• 116 questions

Vermont Security Guard Practice Test

Unofficial questions on Vermont's security guard statutes, the Office's rules and detention law, each answer tied to its section.

Which service does 26 V.S.A. § 3151(4)(F) add to the list of security services?

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Unofficial practice questions, not affiliated with the Vermont Office of Professional Regulation. Bank checked October 16, 2026.

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Title 26, chapter 59: security services and who is licensed 20

  • A certified police officer works a paid security detail. What keeps the officer outside the term "security guard" under 26 V.S.A. § 3151a(b)(1)? 26 V.S.A. § 3151a(b)(1)
  • A company sends a guard to a store each time its burglar alarm goes off. Is that a security service under 26 V.S.A. § 3151(4)(E)? 26 V.S.A. § 3151(4)(E)
  • A hospital keeps guards on its own ordinary payroll to guard only the hospital. Does the term "security guard" in chapter 59 cover them? 26 V.S.A. § 3151a(b)(3)
  • An unarmed property manager checks clients' vacant houses for break-in damage as part of managing them. How does 26 V.S.A. § 3151a(b)(2) treat that person? 26 V.S.A. § 3151a(b)(2)
  • How does 26 V.S.A. § 3151(4) define "security"? 26 V.S.A. § 3151(4)
  • How does an applicant for a license to provide guard dog services show competence under 26 V.S.A. § 3175b(a)? 26 V.S.A. § 3175b(a)
  • How much experience in security work does 26 V.S.A. § 3174(c) require of a person who wants to practice independently as a security guard? 26 V.S.A. § 3174(c)
  • May an individual registration be transferred under 26 V.S.A. § 3171(c)? 26 V.S.A. § 3171(c)
  • On which ground may a security guard license application be denied under 26 V.S.A. § 3174(d)? 26 V.S.A. § 3174(d)
Show all 116 questions (107 more)

Title 26, chapter 59: security services and who is licensed, continued

  • What does 26 V.S.A. § 3175 say about examinations for private investigators and for private security services? 26 V.S.A. § 3175
  • What may licensing standards not be designed to do under 26 V.S.A. § 3171(a)? 26 V.S.A. § 3171(a)
  • What must a security employee complete before registration under 26 V.S.A. § 3176(e)? 26 V.S.A. § 3176(e)
  • What must an agency's security employee carry under 26 V.S.A. § 3176(b)? 26 V.S.A. § 3176(b)
  • What must the training records kept under 26 V.S.A. § 3176(f) include, at a minimum? 26 V.S.A. § 3176(f)
  • Where does 26 V.S.A. § 3179(a) send a person who works as a security guard without a license? 26 V.S.A. § 3179(a)
  • Where must a licensed agency keep its training records under 26 V.S.A. § 3176(f)? 26 V.S.A. § 3176(f)
  • Which agency licenses does 26 V.S.A. § 3172 name? 26 V.S.A. § 3172
  • Which of these is listed as a security service in 26 V.S.A. § 3151(4)(D)? 26 V.S.A. § 3151(4)(D)
  • Which service does 26 V.S.A. § 3151(4)(F) add to the list of security services? 26 V.S.A. § 3151(4)(F)
  • Whom does 26 V.S.A. § 3151(4)(C) name as people a security service protects? 26 V.S.A. § 3151(4)(C)

