TSA CBT Test: Complete Guide with Free Practice Tests

Introduction: TSA CBT vs. TAB Tests

The Transportation Security Authority Computer Based Test, traditionally known as the TSA CBT Test, is an essential part of the Airport Assessment for roles like Transportation Security Officer (TSO) at the TSA. Recently, a new test, the TSA TAB Test, has been introduced at select airports, designed to complement the existing CBT with a focus on modern 3D imaging technologies. This evolution in testing reflects the TSA's commitment to employing advanced security screening techniques. Candidates should prepare for both the traditional CBT and the new TAB tests. On the following page, you will find all the information you need to know about these exams, including free examples and many tips and tricks to help you pass successfully.

Summary Table

Overview for the TSA TAB Test (New Test)

The TSA TAB Test is the newly introduced replacement for the older TSA CBT exam at select airports. It is significantly shorter–about 25–45 minutes compared to the 2.5-hour CBT–and uses advanced 3D CT scanners to display luggage in three dimensions.

Unlike the CBT, the TAB focuses on spatial reasoning and pattern recognition rather than English language or X-ray object interpretation. Sections include:

Want the full breakdown, tips, and practice examples? Read the complete TSA TAB Test guide here.

Overview for the TSA CBT Test (Old)

The TSA Computer Based Test (TSA CBT Test) is a test divided into two sections: English language proficiency and X-ray image interpretation skills. The maximum duration of the test is 2.5 hours, but many candidates finish well before this time limit. The test takes place at a TSA testing center and is administered on a computer. It consists of approximately 160 questions in total and is given only in English.

Who Is the TSA CBT Test Intended For?

Candidates wishing to be accepted as a TSO, Inspector, Director or Air Marshall must take the TSA CBT Test during their Airport Assessment.

Which Skills Are Assessed?

As mentioned above, the TSA CBT Test is composed of two different categories. The first is an English language test that assesses the candidate's ability to speak, write and understand the English language fluently. The level required is that of a native speaker and the English questions are generally at a high school level. The second category consists of an X-ray image interpretation test. The purpose of this test is to assess the candidates' primary abilities in visualizing dangerous and everyday objects, and to evaluate their speed of thinking and ability to differentiate between colors and give them meaning, based on the data received.

Should I Prepare for the TSA CBT?

Whether you are a native English speaker or not, it is important to prepare in advance in order to pass the CBT. Indeed, only 30% of the candidates manage to pass the CBT on the first try. It is therefore preferable to practice beforehand to increase your chances of success.

Check out our complete CBT exam preparation pack and maximize your chance to be part of the mere 30% who pass the crucial CBT on their first try!

The first section (Writing Skills Assessment) generally requires candidates to prepare more like a review, as the questions are not ones you think about every day. Depending on how you feel, you may want to focus on the different topics for a shorter or longer time.

The second section, object recognition on X-ray images, is more complicated and requires some preparation, especially if you have never done this kind of task before. The best way to practice is to do a complete preparation that allows you to get used to the different colors, images, objects, and traps that appear in the test.

Results

Results are calculated based solely on the number of correct answers. Candidates usually receive the results of the TSA CBT Test by email within minutes of taking it!

What Are the TSA CBT Question Topics?

The questions are separated into two categories:

1. TSA Writing Skills Assessment / English test
2. Introduction to X-ray/ORT and X-ray Threat Categories

The first section of TSA CBT Test is the English test. It is composed of about 60 multiple choice questions with a time limit and is divided into three categories:

1. Vocabulary
2. Reading Comprehension
3. Written Communication
4. Start Practicing Now

Vocabulary

Vocabulary questions are designed to test your level of English. They can be more complicated than they appear at first. They may require replacement of synonyms or antonyms in a given sentence, or spelling correction.

Synonyms

A synonym is a word or phrase that means exactly or nearly the same as another word or phrase in the same language.

Free Sample Question

"I said it then only because it would have been dreadful for him, but he understood it differently."

Which of the following options constitutes an appropriate replacement for the word written in bold?

1. Astonishing
2. Unpleasant
3. Shimmering
4. Wrathful

Antonyms

An antonym is a word of opposite meaning to another.

Free Sample Question

"In order to arrest and temporarily imprison criminal suspects, the police have taken effective measures."

Which word is the opposite of the one written in bold?

1. Limit
2. Hinder
3. Penalty
4. Release

Vocabulary

Vocabulary – all the words used or understood by a person, or that exist in a particular language.

Free Sample Question

"Management hopes to appease the unhappy workers by raising their salaries."

What does the word in bold mean?

1. To placate or mollify someone by giving them what they want.
2. To provoke impatience, anger, or displeasure.
3. Capable of being changed or adjusted to meet particular or varied needs.
4. To reduce the excessiveness of (something).

