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SIA security guard refresher practice quiz: 25 free questions

Try 25 original questions on searching, keeping vulnerable people safe and terror threats before your security guard refresher exam. Choose an answer, then open the explanation to see the correct one and the law or guidance behind it.

Independent guide, not governmentReviewed by Liam Humphreys on Last updated Last checked 18 sources19 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 qualification specification, GOV.UK guidance and the legislation, not copied from any awarding body, past paper, sample assessment or app. The real test is set by an awarding body and will word things differently. The law changes, so check the sources at the end before you rely on an answer. This is not legal advice.

About the SIA security guard refresher exam

The SIA security guard refresher exam at a glance
DetailWhat the specification says
Who needs itSince 1 April 2025, every security guard must hold a refresher qualification before an SIA licence can be renewed. It is the Level 2 Award for Security Officers in the Private Security Industry (Refresher) (the SIA’s name on GOV.UK), which replaced the earlier top-up qualification. Training and assessment follow the SIA’s Get Training requirements.
First aid firstGOV.UK says you must hold a current first aid qualification (Emergency First Aid at Work or equivalent) that stays valid for at least another 12 months, and show it to your training provider. First aid is not tested in the multiple-choice paper, so this pack does not cover it.
FormatOne externally set multiple-choice paper plus a practical assessment (searching people and their possessions) marked by the training centre. This pack covers the multiple-choice paper only.
Unit 1 paperPrinciples of Working as a Security Officer in the Private Security Industry (Refresher): in Pearson’s specification, 28 questions, 45 minutes, pass mark 20 of 28 (71 per cent). The topics are searching (including vehicles), keeping vulnerable people safe and terror threats.
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). The figures above are from the Pearson BTEC specification (Issue 2, November 2025). Check which awarding organisation your centre uses, because question counts, times and pass marks can differ.
Law coveredEngland and Wales. Scotland and Northern Ireland have different arrest, licensing and drug law, and the SIA qualifications adapt that content for those nations; this pack does not.
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 launching later in 2027. The questions follow the current refresher specification, which applies until the SIA says otherwise.
A man in a dark jumper holds a small torch and rests a hand on a fire-exit bar in an office corridor.
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 (72 per cent), which matches the 71 per cent pass mark for the refresher paper in Pearson’s specification. Check the pass mark with your own awarding organisation.

Abbreviations used: SIA means Security Industry Authority, CCTV means closed-circuit television, PPE means personal protective equipment, HGV means heavy goods vehicle, IED means improvised explosive device, ACT means Action Counters Terrorism, and ID means identification.

The 25 questions

Question 1

What is a “random” search?

  1. A search of only one named person, chosen because of a specific tip-off the officer has received
  2. A search of a random selection of people, for example every fourth person
  3. A search of every person entering or leaving, for example at the start and end of each shift
  4. A search of one named vehicle, chosen because the driver was acting suspiciously on arrival
Show the answer

Answer B. A search of a random selection of people, for example every fourth person

A general search covers everyone. A random search covers a random selection, such as every fourth person. A specific search is for specific people or vehicles for specific reasons.

Relies on: Refresher Unit 1 AC 1.1 (SIA-required unit content, Pearson BTEC security officer refresher specification, Issue 2, Nov 2025).

Question 2

A visitor says they do not agree to be searched. What is the lawful position for the security officer?

  1. The officer may search their bag while they are not looking, provided the search is recorded afterwards
  2. The officer may hold them on site until the police arrive, because refusing a search gives a power of arrest
  3. The officer may search them anyway using reasonable force, because refusing a search is itself a criminal offence
  4. The officer must not search them without permission, but may refuse entry under the site’s conditions
Show the answer

Answer D. The officer must not search them without permission, but may refuse entry under the site’s conditions

Searching needs the person’s prior permission. If they refuse, the site policy may allow entry to be denied, but force cannot be used simply to carry out the search.

Relies on: Refresher Unit 1 AC 1.2 (SIA-required unit content, Pearson BTEC security officer refresher specification, Issue 2, Nov 2025).

Question 3

Which piece of search equipment should an officer check the sensitivity of before use?

