• 92 questions

Utah Security Guard Practice Test

Unofficial practice on the Utah law and rules an unarmed private security officer works under, each answer with its section.

How long does an interim permit last under Utah Code § 58-63-310, if the license is not issued sooner?

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

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Exam mode: 25 questions, no time limit, 20 right to pass (80%).

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Unofficial practice questions, not affiliated with the Utah Division of Professional Licensing. Bank checked October 16, 2026.

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All 92 questions

The license: who needs it and who qualifies 25

  • A retailer hires its own employees to guard only its own stores. Is the retailer a "contract security company" under Utah Admin. Code R156-63a-102(5)? Utah Admin. Code R156-63a-102(5)
  • How long does an interim permit last under Utah Code § 58-63-310, if the license is not issued sooner? Utah Code § 58-63-310(2)(a)
  • How many convictions for driving under the influence of alcohol within the last three years are on the list of potentially disqualifying convictions in Utah Admin. Code R156-63a-302f(1)? Utah Admin. Code R156-63a-302f(1)
  • How many hours of classroom or online curriculum must the basic education and training for an unarmed officer include, at the least, under Utah Code § 58-63-302(3)(f)? Utah Code § 58-63-302(3)(f)
  • May a Utah city add its own training requirement for private security officers, under Utah Code § 58-63-601? Utah Code § 58-63-601
  • May an individual with a valid armed private security officer license also work as an unarmed private security officer, under Utah Code § 58-63-304(3)? Utah Code § 58-63-304(3)
  • On what renewal cycle does the division issue licenses under Utah Code § 58-63-303? Utah Code § 58-63-303(1)
  • Under Utah Code § 58-63-102(19)(b), which worker at a concert venue is not a "security officer"? Utah Code § 58-63-102(19)(b)
Show all 92 questions (84 more)

The license: who needs it and who qualifies, continued

  • What happens to a license on the expiration date shown on it, under Utah Code § 58-63-303(2)? Utah Code § 58-63-303(2)
  • What happens to an interim permit issued under Utah Admin. Code R156-63a-302g if the application is denied? Utah Admin. Code R156-63a-302g(2)
  • What is the board created in Utah Code § 58-63-201 called? Utah Code § 58-63-201
  • What is Utah Code Title 58, Chapter 63 called, under § 58-63-101? Utah Code § 58-63-101
  • What may an interim permit holder do under Utah Code § 58-63-310(3)? Utah Code § 58-63-310(3)
  • What must accompany an application for an unarmed private security officer license under Utah Admin. Code R156-63a-302a(2), besides the fee for the records check? Utah Admin. Code R156-63a-302a(2)
  • What must be carried with the security license whenever performing the duties of a private security officer, under Utah Admin. Code R156-63a-609? Utah Admin. Code R156-63a-609
  • What must each applicant consent to and complete under Utah Code § 58-63-302(3)(h)? Utah Code § 58-63-302(3)(h)
  • What must the chief administrative officer of a law enforcement agency provide before a peace officer works off duty as a security officer, under Utah Code § 58-63-304(2)? Utah Code § 58-63-304(2)(b)
  • What must the clothing of an unarmed private security officer bear, under the definition in Utah Code § 58-63-102(24)? Utah Code § 58-63-102(24)(d)
  • Which conviction bars licensure as an unarmed private security officer under Utah Code § 58-63-302(3)(c)? Utah Code § 58-63-302(3)(c)
  • Which document supports the immediate issuance of an interim permit under Utah Admin. Code R156-63a-302g? Utah Admin. Code R156-63a-302g
  • Which employee of a contract security company may work without a license under Utah Code § 58-63-304(1)(b)? Utah Code § 58-63-304(1)(b)
  • Which is one of the five license classifications in Utah Code § 58-63-301(2)? Utah Code § 58-63-301(2)
  • Which is part of the definition of "unarmed private security officer" in Utah Code § 58-63-102(24)? Utah Code § 58-63-102(24)
  • Who may ask a licensed security officer to display the license under Utah Code § 58-63-308? Utah Code § 58-63-308
  • Who performs the criminal history background check required at renewal under Utah Admin. Code R156-63a-305? Utah Admin. Code R156-63a-305

