PPO Practice Test

Sundahl & Associates, Inc.
 


California Private Patrol Operator Testing Prep for 2020


We are the #1 PPO practice testing firm in California trusted by law enforcement and private sector professionals. 



New and FREE service we offer!
 If you taken the PPO exam recently and failed, you can email us up to 10 questions with answer choices. The more specific you are, the more specific we will answer them. Turn around period varies but usually 5-10 business days. Please send your list to ssundahl@crimebullet.com 





Shaun E. Sundahl
Author & Off-Duty Police Officer
My personal cell number is (909) 525-8925; however, I do ask that you please read this entire web page before contacting me. Perhaps your question is answered on this page or through my YouTube channel by commenting on any video. Text messages are also kindly accepted and encouraged. All messages will be returned in 10-14 days (extended).

Click here to read some verified reviews in addition to the comments listed below. As you will see, several of our wonderful clients took time out of their day to provide these detailed reviews.  

We placed in bold, the most common word used in most of the comments: The word "Passed." You have to read these recent series of  UNEDITED texts messages and emails made by people motivated to take the PPO exam!

Thu, May 31, 2018 5:32 pm
Hey Shaun I took the PPO Exam yesterday and I
passed. Thank you so much for the study tests you provided for me. I was stressed out.

Thu, Nov 10, 2016 3:05 pm

Hello Shaun,

I am emailing you today because I wanted to let you know that I passed the PPO exam!!! They gave me 2 hours and I was done in half hour.   Your materials really helped understand the concepts and what I need to know . I'm glad I went with your companies materials compared to some other company. I'm excited to start my own security business! I can't thank you enough for the materials you offer. I really learned a lot from your book and the PPO practice exams! Let me know where I can leave you a positive review on your page. Thanks again!

Saturday, July 18, 2015 8:40 pm

Shaun,

Wanted to say thank you...I passed yesterday...There were a number roof questions related to***[deleted] Others were *** [deleted]. I want to say i did 80% there were probably 7 questions I had know idea how to answer, 10 I was on the fence about. But overall - your book did help - and thanks for writing it.


Tue, March 3, 2015  9:47 pm

I passed!

Thu, Apr 18, 2013 4:59 pm

Hey Shaun, today I passed the exam!! Your material was crucial for my success! I'm going ****(Deleted)**********of the ****(Deleted)****and send you my ***(Deleted)**** so you can improve your material. Thank you so much!!!

Thu, Apr 18, 2013 7:00 pm

The prep work and your material paid big dividends. Missed just a couple questions, what a difference in having access to your materials...Thank you again....

Fri, Jan 11, 2013 12:33 pm

Hi Shaun-

Just wanted to let you know that I passed the exam on January 9, 2013.  Thanks for your help.

Jan 4, 2013 10:21 am


Shaun,

 

I wanted to let you know that I just passed the ppo test and your material helped me very much…

Tue, Sep 4, 2012, 3:12 pm
Thanks for the vote of confidence, I'm pumped and ready to do this. Thanks for ur assistance on everything.
(to be continued...)

Just 7 days later on September 7, 2012, he wrote...

Hi Shaun, just a quick text to let u know I passed my ppo test. Thanks for all the help and always responding to my questions. The study guide and simulator combo is the way to go if ur serious about passing. Take care.

This mobile text message is brought to you by AT&T

Passing is contagious! This smart PPO exam candidate (from August 31, 2012) must have caught something contagious from the gentlemen who emailed us on August 27, 2012 (scroll down):


Tue, Sep 4, 2012 2:54 am

Hi Shaun Just wanted to let you know I passed the PPO exam on Tuesday 28, finished the test in about fifty five minutes your study material made a difference money well invested.

Aug 31, 2012 3:57 pm

Good morning, Shaun.

Just wanted to let you know I passed the PPO exam this morning (though I'm not sure with what percentage because the resulting form doesn't say). Oddly enough, there were more questions regarding Proprietary Patrol Officer than I had anticipated.

Anyhow, thank you for your help. 

Look at what this gentleman had to say. He actually said too much so we had to delete some of his words for obvious reasons...

