• 91 questions

Montana Security Guard Practice Test

Unofficial questions on the Montana law the 16-hour private security guard training must cover, each answer with its section.

What is the license application fee for a private security guard under ARM 24.182.401(1)(a)?

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Unofficial practice questions, not affiliated with the Montana Department of Labor and Industry. Bank checked October 16, 2026.

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All 91 questions

The license: who needs it, who qualifies and renewal 23

  • A guard keeps working after the license has expired, not merely lapsed. How does MCA 37-1-141(6)(b) treat that? MCA 37-1-141(6)
  • A license was not renewed by the renewal date. Within how long may the licensee reactivate it as a lapsed license under MCA 37-1-141(3)? MCA 37-1-141(3)
  • A licensed guard works alone as a sole proprietor, with no employees. Under ARM 24.182.301(3), does the guard also need a private security firm license? ARM 24.182.301(3)
  • Besides the training, what must a guard applicant have verification of under ARM 24.182.514(1)(b)? ARM 24.182.514(1)
  • For how long is a fingerprint report valid, counted from the date the department receives it, under ARM 24.182.501(2)? ARM 24.182.501(2)
  • How does MCA 37-60-101(9) define a private security guard? MCA 37-60-101(9)
  • May a private security guard license be transferred to another person under MCA 37-60-314(1)? MCA 37-60-314(1)
  • Under ARM 24.182.301(1), what does "employed" in the definition of a private security guard include? ARM 24.182.301(1)
  • What education must a private security guard applicant show under MCA 37-60-303(1)(b)? MCA 37-60-303(1)(b)
  • What happens under MCA 37-1-141(8) to a license that is not renewed within 2 years of the most recent renewal date? MCA 37-1-141(8)
Show all 91 questions (81 more)

The license: who needs it, who qualifies and renewal, continued

  • What is a "retail merchant" for the retail merchant exemption of MCA 37-60-105, under ARM 24.182.301(5)? ARM 24.182.301(5)
  • What is the license application fee for a private security guard under ARM 24.182.401(1)(a)? ARM 24.182.401(1)(a)
  • What is the minimum age for a private security guard license under MCA 37-60-303(1)(a)? MCA 37-60-303(1)(a)
  • When does an incomplete license application expire under ARM 24.182.501(3)? ARM 24.182.501(3)
  • When must the training and employment verifications reach the department under ARM 24.182.514(2)? ARM 24.182.514(2)
  • Which agency licenses private security guards in Montana, under MCA 37-60-101(3) and 37-60-301? MCA 37-60-101(3)
  • Which applicants must take a written examination under ARM 24.182.505(1)? ARM 24.182.505(1)
  • Which in-house guard is outside the chapter under MCA 37-60-105(1)(a)? MCA 37-60-105(1)(a)
  • Which of these is exempt from the chapter under MCA 37-60-105(1)(b)? MCA 37-60-105(1)(b)
  • Which of these may a person not practice as without a license, under MCA 37-60-301(1)? MCA 37-60-301(1)
  • Who runs the fingerprint background check that MCA 37-60-303(2) requires of a guard applicant? MCA 37-60-303(2)
  • Within how long after the renewal date may an expired license be reactivated under MCA 37-1-141(4)? MCA 37-1-141(4)
  • Within how many days must a licensee notify the department of a change of name, address or employment under MCA 37-60-314(2)? MCA 37-60-314(2)

