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SIA door supervisor practice quiz for Scotland: 25 free questions

Try 25 original questions across the four door supervisor knowledge papers, with the Scots law that differs from England and Wales: arrest, force, breach of the peace, licensing and fire safety. Choose an answer, then open the explanation to see the correct one and the law behind it.

Independent guide, not governmentReviewed by Liam Humphreys on Last updated Last checked 43 sources23 min readHow this guide was made, including our use of AI

Contents

Practice questions, not the real exam

These questions are original. They were written from the public SIA test specification, the legislation and Scottish court and government sources, not copied from any awarding body, past paper or app. This guide is not from or endorsed by the Security Industry Authority (SIA), an awarding body or any Scottish public body. The real papers are set by an awarding body and will word things differently. The questions cover Scots law and the law that applies across Scotland. The law changes, so check the sources at the end before you rely on an answer. This is not legal advice.

About the SIA door supervisor (Scotland) exam

The SIA door supervisor (Scotland) exam at a glance
DetailWhat the specification says
Who needs itAnyone applying for a first SIA door supervisor licence needs a licence-linked qualification. In Scotland GOV.UK gives it as the Award for Door Supervisors in the Private Security Industry (Scotland) at SCQF Level 6. Training and assessment follow the SIA’s Get Training requirements. The SIA’s Get Training document gives the Scottish awards as ‘at SCQF Level 5’ in its Annex B, while GOV.UK and Highfield call them ‘at SCQF Level 6’. We use the GOV.UK and Highfield wording.
FormatFour externally set multiple-choice papers, one per knowledge unit, plus practical assessments (searching, communication devices, a conflict scenario, an incident report and physical intervention techniques) marked by the training centre. The SIA’s test specification says its rules apply to the units in use in England, Wales, Northern Ireland and Scotland. This pack covers the four multiple-choice papers only.
Unit 1 paperPrinciples of Working in the Private Security Industry: 72 questions, 110 minutes, pass mark 70 per cent (50 of 72)
Unit 2 paperPrinciples of Working as a Door Supervisor in the Private Security Industry: 50 questions, 75 minutes, pass mark 70 per cent (35 of 50)
Unit 3 paperApplication of Conflict Management in the Private Security Industry: 20 questions, 30 minutes, pass mark 70 per cent (14 of 20); the practical scenario is assessed separately
Unit 4 paperApplication of Physical Intervention Skills in the Private Security Industry: 30 questions, 45 minutes, pass mark 80 per cent (24 of 30); the techniques are assessed separately by observation
Contact timeThe SIA’s Annex B for Scotland gives 52 hours of learning and assessment with a minimum of 44 contact hours (at least 6 days) for the four units; Highfield gives total qualification time of 61 hours.
Who sets the papersThe SIA sets the requirements. Papers are set and marked by the awarding organisation your training centre uses (see GOV.UK, Teaching SIA licence-linked training courses, for the SIA’s current list of approved awarding organisations; the SIA does not accept qualifications awarded by BIIAB on or after 11 August 2026). GOV.UK lists Highfield Qualifications as awarding organisation for the current Scottish award. Check which one your centre uses, because question counts and times can vary slightly.
Law coveredScotland. Arrest, use of force, breach of the peace, threatening or abusive behaviour, weapons, damage, sexual offences, licensing (Licensing (Scotland) Act 2005), fire safety (Fire (Scotland) Act 2005) and the courts and police are Scots law and were written from Scottish sources. The Private Security Industry Act 2001, Misuse of Drugs Act 1971, Equality Act 2010 and Human Rights Act 1998 apply across Scotland too, and the Health and Safety at Work etc. Act 1974 applies in Great Britain. England and Wales and Northern Ireland law are not covered.
Changes comingThe SIA consulted on new specifications from 28 August to 23 October 2026 and says final specifications will follow in winter 2026, with new qualifications later in 2027. The questions follow the current specifications (February 2021), which apply until the SIA says otherwise.
A man in a plain dark jacket stands in a lit doorway on a wet street at dusk, looking along the pavement.
Illustration. AI-generated image. About our images

How the quiz works

Read each question and decide on A, B, C or D. Then open Show the answer under it. There is no score, so keep your own tally. Aim for at least 18 out of 25 (70 per cent), which is the pass mark for Units 1 to 3. Unit 4 needs 80 per cent.