August 27, 2012, 12:10 PM

Shaun,

On Thursday I took the PPO Exam and passed it. The actual test was very similar to the practice tests you provided, I would say more than half of the questions on the ---------------- where the same as the ones on the------------. Also, I noticed the -----------questions being asked in different ways for at least 10-15 questions. Nothing on the actual test came as a surprise. Although, I did read the entire Private Security Services Act numerous times, I am 100% certain I would have passed the exam just with the PowerPoint presentation [PPO Study Guide in the form of a PDF file] and the test simulator. The entire test took me about 25 minutes to complete. I would recommend your comprehensive product to anybody who is serious about receiving their PPO License. If I had to do it again I would buy the package with no hesitation. What is $250 when you have clients waiting for you to get a PPO? I certainly look forward to someday being part of some of your training. Best wishes


August 8, 2012, 11:51 AM

Good morning sir I want to thank you for having such a good study guide. I just left the PSI exam site with a passing score. If it wasn…dude I don't think I would of pass. Thank you again.

Monday, June 11, 2012, 7:21 PM

Good evening,

I just wanted to let you know that I purchased your study guide a month ago to take the ppo exam. I recently took the exam andpassed. It been a tough year with my department going under and being forced to work as a security officer for low pay. Passing this test has given me hope. Thanks for putting together a very important study packet. Anyone who wished to take the ppo exam without your study guide is a fool!! Once again thank you. 

Sunday, April 29, 2012 12:06 AM

Management needed their QM candidate to pass the PPO Exam to secure the future of their security firm. We sent them the PPO Study Guide and an access key to the PPO Simulator. Here is what the manager e-mailed us:

He Passed! Thanks for all your help Shaun, great job.

Tue, March 28, 2012 9:34 PM

This gentlemen had the stress of out-of-state corporate waiting for him to pass. He attended our one-on-one seminar with the author, Shaun Sundahl, used the PPO Simulator, Study Guide, and he made a few phone calls to the author for clarification...

I passed!!!Hey thanks for all the help I couldn't have done it without you!!!

Wed, November 16, 2011   5:25 PM


hello, im very happy to say i passed my ppo exam today, allot of the questions that were on your practice ppo were on the test.


Tuesday, September 27, 2011   12:05 PM 

Shaun i just want to tell you I passed my PPO exam.

Wed, May 18, 2011 2:48 pm

passed first time...thanks.


Friday, April 31, 2011, 5:00 PM

 

90 of the questions on the Simulator were on the exam but written differently.  You left 10 out. Thank you.

Wed, Mar 02, 2011, 6:24 PM

Dear Shaun,

Hope all is well with you. Firstly, I want to let you know that my dad has passed the test. This is truly a very happy day for our family. Secondly, I cannot put into words how thankful I am to everything you did for us. I will definitely not forget your help and I wish you all the success in the world. I definitely want to recommend your services to all your potential customers. If I can somehow write a review, or somehow comment on the helpfulness, please let me know. I would love to extend you the recommendation that you deserve. Thank you so very much.

 

Warmest Regards,

Asad Raza

[full name printed with permission]

____________________________________________________

Fri, Mar 04, 2011 12:53 am

Thanks I passed the test the first time after I got your material thank you very much
 ___________________________________________________
Thu, Mar 03, 2011 8:23 pm


Shaun,

Just to let you know I passed my PPO test a couple of weeks ago.  Thanks for your website and your support.

____________________________________________________
Fri, Feb 25, 2011 12:29 pm

Passed.  Thank you




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FTC Disclosure:

Shaun Sundahl ("Sundahl"), as an individual, operates www.CrimeBullet.com website. Sundahl is a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for sites to earn advertising fees by advertising and linking to Amazon.com. Sundahl earns commissions for purchases made through links in this website.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

What do you have to help me pass the California PPO test?

The Private Patrol Operator-Managing a California-Based Security Company, 2nd Ed. is a useful book that many use to help them pass the PPO Qualified Manager test. The book is pricey so if you are going to use it as a study guide for the PPO exam, make sure that you have been given permission to sit for the exam before purchasing the book.

Are you affiliated with the Bureau of Security and Investigative Services (BSIS)?

No and I would never consider working for them. My product or service has not been approved or endorsed by any government agency and my products or service is not being made by an agency of the government (BPC Section 17533.6).

How long does it take for my book to arrive?

