The TSA CBT Test with Tips and Examples for 2025
Updated November 16, 2023
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If you are applying to work for the Transportation Security Authority (TSA), the Computer Based Test (CBT) is an important part of the hiring process. The TSA CBT Test is designed to assess candidates in two areas – X-ray image interpretation and English language proficiency.
For the X-ray section, you will need to be able to quickly recognize forbidden items, including knives, guns and other weapons. Candidates are given up to 2.5 hours to work their way through the test, although many people do not require the full allotted time frame.
In this article, you can learn more about what to expect from the TSA CBT test, including transportation security administration test sample questions and tips on how to prepare for the assessment.
What Is the TSA CBT Test?
TSA CBT stands for Transportation Security Authority TSA Computer-Based Test. The TSA CBT is also sometimes referred to as the Transportation Security Officer Computer Based Test.
If you are applying for jobs as a TSA inspector, manager or Transportation Security Officer, you will be expected to sit the TSA CBT.
Your test results will be analyzed to establish whether you are a good fit for the job role and organization.
The purpose of the test is to screen out unsuitable candidates at an early stage of the hiring process. The test checks a candidates competency for object recognition, screener awareness and the English language.
If you do not achieve the TSA CBT test passing score on the test, you will not move forward to the next part of the application process.
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The Two Components of the CBT TSA Test?
There are 160 TSA test questions in this assessment. The TSA CBT Test comprises two components:
- The TSA CBT X-Ray Test
- The TSA CBT English Test
Read on to learn more about each of the test components.
TSA CBT X-Ray Test (Image Interpretation of the X-Ray Test)
This section of the test is also known as Baggage Scanner Training or the Object Recognition Test (ORT).
It is widely considered to be the most difficult part of the airport assessment, with a pass rate of just 30%.
You may be asked to take the test more than once, even if you pass the first time. This is to make sure you have the cognitive and visual skills required for this aspect of the job role.
This part of the test is taken at a dedicated test center.
You will need to arrive at the test center at least 30 minutes prior to the start of the test. This will allow you time to complete any further paperwork.
The test will take 2.5 hours to complete. Each section is subject to strict time constraints.
You will usually be presented with two practice questions prior to the actual test.
In the first question, you will need to remember the shapes of up to six target items in 30 seconds. In the next question, you must identify the target items within a 15-second timeframe.
When you move onto the actual test, you will be allowed a few seconds to review each image. Each picture shows an item of baggage, like the one below:
During this allotted time frame, you will need to identify whether the baggage contains any target or prohibited items.
Target items are forbidden objects, such as:
- Bottles
- Drugs
- Electronics
- Weapons
Although different X-ray machines produce different results, you can decipher different materials and densities of objects using the colors applied to the X-ray.
- Organic materials – Typically represented in shades of orange. This category includes most common items like clothing, paper and food items.
- Inorganic materials – Generally represented in shades of blue. This category includes materials like metals, plastics, ceramics and other non-organic substances.
- High-density materials – Represented in shades of green or sometimes red. These materials have higher atomic densities, such as thick metal objects or dense alloys.
- Low-density materials – Represented in shades of black. These materials have lower atomic densities, such as empty spaces or low-density plastics.
For each image, you will be asked to choose ‘pass’, ‘alarm’ or ‘hold’.
- If you choose ‘pass’, this means that you have not seen any target items within the image.
- If you choose ‘alarm’, you have seen a prohibited item and need to request intervention from the police.
- If you choose ‘hold’, this means you have seen a prohibited item that requires intervention from a TSO officer and further screening.
Some of the images will only contain non-dangerous items. Some of the images will show a mixture of dangerous and non-dangerous items. Your task is to identify the baggage that contains prohibited items such as bombs, guns, knives and IEDs.
If you see a prohibited item, you must choose ‘alarm’ or ‘hold’, depending on the item you have seen.
You will see a variety of images, some of which will be more complex than others.