  1. A handheld metal detector (search wand)
  2. A visitor’s pass and lanyard holder
  3. A sharps box for disposing of needles
  4. A search mirror with a built-in light and handle
Show the answer

Answer A. A handheld metal detector (search wand)

The unit content says to know the sensitivity of a handheld metal detector and the calibration settings of an archway detector.

Relies on: Refresher Unit 1 AC 1.3 (SIA-required unit content, Pearson BTEC security officer refresher specification, Issue 2, Nov 2025).

Question 4

Which of these is a hazard when searching a person’s bag?

  1. Needles or sharp objects hidden inside
  2. A tube of hand cream and some lip balm
  3. A packed lunch and a flask of coffee
  4. A folded newspaper and a paperback book
Show the answer

Answer A. Needles or sharp objects hidden inside

Hazards include needles and sharp objects, drugs touching skin, infectious diseases, weapons, violence, malicious allegations and uncooperative people.

Relies on: Refresher Unit 1 AC 1.4 (SIA-required unit content, Pearson BTEC security officer refresher specification, Issue 2, Nov 2025).

Question 5

Which of these is a sensible precaution before carrying out a search?

  1. Search without explaining the reason, so the person has no opportunity to object or ask questions
  2. Search without protective gloves, so the person does not feel they are being treated as a suspect
  3. Search in a dim, quiet corridor, alone, so that nobody else can see what is happening or hear the conversation
  4. Use a dedicated search area with good lighting, and search in pairs or in view of CCTV where possible
Show the answer

Answer D. Use a dedicated search area with good lighting, and search in pairs or in view of CCTV where possible

Precautions include PPE such as safety gloves, a well-lit search area, searching in pairs if possible, searching in view of CCTV and using self-search techniques.

Relies on: Refresher Unit 1 AC 1.5 (SIA-required unit content, Pearson BTEC security officer refresher specification, Issue 2, Nov 2025).

Question 6

What precaution should a security officer take before searching a vehicle?

  1. Search it while it is moving slowly through the gate, so that the queue of vehicles is not held up
  2. Let the driver and passengers stand behind the vehicle, out of view, while the officer searches it alone
  3. Make sure the engine is left running, the keys stay in the ignition and the vehicle is parked across the gate with the brake off
  4. Make sure the engine is off, the keys are controlled and the vehicle is parked safely with the brake on
Show the answer

Answer D. Make sure the engine is off, the keys are controlled and the vehicle is parked safely with the brake on

For vehicles, officers should ensure the engine is off, keys are controlled, the vehicle is parked safely in a designated place with the brake applied, and the driver and passengers are visible and safe.

Relies on: Refresher Unit 1 AC 1.5 (SIA-required unit content, Pearson BTEC security officer refresher specification, Issue 2, Nov 2025).

Question 7

Before starting to search a person, what must a security officer do?

  1. Search from behind and say nothing until the search is done
  2. Begin the search without speaking, to save time at the gate
  3. Explain the search policy and obtain the person’s permission
  4. Take the person’s bag without comment and look inside it
Show the answer

Answer C. Explain the search policy and obtain the person’s permission

The officer should use signage, explain the search policy, obtain the person’s permission, and follow the site policy and assignment instructions.

Relies on: Refresher Unit 1 AC 1.7 (SIA-required unit content, Pearson BTEC security officer refresher specification, Issue 2, Nov 2025).

Question 8

An officer needs to search a child or young person at a site entrance. Which approach does the unit content give?

  1. Ask the child to remove all clothing so that nothing can be hidden, and search with a colleague present
  2. Never ask for clothing to be removed other than outer garments, and search with another adult present, ideally a parent or guardian
  3. Search the child in a private room alone, so that the child is not embarrassed in front of other people
  4. Search without telling the child why, so that the child has no chance to hide anything or become upset
Show the answer

Answer B. Never ask for clothing to be removed other than outer garments, and search with another adult present, ideally a parent or guardian

For children and young people, officers should never ask for more than outer garments to be removed, should have a responsible adult present, get the child’s consent and use a person of the same sex.

Relies on: Refresher Unit 1 AC 1.7 (SIA-required unit content, Pearson BTEC security officer refresher specification, Issue 2, Nov 2025).

Question 9

Why is completing search documentation important?