Lulu Press Inc. is my primary publishing company. Since they are a print-on-demand company, they usually take 3-5 business days to print the book and then another 2-5 business days for delivery (via upgraded Priority Mail). Click here for current times and for specifics.

I need the book NOW. I can't wait. What can you do for me?

Nothing. Many people fail the PPO exam--it's just not easy for a lot of people. 
Next time prepare yourself better and don't be a "last minute" person. Perhaps consider postponing the exam? It takes anywhere from 5-10 business days to receive my book, but if you fail the exam, you pay a $60 re-testing fee and you have to wait anywhere from 14-28 days for a new test date. Now, some ask about a Kindle or other electronic format. I don't offer any of these options (right now).

What makes you qualified to write The Private Patrol Operator, 2nd Ed.?

I have 20 years of combined experience involving private security and police work, private security supervision, law enforcement supervision (watch commander and FTO) and experience as a private investigator. I have 6 years' experience as a criminal justice professor for a private college and have been training others to pass the PPO and PI exam for the past 8 years. This experience shows you that I'm able to transfer difficult knowledge and abstract concepts, into easy-to-understand information.

My book, The California Legal Investigator, has made it in the top 100 books in the legal services section of Amazon each month (sometimes top 10). Obviously, there isn't much of a demand for a private patrol operator book since not too many people try to get a PPO license anymore.  Regardless and to date, there is an estimated and combined 600 PPO and PI clients/students who have passed using my material. Pass rate is roughly over 90%.

I also have a B.S. degree in Criminal Justice and a master's degree in Public Administration. My education experience allows me to better analyze and research the subject matter. 

How much is your book?

The prices vary from $150-$250, excluding shipping and tax. The prices fluctuate.  Click here to purchase my book or to review current pricing.

Why is your book so expensive?

My book, The Private Patrol Operator-Managing a California-Based Security Company, has no competition in the retail book market specific to California. With no competition, there is no baseline to base the price on. We also need to consider the time spent researching the topics, time spent interviewing PPO applicants and qualified managers, time spent revising the book, attorney-editor and writing editor fees, publishing fees, and a near 50% market share with my vendors (Amazon and Lulu).

The average student will spend an average of 20-30 hours of researching and reviewing material that is likely going to be on the state PPO test—of course, assuming they know what to study. Factor that time into your hourly wages or salary. Time is money. The time you spent researching (or wondering what will be on the exam) could be time spent with your family, enjoying your retirement, or creating a business plan.

You must also remember that my book isn't designed only to be a study guide—it can also be used as a reference guide or a guide to creating standard operating procedures after you become a PPO. My book is based on best business practices, case law, and specific California codes.

How do you open a security guard company in California?

Someone—even if that is you, must submit an application, pay the current fee ($550) and pass the Qualified Manager (QM) License exam. To qualify for the QM exam, you need someone to certify you have at least 2,000 hours of guard or patrol duties. In addition, someone needs to be the owner of the security company. This person or entity is called the Private Patrol Operator (PPO). Every PPO business must be under the control of the QM. The current PPO license fee is an additional $770. You may also be the PPO.

If you have any other questions about the process, I recommend you contact BSIS directly. I do encourage you to visit a specific BSIS webpage that explains the entire process, fees, and directs you to the current application. Click here. You can also email BSIS at PrivateSecurityServices@dca.ca.gov or call them at (800) 952-5210. BSIS is understaffed so please understand and expect long delays. 

The Private Patrol Operator book answers a lot of questions related to the opening of a security guard company and provides tips on how to save time, money, and resources. Now, if the question you are seeking is not on my website and not on the BSIS website, then please feel free to contact me.


How long does it take to get a PPO license?

Times will vary. CA Code of Regulations Section 601.4 actually requires BSIS to publish time frames. Click here or here to read the code. BSIS last updated their processing times on May 25, 2018 (Register 2018, No. 21). Apparently, the actual processing time for a PPO application is on average 99 days after BSIS receives a deficiency-free application and the FBI clears the fingerprint background check.

BSIS has been known to give me uninvited phone calls. Maybe because of my sharp criticisms of them or maybe not. If they are reading this, I don't believe their processing times are accurate. Either sloppy or lazy data entry or incompetence. How is it—that I have a 2010 version of 601.4 and the time frames are exactly the same…8 years later?