For example, sometimes the items will be overlapping, which can make it more difficult to identify prohibited objects.
TSA CBT English Test (Written Skills Assessment)
This section of the test is a time-limited multiple-choice assessment. It is designed to assess your understanding of the basic principles of the English language, including:
- Grammar
- Syntax
- Vocabulary
- Word usage
- Sentences
- Paragraphs
Prior to sitting the test, it is important that you have a comprehensive understanding of:
- Sentence structure and organization within paragraphs
- Phrases and clauses (including restrictive and nonrestrictive)
- Verbs (including voice, mood and tense)
- Infinitive
- Participle
- Gerund
- Noun
- Pronoun
- Adverb and adjective
- Article
- Conjunction
- Preposition
- Tense shifts
- Capitalization
- Punctuation
You must answer every question in the test. There is no penalty for giving an incorrect answer – your score is based on the number of correct answers that you give.
If you are unsure, it is always best to make an educated guess.
Each of the multiple-choice questions include 'option D', which says ‘no correction is needed’. This is a viable answer if no changes are required.
TSA Practice Test Questions
English Test – TSA Practice Questions
Vocabulary
'Subservient' is the opposite of:
a) Depressed
b) Ragged
c) Imperious
d) Talkative
1. Identify which type of error(s) appear in the sentence:
Mrs. Merkel’s meeting, has been moved, because of a Hairdresser’s appointment.
a) Grammar
b) Spelling
c) Punctuation and capitalisation
d) None of the above
2. Choose the word that is spelled correctly.
a) Adjasent
b) Reliable
c) Miminal
d) Accomodate
Study the X-ray image below:
Would you:
a) Hold
b) Alarm
c) Pass
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How Is the TSA CBT Test Scored?
The TSA CBT Assessment is scored according to the number of correct answers that you give. You will not be penalized for giving an incorrect answer.
You will usually receive your results within 30 minutes of completing the test. Your results will be sent to you via email. If you do not pass the test, you will have to wait six months before you will be allowed to reapply for another TSA position.
If you pass the test, your score will be categorized as Best Qualified, Highly Qualified or Qualified.
Achieving the highest possible score in the test is vital. Candidates categorized as Best Qualified stand the best chance of being offered the job they have applied for.
How to Pass the TSA Test: Top Tips
If you are applying for TSA job roles, it is important that you spend some time preparing for the TSA tests.
Read on for step-by-step tips on how to prepare for the TSA test.
Step 1. Understand the Test Format
Knowing what to expect from the test format is a good way to reduce nerves on the day of the test.
Familiarize yourself with the number and type of questions you are likely to face.
Step 2. Take Online Practice Tests and Use TSA CBT Study Guides
Completing mock tests and TSA CBT practice test assessment questions should form a significant part of your TSA test prep.
This is also one of the best ways to become familiar with the format of the test.
Practice answering TSA exam practice questions against the clock, as this will help you to prepare for the pressurized nature of the actual test.
Websites such as JobTestPrep offer a TSA CBT study guide as well as TSA practice questions with TSA CBT test answers. You can find free TSA practice tests online too.
Step 3. Read the Questions Carefully
You will need to work through the questions quickly, but this does not mean you should rush.
Always take the time to read each question properly before choosing an answer. This will help you to avoid making silly mistakes.
The more TSA practice questions that you answer, the faster you will be able to work your way through the mock assessments.
Step 4. Learn Time Management
The TSA test must be completed against the clock, therefore it is important that you learn to manage your time effectively.
This does not mean you should rush – instead, you should learn techniques that will allow you to stay calm under pressure and work your way through the questions methodically.
Step 5. Revise the List of Banned Items for the X-Ray Test
Having a good knowledge of the list of banned items is vital when taking the TSA X-ray test.
You can find a list of the banned items on the TSA Test Prep website.
Consider asking a friend or family member to test you on which category the items fall under.
