Last Updated on July 11, 2026

Every year, many security professionals join the private security industry in the United Arab Emirates. Security companies often recruit candidates from their home countries or interview applicants who are already living in the UAE.

The company representative or recruitment team normally conducts an interview to assess the candidate’s communication skills, experience, confidence, physical fitness, and understanding of basic security duties.

These PSBD Security Interview Questions & Answers will help you prepare suitable responses and improve your chances of being selected.

Important update: The company interview and the security licensing assessment are separate processes. After selection, candidates may need to complete approved training and assessments. The National Security Institute currently lists a Basic Security Guard course for Abu Dhabi and the Western Region and a Security Operations Level 3 course for the Northern Emirates under the PSFRD framework. The Northern Emirates course includes written assessments and module assignments.

What Is the Full Form of PSBD?

PSBD stands for Private Security Business Department.

It is the former name widely used for the government department responsible for regulating private security companies and professionals in the UAE. The term PSBD still remains popular among job seekers, security guards and recruitment agencies, although newer official materials may use names such as PSFRD.

Official Ministry of Interior regulations also use the term Private Security Business Department.

Security companies normally recruit candidates before sending them for approved training. Therefore, the interview is an important step in determining whether you are suitable for the security guard position.

PSBD Security Interview Questions & Answers

1. Tell me about yourself

This is usually the first question in a security guard interview. Introduce yourself briefly by mentioning your name, nationality, education, relevant training, and work experience.

Do not spend too much time discussing your family or unrelated personal matters.

Sample answer:

“Sir/Madam, my name is Raj, and I am from Rajasthan, India. I completed my intermediate education and served in the Indian Army for five years. After leaving the army, I worked as a security guard at a hotel for three years. I have experience in access control, patrolling, customer service and emergency response.”

2. What did you do in your previous job?

Explain the duties you actually performed in your previous position. Always answer honestly because the interviewer may ask additional questions about your experience.

Sample answer:

“In my previous security position, I controlled access, checked visitors, conducted regular patrols, monitored suspicious activities and maintained the occurrence book. I also assisted guests, responded to emergencies and reported incidents to my supervisor.”

3. What would you do in case of a fire?

Answer this question confidently and explain the correct order of action. Your first responsibility is to protect life rather than trying to fight a dangerous fire alone.

Sample answer:

“I would immediately raise the alarm, inform the control room and call the emergency services according to site procedures. I would help people evacuate through the nearest safe exit and guide them to the assembly point. I would use a suitable fire extinguisher only if the fire were small, I had been trained and it was safe to do so.”

4. How many classes of fire are there?

The exact wording may depend on the system followed during your approved training. A commonly used classification includes:

• Class A: Solid combustible materials such as wood, paper, and textiles
• Class B: Flammable liquids such as petrol, diesel, and paint
• Class C: Flammable gases such as LPG and propane
• Class D: Combustible metals such as magnesium and aluminium
• Class F: Cooking oils and fats

Fires involving live electrical equipment are generally treated as an electrical hazard rather than a separate fire class under this system.

Sample answer:

“There are five main classes: A, B, C, D and F. Electrical equipment is treated separately, and the correct extinguisher should be used according to the type of fire.”

5. How would you handle an angry customer in a mall?

A security guard must remain patient and professional. Never argue with an angry customer or respond aggressively.

Sample answer:

“I would remain calm, listen carefully and allow the customer to explain the problem. I would speak politely and explain the relevant policy. If I could not resolve the issue, I would contact my supervisor or the appropriate customer service department.”

6. How would you handle an employee who violates company rules?

Approach the employee politely and follow the company’s reporting procedure. Do not threaten or embarrass the person.

Sample answer:

“I would politely remind the employee about the company rule and ask them to comply. If the employee continued violating the rule, I would report the matter to my supervisor and record the incident according to company procedure.”

7. What mistake did you make in your previous job?

Choose a minor mistake that did not create a serious security breach. Explain what you learned and how you improved.

Sample answer:

“Earlier in my career, I submitted an incident report that did not contain enough details. My supervisor asked me to rewrite it. Since then, I have always included the correct time, location, names, observations and actions taken before submitting a report.”

8. What would you do if police officers arrived at your duty post?

Remain respectful and cooperate with the police. Follow the site’s communication and access procedures without causing unnecessary delay.

Sample answer:

“I would greet the officers respectfully, ask the purpose of their visit and verify their identity if required by site procedure. I would immediately inform the control room or my supervisor and cooperate with the officers. I would record the necessary details in the occurrence book.”

9. What would you do if you witnessed a fight?

A security guard’s responsibility is to protect people and prevent the situation from becoming worse. Do not act like a fighter or take unnecessary risks.

Sample answer:

“I would remain calm, call for backup and assess the situation from a safe distance. I would use clear verbal instructions to stop the fight and move other people away from danger. If weapons were involved or the situation became serious, I would call the police immediately and preserve any evidence.”

10. Why do you want to join our company?

Research the company before attending the interview. Mention something specific about its services, reputation, training or career opportunities.

Sample answer:

“I want to join your company because it has a good reputation for professional security services and employee training. My experience and security skills match the requirements of this position, and I would like to develop my career while contributing to the company.”

Tips for Passing a PSBD Security Guard Interview

Prepare your introduction before the interview, but do not memorize every answer word for word. Speak naturally and use examples from your own experience.

Wear clean and professional clothes, maintain good posture, and make polite eye contact. Listen carefully before answering and avoid giving false information about your education, training, or experience.

Review important topics such as access control, patrolling, customer service, emergency response, fire safety, incident reporting, and conflict management.

These PSBD Security Interview Questions & Answers are examples only. Adjust each answer according to your own qualifications and work experience.

Conclusion

The security guard interview is the first major step in starting a private security career in the UAE. Employers generally look for candidates who are disciplined, physically fit, alert, honest, and able to communicate professionally.

Prepare these common questions, remain confident, and explain how you would protect people, property, and information while following company procedures.

SIRA Security Interview Questions.

Security Advanced Level 3 Training