  1. It is required only when nothing is found, to show the person was cleared of suspicion
  2. It is never needed, because CCTV footage always makes a written record unnecessary
  3. It slows the process down, so it should be left out except where something illegal is found
  4. It protects against allegations of misconduct and provides proof of a lawful search
Show the answer

Answer D. It protects against allegations of misconduct and provides proof of a lawful search

Documentation protects the person searched and the officer, gives proof of lawful search and records the time, date, those present and the reason for the search.

Relies on: Refresher Unit 1 AC 1.11 (SIA-required unit content, Pearson BTEC security officer refresher specification, Issue 2, Nov 2025).

Question 10

An officer finds an illegal item during a search. Which of these is a possible action in the unit content?

  1. Hide the item, refuse entry and tell the person to forget that it was ever found
  2. Ignore the find, let the person in and carry on with the search queue
  3. Give the item back to the person, let them enter and record the find
  4. Secure the item, refuse entry, record the find and inform the police
Show the answer

Answer D. Secure the item, refuse entry, record the find and inform the police

The officer may seize or secure the illegal item, refuse entry, record the find and inform the police, or in some cases arrest and call the police.

Relies on: Refresher Unit 1 AC 1.12 (SIA-required unit content, Pearson BTEC security officer refresher specification, Issue 2, Nov 2025).

Question 11

Which vehicles does the unit content list for a vehicle search?

  1. Cars, vans, motorcycles and cycles, and heavy goods vehicles
  2. Only vehicles that belong to visitors, not those owned by staff or contractors
  3. Only cars and vans, because larger vehicles are never searched by security
  4. Only heavy goods vehicles, because smaller vehicles are never searched
Show the answer

Answer A. Cars, vans, motorcycles and cycles, and heavy goods vehicles

The unit content lists cars, vans, motorcycles and cycles, and heavy goods vehicles, with the level or type of search carried out according to the assignment instructions.

Relies on: Refresher Unit 1 AC 1.8 (SIA-required unit content, Pearson BTEC security officer refresher specification, Issue 2, Nov 2025).

Question 12

What is a duty of care?

  1. A right to search any customer and refuse entry without giving a reason
  2. A moral or legal obligation to ensure the safety or wellbeing of others
  3. A legal duty to arrest every offender that the operative sees committing a crime
  4. A requirement to work unpaid overtime whenever the venue is short of staff
Show the answer

Answer B. A moral or legal obligation to ensure the safety or wellbeing of others

Duty of care is the obligation to look after others’ safety or wellbeing. People may not look vulnerable, so best practice is to care for everyone.

Relies on: Refresher Unit 1 AC 2.1 (SIA-required unit content, Pearson BTEC security officer refresher specification, Issue 2, Nov 2025).

Question 13

Which of these may make a customer vulnerable?

  1. Being first in the queue and chatting with the staff
  2. Having a valid ticket and a table booked in advance
  3. Being alone, intoxicated and separated from friends
  4. Being in a large, sober group of friends who look after each other
Show the answer

Answer C. Being alone, intoxicated and separated from friends

Alcohol or drugs, being alone, lost or isolated, being followed or threatened, under-18s, mental ill-health, disabilities, age and acute illness can all increase vulnerability.

Relies on: Refresher Unit 1 AC 2.2 (SIA-required unit content, Pearson BTEC security officer refresher specification, Issue 2, Nov 2025).

Question 14

A security operative suspects a child is being sexually exploited. What should they do?

  1. Wait a few weeks to see if it happens again before telling anyone
  2. Confront the adult in the venue and ask how they know the child before deciding
  3. Report it to the police, or to Crimestoppers, as soon as possible
  4. Post a description online so other venues can look out for the adult
Show the answer

Answer C. Report it to the police, or to Crimestoppers, as soon as possible

Reporting indicators of child sexual exploitation promptly to the police or Crimestoppers is the expected action, following the venue’s safeguarding procedure.

Relies on: Refresher Unit 1 AC 2.3 (SIA-required unit content, Pearson BTEC security officer refresher specification, Issue 2, Nov 2025).

Question 15

A 16-year-old seems happy to spend time with an older adult who is buying them gifts. Why might this still be child sexual exploitation?

