California Private Security Services Act Exam 2023
Questions and Answers with complete solution
Who, at BSIS, 'shall administer and enforce the rules'?
The director of consumer affairs
What is an 'FQ Card'?
Firearms qualification card; exposed weapon carry
If a person without a PPO license offers security or protection services to the
public, what type of crime has been committed?
A misdemeanor violation of the B&P code
What is the dollar fine for a misdemeanor violation of offering PPO services
without a PPO license?
$10,000
When, if ever, may a person licensed only as a PPO make an investigation?
In incidental to the theft, loss, embezzlement, misappropriation, concealment of any
property, which he or she has been hired or engaged to watch or protect.
What agencies other than BSIS are involved in regulating armored car
companies?
California Highway Patrol and Public Utilities Commission
What do the initials "B.S.I.S' stand for?
Bureau of security and investigative services
Carrying a gun concealed under a shirt is usually what type of crime?
Misdemeanor
Carrying a set of 'brass knuckles' in your pocket is usually what type of crime?
Felony
How much imprisonment might come from a misdemeanor conviction?
Up to a year imprisonment
How much imprisonment might come from a felony conviction?
One year or more imprisonment
If a person knowingly hires an unlicensed person to provide PPO services, what
punishment might that person receive?
For the misdemeanor, a fine of $5,000 and/or imprisonment of up to one year
If a person is convicted of providing PPO services without a license, he/she
cannot be issued a PPO license for what time period following the conviction?
One Year
If a person is convicted a second time of providing PPO services without a
license, he/she can not be issued a PPO license for what time period following
this second conviction?
Five Years
An applicant for a PPO license must be at least how old?
18
Where must the PPO license be posted?
Posted in a conspicuous place in the principal place of business
If the PPO license is not properly posted, what might the fine be?
$250
,What two proofs of being licensed are sent to the PPO by the licensing bureau?
Large license for wall and pocket card
What do the letters 'Q.M' stand for on a PPO license?
Qualified Manager
Is a PPO license 'assignable'?
NO
Is a licensee required to at all times be legally responsible for the good conduct
in the business of all of his/her employees, agents, and managers?
Yes
Can the licensing bureau allow a PPO to conduct business under an additional
fictitious business name?
Yes
What is the cost of obtaining an additional fictitious business name or to change
the PPO's fictitious business name?
$25
Every advertisement of a PPO must contain what 3 pieces of information?
Company name, business address or phone number, and license number
What fine might be assessed if a PPO's advertisement does not contain the 3
required pieces of information?
$250
When may a PPO or PPO's employees use a badge?
Only while engaged in guard or patrol work, and while wearing a distinctive uniform
The shoulder patch required to be worn on a PPO's security uniforms must bear
what 2 pieces of information?
The words "Private Security" and the name if the private patrol company by the person
is employed
A violation of badge or shoulder patch rules by a PPO or PPO employees might
cause what fine to be assessed?
$250
Who must approve a PPO's badge design?
The director of BSIS
What is the PPO applicant experience requirement?
At least one year of experience as a patrol person, guard, or watchman, or the
equivalent
If a PPO or PPO employee has an FQ card that says '9mm', may they carry a .38
pistol if in uniform?
No
If a PPO or a PPO employee discharges a firearm within the scope & course of
his/her duties, within how many days must a report of this be delivered in writing
to the Director of BSIS?
7 days
How often is a PPO license renewed?
Every two years
If a guard's registration is not renewed within 60 days of its expiration, and is
then renewed, what is the 'delinquency fee'?
50% if the renewal fee, but not less than $25
,If a guard is convicted of a crime substantially related to the functions, duties, or
responsibilities of a guard, will the registration be automatically suspended?
Yes
Can a hearing be had if a registration is suspended?
Yes
A PPO's application for PPO license is considered to be 'abandoned' if not
complete within how long after it was initially filed?
One Year
To replace a lost FQ card costs what fee?
$10
An FQ card expires when, if not renewed?
2 Years from the date of issuance
Does a FQ card allow a gun to be carried concealed upon a person?
NO
If a licensed PPO wants to go to work as a guard himself/herself, does he/she
need to obtain a Guard Registration?
NO
For a guard to carry a baton, is he/she required to have a certificate of baton
training?
Yes
Until a FQ card is obtained, may a PPO or guard carry a replica (not real) handgun
if needed by a job assignment?
NO
Can a city or county regulate the uniforms of uniformed employees of a PPO, to
make them clearly distinguishable from local regular law enforcement officers?
Yes
If a PPO wants to carry a firearm, what insurance coverage is required?
Liability Insurance of $500,000 for any one loss due to bodily injury or death, and
$500,000 for any one loss due to injury or destruction of property, totaling $1million
Can lack of required insurance cause the suspension of PPO's license?
Yes
What are the minimum hours of instruction required of a baton class?
8
What is the cost of a replacement baton permit if it is lost or stolen?
$5
If a PPO license or Branch Office certificate is not renewed within __years of its
expiration, it may not be renewed.
