• 103 questions

North Dakota Security Guard Practice Test

Unofficial questions on the North Dakota law an apprentice security officer course must teach, each answer with its section.

How long is a board member's term under N.D.C.C. § 43-30-03?

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Unofficial practice questions, not affiliated with the North Dakota Private Investigation and Security Board. Bank checked October 16, 2026.

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All 103 questions

Chapter 43-30: who needs a license, the Board and penalties 25

  • A city passes an ordinance that requires its own security guard license. What does N.D.C.C. § 43-30-05 say? N.D.C.C. § 43-30-05
  • A registered officer changes employers. Under N.D.C.C. § 43-30-06, no new background check is needed if the officer held a board registration within how long before the new application? N.D.C.C. § 43-30-06
  • A store employs its own guards to protect only its own property. Under N.D.C.C. § 43-30-02.2, must the store hold a private security service license? N.D.C.C. § 43-30-02.2
  • Besides criminal penalties, which civil remedy does N.D.C.C. § 43-30-10 make available against violations of the chapter? N.D.C.C. § 43-30-10
  • The board issues a temporary registration and later denies the application. What happens to the application fee under N.D.C.C. § 43-30-05.1? N.D.C.C. § 43-30-05.1
  • How does N.D.C.C. § 43-30-06 treat the criminal history records provided to the board? N.D.C.C. § 43-30-06
  • How long does a person have to appeal a citation for unauthorized practice under N.D.C.C. § 43-30-10.1(5)? N.D.C.C. § 43-30-10.1(5)
  • How long is a board member's term under N.D.C.C. § 43-30-03? N.D.C.C. § 43-30-03
  • How many members may the private investigative and security board have under N.D.C.C. § 43-30-03? N.D.C.C. § 43-30-03
  • How may the board's written notice of charges be served on a license holder under N.D.C.C. § 43-30-13? N.D.C.C. § 43-30-13
Show all 103 questions (93 more)

Chapter 43-30: who needs a license, the Board and penalties, continued

  • In chapter 43-30, what does the word "license" also include under N.D.C.C. § 43-30-01(4)? N.D.C.C. § 43-30-01(4)
  • May a proprietary security employee be registered with the board under N.D.C.C. § 43-30-02.2? N.D.C.C. § 43-30-02.2
  • On what date does the license year end under N.D.C.C. § 43-30-11? N.D.C.C. § 43-30-11
  • Under N.D.C.C. § 43-30-04(1), the board's rules on security officer qualifications must treat which group as having met related experience requirements? N.D.C.C. § 43-30-04(1)
  • What grade of offense is providing a private security service without a current license from the board, under N.D.C.C. § 43-30-10? N.D.C.C. § 43-30-10
  • What is the largest monetary penalty the board may set for each violation under N.D.C.C. § 43-30-12(5)? N.D.C.C. § 43-30-12(5)
  • What is the most the board may assess as an administrative fee for a first citation under N.D.C.C. § 43-30-10.1(4)? N.D.C.C. § 43-30-10.1(4)
  • When does a temporary registration issued under N.D.C.C. § 43-30-05.1 expire? N.D.C.C. § 43-30-05.1
  • Which body licenses and registers private security in North Dakota under N.D.C.C. § 43-30-01(1)? N.D.C.C. § 43-30-01(1)
  • Which is a cause for discipline listed in N.D.C.C. § 43-30-12? N.D.C.C. § 43-30-12(1)
  • Which of these is a "private security service" under N.D.C.C. § 43-30-01(7)? N.D.C.C. § 43-30-01(7)
  • Which of these is a private security service under N.D.C.C. § 43-30-01(7)(f)? N.D.C.C. § 43-30-01(7)(f)
  • Which of these is exempt from chapter 43-30 under N.D.C.C. § 43-30-02(1)? N.D.C.C. § 43-30-02(1)
  • Who appoints the private investigative and security board under N.D.C.C. § 43-30-03? N.D.C.C. § 43-30-03
  • Who is responsible for the cost of the criminal history background record check under N.D.C.C. § 43-30-06? N.D.C.C. § 43-30-06

