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170+ practice questions across the PSPPIA 2010, use of force law, trespass and access, conflict management and health and safety, aligned to the NZ Certificate of Approval assessment.

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About the NZ Security Certificate of Approval (COA)

Anyone providing crowd control, property guarding, personal protection, or related security services for reward in NZ must hold a Certificate of Approval (COA) under the Private Security Personnel and Private Investigators Act 2010 (PSPPIA 2010). Applicants must complete NZQA-prescribed training covering NZ security law and practice.

Section 1
PSPPIA 2010
What requires a COA, licensing, employer obligations, offences
Section 2
Use of Force
Crimes Act s48, reasonable force, force continuum, prohibited techniques
Section 3
Trespass & Access
Trespass Act 1980, search powers, citizen's arrest, discrimination
Section 4
Conflict Management
De-escalation, non-verbal comms, aggression recognition, mental health
Section 5
Health & Safety
HSWA 2015, lone working, fatigue, violence at work, reporting
Security workers must know the limits of their legal authority. The NZ security industry operates within strict legal boundaries - particularly around use of force and search powers. Working outside these limits creates personal criminal and civil liability. The COA assessment tests that you understand these boundaries.
FeatureGeneric Security TrainingTestReady
NZ-specific legislation (PSPPIA, Crimes Act, Trespass Act)Often genericAll NZ law
Scenario-based use of force questionsLimitedYes
HSWA health and safety integrationLimitedFull section
Instant explanationsRarelyEvery question
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Frequently Asked Questions

The Certificate of Approval (COA) is issued by the Private Security Personnel Licensing Authority. You must pass a background check, complete approved training, and demonstrate competency.
Questions cover the Private Security Personnel and Private Investigators Act 2010, use of force, conflict de-escalation, trespass law, and incident reporting procedures.
A COA is valid for 5 years. You must apply for renewal before it expires and may need to demonstrate ongoing competency.

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