Administrative rules: training, CPR, uniforms and duties 41

  • A guard keeps the agency's uniform after quitting and wears it off duty. What does Rule 7-4 call unauthorized retention or off-duty use? Rule 7-4
  • A registered security employee wants to work for two agencies at once. What does the Office's FAQ page say? OPR FAQ page
  • A registered security employee works a post while not employed and supervised by any agency. What does Rule 4-2(b) call that? Rule 4-2(b)
  • An initial license is issued fewer than 90 days before a new biennial period begins. How long is it valid under Rule 6-1? Rule 6-1
  • Besides classroom instruction, what does Rule 5-4(a) require for a guard dog handler specialty designation? Rule 5-4(a)(3)
  • How many hours at least does Rule 9-2 give to emergency response in the 40-hour course? Rule 9-2(b)
  • How many hours of approved training in private security does Rule 4-1 require for a licensed security guard? Rule 4-1(b)
  • How many hours of approved training must a registered security employee complete under Rule 4-2? Rule 4-2(a)(2)
  • How many of the eight hours in Rule 9-3 go to legal powers and limitations? Rule 9-3(b)
  • How many years of experience in security or law enforcement must an instructor of the 40-hour guard course have under Rule 9-2(a)? Rule 9-2(a)
  • How may a licensed security guard provide security services under Rule 4-1? Rule 4-1
  • How may the Office verify that training is carried out as approved under Rule 9-1? Rule 9-1
  • In the 40-hour course of Rule 9-2, how many hours at least go to the role of the security guard? Rule 9-2(b)
  • The Office's guidance on security guard uniforms, issued November 5, 2025, says uniforms should prominently identify the licensee as what? OPR uniform guidance
  • The Office's uniform guidance gives two examples of common law enforcement colors. Which pair does it tie to the Vermont State Police? OPR uniform guidance
  • On what ground may the Office deny an agency application under Rule 4-5(b)? Rule 4-5(b)
  • Rule 6-3 pairs CPR certification with certification in the use of what? Rule 6-3
  • Rule 9-1 says approved training cannot involve what? Rule 9-1
  • To renew a guard dog handler designation under Rule 5-4(b), the classroom training and field examination must have been repeated within the preceding how long? Rule 5-4(b)
  • What do the Office's employee application instructions of February 2026 say about starting work before a registration is issued? OPR employee application instructions
  • What does Rule 7-6 forbid a licensee to do at a work site? Rule 7-6
  • What is the minimum age for a registered security employee under Rule 4-2(a)? Rule 4-2(a)(1)
  • What kind of ID card does the Office's uniform guidance recommend? OPR uniform guidance
  • What may be credited toward the requirements of licensure under Rule 2-3? Rule 2-3
  • What may uniforms, badges and insignia not do under Rule 7-4? Rule 7-4
  • What must a licensee carry at all times when working under Rule 7-4? Rule 7-4
  • What returns an inoperative security registration to operative status under Rule 4-2(b)? Rule 4-2(b)
  • When is a person deemed registered with an agency under Rule 7-5? Rule 7-5
  • When may a license be summarily suspended pending further proceedings under Rule 8-2? Rule 8-2
  • When may the Director waive a late reinstatement fee under Rule 6-4? Rule 6-4
  • Which component of the 40-hour guard course in Rule 9-2 has a minimum of two hours, not four? Rule 9-2(b)
  • Which of these must a licensee report to the Office in writing under Rule 7-1(c)? Rule 7-1(c)
  • Which requirement applies to a licensed security guard under Rule 4-1 and not to a registered security employee under Rule 4-2? Rule 4-1(c)
  • Which set of actions may the Director take on a finding of unprofessional conduct under Rule 8-2? Rule 8-2
  • Which terms does the Office's uniform guidance name as ones to avoid because they are easily confused with military or police? OPR uniform guidance
  • Which three components make up the eight-hour course for registered security employees in Rule 9-3? Rule 9-3(b)
  • Who carries the burden of showing that training or experience is equivalent under Rule 3-6? Rule 3-6
  • Who must keep records of employees' CPR certification under Rule 6-3? Rule 6-3
  • Who supervises a registered security employee under Rule 4-2? Rule 4-2
  • Whom must an agency designate under Rule 4-5(a)(3)? Rule 4-5(a)(3)
  • Within what time of hire by an agency must security personnel hold CPR certification under Rule 6-3? Rule 6-3

