British Columbia Basic Security Training (BC BST) Practice Exam 2025

Which of the following best describes a handicap?

1. A permanent medical condition

2. A social disadvantage due to an impairment

3. An objective measure of physical ability

4. A psychological diagnosis

The correct answer is: A social disadvantage due to an impairment

The correct answer captures the essence of what a handicap entails in a societal context. A handicap is best understood as a social disadvantage that arises because of an impairment. It highlights how an individual's environment and societal attitudes can affect their ability to participate fully in various activities. While an impairment refers specifically to the loss of function or ability (like a medical condition), a handicap reflects the broader impact of those impairments on an individual's life, often influenced by societal barriers and attitudes. The other options do not encompass the full scope of a handicap. A permanent medical condition refers to the health aspect but does not consider the social implications. An objective measure of physical ability overlooks the social construct of disadvantage, and a psychological diagnosis pertains to mental health rather than the interaction between impairments and societal functioning. Thus, the chosen answer appropriately emphasizes the social dimension that defines a handicap.