What’s on the Ontario Security Guard Exam? [Updated for 2025]

🧾 An Overview of the Ontario Security Exam

If you're planning to become a licensed security guard in Ontario, the Ontario security exam is one of the most important steps in the process. This government-regulated test is designed to assess whether you've learned the knowledge and skills outlined in the Ministry’s approved training program. Passing the exam is mandatory — and once you do, you’ll be eligible to apply for your official Ontario security guard license. The exam is based entirely on the 40-hour training curriculum that all students must complete before writing the test. That includes 33.5 hours of online or in-person instruction, plus an accredited emergency first aid/CPR course.

After completing your training, you’ll receive a Training Completion Number (TCN), which allows you to register for the exam. Whether you're a first-time test taker or someone preparing for a retake, it helps to know exactly what you’re walking into. The Ontario security exam is not meant to trick you — but it does require you to understand the material well enough to apply it to real-life situations. In this post, we’ll break down the structure of the exam, what topics are covered, and what you should focus on during your preparation.

🧠 How the Ontario Security Exam Is Structured

The Ontario security exam consists of 60 multiple-choice questions and must be completed in 75 minutes. It’s a computer-based test administered by approved third-party vendors at authorized test centers across the province. You'll receive your results within a few business days, and you need at least a 62% score to pass — meaning you must answer at least 37 out of 60 questions correctly. The questions are drawn from a large question bank and are randomized for each test taker. They follow the structure of the Ministry’s syllabus and reflect real scenarios you might face on the job.

Some questions are direct (e.g., definitions), while others present situations where you'll have to choose the most appropriate response based on your training. This format means it’s not just about memorizing terms. It’s about understanding how to apply concepts in context, especially in high-pressure or legally sensitive situations. Preparing for the Ontario security exam involves knowing the material deeply enough to respond with confidence — and that’s what we’ll help you with in the next sections.

📚 What Topics Are Covered on the Ontario Security Exam?

The Ontario security exam is built around the topics covered in the Ministry's official training syllabus. These topics are essential not only for passing the exam but also for performing well on the job. Each question on the test is linked to one of these content areas, and understanding how they’re weighted will help you study more effectively.

Here’s a breakdown of the main areas covered on the Ontario security exam:

**Legal Authorities and Responsibilities : ** This section includes questions on the Criminal Code of Canada, powers of arrest, trespass laws, and use of force. You'll need to understand what security guards can and cannot do legally — and how to stay within your limits when detaining someone, issuing warnings, or dealing with law enforcement.
Emergency Response Procedures : This includes how to respond to medical emergencies, fires, threats, or violent incidents. It tests your ability to follow proper procedures, stay calm, and act quickly in critical moments. First aid knowledge from your CPR training may be referenced here too.
Health and Safety (WHMIS/OHSA) : You’ll see questions based on the Occupational Health and Safety Act (OHSA), workplace hazards, and the WHMIS system. These focus on protecting yourself and others in potentially dangerous environments — a key part of any guard’s responsibilities.
**Report Writing and Communication : ** A good portion of the Ontario security exam assesses how well you understand the basics of professional communication, daily activity reports (DARs), and note-taking. You’ll also need to know when and how to relay information to your employer, clients, or emergency services.
Access Control and Alarm Systems : This covers patrol duties, monitoring surveillance, understanding alarm systems, and controlling who enters or exits a property. Expect questions about entry logs, visitor handling, and how to respond to system triggers or suspicious activity.
** Professionalism and Ethics :** Finally, you’ll be tested on professional conduct, confidentiality, and your responsibilities to the public, your employer, and the law. These questions are situational and require a strong understanding of the ethical expectations placed on licensed guards.

By knowing exactly which categories are tested and how they relate to your day-to-day responsibilities, you can make smarter decisions about where to focus your study time. In the next part, we’ll walk through how to prepare, what resources to use, and tips to boost your chances of passing the Ontario security exam on your first try.

📝 How to Prepare for the Ontario Security Exam

Now that you know what’s covered, the next step is preparing strategically for the Ontario security exam. The most effective way to study is to treat the Ministry syllabus like your checklist. Go through each section one at a time, making sure you understand both the definitions and the real-world application of the concepts.

Prioritize areas like legal powers, emergency response, and report writing, since these tend to have a heavier presence on the exam. Make a study schedule that spreads your prep over at least one to two weeks. Spend 30–45 minutes each day reviewing one topic and testing your knowledge. Use flashcards, create summaries in your own words, and talk through scenarios with someone else — especially the legal and ethical decision-making questions.

🧪 Take Practice Exams (And Learn From Your Mistakes)

Practice exams are one of the most important tools for passing the Ontario security exam. They simulate the real thing — including the time pressure, question structure, and focus areas. If you’ve never taken a full-length test before, the 75-minute limit can be stressful, but taking a few practice exams ahead of time will help you manage your pacing and reduce anxiety.

Be sure to review every mistake you make on your practice tests. Don’t just memorize the right answer — understand why it’s correct and what logic the Ministry is testing. Doing this two or three times will greatly increase your confidence and give you a deeper understanding of the material. You can find updated 2025-format Ontario security exam practice tests at OntarioSecurityGuardPractice.examzify.com, designed to help you prepare with realistic questions and full answer explanations.

✅ Final Thoughts: Know What to Expect and Prepare Smart

The Ontario security exam isn’t about memorizing a list of facts — it’s about proving you can make smart decisions, stay calm under pressure, and act professionally in real-world scenarios. Understanding the test structure, knowing the most important topics, and using quality practice tools can make the difference between passing and retaking the exam.

If you follow the Ministry syllabus closely, study consistently, and simulate the test environment through full-length practice exams, you'll be in a strong position to pass on your first attempt