TSA Test Preparation

The Transportation Security Administration is an agency of the U.S. Department of Homeland Security that was created as a response to the September 11 attacks. The TSA has authority over the security of the travelling public in the United States.

The Transportation Security Administration (TSA) assessment is also called the TSA computer-based test (TSA CBT) since it is a computer-based exam. A popular section found in this exam is the X-Ray test, which asks test-takers to locate specific items in luggage, such as guns, bottles, drugs, shoes, or electronics.

The TSA Hiring Process

To apply for the TSA exam, you must be a U.S. citizen, be at least 18 years old, and possess a high school diploma. The TSA screener test measures your skills in common object recognition, screening awareness, and customer service.

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Get our full TSA PrepPack, including: timed checks, helpful tips, and detailed answer explanations

What is the TSA Test?

The TSA test includes several topics, such as an English language assessment, decoding, and analysis of images from various technological testing methods. These subjects are used to assess your suitability for the job position you want.

The exam to become a Transportation Security Officer (TSO) is the same as the TSA test. Since the careers in Transportation Security Administration include security officers, it is most likely that you will need to take the TSA exam.

What to Expect on the TSA CBT Test

The TSA screener test consists of two different sections, one which evaluates your ability to read TSA X-Ray images, and one which assesses your English proficiency skills.

The TSA X-RAY Test

The TSA X-Ray image test, otherwise known as the object recognition test (ORT), evaluates how well you can spot suspicious items through X-ray screening. You will be presented with images of luggage that have gone through an X-Ray machine. You will be given only a few seconds to view the luggage and quickly find the item you have been instructed to identify.

The types of items you may be asked to locate in the luggage include guns, bottles, drugs, shoes, or electronics. When you take this section of the test, there will be only two possible answers for each question: a bag either does or does not contain a designated item. Correct answers will earn you points, but points will not be deducted for incorrect answers. If you cannot find a designated item in an X-Ray Image, we advise that you assume it does not appear in the image. This is because test takers under time pressure often mistake ordinary items for designated items.

Sample Question:
Identify whether you can find shoes/sandals in this x-ray picture of luggage. If you find the item, press 1 which stands for ‘yes,’ and if you don’t find the item, press 9 which stands for ‘no.

TSA CBT X-Ray Sample Image

The Writing Skills Test

The TSA English proficiency test (also known as the TSA written skills test) examines your language and grammar skills and consists of three subtests. These include the:

TSA Reading Comprehension Test

This part of the TSA test evaluates your English language abilities, reading aptitude, and speed-reading skills. You will be provided with written passages, each of which will be followed by multiple-choice questions. Questions may be given on a basic, intermediate, and/or advanced level.

Sample question:
Though 27 countries, including Britain, France, the Soviet Union, Germany and Italy, signed a Non-Intervention pact in September 1936, the war did soon take on an international element. Despite signing the pact, the Soviet Union did provide military assistance to the Republicans, and the Nationalist rebels were similarly supported by Nazi Germany and fascist Italy. Britain and France remained theoretically neutral, though in practice Britain was more neutral to the Nationalists than it was to the Republicans.

The Nationalists were supported by:

A. Britain
B. Italy and Germany
C. Germany and the Soviet Union
D. France

TSA Vocabulary Test

This part of the TSA assessment evaluates your vocabulary knowledge, spelling capabilities when recognizing words that are spelled incorrectly and correctly, aptitude when finding two words with opposite meanings (antonyms), and ability to identify two words with the same meaning (synonyms).

Sample question:
Select the word that is spelt incorrectly.

Judgement
Permenant
Dialogue
Adjacent

Written Communication Test

This part of the TSA exam measures your ability to choose the sentence that presents the provided information in the best way, as well as how well you organize sentences into paragraphs and make restatement choices.

You will also be scored based on how efficiently you organize ideas in a logical manner, and how you can recognize correct and incorrect punctuation and capitalization. Additionally, you will be assessed based on your English grammar, sentence completion, and proper use of syntax skills.

Sample question:
Select the sentence that represents the best example of English grammar.

A. Researchers have developed new headphones that block out extra noise while enhancing sound quality.
B. We excepted the award from the committee with honor and dignity.
C. He bought designer racing shoes since his running next week's marathon.
D. A trip is needed in order for the factory to assure, that the product will be distributed in a timely manner.

TSA Interview Questions and Answers

The TSA interview takes place in order to get to know you better and determine if your requirements, personality, goals, and disposition all fit the role you are applying for. Our TSA assessment preparation materials offer exclusive tips that you can use to improve your performance during this stage.

Examples of TSA interview questions and how you can answer them:

Question: What security experience do you have?
Answer: If you have any experience in security, now is the time to share where you previously worked, what your job title was, and discuss your everyday responsibilities. If not, be open about the fact that you are new to the field, yet you are a fast learner and you know that you have what it takes.

Question: Why should we hire you?
Answer: To give a clear and impressive answer to this question, you should take some time before the interview to think about your positive traits and abilities which set you apart. Make sure they are congruent with what the TSA is looking for.

TSA Test Preparation

You may be asking why it’s so important to practice for the TSA exam beforehand. The answer is simple. Acquiring an accurate and high-quality TSA practice test can help you gain in-depth, precise, and reliable resources. By practicing for each step of the TSA assessment process, you will gain the confidence needed to succeed!

Improve your chances by 73%

Get our full TSA PrepPack, including: timed checks, helpful tips, and detailed answer explanations

Please note that our practice tests are more compatible with desktops rather than mobile phones, therefore, we highly recommend practicing from your computer in order to simulate the real test.

Transportation Security Administration (TSA) Test Preparation - 2019 Edition

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