Tips and Tricks

• It is important to read a lot in order to improve your vocabulary. Indeed, the best way to learn the meaning of many words is by coming across them on a daily basis in articles or items, rather than by trying to memorize them. By reading books, newspapers, and interesting articles, you will encounter and learn many words that you do not use on a daily basis.
• Practice vocabulary questions to see if you are at the appropriate level. For Free sample question, our TSA CBT preparation pack contains many exercises designed to practice vocabulary questions, including full explanations.
• Optional: Review lists of synonyms and antonyms in order to refresh your memory. For instance, you may use flashcards to practice linking words together, whether they are synonyms or antonyms.

Reading Comprehension

In this category, you will be presented with a paragraph of varying length and complexity, followed by a multiple-choice question with four optional answers. The questions are intended to assess your understanding of the text, i.e., your level of English, and not your verbal and logical reasoning skills. The time limit for each question is approximately one and a half minutes.

Sample Questions

Free Sample Question No. 1

TSA employs approximately 50,000 screening officers at nearly 440 airports, creating a community of officers near and far. Additionally, if you're an active or retired service member, nearly 20% of our workforce are veterans or still proudly serving.

"As a TSO, your work is vital to preserving the safety of the traveling public. Your team knows that, and there's great teamwork when you're all working toward a common goal of keeping people safe," says Crane.

"During my time as TSO, climbing the ladder, and now as a Public Affairs Specialist, I've found comradery, unity and a community of individuals that care about each other and help each other," adds Hale. "Those internal bonds become strong, and your job can actually be a lot of fun because you enjoy working alongside your team. Being a TSO and working your way up is a great way to learn things from different people. And this knowledge, helps me still today to do my job better in my current role."

According to Crane, why is it interesting to work as a TSO?

1. Because he is a veteran and part of a community of veterans working at TSA.
2. Because it allowed him to become a Public Affairs Specialist.
3. Because it is a vital job that keeps passengers safe whilst providing a sense of community and unity among workers.
4. Because there are few places to work as a TSO, and the salary is very attractive.

Free Sample Question No. 2

Electric vehicles (EVs) have made huge technological strides since they were first introduced, and they are more popular than ever before.
For many motorists, simply knowing that electric vehicles are better for the environment is reason enough to make the investment.
Although EV range is constantly improving, it's still one of the main pain points for consumers deciding between electric and conventional. On a full charge, most electric models are limited to a range of 60 to 100 miles, but a small minority of models can go between 200 and 300 miles per charge.

Select the sentence that best expresses the ideas contained in the sentences above.

1. Electric cars are less popular than they used to be, although they are better for the environment.
2. Thanks to technological advances, electric cars have been greatly improved since their inception. However, this is not enough to reassure most motorists, for whom the knowledge that they are better for the environment is not enough, compared to the maximum distance that can be traveled between charges.
3. Electric cars are getting better and better from a technological point of view, which makes them more and more popular. For most motorists, the mere knowledge that they are better for the environment is enough to convince them of their superiority over conventional cars. However, one of the biggest deterrents is the maximum distance limit for a full charge.
4. Electric cars have made considerable advances in technology, which makes them quite popular. In addition to being better for the environment, they are now able to travel very long distances per charge, which is their strong point and helps convince reluctant motorists.

Tips and Tricks

• The most important thing to do in reading comprehension or paragraph questions is to read the entire text before choosing an answer. You may find that one of the statements seems to correspond to a sentence at the beginning of the text, when in fact it is a topic that is covered later in the text. It is therefore important to read the entire text to avoid such traps, in the hope of saving time.
• Some candidates prefer to read the questions first to get a general idea of what they should look for in the text before reading the text itself. Others feel that reading the questions first is a waste of valuable time. Since the proposed paragraphs are usually quite short, reading the question may help in understanding the text. It is up to you to decide which method is best for you.
• An answer may be a correct or logical statement in itself, but it may also be an incorrect answer to the question asked or an incorrect answer given in the text. Therefore, read the question carefully and look for clues in the text to confirm or refute each possible answer. In addition, an answer may be excluded even if it is partially correct, so do not rush to choose an answer until you have read it carefully in its entirety and have also read the other answers.

Written Communication

This third and final category is very broad and may contain different kinds of exercises. It is designed to assess your reading comprehension skills, such as grammar, spelling, and punctuation, which are essential for jobs requiring you to write reports or report written data. It also assesses your general grasp of the English language. Here are the different topics and exercises that may appear in the CBT exam.

Punctuation

Punctuation is the use of symbols such as full stops or periods, commas, question marks, and parentheses, to divide written words into sentences and clauses and thus clarify their meaning.

Free Sample Question

Which sentence is punctuated correctly?