3
What type of crime is making a false statement on an application for BSIS license
or registration?
Felony (you sign that application 'under penalty of perjury"
If a guard quits working for a PPO with no notice, on a Monday, when must the
guard be given his/her final pay?
Within 72 hours (by Thursday 72 hours after quitting)
The application and examination fee for an original PPO license may not exceed
what dollar amount?
, $500
If a guard working for a PPO is fired by the PPO, when must the guard be given
his/her final pay?
Immediately
The licenses fee for an original PPO license may not exceed what dollar amount?
$700
If a guard who either quit or was fired is not given his final pay in the legally
allowed time, what is the penalty against the PPO?
The penalty is measured at the employee's daily rate of the pay and is calculated by
multiplying the daily wage by the number of days that the employee was not paid, up to
a maximum of 30 days. This does not mean that the wages continue for 30 day period,
but that the employee may be entitled to up to 30 actual days' worth of wages. The 30-
day period calendar days, and includes weekends and holidays and any other days that
the employee would not normally work. Payment of the wages or the commencement of
an action stops the penalty from accruing. Filing a complaint in court commences an
action, an employee filing a claim with the Division of Labor Standards Enforcement
(DLSE) is not considered the filing of an action, and does not stop the penalty from
accruing
A registration fee for guard may not exceed what dollar amount?
$50
What is the term length of a guard registration?
2 years
What is the current actual fee for a PPO Branch Office?
$75
If a guard acts as a PPO by contacting a security job with obtaining his/her own
client, what crime has been committed?
A misdemeanor violation of the B&P Code
A renewal registration fee for a guard may not exceed what dollar amount?
$35
If a guard wants to carry tear gas, what is the length of the training class required
by BSIS?
2 hours
Who if anyone, regulates guard uniform choices, such as uniform color, badge
types, and shoulder patches?
BSIS regulates design & wording of the badges and shoulder patches; local law
enforcement can have their own regulations as to prevent the public confusing guards
with local law enforcement officers
What does the state law say about PPO vehicles and the used amber lights and
any required markings?
Vehicle code 25273.b1 tells that if any amber light is used, them both side of the vehicle
and its rear end must bear lettering telling 'Private Security' or 'Security Patrol' in a size
that is legible at from at least 50 feet
What does the state law say about PPO paint choices involving PPO vehicles?
Vehicle code 27605 tells that a vehicle is not to be painted to resemble that of an on-
duty peace officer or traffic officer
What state agency regulates employee-pay issues?
Questions and Answers with complete solution
Who, at BSIS, 'shall administer and enforce the rules'?
The director of consumer affairs
What is an 'FQ Card'?
Firearms qualification card; exposed weapon carry
If a person without a PPO license offers security or protection services to the
public, what type of crime has been committed?
A misdemeanor violation of the B&P code
What is the dollar fine for a misdemeanor violation of offering PPO services
without a PPO license?
$10,000
When, if ever, may a person licensed only as a PPO make an investigation?
In incidental to the theft, loss, embezzlement, misappropriation, concealment of any
property, which he or she has been hired or engaged to watch or protect.
What agencies other than BSIS are involved in regulating armored car
companies?
California Highway Patrol and Public Utilities Commission
What do the initials "B.S.I.S' stand for?
Bureau of security and investigative services
Carrying a gun concealed under a shirt is usually what type of crime?
Misdemeanor
Carrying a set of 'brass knuckles' in your pocket is usually what type of crime?
Felony
How much imprisonment might come from a misdemeanor conviction?
Up to a year imprisonment
How much imprisonment might come from a felony conviction?
One year or more imprisonment
If a person knowingly hires an unlicensed person to provide PPO services, what
punishment might that person receive?
For the misdemeanor, a fine of $5,000 and/or imprisonment of up to one year
If a person is convicted of providing PPO services without a license, he/she
cannot be issued a PPO license for what time period following the conviction?
One Year
If a person is convicted a second time of providing PPO services without a
license, he/she can not be issued a PPO license for what time period following
this second conviction?
Five Years
An applicant for a PPO license must be at least how old?
18
Where must the PPO license be posted?
Posted in a conspicuous place in the principal place of business
If the PPO license is not properly posted, what might the fine be?
$250
,What two proofs of being licensed are sent to the PPO by the licensing bureau?
Large license for wall and pocket card
What do the letters 'Q.M' stand for on a PPO license?
Qualified Manager
Is a PPO license 'assignable'?
NO
Is a licensee required to at all times be legally responsible for the good conduct
in the business of all of his/her employees, agents, and managers?
Yes
Can the licensing bureau allow a PPO to conduct business under an additional
fictitious business name?
Yes
What is the cost of obtaining an additional fictitious business name or to change
the PPO's fictitious business name?
$25
Every advertisement of a PPO must contain what 3 pieces of information?
Company name, business address or phone number, and license number
What fine might be assessed if a PPO's advertisement does not contain the 3
required pieces of information?
