• 92 questions

Hawaii Security Guard Practice Test

Unofficial questions on the Hawaii law a registered guard is taught in the 8-hour class, each answer with its section.

How many members sit on the board of private detectives and guards under HRS § 463-2?

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Exam mode: 25 questions, no time limit, 18 right to pass (70%).

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Unofficial practice questions, not affiliated with the Hawaii Board of Private Detectives and Guards. Bank checked October 16, 2026.

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All 92 questions

Registration: who must register and who qualifies (HRS chapter 463) 21

  • Besides a national criminal history record check, which check does HRS § 463-10.5(a)(4) require of a guard applicant? HRS § 463-10.5(a)(4)
  • How does HRS § 463-1 define a "guard"? HRS § 463-1
  • How does the Board define "physical presence" for the purposes of HRS § 463-10.5? Board of Private Detectives and Guards, "Acting in a Guard Capacity", implementing HRS § 463-10.5
  • How many members sit on the board of private detectives and guards under HRS § 463-2? HRS § 463-2
  • How may an applicant for guard registration satisfy the education requirement of HRS § 463-10.5(a)(2)? HRS § 463-10.5(a)(2)
  • In the Board's list of positions under HRS § 463-10.5, how is a retired police officer acting as a security guard treated? Board of Private Detectives and Guards, exempt and not exempt positions, implementing HRS § 463-10.5
  • Of the six appointed members of the board, how many must be chiefs of police under HRS § 463-2? HRS § 463-2
  • On what may compensation for the services of guards not be based, under HRS § 463-14? HRS § 463-14
  • Under HRS § 463-8.5, when does a person whose guard work is concurrent with other duties of the job need a guard license? HRS § 463-8.5
Show all 92 questions (83 more)

Registration: who must register and who qualifies (HRS chapter 463), continued

  • Under the Board's definition, what does "acting in a guard capacity" mean? Board of Private Detectives and Guards, "Acting in a Guard Capacity", implementing HRS § 463-10.5
  • What is the largest fine under HRS § 463-15 for a person who violates any other provision of chapter 463 or a rule of the board? HRS § 463-15
  • What is the minimum age to register as a guard under HRS § 463-10.5(a)(1)? HRS § 463-10.5(a)(1)
  • What is the penalty under HRS § 463-15 for an employee of a licensee who divulges information gained in the employment, except as the employer directs or the law requires? HRS § 463-15
  • What must a guard agency have in its employ under HRS § 463-7(b)? HRS § 463-7(b)
  • When must a guard agency's employees be registered with the board under HRS § 463-8(b)(4)? HRS § 463-8(b)
  • Which business is outside chapter 463 under HRS § 463-13? HRS § 463-13
  • Which conviction bars guard registration under HRS § 463-10.5(a)(4)? HRS § 463-10.5(a)(4)
  • Which employee is NOT acting in a guard capacity, in the Board's examples under HRS § 463-10.5? Board of Private Detectives and Guards, "Acting in a Guard Capacity", implementing HRS § 463-10.5
  • Who decides whether an individual qualifies for guard registration under HRS § 463-10.5(a)? HRS § 463-10.5(a)
  • Who must register with the Board of Private Detectives and Guards before acting as a guard, under HRS § 463-10.5(a)? HRS § 463-10.5(a)
  • Whom does the definition of "guard" in HRS § 463-1 leave out? HRS § 463-1