Unprofessional conduct, discipline and penalties 17

  • A license expired 20 days ago. Besides the renewal fee, what nondisciplinary reinstatement penalty does 3 V.S.A. § 127(d)(1)(A) set? 3 V.S.A. § 127(d)(1)(A)
  • An agency employee willfully makes a false report to the employer about an assignment. What does 26 V.S.A. § 3179(b) provide? 26 V.S.A. § 3179(b)
  • An agency hires a guard and lets the registration paperwork sit for months. Which item of 26 V.S.A. § 3181(b) covers that? 26 V.S.A. § 3181(b)(9)
  • Besides the person practicing without authority, whom does 3 V.S.A. § 127(b) reach? 3 V.S.A. § 127(b)(1)
  • Can a single failure to practice competently be unprofessional conduct under 3 V.S.A. § 129a(b) if no one was hurt? 3 V.S.A. § 129a(b)
  • How soon must a licensee report a criminal conviction to the Office under 3 V.S.A. § 129a(a)(11)? 3 V.S.A. § 129a(a)(11)
  • Practice on an expired license that continues for more than how long may be prosecuted as unauthorized practice under 3 V.S.A. § 127(d)(4)? 3 V.S.A. § 127(d)(4)
  • What does 26 V.S.A. § 3181(b)(12) say about guard dogs? 26 V.S.A. § 3181(b)(12)
  • What does 26 V.S.A. § 3181(b)(16) say about a license application? 26 V.S.A. § 3181(b)(16)
  • What is the largest administrative penalty for each unprofessional conduct violation under 3 V.S.A. § 129a(d)? 3 V.S.A. § 129a(d)(1)
  • What is the longest imprisonment for unauthorized practice under 3 V.S.A. § 127(c)? 3 V.S.A. § 127(c)
  • When is practicing beyond the scope permitted by law excused under 26 V.S.A. § 3181(b)(17)? 26 V.S.A. § 3181(b)(17)
  • Which assignment is it unprofessional conduct to accept under 26 V.S.A. § 3181(b)(5)? 26 V.S.A. § 3181(b)(5)
  • Which of these does 3 V.S.A. § 129a(a)(1) list as unprofessional conduct? 3 V.S.A. § 129a(a)(1)
  • Which of these is unprofessional conduct under 3 V.S.A. § 129a(a)(21)? 3 V.S.A. § 129a(a)(21)
  • Which of these is unprofessional conduct under 26 V.S.A. § 3181(b)(11)? 26 V.S.A. § 3181(b)(11)
  • Who carries the burden of proof in a disciplinary action under 3 V.S.A. § 129a(c), and by what standard? 3 V.S.A. § 129a(c)