Step 6. Recap the CBT X-Ray Image Rules
Ensuring that you have a good understanding of the X-ray image rules will help you to succeed in this portion of the test.
Once you have refreshed your knowledge, try taking a TSA X ray practice test to check your knowledge.
Step 7. Look at Similar Photos Online
You can find preparation resources for the X-ray test online, including similar photos.
Looking at these will help you to familiarize yourself with the type of images you will see on the test.
This can be helpful with time management, as you may find that you are able to work your way through the images more quickly.
Step 8. Read Different Materials in English
Improving your general knowledge and comprehension of the English language is an effective way to prepare for the TSA CBT English test portion of the test.
Try to read a variety of different documents and publications. Look out for spelling and grammatical errors in newspapers or magazines.
If you see a word that you are not familiar with, look it up in the dictionary to improve your vocabulary.
Step 9. Review TSA Materials
You can find a variety of TSA revision materials online. Dedicating time to working your way through these will stand you in good stead for the test.
Step 10. Revise Basic Grammar Rules
It may seem a long time since you learned the basic rules of grammar.
You may find it useful to go back to basics and learn these from scratch as part of your TSA test prep.
The computer-based test (CBT) for the Transportation Security Authority (TSA) is an online assessment.
It is divided into two sections – the X-ray image interpretation section and the English language proficiency section.
If you are applying for TSA jobs, you will need to pass the CBT for TSA.
The TSA CBT test is an important part of the hiring process. It is considered to be a hard test to pass, and it is even more difficult if you do not prepare for it.
The X-ray image interpretation section is the most difficult part of the test. The pass rate for this portion is just 30%.
The TSA CBT test is split into two sections – the X-ray image interpretation section and writing skills assessment and English language proficiency section. The test is made up of 160 questions.
In the X-ray section, you will need to identify prohibited or banned objects in a series of X-ray pictures.
In the English language proficiency section, you will need to show your understanding of the basic principles of the English language.
You should wear smart clothing to your TSA CBT test.
Choose an outfit that is both professional and comfortable, as the test takes around 2.5 hours to complete.
One of the most effective ways to prepare for the TSA CBT test is to practice answering mock test questions. Use the practice TSA CBT test answers to inform your study.
This is particularly important when it comes to the X-ray object recognition aspect of the test.
You can find TSA practice test questions for the TSA CBT test on the JobTestPrep website. They also have a TSA exam study guide.
You can also find free TSA CBT practice tests online.
There are 160 questions on the TSA CBT test. This is broken down into 100 questions for the X-ray image interpretation section and 60 questions in the English language comprehension section.
You can find a variety of example questions for the TSA CBT test on the JobTestPrep website.
The TSA will schedule and confirm the date and time for your CBT test. If you are unable to attend at the specified time, you will need to contact them to agree on an alternative date and time.
Preparation is vital if you want to pass the TSA CBT test. One of the best ways to prepare for the test is to practice answering mock questions.
It is also important to become familiar with the prohibited items list for the X-ray object recognition aspect of the test. For the English language section, you should revise basic spelling and grammar rules.
When taking the TSA CBT test, you should expect a challenging set of questions.
The test is broken down into two sections.
For the X-ray image recognition section, you will be expected to have a good knowledge of the list of prohibited or banned items. For the English language section, you will need to have a good understanding of the English language.
The TSA CBT test takes 2.5 hours to complete. It is made up of 160 questions. There are 100 questions in the X-ray image recognition section and 60 questions in the English language section.
You can get a complete guide for the TSA CBT test (including practice questions) on the JobTestPrep website.
Final Thoughts
The TSA CBT test is a challenging assessment to pass. However, if you wish to work for the TSA, you will need to achieve a satisfactory score on the test.
The best way to prepare for the test is to become familiar with the format of the questions. You should also spend time learning the prohibited items and improving your spelling and vocabulary.