Abbreviations used: SIA means Security Industry Authority, COPFS means the Crown Office and Procurator Fiscal Service, SCQF means the Scottish Credit and Qualifications Framework, PACE means the Police and Criminal Evidence Act 1984 (England and Wales), RIDDOR means the Reporting of Injuries, Diseases and Dangerous Occurrences Regulations 2013, CCTV means closed-circuit television, PPE means personal protective equipment, HSE means the Health and Safety Executive, and ID means identification.

The 25 questions

Question 1

Which of these is a function the Private Security Industry Act 2001 gives to the SIA?

  1. To prosecute every criminal offence committed in or near licensed premises in Scotland
  2. To employ and deploy security operatives to licensed venues on behalf of the Home Office and councils
  3. To grant premises licences for the sale of alcohol and regulated entertainment in each area
  4. To set or approve standards of conduct, training and supervision for the security industry
Show the answer

Answer D. To set or approve standards of conduct, training and supervision for the security industry

Section 1(2)(e) lists setting or approving standards of conduct, training and supervision. The SIA licenses individuals; Licensing Boards grant premises licences.

Relies on: Private Security Industry Act 2001 s.1(2)(e).

Question 2

Which of these is a protected characteristic under the Equality Act 2010?

  1. Gender reassignment
  2. Previous criminal record
  3. Current employment status
  4. Football team they support
Show the answer

Answer A. Gender reassignment

Section 4 lists age, disability, gender reassignment, marriage and civil partnership, pregnancy and maternity, race, religion or belief, sex and sexual orientation.

Relies on: Equality Act 2010 s.4.

Question 3

A person does licensable security work in Scotland without an SIA licence. What is the maximum penalty on summary conviction under the Private Security Industry Act 2001?

  1. Up to six months in prison, a fine up to level 5 on the standard scale (£5,000), or both
  2. Up to six months in prison, a fine up to level 3 on the standard scale (£1,000), or both
  3. Up to twelve months in prison, a fine up to level 5 on the standard scale (£5,000), or both
  4. A fine up to level 5 on the standard scale (£5,000), with no prison sentence available
Show the answer

Answer A. Up to six months in prison, a fine up to level 5 on the standard scale (£5,000), or both

Section 3(6) sets six months, a level 5 fine, or both. The Act extends to Scotland, where level 5 on the standard scale is £5,000 and level 3 is £1,000.

Relies on: Private Security Industry Act 2001 s.3(1) and (6); Criminal Procedure (Scotland) Act 1995 s.225(2).

Question 4

In Scotland, who decides whether a person is prosecuted for a crime reported by the police?

  1. The local Licensing Board, which receives a copy of every police report about a crime in licensed premises
  2. The venue owner or premises manager who first reported the incident to the police on the night
  3. The procurator fiscal at COPFS, who decides independently and in the public interest
  4. The chief constable of Police Scotland, once the officer who investigated has finished writing the report
Show the answer

Answer C. The procurator fiscal at COPFS, who decides independently and in the public interest

COPFS receives reports about crimes from the police and other agencies and decides what action to take, including whether to prosecute. It makes its decisions independently and in the public interest.

Relies on: Crown Office and Procurator Fiscal Service (COPFS), “Our role in the justice process”; COPFS, “Words and meanings” (procurator fiscal).

Question 5

Which Act set up the single Police Service of Scotland?

  1. The Police, Public Order and Criminal Justice (Scotland) Act 2006
  2. The Criminal Justice and Licensing (Scotland) Act 2010
  3. The Police and Fire Reform (Scotland) Act 2012
  4. The Police (Scotland) Act 1967
Show the answer

Answer C. The Police and Fire Reform (Scotland) Act 2012

Section 6 of the 2012 Act says there is to be a constabulary known as the Police Service of Scotland. Section 1 set up the Scottish Police Authority.