1. When you arrive at the checkpoint let our officers know about your medical device and any other equipment prior to screening.
2. If you are traveling with medical equipment, or supplies, you will need to undergo separate screening'.
3. If you have questions or concerns at any time during the screening process, please ask to speak to a supervisor?
4. If you do not wish to go through screening by technology, inform the TSA officer and they will conduct a pat-down. Pat-downs are conducted by a TSA officer of the same gender, and you may request private screening at any time.

Capitalization

Capitalization is the action of writing or typing in capital letters or with an initial capital letter.

Free Sample Question

Which sentence is capitalized correctly?

1. Are you brining wine or other spirits from overseas? Our friends at Customs and Border Protection are in charge of the rules for bringing alcohol into the United States.
2. Before you get to the document examiner, be sure you have both your id and boarding pass in hand.
3. first things first, you'll want to remove everything from your pockets and place it inside your carry-on bag.
4. As Assistant Secretary for Public Affairs, marsha Espinosa oversees the Department of homeland Security's public outreach, media, strategic and incident communications efforts.

Spelling

Spelling is the forming of words from letters according to accepted usage.

How many words are spelled incorrectly in the following sentence?

"Lithium metal batteries (a.k.a.: non-rechargable lithium, primary lithium) are often used in cameras and other small personal electronics. Consumer-sized batteries (up to 2 grams of litium per battery) may be carried."

1. 0
2. 1
3. 2
4. 3

Grammar

Grammar – the rules about how words change their form and combine with other words to make sentences.

Free Sample Question

"Medications in pill or other solid forms must undergo security screening. TSA allows larger amounts of medically necessary liquids, gels, and aerosols in reasonable quantities for your trip, since you must declare them to TSA officers at the checkpoint for inspection. This includes over the counter medications such as cough syrup or heartburn medication."

What action is required in order to correct the sentence grammatically?

1. Change "of" to "from".
2. Change "since" to "but".
3. Change "This includes" to "These includes".
4. No correction is necessary.

Verb Conjugation

Verb conjugation refers to how a verb changes to show a different person, tense, number, or mood.

Free Sample Question

Complete the sentence with the correct verb:

If he were ever in trouble, they would give him all the help he _______.

1. would need
2. needs
3. will need
4. needed

Paragraph Organization

Paragraph organization exercises are designed to assess your ability to organize sentences into paragraphs.

Free Sample Question

1. Passenger names are also compared against a longer list of "selectees"; passengers whose names match names from this list receive a more thorough screening before being potentially allowed to board.
2. At last, at the airport security checkpoint, passengers are screened to ensure they are not carrying prohibited items.
3. The effectivity of these lists has been widely criticized on the basis of errors in how they are maintained, over concerns that the lists are unconstitutional, and over their ineffectiveness at preventing Umar Farouk Abdulmutallab, who attempted to detonate plastic explosives in his underwear, from boarding an aircraft.
4. Passenger names are compared against the No Fly List, a list of about 21,000 names (as of 2012) of suspected terrorists who are not allowed to board.

Select the answer that represents the most appropriate and effective ordering of the sentences above.

1. 1-2-3-4
2. 2-1-4-3
3. 4-1-3-2
4. 4-2-1-3

Sentence Completion

Sentence completion assesses your ability to complete a sentence that is missing one or more words. The propositions include misspelling, verb tense mistakes, or grammatical errors.

Free Sample Question

"Being a TSO offers flexibility and endless __________ within TSA and with other agencies as well. One's progression isn't defined solely by ______ title but by the positive work and impact they are making".

1. opportunities, their
2. opportunity, his
3. oportunities, this
4. opportunate, theirs

Tips and Tricks

• The best way to prepare for these types of questions is by completing exercises that will help you remember the different tenses, grammar, and spelling rules. The practice pack we offer contains hundreds of exercises with explanations that will allow you to practice effectively.
• As with the vocabulary questions, reading a lot of different types of texts can greatly improve your grammar and spelling, as well as your understanding of the use of different tenses. For free sample question, you can browse the TSA blog for a few minutes every day before your test. This will not only allow you to practice your reading comprehension skills for the exam but will also allow you to become acquainted with important information about the organization, details about a TSO's work, and implications on airport security. If you are interested in doing so, you can find the TSA blog here.
• Practice writing correctly on a day-to-day basis, even when communicating by text messages or email. This will help you maintain accurate written communication skills, which is exactly what is required of you on this exam.