  1. Under 18s can be exploited even if the activity appears consensual, because of the imbalance of power
  2. It cannot be, because the young person appears to agree to the attention they are given
  3. It can only be exploitation if the older adult is a stranger to the venue and its staff
  4. It cannot be, because 16-year-olds are legally adults for all purposes under the law
Show the answer

Answer A. Under 18s can be exploited even if the activity appears consensual, because of the imbalance of power

Government guidance says that child sexual exploitation can affect anyone under 18, including 16 and 17 year olds who can legally consent to sex, and that it can still be abuse where the activity appears consensual.

Relies on: Department for Education, Child sexual exploitation: definition and a guide for practitioners (Feb 2017), pages 5 and 6.

Question 16

A customer says they have been sexually assaulted by another customer in the venue. What should security officers do about the two people?

  1. Ask them to discuss it and settle it between themselves away from the other customers
  2. Tell the victim to report it to the police the next day after they have calmed down
  3. Separate the victim from the alleged assailant, safeguard the victim and notify the police
  4. Ask both people to leave together so that the venue does not become involved in it
Show the answer

Answer C. Separate the victim from the alleged assailant, safeguard the victim and notify the police

The unit content says to follow organisation policy, notify the police, safeguard the victim, separate the victim from the assailant and record all information.

Relies on: Refresher Unit 1 AC 2.6 (SIA-required unit content, Pearson BTEC refresher specification, Issue 2, Nov 2025).

Question 17

Which UK threat level means an attack is highly likely in the near future?

  1. Substantial
  2. Severe
  3. Moderate
  4. Critical
Show the answer

Answer D. Critical

Critical is the highest level. The levels run low, moderate, substantial, severe and critical.

Relies on: GOV.UK, Terrorism and national emergencies, https://www.gov.uk/terrorism-national-emergency.

Question 18

In the police advice “Run, Hide, Tell”, what does “Tell” mean?

  1. Tell the attacker to stop and put down any weapon before the police have to be called
  2. Tell customers to stay where they are and wait for the attacker to leave
  3. Tell the press and local radio what has happened so the public can be warned
  4. Call 999 when it is safe to do so and give the police the information they need
Show the answer

Answer D. Call 999 when it is safe to do so and give the police the information they need

The advice is to run if there is a safe route, hide if not, and tell the police by calling 999 when it is safe, giving location, descriptions and what has happened.

Relies on: NaCTSO, Stay Safe: Run Hide Tell (GOV.UK, withdrawn 2022; now ProtectUK); Refresher Unit 1 AC 3.3 (SIA-required unit content, Pearson BTEC security officer refresher specification, Issue 2, Nov 2025).

Question 19

A security officer finds an unattended bag near the entrance. What does the “HOT” protocol help them decide?

  1. Whether the item is Heavy, Old or Torn, compared with other bags in the area
  2. Whether the item is Hidden, Obviously suspicious or Typical for the location
  3. Whether the owner is Hurt, Ordinary or Tired, judging by their behaviour
  4. Whether the entrance is Hot, Open or Tidy enough for a safe search
Show the answer

Answer B. Whether the item is Hidden, Obviously suspicious or Typical for the location

HOT stands for Hidden, Obviously suspicious and Typical. If an item still looks suspicious after applying HOT, call 999.

Relies on: ProtectUK, HOT protocol, https://www.protectuk.police.uk/advice-and-guidance/awareness/other-threats.

Question 20

What are the “4 Cs” used for suspicious items?

  1. Contain, Chase, Catch, Confront
  2. Calm, Collect, Carry, Contact
  3. Check, Cover, Collect, Complete
  4. Confirm, Clear, Communicate, Control
Show the answer

Answer D. Confirm, Clear, Communicate, Control

Confirm whether the item is suspicious (using HOT), clear the area to a safe distance without touching the item, communicate with the police, and control access so nobody approaches.

Relies on: Refresher Unit 1 AC 3.4 (SIA-required unit content, Pearson BTEC security officer refresher specification, Issue 2, Nov 2025); ProtectUK guidance on suspicious items.

Question 21

What is “hostile reconnaissance”?