Registration, training hours and the examination (Title 93) 29

  • A registration has expired. Under N.D. Admin. Code § 93-02-03-03(2), it may be restored on payment of lapsed and late fees if no more than how many days have passed? N.D. Admin. Code § 93-02-03-03(2)
  • A security officer may supervise an apprentice's field training after how many hours of active service in that grade, under N.D. Admin. Code § 93-02-02.1-05(1)? N.D. Admin. Code § 93-02-02.1-05(1)
  • After failing a second examination for a license to provide private security services, how long must an applicant wait under N.D. Admin. Code § 93-02-02.1-16? N.D. Admin. Code § 93-02-02.1-16
  • An agency hires a bookkeeper who provides no private security services. Under N.D. Admin. Code § 93-02-02.1-04(3), must the bookkeeper be registered? N.D. Admin. Code § 93-02-02.1-04(3)
  • An applicant for a license to provide private security services fails the first examination. How soon may the applicant apply for retesting under N.D. Admin. Code § 93-02-02.1-16? N.D. Admin. Code § 93-02-02.1-16
  • Before finishing the first training, how may an apprentice provide private security services under N.D. Admin. Code § 93-02-02.1-05(2)? N.D. Admin. Code § 93-02-02.1-05(2)
  • For how long must a board-certified security trainer keep attendance records under N.D. Admin. Code § 93-02-02.1-17(5)? N.D. Admin. Code § 93-02-02.1-17(5)
  • How many additional hours of classroom instruction does N.D. Admin. Code § 93-02-02.1-06 require for registration as a security officer? N.D. Admin. Code § 93-02-02.1-06
  • How many additional hours of classroom instruction does N.D. Admin. Code § 93-02-02.1-07 require for a commissioned security officer? N.D. Admin. Code § 93-02-02.1-07
  • How many hours as a registered security officer does N.D. Admin. Code § 93-02-02.1-07 require for a commissioned security officer, on top of the apprentice hours? N.D. Admin. Code § 93-02-02.1-07
  • How many hours of classroom instruction, or of field training, must an apprentice security officer complete under N.D. Admin. Code § 93-02-02.1-05(1)? N.D. Admin. Code § 93-02-02.1-05(1)
  • How many hours of service as a registered apprentice does N.D. Admin. Code § 93-02-02.1-06 require for registration as a security officer? N.D. Admin. Code § 93-02-02.1-06
  • How soon after being registered must an apprentice security officer finish the first training, under N.D. Admin. Code § 93-02-02.1-05(1)? N.D. Admin. Code § 93-02-02.1-05(1)
  • May a person provide private security services while a registration is lapsed, under N.D. Admin. Code § 93-02-03-03(3)? N.D. Admin. Code § 93-02-03-03(3)
  • Under N.D. Admin. Code § 93-02-02.1-01(3), when may the board register an applicant who has a listed conviction? N.D. Admin. Code § 93-02-02.1-01(3)
  • Under whose supervision must a registered employee provide private security services, by N.D. Admin. Code § 93-02-02.1-04(5)? N.D. Admin. Code § 93-02-02.1-04(5)
  • What amount of general liability insurance must an applicant for a license to provide private security services file under N.D. Admin. Code § 93-02-02.1-12(1)? N.D. Admin. Code § 93-02-02.1-12(1)
  • What education does N.D. Admin. Code § 93-02-02.1-01(2) require for a private security registration? N.D. Admin. Code § 93-02-02.1-01(2)
  • What is the largest number of trainees one officer may supervise in apprentice field training under N.D. Admin. Code § 93-02-02.1-05(1)? N.D. Admin. Code § 93-02-02.1-05(1)
  • What is the minimum age for any license or registration to provide private security services under N.D. Admin. Code § 93-02-02.1-01? N.D. Admin. Code § 93-02-02.1-01(1)
  • What rank must a board-certified trainer have reached under N.D. Admin. Code § 93-02-02.1-09? N.D. Admin. Code § 93-02-02.1-09
  • Which Century Code chapters must an approved online apprentice course teach under N.D. Admin. Code § 93-02-02.1-17(2)? N.D. Admin. Code § 93-02-02.1-17(2)
  • Which conviction is listed as disqualifying in N.D. Admin. Code § 93-02-02.1-01(3)? N.D. Admin. Code § 93-02-02.1-01(3)
  • Which is one of the three registrations named in N.D. Admin. Code § 93-02-02.1-04(2)? N.D. Admin. Code § 93-02-02.1-04(2)
  • Which may the board count as equivalent training or experience under N.D. Admin. Code § 93-02-02.1-10? N.D. Admin. Code § 93-02-02.1-10
  • Who is deemed to have met the 1,000-hour service requirement in N.D. Admin. Code § 93-02-02.1-06? N.D. Admin. Code § 93-02-02.1-06
  • Who is qualified to be licensed to provide private security services under N.D. Admin. Code § 93-02-02.1-02(2)? N.D. Admin. Code § 93-02-02.1-02(2)
  • Who is responsible for obtaining the registration of a private security agency's employees under N.D. Admin. Code § 93-02-02.1-04(2)? N.D. Admin. Code § 93-02-02.1-04(2)
  • Within how many days must a registered individual notify the board of a conviction described in N.D. Admin. Code § 93-02-02.1-01? N.D. Admin. Code § 93-02-02.1-01