The 8-hour class, the written test and renewal 19

  • A guard's registration is forfeited for failure to renew. Within how long may it be restored on written application under HRS § 463-10.5(g)? HRS § 463-10.5(g)
  • Besides the classroom instruction, what must a guard pass under HRS § 463-10.5(c)? HRS § 463-10.5(c)
  • For how long is a guard registration valid under HRS § 463-10.5(g)? HRS § 463-10.5(g)
  • How does HRS § 5-7.5(a) describe the "Aloha Spirit"? HRS § 5-7.5(a)
  • How long does the Board's curricula suggest, at the least, for the power to arrest? Board of Private Detectives and Guards, Security Guard Training Course Curricula, topic 1(a)
  • How many hours of classroom instruction must a guard complete before the first day of service, under HRS § 463-10.5(c)(1)? HRS § 463-10.5(c)(1)
  • How many hours of continuing classroom instruction must a guard have for each registration renewal, under HRS § 463-10.5(g)? HRS § 463-10.5(g)
  • How many hours of on-the-job training must a guard undergo under HRS § 463-10.5(c)? HRS § 463-10.5(c)
  • In HRS § 5-7.5, which word means patience, to be expressed with perseverance? HRS § 5-7.5(a)
  • In the aloha spirit statute, HRS § 5-7.5, what does "Akahai" mean? HRS § 5-7.5(a)
  • May "classroom instruction" be given by two-way teleconferencing under HRS § 463-10.5(c)? HRS § 463-10.5(c)
  • Under the Board's curricula guidelines, may site-specific discussion count toward the mandatory eight hours? Board of Private Detectives and Guards, Security Guard Training Course Curricula, guidelines for curriculum review
  • What must the renewal classroom instruction include, besides relevant guard industry material, under HRS § 463-10.5(c)(2)? HRS § 463-10.5(c)(2)
  • Which federal statute does the Board's curricula list under use of force? Board of Private Detectives and Guards, Security Guard Training Course Curricula, topic 1(c)
  • Which guard need not take the four renewal hours under HRS § 463-10.5(g)? HRS § 463-10.5(g)
  • Which of these is one of the eight content topics in HRS § 463-10.5(d)? HRS § 463-10.5(d)
  • Which statutes does the Board's curricula name for trespass warnings and criminal trespass? Board of Private Detectives and Guards, Security Guard Training Course Curricula, topic 2(f)
  • Which subject does HRS § 463-10.5(d)(1) require in the classroom instruction? HRS § 463-10.5(d)(1)
  • Who must approve the instructor who gives the required classroom instruction, under HRS § 463-10.5(b)? HRS § 463-10.5(b)

Standards of conduct: uniforms, badges and the Board's rules 15

  • By what dates must an agency file its semiannual lists of employees hired or terminated, under HAR § 16-97-15(c)? HAR § 16-97-15(c)
  • May a license issued under chapter 463 be loaned to another person, under HAR § 16-97-33? HAR § 16-97-33
  • What badge or uniform may a licensee or its employee not wear under HRS § 463-11? HRS § 463-11
  • What does HAR § 16-97-14(b) say about uniforms and badges similar in design to those of a government law enforcement agency? HAR § 16-97-14(b)
  • What kind of designation or trade name may a licensee not use under HRS § 463-11? HRS § 463-11
  • What may a licensee's employee not do with evidence under HAR § 16-97-11? HAR § 16-97-11
  • What must each licensee include on any advertising under HAR § 16-97-13? HAR § 16-97-13
  • What size photograph of the uniform, full length front view with cap, must a licensee submit under HAR § 16-97-14(c)(1)? HAR § 16-97-14(c)
  • What vehicle may a licensee not use, or let an employee use, on duty under HAR § 16-97-13? HAR § 16-97-13
  • Which conduct by a licensee's employee is a ground for suspension or revocation of the license under HAR § 16-97-46(9)? HAR § 16-97-46(9)
  • Which false statement is a ground for discipline under HAR § 16-97-46(14)? HAR § 16-97-46(14)
  • Who is held responsible for the acts of a guard agency's employees acting within the scope of the business, under HAR § 16-97-15(a)? HAR § 16-97-15(a)
  • Who may authorize a guard, in writing, to carry a baton or a chemical spray under HAR § 16-97-17? HAR § 16-97-17
  • Who must approve a uniform, badge, identification or emblem before a licensee adopts it, under HAR § 16-97-14(a)? HAR § 16-97-14(a)
  • Whom must an agency not employ under HAR § 16-97-15(b)? HAR § 16-97-15(b)