$250
When may a PPO or PPO's employees use a badge?
Only while engaged in guard or patrol work, and while wearing a distinctive uniform
The shoulder patch required to be worn on a PPO's security uniforms must bear
what 2 pieces of information?
The words "Private Security" and the name if the private patrol company by the person
is employed
A violation of badge or shoulder patch rules by a PPO or PPO employees might
cause what fine to be assessed?
$250
Who must approve a PPO's badge design?
The director of BSIS
What is the PPO applicant experience requirement?
At least one year of experience as a patrol person, guard, or watchman, or the
equivalent
If a PPO or PPO employee has an FQ card that says '9mm', may they carry a .38
pistol if in uniform?
No
If a PPO or a PPO employee discharges a firearm within the scope & course of
his/her duties, within how many days must a report of this be delivered in writing
to the Director of BSIS?
7 days
How often is a PPO license renewed?
Every two years
If a guard's registration is not renewed within 60 days of its expiration, and is
then renewed, what is the 'delinquency fee'?
50% if the renewal fee, but not less than $25
,If a guard is convicted of a crime substantially related to the functions, duties, or
responsibilities of a guard, will the registration be automatically suspended?
Yes
Can a hearing be had if a registration is suspended?
Yes
A PPO's application for PPO license is considered to be 'abandoned' if not
complete within how long after it was initially filed?
One Year
To replace a lost FQ card costs what fee?
$10
An FQ card expires when, if not renewed?
2 Years from the date of issuance
Does a FQ card allow a gun to be carried concealed upon a person?
NO
If a licensed PPO wants to go to work as a guard himself/herself, does he/she
need to obtain a Guard Registration?
NO
For a guard to carry a baton, is he/she required to have a certificate of baton
training?
Yes
Until a FQ card is obtained, may a PPO or guard carry a replica (not real) handgun
if needed by a job assignment?
NO
Can a city or county regulate the uniforms of uniformed employees of a PPO, to
make them clearly distinguishable from local regular law enforcement officers?
Yes
If a PPO wants to carry a firearm, what insurance coverage is required?
Liability Insurance of $500,000 for any one loss due to bodily injury or death, and
$500,000 for any one loss due to injury or destruction of property, totaling $1million
Can lack of required insurance cause the suspension of PPO's license?
Yes
What are the minimum hours of instruction required of a baton class?
8
What is the cost of a replacement baton permit if it is lost or stolen?
$5
If a PPO license or Branch Office certificate is not renewed within __years of its
expiration, it may not be renewed.
3
What type of crime is making a false statement on an application for BSIS license
or registration?
Felony (you sign that application 'under penalty of perjury"
If a guard quits working for a PPO with no notice, on a Monday, when must the
guard be given his/her final pay?
Within 72 hours (by Thursday 72 hours after quitting)
The application and examination fee for an original PPO license may not exceed
what dollar amount?
, $500
If a guard working for a PPO is fired by the PPO, when must the guard be given
his/her final pay?
Immediately
The licenses fee for an original PPO license may not exceed what dollar amount?
$700
If a guard who either quit or was fired is not given his final pay in the legally
allowed time, what is the penalty against the PPO?
The penalty is measured at the employee's daily rate of the pay and is calculated by
multiplying the daily wage by the number of days that the employee was not paid, up to
a maximum of 30 days. This does not mean that the wages continue for 30 day period,
but that the employee may be entitled to up to 30 actual days' worth of wages. The 30-
day period calendar days, and includes weekends and holidays and any other days that
the employee would not normally work. Payment of the wages or the commencement of
an action stops the penalty from accruing. Filing a complaint in court commences an
action, an employee filing a claim with the Division of Labor Standards Enforcement
(DLSE) is not considered the filing of an action, and does not stop the penalty from
accruing
A registration fee for guard may not exceed what dollar amount?
$50
What is the term length of a guard registration?
2 years
What is the current actual fee for a PPO Branch Office?
$75
If a guard acts as a PPO by contacting a security job with obtaining his/her own
client, what crime has been committed?
A misdemeanor violation of the B&P Code
A renewal registration fee for a guard may not exceed what dollar amount?
$35
If a guard wants to carry tear gas, what is the length of the training class required
by BSIS?
2 hours
Who if anyone, regulates guard uniform choices, such as uniform color, badge
types, and shoulder patches?
BSIS regulates design & wording of the badges and shoulder patches; local law
enforcement can have their own regulations as to prevent the public confusing guards
with local law enforcement officers
What does the state law say about PPO vehicles and the used amber lights and
any required markings?
Vehicle code 25273.b1 tells that if any amber light is used, them both side of the vehicle
and its rear end must bear lettering telling 'Private Security' or 'Security Patrol' in a size
that is legible at from at least 50 feet
What does the state law say about PPO paint choices involving PPO vehicles?
Vehicle code 27605 tells that a vehicle is not to be painted to resemble that of an on-
duty peace officer or traffic officer
What state agency regulates employee-pay issues?