Prohibitions, pocket cards and the code of ethics 16

  • A client asks for something illegal. What does the code of ethics call for in N.D. Admin. Code § 93-02-03-05.1(8)? N.D. Admin. Code § 93-02-03-05.1(8)
  • If a uniform is worn, what must be prominently displayed on it under N.D. Admin. Code § 93-02-02.1-11(5)? N.D. Admin. Code § 93-02-02.1-11(5)
  • May a security officer use a title such as sergeant or captain while providing private security services, under N.D. Admin. Code § 93-02-02.1-11(1)? N.D. Admin. Code § 93-02-02.1-11(1)
  • N.D. Admin. Code § 93-02-02.1-11(1) bars identification, statements and vehicle markings that could lead the general public to believe what? N.D. Admin. Code § 93-02-02.1-11(1)
  • To whom does the code of ethics in N.D. Admin. Code § 93-02-03-05.1 apply? N.D. Admin. Code § 93-02-03-05.1
  • Under N.D. Admin. Code § 93-02-03-05(1), which failure is a cause for discipline? N.D. Admin. Code § 93-02-03-05(1)
  • Under the code of ethics, what must be done with physical evidence concerning crimes, by N.D. Admin. Code § 93-02-03-05.1(5)? N.D. Admin. Code § 93-02-03-05.1(5)
  • What does N.D. Admin. Code § 93-02-02.1-11(1)(c) prohibit for a motor vehicle used while providing private security services? N.D. Admin. Code § 93-02-02.1-11(1)
  • What does the code of ethics require as to property a client has entrusted to a licensee or registered employee, under N.D. Admin. Code § 93-02-03-05.1(2)? N.D. Admin. Code § 93-02-03-05.1(2)
  • What must a registered individual have on his or her person while providing private security services, under N.D. Admin. Code § 93-02-02.1-14(1)? N.D. Admin. Code § 93-02-02.1-14(1)
  • When a registered employee leaves a private security agency, what happens to the pocket card under N.D. Admin. Code § 93-02-02.1-14(2)? N.D. Admin. Code § 93-02-02.1-14(2)
  • Which is a cause for discipline listed in N.D. Admin. Code § 93-02-03-05? N.D. Admin. Code § 93-02-03-05(5)
  • Which is given as an example of prohibited conduct in N.D. Admin. Code § 93-02-02.1-11(1)? N.D. Admin. Code § 93-02-02.1-11(1)
  • Which is part of "unprofessional conduct" as N.D. Admin. Code § 93-02-03-05(8) describes it? N.D. Admin. Code § 93-02-03-05(8)
  • Who may face administrative action by the board for the activities of a registered employee, under N.D. Admin. Code § 93-02-02.1-04(4)? N.D. Admin. Code § 93-02-02.1-04(4)
  • Within how many days after receiving a terminated employee's pocket card must the agency mail or deliver it to the board, under N.D. Admin. Code § 93-02-02.1-14(2)? N.D. Admin. Code § 93-02-02.1-14(2)