Retail theft detention, trespass and force 30

  • A guard, as the agent of the person in lawful possession, tells a visitor to leave and the visitor stays. What penalty does 13 V.S.A. § 3705(a) set? 13 V.S.A. § 3705(a)(1)
  • A merchant may ask a person to keep removed merchandise in full view under 13 V.S.A. § 2574. What must the merchant post? 13 V.S.A. § 2574
  • A person detained for retail theft is a minor. Besides a law enforcement officer, whom does 13 V.S.A. § 2576(a)(4) tell the merchant to inform, if known? 13 V.S.A. § 2576(a)(4)
  • A shopper swaps a price tag and buys the item for less than its retail value. Is that retail theft under 13 V.S.A. § 2575(2)? 13 V.S.A. § 2575(2)
  • Above what retail value does retail theft carry imprisonment of up to 10 years under 13 V.S.A. § 2577(c)? 13 V.S.A. § 2577(c)
  • Besides the owner or manager, who counts as a "merchant" able to detain under 13 V.S.A. § 2573(3)? 13 V.S.A. § 2573(3)
  • Does 13 V.S.A. § 2305 limit the defenses granted at common law? 13 V.S.A. § 2305(b)
  • Does 13 V.S.A. § 3002 reach a person who only attempts to impersonate a constable? 13 V.S.A. § 3002
  • For how long may a merchant detain a person under 13 V.S.A. § 2576(a)? 13 V.S.A. § 2576(a)
  • How does 13 V.S.A. § 2573(5) define "reasonable force"? 13 V.S.A. § 2573(5)
  • How is "retail value" fixed under 13 V.S.A. § 2573(1)? 13 V.S.A. § 2573(1)
  • How may notice against trespass be given under 13 V.S.A. § 3705(a)(1)? 13 V.S.A. § 3705(a)(1)
  • Is notice against trespass needed for the offense of entering another's motor vehicle under 13 V.S.A. § 3705(c)? 13 V.S.A. § 3705(c)
  • May reasonable force be part of a detention under 13 V.S.A. § 2576(a)? 13 V.S.A. § 2576(a)
  • What belief must a merchant have to detain a person under 13 V.S.A. § 2576(a)? 13 V.S.A. § 2576(a)
  • What intent is part of the offense of retail theft under 13 V.S.A. § 2575? 13 V.S.A. § 2575
  • What is the first-offense penalty for impersonating a police officer under 13 V.S.A. § 3002? 13 V.S.A. § 3002(1)
  • What is the longest imprisonment for entering a building, other than a residence, whose access is normally locked, under 13 V.S.A. § 3705(d)? 13 V.S.A. § 3705(d)
  • What is the penalty ceiling for retail theft of merchandise worth not more than $250 under 13 V.S.A. § 2577(a)? 13 V.S.A. § 2577(a)
  • What may a merchant do about unpurchased merchandise under 13 V.S.A. § 2576(a)(2)? 13 V.S.A. § 2576(a)(2)
  • What opportunity must the merchant afford a detained person under 13 V.S.A. § 2576(a)? 13 V.S.A. § 2576(a)
  • What right does a person detained for surrender to a law enforcement officer have under 13 V.S.A. § 2576(b)? 13 V.S.A. § 2576(b)
  • When is a person "guiltless" for killing or wounding another under 13 V.S.A. § 2305(a)(1)? 13 V.S.A. § 2305(a)(1)
  • Where may a detention under 13 V.S.A. § 2576(a) take place? 13 V.S.A. § 2576(a)
  • Which area is part of the "premises of a retail mercantile establishment" under 13 V.S.A. § 2573(4)? 13 V.S.A. § 2573(4)
  • Which crimes does 13 V.S.A. § 2305(a)(2) name, where a person reasonably believed deadly force was necessary to repel imminent peril? 13 V.S.A. § 2305(a)(2)
  • Which of these is a listed purpose of a detention under 13 V.S.A. § 2576(a)? 13 V.S.A. § 2576(a)(1)
  • Which possession is itself retail theft under 13 V.S.A. § 2575(6)? 13 V.S.A. § 2575(6)
  • Who must tell the detained person about the telephone call right in 13 V.S.A. § 2576(b)? 13 V.S.A. § 2576(b)
  • Within how many days must a prosecution under 13 V.S.A. § 3705(a) be commenced? 13 V.S.A. § 3705(b)

Vermont public records law 8

  • A custodian lets the time limit pass without answering a request. What does 1 V.S.A. § 318(a)(2) deem that to be? 1 V.S.A. § 318(a)(2)
  • A requested record is in active use. Within what time of the request must the custodian set a date and hour when it will be available, under 1 V.S.A. § 318(b)(1)? 1 V.S.A. § 318(b)(1)
  • How must the Public Records Act be construed under 1 V.S.A. § 315(a)? 1 V.S.A. § 315(a)
  • How soon must the head of the agency decide an appeal of a denial under 1 V.S.A. § 318(c)(1)? 1 V.S.A. § 318(c)(1)
  • In unusual circumstances, how far past receipt of the request may the time limit be extended under 1 V.S.A. § 318(b)(5)? 1 V.S.A. § 318(b)(5)
  • What fine does 1 V.S.A. § 320(c) set for willfully destroying a public record without authority? 1 V.S.A. § 320(c)
  • What is a "public record" under 1 V.S.A. § 317(b)? 1 V.S.A. § 317(b)
  • What may an agency charge for a copy made on its own copying equipment under 1 V.S.A. § 316(b)? 1 V.S.A. § 316(b)

How this list was compiled: Vermont Statutes Annotated, Title 26, Chapter 59, Private Investigative and Security Services (https://legislature.vermont.gov/statutes/chapter/26/059); the Administrative Rules for Private Investigative and Security Services, in the copy the Office of Professional Regulation posts (https://outside.vermont.gov/dept/sos/office_professional_regulation/professions/private_investigative_security_services/private_investigative_security_services_administrative_rules.pdf); the Office's guidance on security guard uniforms, issued November 5, 2025, its employee and licensee application instructions of February 2026 and its questions and answers page (https://sos.vermont.gov/private-investigative-security-services/); 3 V.S.A. sections 127 and 129a; 13 V.S.A. sections 2573 to 2577 (retail theft and detention), 3705 (unlawful trespass), 3002 (impersonation of an officer) and 2305 (justifiable homicide); and 1 V.S.A. sections 315 to 320 (Public Records Act), each on the Vermont General Assembly's site. Each was read on October 16, 2026. The Office's application instructions say the Vermont State Jurisprudence Examination requires thorough knowledge of the Vermont Statutes, the Administrative Rules, the Fair Credit Reporting Act and the public records laws in Vermont. 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 Office's own pages. Nothing is taken from the jurisprudence examination, from any training course or from any other practice test.

How it works

This unofficial Vermont security guard practice test asks 116 of our own questions on chapter 59, the Office of Professional Regulation's rules and Vermont's detention and trespass law. Not affiliated with the Vermont Office of Professional Regulation.

Read the full guide

Licensed guard or registered employee

Vermont has two credentials. A licensed security guard completes 40 hours of approved training, shows two years of experience and takes the Vermont State Jurisprudence Examination (Rule 4-1). A registered security employee works under one at an agency, with eight hours of training and no examination (Rule 4-2).

What the examination covers

The Office's application instructions of February 2026 name the Vermont Statutes, the Administrative Rules, the Fair Credit Reporting Act and Vermont's public records laws. These questions take the first, second and fourth, and add the Title 13 sections on retail theft detention and trespass.

  • Carry your license or registration, or a true copy, whenever you work (Rule 7-4).
  • Hold CPR and AED certification within three months of hire by an agency (Rule 6-3).
  • Reasonable force in a retail theft detention is only the minimum needed to detain (13 V.S.A. § 2573).

Questions and answers

Is there a test for a Vermont security guard license?

For the license, yes; for registration as a security employee, no. A license applicant completes the Vermont State Jurisprudence Examination and uploads the answer sheet with the application. The Office publishes no question count, time limit or pass mark for it.

How do I become a security guard in Vermont?

Without two years of security experience, register as a security employee of a licensed agency: be 18, complete the approved training and apply online with a Supervisor Authorization form signed by you and the supervisor. The Office runs a Vermont Crime Information Center background check.

Can a security guard detain someone in Vermont?

For retail theft, a security officer authorized in writing by the owner or manager counts as a merchant, who may detain on reasonable cause, in a reasonable manner and for a reasonable time (13 V.S.A. §§ 2573, 2576). Exam practice, not legal advice.

What can a security guard wear in Vermont?

Uniforms, badges and insignia must not suggest law enforcement authority (Rule 7-4). The Office's guidance of November 5, 2025 recommends uniforms that prominently identify the wearer as a security professional, ID cards without metallic badges, and colors law enforcement does not commonly use.

Are these the real Vermont jurisprudence exam questions?

No. Each was written for this page from the statutes, the rules and the Office's own pages. The Fair Credit Reporting Act is asked on the Vermont private investigator page, not here.

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