Arrest, search, questioning and detention 13

  • A person makes an arrest without a warrant. What should the person give the party arrested to understand under HRS § 803-6(a)? HRS § 803-6(a)
  • How does a person commit unlawful imprisonment in the second degree under HRS § 707-722(1)? HRS § 707-722
  • May a guard interrogate a person arrested, detained or found on the guarded premises, under HAR § 16-97-16(c)? HAR § 16-97-16(c)
  • On what basis may a guard stop and frisk a person found on the guarded premises, under HAR § 16-97-16(b)? HAR § 16-97-16(b)
  • Under HRS § 663-2, for how long may a store detain a person for investigation of the ownership of merchandise, to keep the defense of lawful detention? HRS § 663-2
  • What arrest authority does HAR § 16-97-16(a) give a guard? HAR § 16-97-16(a)
  • What does "reasonable grounds" include under HRS § 663-2(b)? HRS § 663-2
  • What must be done with a person properly arrested by a guard, under HAR § 16-97-16(c)? HAR § 16-97-16(c)
  • What must the person who detains have had, for the defense in HRS § 663-2 to apply? HRS § 663-2
  • Where does the detention in HRS § 663-2 have to take place? HRS § 663-2
  • Where must the party arrested be required to submit and be taken, under HRS § 803-6(a)? HRS § 803-6(a)
  • Who may detain a person and rely on the defense in HRS § 663-2? HRS § 663-2
  • Whom may any person present arrest without a warrant under HRS § 803-3? HRS § 803-3

Use of force, trespass and impersonation 24

  • A person enters premises that are open to the public at the time. When does the person "enter or remain unlawfully" under HRS § 708-800? HRS § 708-800
  • A person justified in using force recklessly injures an innocent bystander. What does HRS § 703-310(2) say? HRS § 703-310(2)
  • Before using force to protect property, what must the actor first do under HRS § 703-306(2)? HRS § 703-306(2)
  • Confinement is used as preventive force. What must the actor do under HRS § 703-308(2), unless the person has been arrested on a charge of crime? HRS § 703-308(2)
  • Does justification under chapter 703 take away a civil remedy for the same conduct, under HRS § 703-301(2)? HRS § 703-301(2)
  • For how long may a written trespass warning say the person's presence is no longer desired, under HRS § 708-814(1)(b)(i)? HRS § 708-814(1)(b)
  • For which purpose is force justifiable under HRS § 703-306(1)(a)? HRS § 703-306(1)
  • Force in making an arrest is not justifiable under HRS § 703-307(2)(a) unless the actor does what? HRS § 703-307(2)
  • How does a person commit impersonating a law enforcement officer in the second degree under HRS § 710-1016.7? HRS § 710-1016.7
  • How does HRS § 703-300 define "deadly force"? HRS § 703-300
  • How does HRS § 703-300 define "force"? HRS § 703-300
  • In what form must a "reasonable warning or request" be communicated under HRS § 708-814(1)(b)? HRS § 708-814(1)(b)
  • May force be used in self-protection to resist an arrest that the actor knows a law enforcement officer is making, under HRS § 703-304(4)(a)? HRS § 703-304(4)
  • Under HRS § 703-304(5)(b), is a person obliged to retreat from his or her place of work before using deadly force in self-protection? HRS § 703-304(5)
  • What does "believes" mean in chapter 703, under HRS § 703-300? HRS § 703-300
  • What grade of offense is criminal trespass in the second degree, as the warning statement in HRS § 708-814(1)(b)(i) says? HRS § 708-814
  • What grade of offense is simple trespass under HRS § 708-815? HRS § 708-815
  • When is force in self-protection justifiable under HRS § 703-304(1)? HRS § 703-304(1)
  • When is force justifiable in making an arrest under HRS § 703-307(1)? HRS § 703-307(1)
  • When may force be used to protect a third person under HRS § 703-305(1)? HRS § 703-305(1)
  • Which law must a guard comply with in using force, under HAR § 16-97-16(d)? HAR § 16-97-16(d)
  • Which of these does HRS § 703-307(3) require before deadly force is justifiable in making an arrest? HRS § 703-307(3)
  • Which unlawful entry is criminal trespass in the first degree under HRS § 708-813(1)(a)? HRS § 708-813
  • Who may give the warning or request to leave commercial premises under HRS § 708-814(1)(b)? HRS § 708-814(1)(b)