  1. Observing people, places, vehicles and locations to gather information to plan a hostile act
  2. A guard’s routine patrol of the venue, checking doors, fire exits and equipment before opening, as recorded in the log
  3. A complaint made by a customer about how they were treated at the door, which is then logged
  4. A fire drill in which staff practise evacuating customers and checking that every exit is clear
Show the answer

Answer A. Observing people, places, vehicles and locations to gather information to plan a hostile act

Hostile reconnaissance is the information-gathering stage before a hostile act. Staff are in a good position to notice it.

Relies on: Refresher Unit 1 AC 3.5 (SIA-required unit content, Pearson BTEC security officer refresher specification, Issue 2, Nov 2025).

Question 22

Which of these could be a sign of hostile reconnaissance?

  1. A delivery driver showing a valid pass and asking where to unload at the loading bay
  2. A member of staff completing the search register and reporting a fault with the metal detector
  3. A person repeatedly photographing security arrangements and asking unusual questions about them
  4. A group of customers queuing patiently, chatting with friends and showing valid tickets to the security officers
Show the answer

Answer C. A person repeatedly photographing security arrangements and asking unusual questions about them

Taking particular interest in security measures, testing restricted areas, loitering, avoiding security staff and repeated sightings of the same person or vehicle can all be suspicious.

Relies on: Refresher Unit 1 AC 3.5 (SIA-required unit content, Pearson BTEC security officer refresher specification, Issue 2, Nov 2025).

Question 23

Which organisations set the UK national terrorism threat level?

  1. The local police force for each area, depending on the risks in that area
  2. The Joint Terrorism Analysis Centre and MI5, working nationally rather than area by area
  3. The Security Industry Authority, using information from its licence holders
  4. The licensing authority for each area, depending on the premises licensed there
Show the answer

Answer B. The Joint Terrorism Analysis Centre and MI5, working nationally rather than area by area

GOV.UK says the threat level is set by the Joint Terrorism Analysis Centre and MI5, and that it can change at any time. The national level covers the whole UK, so a venue should not assume its own area has a different level (a separate level exists only for Northern Ireland-related terrorism in Northern Ireland).

Relies on: GOV.UK, Terrorism and national emergencies (threat levels), https://www.gov.uk/terrorism-national-emergency.

Question 24

What is a possible drawback of taking people into a building for safety during a terrorist attack outside (invacuation)?

  1. It means the emergency services cannot be told what is happening inside
  2. It means nobody can be warned about the danger once the doors are locked
  3. They may all be grouped together and could become an easy target for other attacks
  4. It always takes longer than evacuating the building, however many staff there are
Show the answer

Answer C. They may all be grouped together and could become an easy target for other attacks

The unit content says the advantages of evacuation and invacuation can easily turn into disadvantages. Gathering people in one place can make them an easy target for other forms of terrorist activity.

Relies on: Refresher Unit 1 AC 3.3 (SIA-required unit content, Pearson BTEC refresher specification, Issue 2, Nov 2025).

Question 25

From 1 April 2025, what must a security guard hold before they can renew their SIA licence?

  1. Nothing extra, as renewal rules did not change
  2. A new Level 3 qualification in security management
  3. A refresher qualification for security officers
  4. Only a new first aid certificate
Show the answer

Answer C. A refresher qualification for security officers

GOV.UK says that from 1 April 2025 a door supervisor or security guard must have a refresher qualification before renewing their licence. For security guards it is the Level 2 Award for Security Officers in the Private Security Industry (Refresher).

Relies on: GOV.UK, Changes to the training you need for an SIA licence, https://www.gov.uk/government/news/changes-to-the-training-you-need-for-an-sia-licence; GOV.UK, Check what training you need to get an SIA licence, https://www.gov.uk/guidance/check-what-training-you-need-to-get-an-sia-licence.

Want more practice?

The SIA security guard refresher question bank has all 96 questions, not only these 25, with answers and notes in PDF and a self-marking mock paper. It is for people renewing a licence. If you are training for a first licence, use the first-time security officer practice test and the first-time question bank instead. The door supervisor refresher has its own free quiz, and both refresher banks are sold together at a lower price on the kit page.

Sources

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 the duties in the Terrorism (Protection of Premises) Act 2025 were still not in force.

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.