Alberta Basic Security Training (ABST) Practice Exam 2025

How should you handle writing profanity in your notebook?

1. Ignore it and continue writing

2. Use white-out to remove it

3. Draw a single line through it and initial

4. Ask a colleague how to address it

The correct answer is: Draw a single line through it and initial

When recording information in a notebook, especially in a professional context such as security training, it's important to maintain clarity and professionalism. Drawing a single line through the profanity and initialing it serves several purposes: it allows the writer to acknowledge that something inappropriate was noted without completely removing it from the record, which could lead to confusion or misrepresentation of what was originally written. This method ensures that anyone reviewing the notes understands that the profanity was recognized, yet it is not endorsed or allowed. Initialing signifies accountability, indicating that the individual has reviewed what was written and taken an appropriate step to indicate that it was an error or inappropriate note. This approach demonstrates a commitment to professionalism even when faced with unprofessional language. Other methods, such as ignoring the profanity or using white-out, do not adequately address the issue. Ignoring it may allow inappropriate language to remain in the record unchecked, which could reflect poorly on the professionalism of the notes. Using white-out eliminates the record entirely, which could lead to scrutiny if the notes are ever reviewed. Depending on a colleague's advice might not provide a clear standard and could lead to inconsistency in handling similar situations.