 17 CAR § 350-607(a)(2)? 17 CAR § 350-607(a)(2)
  • Within how many days after an alleged violation must the person be notified of it, before the director may deny, suspend, revoke or fine, under Ark. Code Ann. § 17-40-105? Ark. Code Ann. § 17-40-105

How this list was compiled: Arkansas Code Title 17, Chapter 40, the Private Security Agency, Private Investigator, and School Security Licensing and Credentialing Act, in the copy the Division of Arkansas State Police publishes as "Act 393 of the Arkansas General Assembly", effective August 5, 2025 (https://media.ark.org/dps/Act-393-Revised-8-5-2025.pdf); and Code of Arkansas Rules, Title 17, Part 350, the Rules for Licensing and Regulation of Private Investigators, Private Security Agencies, Alarm Systems Companies, Polygraph Examiners, and Voice Stress Analysis Examiners, current through February 6, 2026 (https://media.ark.org/dps/Code-of-Arkansas-Rules-%E2%80%93-Part-350.pdf). Both are linked from the State Police licensing page (https://dps.arkansas.gov/law-enforcement/arkansas-state-police/services-programs/private-investigators-security-companies-alarm-installation-monitoring/) and were read on October 16, 2026. For the legal authority subjects of Phase I: Arkansas Code sections 5-1-105 to 5-1-108, 5-2-601, 5-2-606 to 5-2-609, 5-11-104, 5-36-116, 5-37-208, 5-39-203 and 16-81-106, read on October 16, 2026 in FindLaw's public copy of the Arkansas Code, which gives its text as current as of March 28, 2024 (https://codes.findlaw.com/ar/title-5-criminal-offenses/). 17 CAR § 350-1004 lists the subjects of Phase I training and 17 CAR § 350-1017 says what the PSO examination covers. Each question names its section and links to its source. Licence: Own work. Every question, wrong choice and explanation was written for this site from the text of the Act and the rules. Nothing is taken from any company's or training administrator's examination, from any training course or from any other practice test.

How it works

This unofficial Arkansas security guard practice test has 130 of our own questions on the Act, State Police rules and arrest and force law of the private security officer (PSO) exam. Not affiliated with the Division of Arkansas State Police.

Read the full guide

What the Arkansas PSO exam is

A training administrator or assistant training administrator writes and gives the examination, in person, after the eight hours of Phase I training; it covers the Act and 17 CAR Part 350 (17 CAR § 350-1017). An applicant who fails waits five working days to retake it, and after two failed attempts the application is cancelled.

What a private security officer may not do

17 CAR § 350-1022 lets a licensee's employee take no action a private citizen may not take, except in shoplifting cases. A private person may arrest on reasonable grounds for believing the person has committed a felony (Ark. Code Ann. § 16-81-106(d)).

  • Apply within 14 calendar days of starting work; until it is processed you work in a credential holder's line of sight (§ 17-40-325; 17 CAR § 350-214).
  • Wear the credential card in plain sight, and no badge or uniform may resemble a police agency's (17 CAR §§ 350-506, 350-507).
  • Force to stop a theft is nondeadly force only (Ark. Code Ann. § 5-2-609).

Questions and answers

How many questions are on the Arkansas security guard test?

At least 70 for a private security officer, on the Phase I subjects, and 70% or above passes (17 CAR § 350-1017). A commissioned officer's examination is longer and is not covered here.

How do I get a security guard license in Arkansas?

Arkansas calls it a private security officer credential. You must be 18, complete eight hours of Phase I training and pass the examination; the application goes to the Division of Arkansas State Police with fingerprints, photographs and a $40 fee (§§ 17-40-302, 17-40-306, 17-40-307).

How long is an Arkansas security guard credential good for?

Two years from the date of issuance (§ 17-40-313). Renewal needs six hours of training taken in the twelve months before, and may be filed no more than 90 days early (17 CAR §§ 350-301, 350-1010, 350-1011).

Can a security guard detain someone in Arkansas?

A store's employee or agent may detain a person who knowingly conceals unpurchased goods, in a reasonable manner and for a reasonable length of time, to recover the property (Ark. Code Ann. § 5-36-116(a)). Exam practice, not legal advice.

Are these the real Arkansas PSO exam questions?

No. Each was written for this page from the Act, 17 CAR Part 350 and the Arkansas Code. The Phase I case studies and report-writing practice are taught in class and are not asked here.

More tests

Show 8 more

Browse Safety and Trades