Relies on: Police and Fire Reform (Scotland) Act 2012 ss.1 and 6.

Question 6

A colleague trained in England says a security operative may arrest anyone committing an indictable offence under section 24A of PACE. What is the position in Scotland?

  1. Scots law gives no power of arrest to anyone who is not a constable, however serious the crime that is being committed
  2. Section 24A applies in England and Wales only; in Scotland a private person’s arrest power rests on common law
  3. Scots law gives a licensed security operative the same powers of arrest as a police constable, once they show their SIA licence
  4. Section 24A applies across the whole United Kingdom, so the same arrest power exists for security operatives in Scotland
Show the answer

Answer B. Section 24A applies in England and Wales only; in Scotland a private person’s arrest power rests on common law

Section 24A of the Police and Criminal Evidence Act 1984 is marked as applying to England and Wales. Citizens Advice Scotland says private citizens have some common law powers of arrest, to be used with great care.

Relies on: Police and Criminal Evidence Act 1984 s.24A (extent E+W, legislation.gov.uk); Citizens Advice Scotland, “If you are arrested and held in custody by the police in Scotland”.

Question 7

Which duty does section 2 of the Health and Safety at Work etc. Act 1974 place on an employer?

  1. To guarantee, whatever the cost, that no accident or injury of any kind will ever happen to any employee at work
  2. To ensure, so far as is reasonably practicable, the health, safety and welfare at work of their employees
  3. To ensure that customers and visitors are never injured on the premises, whatever the cause
  4. To pay for the private medical care of every employee, including for conditions not caused by work
Show the answer

Answer B. To ensure, so far as is reasonably practicable, the health, safety and welfare at work of their employees

Section 2(1) sets the duty “so far as is reasonably practicable”. Section 3 separately protects people who are not employees.

Relies on: Health and Safety at Work etc. Act 1974 s.2(1).

Question 8

Under section 53 of the Fire (Scotland) Act 2005, what must each employer do about the risk of fire in the workplace?

  1. Ask the council to inspect the workplace for fire risks and report back to the employer every year
  2. Install a sprinkler system in every workplace, whatever the size of the building and the risk
  3. Appoint a fire marshal who has been approved by the Scottish Fire and Rescue Service in writing
  4. Carry out an assessment of fire risks to employees and take the fire safety measures needed
Show the answer

Answer D. Carry out an assessment of fire risks to employees and take the fire safety measures needed

Section 53 requires an employer to ensure, so far as is reasonably practicable, employees’ safety from fire, to assess the workplace for fire risks, and to take the fire safety measures needed.

Relies on: Fire (Scotland) Act 2005 s.53(1) and (2).

Question 9

How many jurors hear a solemn case in the High Court or in the sheriff court in Scotland?

  1. 12 jurors
  2. 15 jurors
  3. 7 jurors
  4. 9 jurors
Show the answer

Answer B. 15 jurors

COPFS describes a solemn case as a serious criminal case heard before a judge and a jury of 15 in the High Court, or a sheriff and a jury of 15 in the sheriff court.

Relies on: COPFS, “Words and meanings” (solemn case).

Question 10

What does corroboration mean in Scots criminal law?

  1. A signed statement from the victim confirming that they want the accused person to be prosecuted
  2. Evidence from two separate sources that a crime happened and that the accused did it
  3. The police officer’s written agreement that the arrest of the accused person was lawful
  4. A second prosecutor’s check of the first prosecutor’s decision to take the case to court
Show the answer

Answer B. Evidence from two separate sources that a crime happened and that the accused did it

COPFS says an accused person cannot be convicted in Scotland unless there is evidence from at least two separate sources. That is why witness details, CCTV and accurate records can matter.

Relies on: COPFS, “Words and meanings” (corroboration).

