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What Is the Federal Air Marshal Test?

The Federal Air Marshal (FAM) Assessment Battery (FAB) is a three-exam aptitude battery consisting of a Logic-Based Reasoning Test, a Writing Test, and a Situational Judgement Test.

The vast majority of scenarios, questions, and statements contained on the exam are job-related. English usage and grammar, problem-solving, decision-making, and memory skills are all highlighted on the Federal Air Marshal exam.

There is no penalty for wrong answers. Therefore, it is beneficial to answer every question. If you are not sure of a response, first eliminate obviously incorrect alternatives, and then take an educated guess. Be sure to read the entirety of every passage, question, statement, and alternative before marking your answer.

Each of the three tests is timed. Practicing with Federal Air Marshal sample questions provides a helpful review of the subject matter and gives you a heads up as to what to expect on the exam before you face the actual test.

What Do Those Who Score High Receive?

All federal air marshal employees receive generous benefits, such as health insurance, 10 paid holidays per year, and personal leave days that can be used as vacation, sick days, or care of family. Those who pass the test and become an FAM also receive a retirement program that includes a pension and a savings plan similar to a 401K. The salary for the position ranges from $46,950 to $82,417 annually. Other benefits include paid training, transportation subsidies, and a uniform allowance.

What Are the Challenges to Passing?

The Federal Air Marshal position is organized under the Transportation Security Administration (TSA). The hiring process for FAMs is long and includes several background checks. Part of the hiring process for applicants involves taking a situational judgement test and several difficult skills assessment tests.

Preparing for the FAM assessment test will help you pass this part of the hiring process. Our PrepPack™ includes logical reasoning tests similar to the Federal Air Marshal exam.

Why You Need to Prepare for the Federal Air Marshal Exam

You should always prepare for a test before taking it. Our Federal Air Marshal PrepPack™ includes timed practice tests and study guides to help you get ready. Our practice tests include answer explanations. By practicing, you up your chances of achieving a high score on the test. A high score not only ensures that you pass the exam, but it also gives you a better chance of gaining employment over the others who've applied.

What Do You Get with Your Federal Air Marshal Preparation Pack?

Our PrepPack™ provides you with full access to the most comprehensive practice resources for the FAM assessment tests. We offer two full-length logical reasoning practice tests, plus an additional 120 logical deduction practice questions. You also receive 21 different English grammar practice tests and six situational judgement tests that cover concepts similar to those on the actual test. Finally, the pack includes two study guides providing information and tips on passing the exam.

More About the Federal Air Marshal Test

Logic-Based Reasoning Test

The focus of this portion of the Federal Air Marshal exam is on solving problems that occur daily in the world of an Air Marshal. Reading comprehension and the ability to draw reasonable conclusions from the written material presented are assessed through the Logic test. Base all of your answers solely on the information contained in the given passages.

Two distinct sections comprise the Logic exam:

  • T/F or “Cannot be Determined” – A scenario is presented, followed by various statements. Your task is to analyze the truth or falsity of each statement in light of the facts contained in the scenario.
  • Multiple-Choice, Best Answer Format – In this section of the Logic test, assume that the facts in the scenario presented are completely true. Most questions require a recall of passage details, analysis, summary, or conclusions drawn from the given scenario. Some questions ask for the selection of the alternative that contains the best course of action to take in response to the passage. Other questions involve the sequencing or grouping of events, people, or objects.

Writing Test

Expect to encounter a multiple-choice format. The test involves a wide range of language topics, including grammar, syntax, sentence and paragraph structure, usage, punctuation, spelling, verb tense, verb-noun coordination, and capitalization.

There are three types of questions on the Writing Test:

  • Select the alternative that contains the correction to a word or phrase in a given sentence, choosing alternative D, “no correction is necessary,” if the sentence is correct as presented.
  • Select the alternative that correctly revises the underlined words in a sentence.
  • For sentence or paragraph sequencing, select the alternative that contains the correct order for specific sentences or paragraphs. 

Situational Judgement Test (SJT)

The SJT is housed on a video-based, computerized, and best answer format. Situational judgement tests can be found on many exams nationwide. The assessment involves the ability to understand information and use sound judgement in responding to various on-the-job situations. You must answer every question in order to proceed to the next page.

Two sections comprise the SJT: judgement assessment and observation skills. Both sections revolve around a work-related video.

  • Judgement Assessment – Determine the effectiveness of each course of action presented in response to the video. Expect a four-point effectiveness rating scale, from Extremely Ineffective to Extremely Effective.
  • Observation Skills – The tasks involve a recall of the visual details found within the video. The format is multiple-choice. We currently do not offer practice for this section of the test.

Federal Air Marshal Hiring Process

The hiring process for FAMs is long and includes several background checks. The first step is filing out an online job application. Once the application has been processed and deemed qualified, a credit and criminal history check is conducted. The applicant will then have to take a situational judgement test and several skills assessment tests. Once the tests are passed, the applicant must sit through a paneled interview. If the interview step is successful, the applicant is fingerprinted and goes though a fitness test.

If the candidate passes all of the previous steps, he or he is interviewed by a special agent-in-charge at a Federal Air Marshal Service field office. After being offered and having accepted a conditional job offer, the candidate is medically evaluated, which includes a drug test. If a candidate is deemed medically able to do the job, a pre-hire background check is performed. This check includes verification of information on the job application and another criminal history check.

The final job offer is extended. But the process isn’t over. TSA conducts a full-scale background investigation on the candidate. An investigator talks with people who know the candidate, such as neighbors and former employers. FAMs have top secret clearance and must maintain it to keep their jobs, so the full investigation is extremely thorough.

Once FAMs begin training, they have a two-year probationary period. New hires must make a five-year commitment to the job.

Prepare for the Federal Air Marshal Written Test

Working on Federal Air Marshal practice tests helps to create an easier exam experience by acquainting you with the types of scenarios, questions, and alternatives you will encounter on the actual test. The only way to become a Federal Air Marshal is to score within the top level on the FAM Written Test, as well as on all other evaluations during the hiring process. Purchase the Federal Air Marshal Exam PrepPack™ to ensure your exam success.

Related Links

TSA Agent Exam Secret Service Exam
Federal Civil Service Exams Law Enforcement Exams


What's Included

  • Two Federal Air Marshal–style logical reasoning tests
  • 120 additional logical deductions practice questions 
  • 21 different English grammar practice tests
  • Six situational judgement practice tests and two study guides
  • Fully detailed explanations & score reports
  • An introductory study guide to formal logic
  • Including all difficulty levels seen on the real test
  • Secured payment
Related PrepPacks™ that come with membership: