❓ How Many Questions Are on the Ontario Security Guard Test?

🧾 Exactly How Many Questions Are on the Security Guard Exam?

If you're preparing to write the exam and wondering how many questions are in the security guard exam in Ontario — the answer is straightforward: the official Ontario Security Guard Test includes 60 multiple-choice questions. These questions are designed to assess your understanding of the 40-hour Ministry-approved training course that every security guard candidate must complete before applying for a license. The 60-question format has been standardized across the province and applies to all approved test centers.

Each question is worth one point, and to pass, you must score at least 62%, which means getting a minimum of 37 correct answers. While 60 may not sound like a lot, don’t let that fool you — the questions are intentionally varied, and many are scenario-based. You’ll need to apply what you've learned in training to realistic situations. The questions cover everything from legal powers and emergency response to report writing and professionalism.

⏱️ How Much Time Do You Get to Complete It?

You’ll have 75 minutes to complete the 60 questions. That works out to about 1 minute and 15 seconds per question, giving you just enough time to read carefully and think through your answers — but not so much time that you can afford to get stuck.

The exam is taken on a computer at an authorized test center and is designed to be completed in one sitting. If you finish early, you can submit and leave — but it's a good idea to use your remaining time to review any flagged questions you were unsure about. Time management is key, and we’ll cover strategies for that in the next section.

📚 What Kind of Questions Are on the Exam?

Now that you know how many questions are in the security guard exam — let’s talk about what they actually look like. All 60 questions are multiple choice, with only one correct answer per question. But this isn’t just a simple memorization test. Many of the questions are scenario-based, meaning they place you in a situation and ask what the most appropriate response would be based on your training.

This is important because it reflects what employers and the Ministry expect from licensed guards — not just theoretical knowledge, but the ability to apply it in real-world situations. For example, a question might ask how you should respond to a trespasser refusing to leave a private property. While multiple answers may sound reasonable, only one will be fully aligned with the law and proper procedure.

🧠 Topic Breakdown: What the 60 Questions Usually Cover

The 60 questions on the Ontario Security Guard Test are drawn from all parts of the Ministry-mandated training syllabus. While the test is randomized, most exams typically include:

• Legal authorities and powers of arrest

• Emergency response procedures

• Use of force theory and situational awareness

• WHMIS & Health and Safety (OHSA)

• Communication and report writing

• Access control and alarm systems

• Professionalism and ethical conduct

There’s no official breakdown stating exactly how many questions come from each section, but based on patterns from past test-takers and training providers, you can expect legal topics, safety protocols, and communication skills to make up a large chunk of the test. Understanding how many questions in the security guard exam are tied to real-world duties can help guide your study plan. In Part 3, we’ll go over how to manage your time during the exam and what to do if you're stuck on a question.

⏲️ How to Manage Your Time Across 60 Questions

When you're taking the test, knowing how many questions are in the security guard exam isn’t just helpful for prep — it’s critical for managing your time. With 60 questions and 75 minutes, you should aim to spend no more than 60–70 seconds per question, giving yourself some breathing room to review your flagged answers at the end.

A common mistake test-takers make is getting stuck on one tough question and losing valuable time. If you find yourself overthinking, it’s best to mark the question, move on, and return to it later. You’ll often find that other questions later in the test jog your memory or help clarify something you were unsure about.

✅ Tips to Maximize Your Score on Test Day

• Read each question carefully — especially scenario-based ones. Some answers may seem right at first glance but are legally incorrect.
• Use the process of elimination to rule out clearly wrong choices and increase your odds of guessing correctly.
• Flag questions you’re unsure about and come back to them later.
• Don’t rush, but don’t dwell either — keep a steady pace to reach all 60 questions comfortably.
• Practice with full-length mock exams to build endurance and reduce anxiety before the real test.

If you’re still preparing and want to simulate the real thing, try a 60-question Ontario security guard practice test from OntarioSecurityGuardPractice.examzify.com. These tests match the real format and help you learn from your mistakes.

🎯 Final Answer: 60 Questions in 75 Minutes

So, to recap: how many questions are in the security guard exam?

✅ Exactly 60 multiple-choice questions, based on the Ontario Ministry’s official training syllabus. You’ll need a score of 62% or higher (that’s 37 out of 60 correct) to pass.

With smart preparation, good time management, and a few full-length practice runs, you’ll be more than ready to pass — and move one step closer to your Ontario security guard license.