Question 11

Under COPFS guidance on sexual offences, what is the legal position of a person who is incapable because of alcohol or drugs?

  1. They can consent if a friend agrees on their behalf
  2. The law states that they are not able to consent
  3. They can consent if they seemed to agree at the time
  4. They can consent if they say they feel fine to a member of staff
Show the answer

Answer B. The law states that they are not able to consent

COPFS says that if a person is asleep or unconscious, or incapable because of the effects of alcohol or drugs, the law states that they are not able to consent. This matters when staff see a very drunk person leaving with someone.

Relies on: COPFS, “Sexual offences” (consent).

Question 12

Which of these is an element of the offence of threatening or abusive behaviour in section 38 of the Criminal Justice and Licensing (Scotland) Act 2010?

  1. The behaviour must have caused physical injury to another person who needed medical treatment
  2. The behaviour would be likely to cause a reasonable person to suffer fear or alarm
  3. The behaviour must take place in a public place in front of at least two independent witnesses
  4. The behaviour must have been repeated on at least three separate occasions in one night
Show the answer

Answer B. The behaviour would be likely to cause a reasonable person to suffer fear or alarm

The behaviour must be threatening or abusive and likely to cause a reasonable person fear or alarm. It can be words or actions, and a single act or a course of conduct.

Relies on: Criminal Justice and Licensing (Scotland) Act 2010 s.38(1) and (3).

Question 13

Which description best fits breach of the peace in Scots law?

  1. A civil wrong for which the victim can claim compensation but which the Crown cannot prosecute at all
  2. A statutory offence that can be committed only on licensed premises, and only after the end of the licensed hours
  3. A common-law crime of conduct severe enough to alarm ordinary people and threaten serious disturbance to the community
  4. Any behaviour that annoys a member of staff, whether or not other people nearby are affected by it
Show the answer

Answer C. A common-law crime of conduct severe enough to alarm ordinary people and threaten serious disturbance to the community

The High Court of Justiciary (five judges) held that the test in Smith v Donnelly is conjunctive: conduct genuinely alarming to a reasonable person that threatens serious disturbance to the community.

Relies on: Harris v HM Advocate [2009] HCJAC 80, paras [13] and [15] (Scottish Courts and Tribunals Service).

Question 14

Which statement about the crime of assault in Scots law is correct?

  1. Assault is a purely statutory offence that exists only because of the Criminal Justice (Scotland) Act 2016
  2. Assault is committed only if the person who was attacked suffers a visible injury that can still be seen when the police arrive
  3. Every attack aimed to take effect physically on another person is assault, with or without injury, if there is criminal intent
  4. An accidental injury caused by a mischievous act, such as a prank that goes wrong, still amounts to assault
Show the answer

Answer C. Every attack aimed to take effect physically on another person is assault, with or without injury, if there is criminal intent

The Scottish Government’s crime recording rules define common-law assault this way. There must be criminal intent: an accidental injury, even if caused by a mischievous act, does not amount to assault.

Relies on: Scottish Government, Scottish Crime Recording Standard: Crime Recording and Counting Rules, Group 1 (Assault: common assault, common law).

Question 15

A customer wilfully smashes a window of the venue without reasonable excuse. Which statutory offence in Scots law fits this?

  1. Robbery, which involves using force or threats in order to take property
  2. Housebreaking, which involves breaking into a building in order to steal from it
  3. Vandalism, under section 52 of the Criminal Law (Consolidation) (Scotland) Act 1995
  4. Criminal damage, under the Criminal Damage Act 1971 that applies in England and Wales
Show the answer

Answer C. Vandalism, under section 52 of the Criminal Law (Consolidation) (Scotland) Act 1995

Section 52(1) makes it an offence, without reasonable excuse, wilfully or recklessly to destroy or damage property belonging to another. The Criminal Damage Act 1971 is an England and Wales Act.

Relies on: Criminal Law (Consolidation) (Scotland) Act 1995 s.52(1).