In the last 12 months, BSIS processing times have been unacceptable for some of my clients (10%). I talked to a client in June of this year and he told me it took BSIS 8 months to get his application processed. According to him, BSIS admitted that they moved his application from the bottom of the pile, all the way to the top. This frustrated client had to talk to a BSIS executive to get his application moving. Another told me it took almost 12 months!  Most of you will not have to wait this long, but if you have to wait longer than the times specified by law in Section 601.4, ask to speak to the Chief of BSIS. Of course, if you have an error on your application, you cannot expect a short wait time.

Can you look over my application?

Before I began charging an application review fee, I would regularly spend 2-4 hours reviewing, editing, letter writing, and providing feedback per application. This time included correspondence over email and over the phone with my client. 

More than 70% of the applications I reviewed, had some type of deficiency. Had it not been for me finding the deficiency, the 99-day average for processing the application would have been much, much, longer. 
I do not guarantee your application will be approved by BSIS. However, I have been doing application reviews since 2010 and 100 % of the applications I have reviewed, corrected, and my client accepted all of my advice and instructions, end up being approved by BSIS.

My fee is $500.00 for the application review fee. Many will accept this service when you consider they have high-paying clients to service as soon as their PPO license is approved.

Why did you write your book?

I took the PPO test in 2010. I passed on the first attempt with barely a minute to spare. It was not easy and I spent nearly 28 hours of studying what I thought might be on the exam. The only study material available was the Power of Arrest booklet, a 358-page book on the Business and Professions Code and Code of Regulations, and the PPO Examination Outline. A contract law course I completed in law school helped. I have a Supervisory P.O.S.T. certificate and the experience and training behind that certification really helped. And then there was Google. I "Googled" everything in the Exam Outline that could be on the exam (and a lot of it was!). I also realized that there was no one security management book that was specific to California.

After I got a good handle of the PPO exam, I began to train students one on one (in person). The pass rate was 100%.  I eventually learned that what I taught during the private course, can be included in a simple-to-read book. Pass rates for the earliest editions of my book neared an acceptable 85-89%.

Ultimately, I wanted to create a legal treatise that can be used to supplement expert testimony in California negligence cases involving security officers and their employers.

Do you offer any PPO courses?

No, I do not anymore. The content in my classes was transferred to my book.

Do I need to buy your book to pass the Private Patrol Operator Exam?

No, you don't. BSIS suggests you read their (2013) Private Patrol Operator Examination Outline from their website. The topics are broad, so in a way, you have to guess or use your best judgment on what you think is on the exam. For example, on Page 5 of the Outline, BSIS suggests you have "Knowledge of business practices as related to security services." As you can see, this suggestion doesn't help most candidates understand what they will be tested on since the suggestion is so broad. Also, if approved to take the exam, BSIS will likely send you a 358-page book containing hundreds of sections of the Business and Professions Code and Code of Regulations. Again, you have to use your best judgment on what specific topic you think will be on the exam.

Feel free to visit BSIS' website to verify what I am discussing here (http://www.bsis.ca.gov/exams/index.shtml)

Is your book current for the 2018 PPO Exam?

I believe it is and so does many clients/students who post reviews. BSIS changes the exam every 2-3 years. It appears that during each revision, they change the facts, but they rarely change the rule of law and industry standards. In the past, I've published older study material (from 2015) and still, people pass at a rate higher than 89%.

Is it true there are 5 versions of the state PPO Exam?

Yes, however, in each version of the PPO exam, BSIS has to stick with the Examination Outline (that document is public record). They change the facts or wording in each test, but rarely do they change the rule of law and industry standards.

The testing vendor for PSI exams lists a green-colored book called, "Private Patrol Operator" as recommended study material. Is this a good book?

Maybe, but I did not use that book to help me pass. I let my clients decide for themselves. That book is published by Passbooks Study Guides (http://www.passbooks.com/). Last time I checked, they discussed some New York laws and reading comprehension (which BSIS does not test you on). I suggest that if you have an extra $40 or $50 to experiment with, go ahead and give that book a try. But, before you do so, ask these questions: Who is the author? What is his experience? Has anyone reviewed the author's book or his services? Is the book specific to California? Is the author or book connected to a Yelp, Amazon, or Trust Link account (for testimonials or reviews)?