Arrest by a private person and detention of a theft suspect 15

  • A felony has in fact been committed, but not in a guard's presence. Under N.D.C.C. § 29-06-20(3), a private person may arrest if what is true? N.D.C.C. § 29-06-20(3)
  • A merchant detains a minor for suspected theft. To whom may the merchant surrender custody under N.D.C.C. § 51-21-03(5)? N.D.C.C. § 51-21-03(5)
  • For which of these may a private person arrest another under N.D.C.C. § 29-06-20(1)? N.D.C.C. § 29-06-20(1)
  • How does N.D.C.C. § 29-06-01 define an arrest? N.D.C.C. § 29-06-01
  • May a merchant ask a minor suspected of theft to sign an admission, under N.D.C.C. § 51-21-05(2)? N.D.C.C. § 51-21-05(2)
  • What conduct raises the presumption in N.D.C.C. § 51-21-02? N.D.C.C. § 51-21-02
  • What must a private person do after arresting another for a public offense, under N.D.C.C. § 29-06-23? N.D.C.C. § 29-06-23
  • What must a private person tell the person being arrested under N.D.C.C. § 29-06-21? N.D.C.C. § 29-06-21
  • What offense does a person commit by knowingly subjecting another to unlawful restraint, under N.D.C.C. § 12.1-18-03? N.D.C.C. § 12.1-18-03
  • What protection does N.D.C.C. § 51-21-04 give a merchant who detains a person as § 51-21-03 permits? N.D.C.C. § 51-21-04
  • When is a private person excused from stating the cause of an arrest under N.D.C.C. § 29-06-21? N.D.C.C. § 29-06-21(3)
  • Where may a merchant detain a person reasonably believed to have committed theft, under N.D.C.C. § 51-21-03? N.D.C.C. § 51-21-03
  • Which is a purpose for which N.D.C.C. § 51-21-03 allows a merchant to detain a theft suspect? N.D.C.C. § 51-21-03
  • Who counts as a "merchant" under N.D.C.C. § 51-21-01(4)? N.D.C.C. § 51-21-01(4)
  • Who may make an arrest under N.D.C.C. § 29-06-02? N.D.C.C. § 29-06-02

Use of force, trespass and impersonation 18

  • A peace officer directs a guard to help. When is the guard's use of force NOT justified under N.D.C.C. § 12.1-05-02(2)? N.D.C.C. § 12.1-05-02(2)
  • A person justified in using force recklessly injures a bystander. What does N.D.C.C. § 12.1-05-01(2) say? N.D.C.C. § 12.1-05-01(2)
  • A person stays on property after a duly authorized individual asks him to leave. For a first offense, what is that under N.D.C.C. § 12.1-22-03(6)? N.D.C.C. § 12.1-22-03(6)
  • Against which dangers does N.D.C.C. § 12.1-05-03 justify force in self-defense? N.D.C.C. § 12.1-05-03
  • Entering a dwelling or highly secured premises, knowing one is not licensed or privileged to do so, is what grade of offense under N.D.C.C. § 12.1-22-03(1)? N.D.C.C. § 12.1-22-03(1)
  • For which purpose does N.D.C.C. § 12.1-05-06 justify the use of force? N.D.C.C. § 12.1-05-06
  • How does N.D.C.C. § 12.1-05-12(1) define deadly force? N.D.C.C. § 12.1-05-12(1)
  • Knowing that he is not licensed or privileged to do so, a person enters a building. What grade of offense is that under N.D.C.C. § 12.1-22-03(3)? N.D.C.C. § 12.1-22-03(3)
  • Under N.D.C.C. § 12.1-05-02(3), when no authorized public servant is available, a person may use force to arrest someone who has committed which of these? N.D.C.C. § 12.1-05-02(3)
  • Under N.D.C.C. § 12.1-05-03(1), may a person use force to resist an arrest by a public servant acting under color of law? N.D.C.C. § 12.1-05-03(1)
  • Under N.D.C.C. § 12.1-05-07(2)(b), deadly force in self-defense is justified only if necessary to protect against which? N.D.C.C. § 12.1-05-07(2)(b)
  • Under N.D.C.C. § 12.1-05-12(3), "force" means physical action, threat or menace against another, and includes what else? N.D.C.C. § 12.1-05-12(3)
  • What are "highly secured premises" under N.D.C.C. § 12.1-22-06(2)? N.D.C.C. § 12.1-22-06(2)
  • What is the general limit on the use of force in N.D.C.C. § 12.1-05-07(1)? N.D.C.C. § 12.1-05-07(1)
  • What must appear on each sign that posts premises against trespass, under N.D.C.C. § 12.1-22-03(4)(a)? N.D.C.C. § 12.1-22-03(4)(a)
  • When is self-defense unavailable under N.D.C.C. § 12.1-05-03(2)(a)? N.D.C.C. § 12.1-05-03(2)(a)
  • When may a person use force to defend someone else under N.D.C.C. § 12.1-05-04? N.D.C.C. § 12.1-05-04
  • Which of these is an offense under N.D.C.C. § 12.1-13-04(1)(c)? N.D.C.C. § 12.1-13-04