Question 16

Which article is outside the offence of having a bladed or sharply pointed article in a public place in section 49 of the Criminal Law (Consolidation) (Scotland) Act 1995?

  1. A kitchen knife that has been wrapped up carefully in a bag so that it cannot be seen
  2. A folding pocketknife whose blade has a cutting edge of four inches (10.16 centimetres)
  3. A fixed-blade hunting knife whose blade has a cutting edge of no more than three inches (7.62 cm)
  4. A folding pocketknife whose blade has a cutting edge of no more than three inches (7.62 centimetres)
Show the answer

Answer D. A folding pocketknife whose blade has a cutting edge of no more than three inches (7.62 centimetres)

Section 49(3) excludes only a folding pocketknife whose cutting edge does not exceed three inches. Defences include a reasonable excuse, lawful authority, use at work, religious reasons or national costume.

Relies on: Criminal Law (Consolidation) (Scotland) Act 1995 s.49(2), (3), (4) and (5).

Question 17

Which Act makes it unlawful to possess a controlled drug without authority?

  1. The Misuse of Drugs Act 1971
  2. The Criminal Procedure (Scotland) Act 1995
  3. The Private Security Industry Act 2001
  4. The Criminal Law (Consolidation) (Scotland) Act 1995
Show the answer

Answer A. The Misuse of Drugs Act 1971

Section 5 of the Misuse of Drugs Act 1971 makes it unlawful, and an offence, to possess a controlled drug. Section 4 covers production and supply.

Relies on: Misuse of Drugs Act 1971 ss.4 and 5.

Question 18

When does Police Scotland say to call 999?

  1. To ask for a copy of a crime report so that the venue can keep it with its own records
  2. To ask for an update on a crime report that was made by phone to the police last week
  3. Whenever a customer has been refused entry to a venue and is arguing with the door staff
  4. When someone is in danger, you need help now, or a serious incident is happening or about to happen
Show the answer

Answer D. When someone is in danger, you need help now, or a serious incident is happening or about to happen

Its public advice also says not to go near the suspects or try to stop them, and to keep yourself safe. Non-urgent matters go to 101.

Relies on: Police Scotland, “Contact us” (if it’s an emergency).

Question 19

Which of these is one of the licensing objectives in section 4 of the Licensing (Scotland) Act 2005?

  1. Protecting and improving public health
  2. Encouraging late-night trading in the town centre
  3. Promoting tourism in the licensing area
  4. Maximising income for the local council
Show the answer

Answer A. Protecting and improving public health

Section 4(1) lists preventing crime and disorder, securing public safety, preventing public nuisance, protecting and improving public health, and protecting children and young persons from harm.

Relies on: Licensing (Scotland) Act 2005 s.4(1).

Question 20

What is the maximum penalty on summary conviction under section 102 of the Licensing (Scotland) Act 2005 for selling alcohol to a child or young person?

  1. A fine up to level 5 on the standard scale (£5,000), up to three months in prison, or both
  2. A fine up to £20,000 and up to six months in prison, on summary conviction in the sheriff court
  3. A fine up to level 1 on the standard scale (£200) and no prison sentence, whatever the circumstances
  4. A fixed penalty of £500 paid to Police Scotland, with no court case taking place at all
Show the answer

Answer A. A fine up to level 5 on the standard scale (£5,000), up to three months in prison, or both

Section 102(5) sets a fine not exceeding level 5, imprisonment up to 3 months, or both. In Scotland, level 5 on the standard scale is £5,000.

Relies on: Licensing (Scotland) Act 2005 s.102(1) and (5); Criminal Procedure (Scotland) Act 1995 s.225(2).

Question 21

The mandatory conditions in Schedule 3 to the Licensing (Scotland) Act 2005 require an age verification policy. Below what age must steps be taken to establish a customer’s age, unless the policy sets an older age?

  1. 18
  2. 30
  3. 21
  4. 25
Show the answer

Answer D. 25

Paragraph 9A says steps must be taken to establish the age of a customer who appears to the seller to be less than 25 years old, or such older age as the policy specifies. This is commonly called Challenge 25.