If you still want to try this book, here's the link http://psionlinestore.com/private-patrol-operator/

Shaun, why isn't your book listed on the PSI website as suggested study material?

If you read my last chapter (30.0), "Dealing with the Bureau of Security and Investigative Services," you'll know why. No government bureaucracy or government vendor is going to endorse your book if you criticize them or expose their shortcomings. My respected attorney-editor suggested against content in that chapter noting not to "bite the hand that feeds you." Unfortunately, I buy my own food.

Will the content in your book be on the PPO exam?

I can't say yes or no because I have no legal access to the BSIS exam materials. No one does and if someone claims to have them, I would begin to ask that person or business more questions. From the words of BSIS (http://www.bsis.ca.gov/exams/index.shtml), "No publishers or training sponsors have legal access to BSIS’s examination materials. We make every effort to ensure that the contents of our examinations remain confidential and that the questions are changed frequently."

Ultimately, I base my book on the Private Patrol Operator Examination Outline and suggestions from others. I must be doing something right. In the past 7 years, over 89% of my students/clients pass the PPO exam with my material. Those who fail usually have less of a command of the English language or no business experience.

Do you offer a pass guarantee or refund for your book?

No I don't. I have no idea of your qualifications and test-taking abilities. All sales are through Amazon or Lulu and I have no ability to process a refund. Before giving 50% of my publishing rights to Amazon and Lulu, I only received less than 5 refund requests. Not bad for 8 years!

Look, if you fail the exam, send me an email and a list of specific content that my book did not have (that you wish it had). The more specific, the better. I rarely let my loyal clients, readers, or colleagues down. Read the reviews. Leave no man (or woman) behind is my motto.

Does your book have any PPO practice questions?

Yes it does! 100 of them.

How many of your 100 questions are on the state exam?

None. Again, no one has legal access to the state exam. My questions are based out of the Examination Outline and suggestions from others. They are not directly from the state exam. Again, let me stress that over 89% of my clients/students pass the PPO exam with my material. Those who fail usually have less of a command of the English language or no business experience.

What information does your book have?

I cover the Business & Professions Code, Contracts, Discipline Procedures, Emergency Plans, Invoicing, Labor Code, Management Principles, Payroll Rules, Parking Enforcement, Penal Code, Pre-employment Screening, Personnel Issues, Proposals, Record Keeping, Sexual Harassment Complaint Procedure, Supervision Techniques, Vehicle Code, and much, much more!

Over the years, I saw that an emphasis on these particular subjects helps more than 89% of my clients/students to pass. All of these are issues addressed in the BSIS Exam Outline.

Do you offer a law enforcement or military discount?

Unfortunately, I do not. Nearly 50% of my readers are either military or law enforcement. I don't also have the ability to issue coupon codes since I do not distribute or sell my books directly.  For military veterans, I recommend you research the BSIS Veterans Come First Program for discounts for licensing related to a PPO business. (http://www.bsis.ca.gov/consumers/faqs/veterans.shtml)

Can I meet you or drive down to where you are to pick up your book (or "pick your brain")?

No, unfortunately I have no office hours. To be really blunt and honest, unless you have something to offer, I rather not spend the remaining free hours of my life with you. I have two jobs and a family that demand their father. Time has value. On the other hand, I offer business consulting at a rate of $150 an hour (4-hour min. plus travel time and mileage). Feel free, though, to send me an email at ssundahl@crimebullet.com I am always happy to answer your questions within 7 days.

What happened to the PPO Simulator or online practice exam?

Money talks. The fees and time required to host an online LMS product got out of hand. Since BSIS changed the PPO QM approval process, less PPO applicants have qualified to sit for the exam. This change of procedure caused a 60-70% decline in business. That income would had justified continued use of the LMS. Don't be let down yet! In my new book, I have integrated most of the questions and answer explanations. 

Do you have any testimonials?

Since we opened in 2010 and considering all the services we offer (PPO, PI practice exams and PI work), we have accumulated a total of 78 testimonials. This number consists of at least 21 testimonials on Amazon.com, 46 informal testimonials through text messaging and emails (PPO and PI), 20 testimonials through Trust Link, 1 recommended Yelp! Review, 3 unpublished Yelp! Reviews, and 1 review on Facebook. Read our reviews on the left of this page or click on one of the icons all the way at the top!








       
  

 
 
 
 
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