The basic course, its final examination and continuing education 18

  • According to the exam information page of the Division of Professional Licensing, does the unarmed private security officer license require a state licensing examination? DOPL Exam Information page
  • For at least how long must an approved training program keep its records on each individual trained, under Utah Admin. Code R156-63a-602(9)? Utah Admin. Code R156-63a-602(9)
  • How many hours of continuing education must an unarmed private security officer complete in each two-year renewal cycle, under Utah Admin. Code R156-63a-304(1)? Utah Admin. Code R156-63a-304(1)
  • May the initial eight-hour basic course count toward the continuing education requirement, under Utah Admin. Code R156-63a-304(8)? Utah Admin. Code R156-63a-304(8)
  • Of the continuing education hours required in each renewal cycle, how many must be core continuing education under Utah Admin. Code R156-63a-304(1)? Utah Admin. Code R156-63a-304(1)
  • Under Utah Admin. Code R156-63a-304(5), for how long must a licensee keep documentation of continuing education, counted from the end of the renewal period for which it is due? Utah Admin. Code R156-63a-304(5)
  • What experience must an instructor of an approved basic education and training program have, under Utah Admin. Code R156-63a-602(5)? Utah Admin. Code R156-63a-602(5)
  • What must the final examination of the basic course do under Utah Admin. Code R156-63a-603(10)? Utah Admin. Code R156-63a-603(10)
  • What must the use-of-force part of the basic course emphasize under Utah Admin. Code R156-63a-603(6)? Utah Admin. Code R156-63a-603(6)
  • What score must an applicant get on the approved basic education and training program's final examination, under Utah Admin. Code R156-63a-302c(2)? Utah Admin. Code R156-63a-302c(2)
  • Which is a core continuing education topic in Utah Admin. Code R156-63a-304(1)(a)? Utah Admin. Code R156-63a-304(1)(a)
  • Which is a professional, not a core, continuing education topic in Utah Admin. Code R156-63a-304(1)(b)? Utah Admin. Code R156-63a-304(1)(b)
  • Which is listed under documentation and report writing in Utah Admin. Code R156-63a-603(7)? Utah Admin. Code R156-63a-603(7)
  • Which is listed under patrol techniques in Utah Admin. Code R156-63a-603(8)? Utah Admin. Code R156-63a-603(8)
  • Which is listed under situational response evaluations in Utah Admin. Code R156-63a-603(4)? Utah Admin. Code R156-63a-603(4)
  • Which subjects does Utah Admin. Code R156-63a-603(3) list under the legal responsibilities of private security? Utah Admin. Code R156-63a-603(3)
  • Which topic falls under "the nature and role of private security" in Utah Admin. Code R156-63a-603(1)? Utah Admin. Code R156-63a-603(1)
  • Which workplace subject is a required part of the basic course under Utah Admin. Code R156-63a-603(9)? Utah Admin. Code R156-63a-603(9)

Operating standards: uniforms, badges, vehicles and reporting 21

  • A private security officer must report his or her own arrest or charge for any criminal offense above what level, under Utah Admin. Code R156-63a-613(1)(a)? Utah Admin. Code R156-63a-613(1)(a)(i)
  • A private security officer tells a driver, "I'm with the police, pull over." What is that statement under Utah Admin. Code R156-63a-502(1)? Utah Admin. Code R156-63a-502(1)
  • Besides the name or logo of the company, which wording must a regular uniform display under Utah Admin. Code R156-63a-605(4)? Utah Admin. Code R156-63a-605(4)
  • How long does the recipient of a citation have to tell the division in writing that the citation is contested, under Utah Code § 58-63-503(3)? Utah Code § 58-63-503(3)(c)
  • How soon must a licensed private security officer give notice of being arrested, charged, indicted or convicted, under Utah Admin. Code R156-63a-613(1)? Utah Admin. Code R156-63a-613(1)(a)
  • How tall must the word "Security" be on each side and the rear of a company vehicle, under Utah Admin. Code R156-63a-610(4)? Utah Admin. Code R156-63a-610(4)
  • To whom does a licensed officer who works for a contract security company report his or her own arrest or criminal charge, under Utah Admin. Code R156-63a-613(1)(a)? Utah Admin. Code R156-63a-613(1)(a)
  • What class of offense is unlawful conduct under Utah Code § 58-63-501, such as working as a security officer without a license? Utah Code § 58-63-503(1)
  • What is a "soft uniform" in Utah Admin. Code R156-63a-102(13)? Utah Admin. Code R156-63a-102(13)
  • What is the first-offense citation fine for an officer who practices without a license, in the fine schedule of Utah Admin. Code R156-63a-503(2)? Utah Admin. Code R156-63a-503(2)
  • What may a shield worn by a private security officer not contain, under Utah Admin. Code R156-63a-606(1)? Utah Admin. Code R156-63a-606(1)
  • When may an on-duty private security officer not wear the uniform of the contract security company, under Utah Admin. Code R156-63a-605(1)? Utah Admin. Code R156-63a-605(1)
  • When may the light bar of a contract security vehicle be operated on a public highway, under Utah Admin. Code R156-63a-610(1)(d)? Utah Admin. Code R156-63a-610(1)(d)
  • Which act is unprofessional conduct under Utah Admin. Code R156-63a-502(10)? Utah Admin. Code R156-63a-502(10)
  • Which badge does Utah Admin. Code R156-63a-606(2) prohibit on a uniform and in advertising? Utah Admin. Code R156-63a-606(2)
  • Which colors may a roof-mounted light bar show facing forward on a contract security vehicle, under Utah Admin. Code R156-63a-610(1)? Utah Admin. Code R156-63a-610(1)(a)
  • Which colors may a roof-mounted light bar show facing rearward on a contract security vehicle, under Utah Admin. Code R156-63a-610(1)? Utah Admin. Code R156-63a-610(1)(b)
  • Which document must each contract security company develop and maintain under Utah Admin. Code R156-63a-611? Utah Admin. Code R156-63a-611
  • Which failure by an officer is unprofessional conduct under Utah Code § 58-63-502(2)? Utah Code § 58-63-502(2)
  • Which of these may a contract security vehicle not use in any manner, under Utah Admin. Code R156-63a-610(2)? Utah Admin. Code R156-63a-610(2)
  • Which wording may a contract security company not permit on a uniform, badge or cap, under Utah Admin. Code R156-63a-608(2)? Utah Admin. Code R156-63a-608(2)