Relies on: Licensing (Scotland) Act 2005 Sch. 3 para. 9A(1) and (2).

Question 22

Which of these is an offence under section 116 of the Licensing (Scotland) Act 2005?

  1. Refusing to show proof of age to a door supervisor who has stopped them on the street outside
  2. Leaving relevant premises without finishing a drink that was bought from the bar on the premises
  3. Arriving at relevant premises before they have opened for business to the general public that day
  4. Being on relevant premises after licensed hours and refusing or failing to leave when asked by a responsible person or constable
Show the answer

Answer D. Being on relevant premises after licensed hours and refusing or failing to leave when asked by a responsible person or constable

Section 116(2) covers refusing or failing to leave after the end of licensed hours when asked by a responsible person or a constable. Section 116(1) covers a person who behaves in a disorderly manner and refuses to leave when asked.

Relies on: Licensing (Scotland) Act 2005 s.116(1), (2) and (5).

Question 23

Under section 116(3) of the Licensing (Scotland) Act 2005, who may remove a person who refuses or fails to leave, and with what force?

  1. Any customer on the premises who is willing to help, using reasonable force
  2. The premises licence holder in person, but never using any force at all
  3. An authorised person, who may use reasonable force if that is necessary
  4. Only a constable, who may use whatever force is needed to remove the person
Show the answer

Answer C. An authorised person, who may use reasonable force if that is necessary

An authorised person is a responsible person, or another person who works on the premises and is authorised by a responsible person. They may remove the person and use reasonable force if necessary.

Relies on: Licensing (Scotland) Act 2005 s.116(3) and (6).

Question 24

Which of these shows the usual stages of escalation in a conflict?

  1. Anger, frustration, violence, then aggression
  2. Violence, aggression, anger, then frustration
  3. Aggression, frustration, violence, and finally anger
  4. Frustration, anger, aggression, then violence
Show the answer

Answer D. Frustration, anger, aggression, then violence

Conflict commonly escalates from frustration to anger, then aggression and finally violence. Acting early, at the frustration stage, is the best chance to de-escalate.

Relies on: Unit 3 AC 1.4 (SIA-required unit content, Pearson BTEC specification, Issue 2, 2023).

Question 25

A door supervisor punches a customer and later claims self-defence. Which fact would most weaken that claim, using the requirements discussed in McGrow v HM Advocate [2026] HCJAC 13?

  1. A reasonable way to escape the threat was available and the door supervisor did not take it
  2. The door supervisor was wearing high-visibility clothing when the incident happened
  3. The customer was taller and heavier than the door supervisor who used the force
  4. The whole incident was recorded on the venue’s body-worn video cameras
Show the answer

Answer A. A reasonable way to escape the threat was available and the door supervisor did not take it

One of the requirements described in McGrow is that violence was a last resort because no reasonable means of escape was open. There must be something in the evidence that lets a jury conclude that no reasonable escape was open.

Relies on: McGrow v HM Advocate [2026] HCJAC 13, paras [25] and [40] (Scottish Courts and Tribunals Service).

Want more practice?

The SIA door supervisor question bank for Scotland has all 312 questions, not only these 25, with answers and notes in PDF and a timed self-marking mock paper for each of the four units. It is the Scotland version, with Scots law where it differs. If you are training in England or Wales, use the England and Wales door supervisor practice test and the England and Wales question bank instead.

Sources

All sources were last checked on 8 November 2026.

Changes to this guide

  • 9 November 2026: First published. Questions checked against the sources listed above. GOV.UK’s SIA training pages were re-read on 9 November 2026 and had not changed.

This guide is general information written from the official sources listed above and checked on 9 November 2026. It is not legal, tax or financial advice, and Plainfiles is not endorsed by any government body. Rules change, so check the linked official pages for your own situation. Written and designed by Plainfiles with the help of artificial intelligence (AI) tools, then checked against the official legislation and guidance listed in the sources. How we write and check our guides.