The 16-hour training, ID cards and insurance 16

  • A guard is employed by a private security firm. Who certifies that the guard completed the required training, under ARM 24.182.807(2)? ARM 24.182.807(2)
  • How does ARM 24.182.807(1)(d) describe the use-of-force part of the guard training? ARM 24.182.807(1)(d)
  • How many hours of training must an applicant complete before practicing as a private security guard, under ARM 24.182.807(1)? ARM 24.182.807(1)
  • May training on the employer's own internal policies and procedures count toward the required hours under ARM 24.182.807(3)? ARM 24.182.807(3)
  • Required insurance coverage is cancelled or lapses. What must the licensee do under ARM 24.182.405(5)(a)? ARM 24.182.405(5)
  • Under MCA 37-60-310(2), who may ask to see a cardholder's identification card at any reasonable time, and must be shown it? MCA 37-60-310(2)
  • What is the minimum amount of commercial general liability insurance for a private security license under ARM 24.182.405(1)? ARM 24.182.405(1)
  • What must a licensed guard do with the photo identification card while performing services, under ARM 24.182.403(1)(c)? ARM 24.182.403(1)
  • What must a private security firm do with a guard's identification card when the employment relationship ends, under ARM 24.182.403(2)(c)? ARM 24.182.403(2)
  • What size must a guard's photo identification card be under ARM 24.182.403(3)? ARM 24.182.403(3)
  • Which is listed among the ethical and legal issues of the training in ARM 24.182.807(1)(i)? ARM 24.182.807(1)(i)
  • Which of these must appear on the front of the photo identification card under ARM 24.182.403(3)? ARM 24.182.403(3)
  • Which private security guard must carry commercial general liability insurance of his or her own under ARM 24.182.405(1)(e)? ARM 24.182.405(1)(e)
  • Which topic is on the training list in ARM 24.182.807(1)? ARM 24.182.807(1)
  • Who must provide the photo identification card of a guard employed by a private security firm, under ARM 24.182.403(2)(a)? ARM 24.182.403(2)
  • Within how many days must a security firm notify the department that a guard's employment has ended, under ARM 24.182.525(3)? ARM 24.182.525(3)

Uniforms, branding and professional conduct 20

  • A member of the public asks a guard for proof of licensure and the guard refuses. What is that under ARM 24.182.2301(11)? ARM 24.182.2301(11)
  • May a security guard wear a badge on duty, according to the Private Security Program's published answers? Montana Private Security Program FAQ; MCA 37-60-402(4)
  • Must a private security guard wear a uniform while on duty under ARM 24.182.407(1)? ARM 24.182.407(1)
  • To whom may a licensee divulge information acquired about a criminal offense, under MCA 37-60-402(1)? MCA 37-60-402(1)
  • Under MCA 37-1-410(1)(p), when is revealing confidential information from a professional relationship unprofessional conduct? MCA 37-1-410(1)(p)
  • Under MCA 37-60-402(4), a licensee's employee may not use a title, uniform, identification card or statement with intent to give what impression? MCA 37-60-402(4)
  • What does MCA 37-60-402(2) forbid a licensee's employee to do to an employer or client? MCA 37-60-402(2)
  • What is the smallest patch allowed for the employer's name and the words "security guard" above the left chest pocket, under ARM 24.182.407(3)(b)? ARM 24.182.407(3)(b)
  • What may uniforms, vehicles and equipment not display under ARM 24.182.407(5)? ARM 24.182.407(5)
  • What must be displayed on a security vehicle under ARM 24.182.407(4)? ARM 24.182.407(4)
  • What must every advertisement by a licensee contain under MCA 37-60-403? MCA 37-60-403
  • When may a licensee's employee enter a private building under MCA 37-60-402(5)? MCA 37-60-402(5)
  • Where on a guard uniform must the word "security", "security officer" or "security guard" appear under ARM 24.182.407(3)(a)? ARM 24.182.407(3)(a)
  • Which conduct in applying for a license is unprofessional conduct under MCA 37-1-410(1)(e)? MCA 37-1-410(1)(e)
  • Which investigations may an employee of a private security firm make under MCA 37-60-104? MCA 37-60-104
  • Which of these is unprofessional conduct under ARM 24.182.2301(5)? ARM 24.182.2301(5)
  • Which use of alcohol or a controlled substance is unprofessional conduct under MCA 37-1-410(1)(o)? MCA 37-1-410(1)(o)
  • Who is legally responsible for the good conduct in the business of each employee, under MCA 37-60-401? MCA 37-60-401
  • Who must provide the uniforms of guards employed by a private security firm, under ARM 24.182.407(2)? ARM 24.182.407(2)
  • Why must the word "security" on a guard uniform be in a contrasting color and reflective material, according to ARM 24.182.407(3)(a)? ARM 24.182.407(3)(a)