Temporary detention and suspected shoplifters 14

  • A felony has been committed, but not in the private individual's presence. What does Utah Code § 77-7-3(1)(b) require for a temporary detention? Utah Code § 77-7-3(1)(b)
  • For what purpose may a merchant's agent detain a person under Utah Code § 77-7-12(1)? Utah Code § 77-7-12(1)
  • How long may a temporary detention by a private individual last under Utah Code § 77-7-3(2)(a)? Utah Code § 77-7-3(2)(a)
  • How much restraint does Utah Code § 77-7-1 allow in an arrest? Utah Code § 77-7-1
  • How must a detention under Utah Code § 77-7-12(1) be carried out? Utah Code § 77-7-12(1)
  • Under Utah Code § 77-7-3(3), a private individual who in good faith conducts a lawful temporary detention is not liable for civil damages unless he or she was what? Utah Code § 77-7-3(3)(a)
  • What must the private individual do for the temporary detention to be lawful, under Utah Code § 77-7-3(2)(a)? Utah Code § 77-7-3(2)(a)
  • When is a merchant's agent who causes a detention under § 77-7-12 not criminally or civilly liable, under Utah Code § 77-7-14(1)? Utah Code § 77-7-14(1)
  • When is the private individual not required to contact law enforcement immediately, under Utah Code § 77-7-3(2)(b)? Utah Code § 77-7-3(2)(b)
  • When may a private individual temporarily detain another individual under Utah Code § 77-7-3(1)(a)? Utah Code § 77-7-3(1)(a)
  • When may deadly force be used in making a temporary detention, under Utah Code § 77-7-7.1(2)? Utah Code § 77-7-7.1(2)
  • When may reasonable force be used to effect a temporary detention under Utah Code § 77-7-7.1(1)? Utah Code § 77-7-7.1(1)
  • Who may detain a person suspected of taking goods displayed for sale, under Utah Code § 77-7-12(1)? Utah Code § 77-7-12(1)
  • Whose employees, besides a merchant's, may detain under Utah Code § 77-7-12(2)? Utah Code § 77-7-12(2)

