Armed Guard / CIT study guide
Armed Guard / CIT · Work through your exam, one topic at a time.
The Armed Guard / CIT credential is a screening and knowledge check for people who carry a firearm in a protective or cash-in-transit role, and who may also be asked to check identity and immigration-related documents at a controlled access point. It is aimed at new license applicants, guards moving from unarmed to armed posts, and CIT crew who need to show they understand both the legal limits of their authority and the practical side of the job. The Armed Guard / CIT study guide has 7 sections and about 1,666 words.
01Legal Authority and Use of Force
An armed guard's authority is delegated, not personal. Understand the difference between citizen's arrest (a private person's narrow power to detain for a felony or breach of peace committed in their presence) and police authority , which guards do not possess.
309 words, about 2 min02Firearms Safety and Handling
Master the universal safety rules: treat every firearm as loaded, keep the muzzle pointed in a safe direction, keep your finger off the trigger until on target and ready to fire, and know your target and what is beyond it. Add secure storage , chamber checks , and function checks per policy.
249 words, about 1 min03Armed Response Procedures and Incident Management
Understand the observe-report-respond cycle and the incident command concept: one person directs, others support. Know scene assessment (threat, casualties, access, resources), containment vs.
223 words, about 1 min04Citizenship, Immigration, and Identity Verification (CIT)
Understand government-issued ID types (driver's license, passport, state ID, permanent resident card), security features (holograms, microprint, UV elements), and document examination basics: check photo match, expiration, tampering, and consistency of data. secondary identification and when two forms are required.
227 words, about 1 min05Report Writing, Documentation, and Evidence Handling
Write objective, factual, chronological reports: who, what, when, where, why, how. Use first person, past tense, plain language ; avoid opinions, conclusions, and speculation.
227 words, about 1 min06Customer Service, Communication, and De-escalation
Use active listening , open-ended questions , paraphrasing , and professional tone . Understand verbal vs.
214 words, about 1 min07Emergency Procedures, First Aid, and Personal Safety
Know emergency action plans : fire (RACE - Rescue, Alarm, Contain, Evacuate/Extinguish), medical, severe weather, and active threat. Understand evacuation routes, assembly points, accountability , and shelter-in-place triggers.
217 words, about 1 min