Arrest by a private person and detention by a merchant 14

  • After how many minutes must a merchant let a detained person go, unless the person is arrested and turned over to a peace officer, under MCA 46-6-506(2)? MCA 46-6-506(2)
  • Unless evidence of concealment is obvious and apparent, how far may a merchant search a detained person under MCA 46-6-506(2)? MCA 46-6-506(2)
  • What force may a private person use to detain the arrested person under MCA 46-6-502(1)? MCA 46-6-502(1)
  • What is the longest county jail term for unlawful restraint under MCA 45-5-301(2)? MCA 45-5-301(2)
  • What may the merchant demand of the person stopped, under MCA 46-6-506(1)(b)? MCA 46-6-506(1)(b)
  • What may the merchant take into possession under MCA 46-6-506(1)(c)? MCA 46-6-506(1)(c)
  • What must a private person do after making an arrest, under MCA 46-6-502(2)? MCA 46-6-502(2)
  • What must the merchant promptly tell the person stopped, under MCA 46-6-506(1)(a)? MCA 46-6-506(1)(a)
  • When is a merchant liable for damages to a person stopped on the belief that the person was shoplifting, under MCA 46-6-506(3)? MCA 46-6-506(3)
  • When may a merchant stop and temporarily detain a person under MCA 46-6-506(1)? MCA 46-6-506(1)
  • When may a private person arrest another under MCA 46-6-502(1)? MCA 46-6-502(1)
  • Which act is prima facie evidence of concealment under MCA 46-6-506(4)(a)? MCA 46-6-506(4)(a)
  • Which offense is committed by knowingly or purposely restraining another, without lawful authority, so as to interfere substantially with the person's liberty (MCA 45-5-301)? MCA 45-5-301
  • Who is a "merchant" for the temporary detention of MCA 46-6-506, under MCA 30-11-301(2)? MCA 30-11-301(2)

Use of force, trespass and impersonation 18

  • A private person has an arrested person in custody. What force may be used to prevent an escape under MCA 45-3-106(1)? MCA 45-3-106(1)
  • Does a person who is lawfully in a place and threatened with bodily injury have a duty to retreat or to summon law enforcement before using force, under MCA 45-3-110? MCA 45-3-110
  • How does a person commit criminal trespass to property under MCA 45-6-203(1)? MCA 45-6-203(1)
  • How does a person commit impersonation of a public servant under MCA 45-7-209(1)? MCA 45-7-209(1)
  • How may the privilege to enter or remain on land be revoked under MCA 45-6-201(1)? MCA 45-6-201(1)
  • In defense of property other than an occupied structure, when is force likely to cause death or serious bodily harm justified under MCA 45-3-104? MCA 45-3-104
  • Land may be posted with written notice or with fluorescent orange paint. What is the least area of paint that MCA 45-6-201(2)(a) accepts? MCA 45-6-201(2)(a)
  • May a person use force to resist an arrest that the person knows a peace officer is making, if the arrest is in fact unlawful (MCA 45-3-108)? MCA 45-3-108
  • Must a person actually be present for a building to be an "occupied structure" under MCA 45-2-101? MCA 45-2-101
  • To whom is the justification of MCA 45-3-102 to 45-3-104 not available, under MCA 45-3-105(2)? MCA 45-3-105
  • Under MCA 45-3-102, force likely to cause death or serious bodily harm is justified in defense of a person only to prevent which of these? MCA 45-3-102
  • What is a "forcible felony" under MCA 45-3-101(2)? MCA 45-3-101(2)
  • What is the largest fine for criminal trespass to property under MCA 45-6-203(2)? MCA 45-6-203(2)
  • What is the longest state prison term for impersonation of a public servant under MCA 45-7-209(2)? MCA 45-7-209(2)
  • What kind of defense is justifiable use of force under MCA 45-3-115? MCA 45-3-115
  • When is a person justified in using force against another under MCA 45-3-102? MCA 45-3-102
  • Where must posting notice be placed under MCA 45-6-201(2)(b)? MCA 45-6-201(2)(b)
  • Whose property may a person use force to protect from trespass or criminal interference under MCA 45-3-104? MCA 45-3-104