Use of force, trespass and impersonation 14

  • Does an individual have a duty to retreat from force in a place where he or she has lawfully entered or remained, under Utah Code § 76-2-402(4)? Utah Code § 76-2-402(4)
  • Under Utah Code § 76-2-402(2)(b), force likely to cause death or serious bodily injury is justified to prevent death or serious bodily injury, or to prevent what? Utah Code § 76-2-402(2)(b)
  • Under Utah Code § 76-6-206(5), an actor who commits criminal trespass may be liable for statutory damages of three times the value of the damages or what amount, whichever is greater? Utah Code § 76-6-206(5)
  • Utah Code § 76-2-406 covers property "belonging to an individual whose property the actor has a legal duty to protect". What force does it justify to stop criminal interference with that property? Utah Code § 76-2-406(1)
  • What class of offense is criminal trespass under Utah Code § 76-6-206(2)(b), when it is not committed in a dwelling? Utah Code § 76-6-206(3)
  • What class of offense is impersonation of an officer under Utah Code § 76-8-512? Utah Code § 76-8-512(3)
  • When is an individual justified in threatening or using force against another under Utah Code § 76-2-402(2)(a)? Utah Code § 76-2-402(2)(a)
  • Which act is impersonation of an officer under Utah Code § 76-8-512(2)(c), when done with intent to deceive another individual? Utah Code § 76-8-512(2)(c)
  • Which act is retail theft under Utah Code § 76-6-602(2)? Utah Code § 76-6-602(2)(d)
  • Which act with a shopping cart is retail theft under Utah Code § 76-6-602(2)(e)? Utah Code § 76-6-602(2)(e)
  • Which is a defense to prosecution for criminal trespass under Utah Code § 76-6-206(4)? Utah Code § 76-6-206(4)
  • Which is a way of giving "notice against entering" under Utah Code § 76-6-206(2)(b)? Utah Code § 76-6-206(2)(b)
  • Which offense is not a "forcible felony" under Utah Code § 76-2-402(1)(c), unless the vehicle is occupied when entry is made or attempted? Utah Code § 76-2-402(1)(c)
  • Who is not justified in using force under Utah Code § 76-2-402(3)(a)(i)? Utah Code § 76-2-402(3)(a)

How this list was compiled: Utah Code Title 58, Chapter 63, the Security Personnel Licensing Act (https://le.utah.gov/xcode/Title58/Chapter63/58-63.html); Utah Administrative Code R156-63a, the Security Personnel Licensing Act Contract Security Rule, opened from the laws and rules page of the Division of Professional Licensing (https://commerce.utah.gov/dopl/security-companies-and-guards/laws-and-rules/); the Division's exam information page (https://commerce.utah.gov/dopl/security-companies-and-guards/exam-information/); and Utah Code sections 77-7-1, 77-7-3, 77-7-7.1, 77-7-12 to 77-7-14, 76-2-402, 76-2-406, 76-6-206, 76-6-602 and 76-8-512 on le.utah.gov. Each was read on October 16, 2026. Section R156-63a-603 lists the content of the approved basic education and training program. 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 rule. Nothing is taken from any approved training program's final examination or course, or from any other practice test.

How it works

This unofficial Utah security guard practice test asks 92 of our own questions on the Security Personnel Licensing Act, the contract security rule, temporary detention and force. Not affiliated with the Utah Division of Professional Licensing.

Read the full guide

What the Utah test is

Utah gives no state licensing exam for an unarmed private security officer. The test is the final examination of a Division-approved eight-hour basic course, and rule R156-63a-603 sets its minimum pass score at 80%. The rule gives no question count, so the 25 questions of exam mode are this page's own choice.

Temporary detention, since May 2025

Utah Code § 77-7-3, effective May 7, 2025, speaks of a temporary detention by a private individual. It is lawful only if you contact law enforcement immediately, unless someone already has, and hold the person only until an officer arrives. Section 77-7-7.1 limits the force that may be used.

  • Carry your license with a government-issued ID, and show the license to any member of the public who asks (§ 58-63-308; R156-63a-609).
  • Tell your company within 72 hours of an arrest or charge above a Class C misdemeanor (R156-63a-613).
  • No star badge, no blue lights and no siren (R156-63a-606 and R156-63a-610).

Questions and answers

How do I get a security guard license in Utah?

Complete a Division-approved eight-hour basic course, score at least 80% on its final examination, and apply to the Division of Professional Licensing with fingerprint cards for the criminal background check (Utah Code § 58-63-302(3); application page read October 16, 2026).

How long is a Utah security guard license good for?

Licenses run on a two-year renewal cycle (Utah Code § 58-63-303). Each cycle needs 32 hours of continuing education, at least 16 of them on core topics (R156-63a-304), and the Division runs a new criminal background check.

Can I work as a security guard in Utah while my license is pending?

The Division may issue an interim permit on a complete application. It lasts 90 days or until the license is issued, whichever is earlier, and lets you do the work of the license you applied for (Utah Code § 58-63-310).

Can a security guard detain someone in Utah?

As a private individual under Utah Code § 77-7-3: for an offense in your presence, or a felony with reasonable cause, and only until an officer arrives. A merchant's agent may detain a suspected shoplifter under § 77-7-12. Exam practice, not legal advice.

Are these the questions from the Utah security officer course?

No. Each was written for this page from the Utah Code and rule R156-63a. Approved programs write their own final examinations, and ethics, report writing and patrol are taught from their manuals, not from public law.

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