How this list was compiled: North Dakota Century Code chapter 43-30, Investigative and Security Services (https://ndlegis.gov/cencode/t43c30.pdf); North Dakota Administrative Code chapters 93-02-02.1, Private Security Services, and 93-02-03, General Rules (https://ndlegis.gov/information/acdata/html/93-02.html); Century Code chapter 12.1-05 (justification), sections 29-06-01 to 29-06-23 (arrest by a private person), chapter 51-21 (detention of a theft suspect by a merchant), sections 12.1-22-03 and 12.1-22-06 (criminal trespass), 12.1-13-04 (impersonating officials) and 12.1-18-03 (unlawful imprisonment), all on ndlegis.gov; and the licensing pages of the North Dakota Private Investigation and Security Board (https://www.pisb.nd.gov/licensing). Each was read on October 16, 2026. Section 93-02-02.1-17 says what an approved apprentice course must teach: the Title 93 requirements, Century Code chapters 12.1-05 and 43-30, and the North Dakota law on providing private security services. 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 the Board's examination or study guide, from any trainer's course or from any other practice test.

How it works

This unofficial North Dakota security guard practice test asks 103 of our own questions on chapter 43-30, the Title 93 rules and North Dakota's arrest, detention and force law. Not affiliated with the North Dakota Private Investigation and Security Board.

Read the full guide

Is there a North Dakota security guard test?

Not for a registered officer. The Board's examination is for the individual license to provide private security services, open to a commissioned security officer (rule 93-02-02.1-02). An apprentice takes training instead, and rule 93-02-02.1-17 has an approved online course teach the Title 93 rules and Century Code chapters 12.1-05 and 43-30.

The three registrations

Apprentice security officer comes first. Security officer needs 1,000 hours as an apprentice and 32 more classroom hours. Commissioned security officer needs 3,000 hours as a security officer and 80 more classroom hours (rules 93-02-02.1-05 to 93-02-02.1-07).

  • Carry your pocket card whenever you provide private security services (rule 93-02-02.1-14).
  • Registrations expire on September 30 each year (rule 93-02-03-03).
  • No title, patch or vehicle marking may suggest police-type powers; the word "police" is a listed example (rule 93-02-02.1-11).

Questions and answers

How do I become a security guard in North Dakota?

Be 18 with a high school diploma or equivalent and no disqualifying conviction. A licensed private security agency registers you with the Board as an apprentice security officer, after a state and nationwide criminal history check (rule 93-02-02.1-04; N.D.C.C. § 43-30-06).

How many hours of training does a North Dakota security guard need?

Twelve hours of classroom instruction or field training within thirty days after registration as an apprentice. Until then the apprentice works only under direct, onsite supervision (rule 93-02-02.1-05).

Where is the North Dakota security exam given?

In Bismarck, on an individual basis, by arrangement with the Board's executive director, according to the Board's questions and answers page, read October 16, 2026. The same page lists a study guide for the exam at $40.

Can a security guard arrest someone in North Dakota?

As a private person under N.D.C.C. § 29-06-20: for a public offense committed or attempted in your presence, or a felony. The person must go to a magistrate or peace officer without unnecessary delay (§ 29-06-23). Exam practice, not legal advice.

Are these the real North Dakota security exam questions?

No. Each was written for this page from the Century Code and the Board's rules. Nothing comes from the Board's examination or its study guide, which this page has not seen.

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