How this list was compiled: Hawaii Revised Statutes chapter 463, Private Investigators and Guards (https://www.capitol.hawaii.gov/hrscurrent/Vol10_Ch0436-0474/HRS0463/HRS_0463-.htm); Hawaii Administrative Rules, Title 16, chapter 97, Private Detectives and Guards (https://cca.hawaii.gov/wp-content/uploads/2026/02/har_97-c1.pdf); the Security Guard Training Course Curricula of the Board of Private Detectives and Guards, amended November 9, 2017 (https://cca.hawaii.gov/wp-content/uploads/2026/01/GDE-Trng-8-hour.pdf), with the Board's definition of acting in a guard capacity and its list of exempt positions (https://cca.hawaii.gov/pvl/boards/private/); the Board's Initial 8-Hour Guard Training Certificate form, which gives the minimum passing score of 70 percent for the class examination (https://cca.hawaii.gov/wp-content/uploads/2026/01/Initial-8HourGuardTrainingCertificateSAMPLE.pdf); and the statutes the curricula name: HRS sections 803-3 and 803-6, chapter 703, sections 708-800 and 708-813 to 708-815, and 5-7.5, with sections 663-2, 707-722 and 710-1016.7. The statutes were read at the legislature's data address and the Board's papers on its own site, each on October 16, 2026. Each question names its section and links to it. Licence: Own work. Every question, wrong choice and explanation was written for this site from the text of the law, the rules and the Board's curricula. Nothing is taken from any instructor's written test or course, or from any other practice test.

How it works

This unofficial Hawaii security guard practice test asks 92 of our own questions on HRS chapter 463, the Board's rules and the arrest, search and use of force law of its curricula. Not affiliated with the Hawaii Board of Private Detectives and Guards.

Read the full guide

What the Hawaii test is

HRS § 463-10.5 makes every guard complete eight hours of classroom instruction before the first day of service, pass a written test and do four hours of on-the-job training. On the Board's training certificate the approved instructor certifies a pass, unaided, with at least 70 percent. No question count is published; the 25 questions of the practice exam here are this page's own choice. The Board's separate licensing examination is for a principal guard, not a guard employee.

What a guard may and may not do

On suspicion of a crime, and for good cause, a guard may stop and frisk a person found on the guarded premises (HAR § 16-97-16(b)). A guard shall not interrogate anyone arrested or detained, and force must stay inside HRS chapter 703.

  • No badge or uniform that could be associated with a government law enforcement organization (HRS § 463-11).
  • The renewal class must include a refresher on professional image and aloha training (HRS § 463-10.5(c)(2)).
  • A written trespass warning for commercial premises covers one year (HRS § 708-814).

Questions and answers

How do I get a guard card in Hawaii?

Be 18, attest to a high school education, pass the criminal history checks, complete the eight-hour class and its written test with a Board-approved instructor, then register with the Board before acting as a guard (HRS § 463-10.5).

How long is a Hawaii guard card good for?

Three years. Registrations are valid for a triennial period and renew by June 30 of the renewal year with four hours of continuing education (HRS § 463-10.5(g)).

Can a security guard arrest someone in Hawaii?

Under HRS § 803-3 any person present may arrest, without a warrant, anyone in the act of committing a crime, and HAR § 16-97-16 gives a guard that authority. Exam practice, not legal advice.

Who has to register as a guard in Hawaii?

Guards of an agency, and employees of a private business or government agency who act in a guard capacity (HRS § 463-10.5). The Board's list says a retired police officer working as a security guard is not exempt.

Are these the questions from the Hawaii guard class test?

No. Each was written for this page from the statutes, the rules and the Board's curricula. The Board publishes no test, and access control, emergencies, reporting and patrolling are taught from each instructor's materials, not from public law.

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