How this list was compiled: Montana Code Annotated 2025, Title 37, chapter 60, Private Investigators, Private Security and Fire Entities, and Process Servers (https://mca.legmt.gov/bills/mca/title_0370/chapter_0600/parts_index.html), with sections 37-1-141 and 37-1-410; Administrative Rules of Montana, Title 24, chapter 182, the rules of the Private Security Program of the Department of Labor and Industry, as in effect after the amendments of December 6, 2025 (https://rules.mt.gov); the Program's own pages for the private security guard license, its checklist and its questions and answers (https://boards.bsd.dli.mt.gov/private-security/); and Montana Code Annotated sections 46-6-502 and 46-6-506, 30-11-301, 45-2-101, 45-3-101 to 45-3-115, 45-5-301, 45-6-201, 45-6-203 and 45-7-209. Each was read on October 16, 2026. ARM 24.182.807 lists what the required 16 hours of training must cover. 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 and the rules. Nothing is taken from any employer's training course or test, or from any other practice test.

How it works

This unofficial Montana security guard practice test asks 91 of our own questions on MCA Title 37, chapter 60, the Private Security Program's rules and Montana's arrest, detention and force law. Not affiliated with the Montana Department of Labor and Industry.

Read the full guide

Is there a Montana security guard test?

No written one. ARM 24.182.505 gives a written examination to process server and private investigator applicants only. A guard applicant completes 16 hours of training, and ARM 24.182.807 lists what it covers: Montana statutes and rules, the limits on force, searches, and the power to arrest and detain. These questions practice those parts.

What a merchant's detention allows

A merchant with reason to believe a person is committing theft may stop the person and must promptly say the stop is to investigate shoplifting. Unless concealment is obvious, the search stops at outer garments, packages and bags. The person goes free after 30 minutes or when the purpose is done, unless turned over to a peace officer (MCA 46-6-506).

  • The word "security" goes across the front of any cap and the back of any shirt, vest or overcoat (ARM 24.182.407).
  • Wear or carry your photo identification card and show it upon request (ARM 24.182.403).
  • Tell the department within 5 days of a change of name, address or employment (MCA 37-60-314).

Questions and answers

How do I get a security guard license in Montana?

Be 18 with a high school education, apply to the Department of Labor and Industry, pass the fingerprint background check, then verify 16 hours of training and employment by a private security firm or other employer (MCA 37-60-303; ARM 24.182.514).

How much is a Montana security guard license?

The application fee is $80 for every license type under ARM 24.182.401, and the Program's checklist for the guard license, revised December 10, 2025, gives the same figure.

Can a security guard wear a badge in Montana?

The Private Security Program's questions and answers page, read October 16, 2026, says no: statute and rule prohibit a badge for any of its licensees. Uniforms follow ARM 24.182.407.

Can a security guard detain someone in Montana?

As a private person under MCA 46-6-502, on probable cause and when immediate arrest is required, using reasonable force and notifying law enforcement immediately. Exam practice, not legal advice.

Are these questions from a Montana guard training course?

No. Each was written for this page from the Montana Code and the administrative rules. Private security firms certify the 16 hours for the guards they employ, and patrol, report writing and crisis intervention are not in public law.

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