TSA X-ray (ORT) Overview

Implemented in order to fight against air terrorism, X-ray screening is now one of the most important steps in airport security. X-ray technology allows a complete view of the interior of the luggage, allowing the contents to be inspected without opening it. Transportation Security Officers (TSOs) are the ones who look at and analyze the X-ray images of the luggage for any potentially dangerous objects. It is therefore logical that the TSA CBT Test includes an X-ray image analysis portion, as candidates must have a certain predisposition and ease in analyzing these images quickly and correctly. Indeed, a TSO Screener must be able to detect a threatening object in just a few seconds when inspecting an X-ray image of a passenger's baggage. This can be very complicated, given the many different shapes and materials that these objects can take on. In addition, these objects can look completely different in X-ray images than they do in real life, making the task of the Screeners even more difficult.

The TSA X-ray Test is known by many names, both past and recent. Examples include:

• TSA Object Recognition Test (TSA ORT)
• TSA X-ray ORT
• TSA Screening Test
• TSA X-ray Image Interpretation Test
• Pre-Board Screening Test
• X-ray Security Screening Test
• TSA CBT x ray practice test
• Airport Baggage Scanner Test
• Security X-ray Test
• Threat Image Projection Test

All these different names refer to the same test.

Test Format

The TSA X-ray Screening Test is the second part of the TSA exam. It is divided into 5 to 6 sections, each lasting about 5 minutes. Each section has 18 X-ray images to be analyzed for a specific object to look for. It can be a knife, a gun or a grenade, or any other object considered dangerous and prohibited. For each image, you are given 15 seconds to determine if the object is there or not. You must then click on 1 if you think the object is there, or 2 if you think it is not (it can also be another number - you will receive a full explanation in the introduction to the exam). Before you begin the exam, you will be shown several images of different dangerous objects in the different forms in which they may appear in the X-ray images. You will have 30 seconds to memorize their shape, size, color, and positioning. This will be useful for the test itself and will give you a base to look for.

The entire X-ray test takes roughly 30 minutes for about one hundred questions, or roughly 5 minutes per section.

FAQ: X-ray Basics

What Are X-rays?

X-rays are waves of electromagnetic energy. These waves are part of the electromagnetic spectrum, which also includes radio, infrared, microwave, UV, and gamma waves. X-rays are about one thousand times shorter than the wavelength of light. They are a very penetrating form of radiation that can pass through various materials that are opaque to our eyes. The German scientist Wilhelm Conrad Röntgen discovered them in 1895 and received in 1901 the first ever Nobel Prize in Physics for this discovery.

The two most common commercial uses of X-ray technology are medical imaging and security screening of baggage and cargo. X-rays have particular advantages over other security technologies, which is why nowadays they are indispensable in all airports. Compared to metal detectors, for example, X-rays can not only facilitate the detection of conventional metal weapons such as guns and knives, but also high-tech plastic, composite and ceramic weapons, explosives, illegal drugs, and other prohibited items. In addition to detecting these objects, X-rays also allow us to perceive their exact size, shape, and location.

Limitations

Although X-ray technology is nowadays very advanced, analysis and decision making with regards to reliable threat detection still depends entirely on TSOs, who are trained to visualize and interpret X-ray images. Indeed, many elements can disturb the visualization of dangerous objects. For example, the position of the object in the luggage can greatly obstruct its detection, which is why screeners train themselves to detect weapons and suspicious objects from all possible angles. A gun seen from the side would be extremely easy to detect, whereas detection from above becomes much more complicated. In addition, nowadays many objects other than firearms and knives are prohibited, such as IEDs, razor blades and liquids, considered potentially dangerous by airports. The detection of objects of such different shapes and materials is much more complicated. The positioning of the bag itself in the X-ray machine can also affect the visualization of its contents.

Some materials, such as crystal or certain types of glass, used for example in camera lenses, cannot be penetrated by X-rays and therefore appear opaque (black) when passing through the X-ray machine. These materials can be used to hide dangerous objects, so it is important to know how to recognize these cases and to pass them to the screener in charge of inspecting the luggage manually.

There are many additional limitations to X-ray screening. This is why candidates wishing to become TSOs must have a basic knowledge of baggage screening when taking their CBT exams. They must also participate in numerous training courses once they become TSOs, as they guarantee the safety of airports, staff, and passengers.

Colors

Before you can learn to decipher an X-ray image, you must understand the meaning of the colors. The colors are based on the average effective atomic number (Z_eff) of each material. The three standard colors (orange, green and blue) are based on the periodic table. These colors allow us to differentiate between materials classified as "organic", "inorganic" and metals. The X-ray classification of these materials differs from the common definitions in chemistry, where an organic element is a material containing carbon (C). To an explosives expert, Ammonium Nitrate would be considered inorganic because its chemical formula does not contain carbon, whereas an X-ray system would classify it as organic because its effective atomic number is between 0-8. The explosive would therefore appear orange in the image.

The colors that appear on the screen when an object passes through an X-ray machine may differ depending on the machine used and its technological advancement. The depth of these colors is based on the difference in density between the varied materials; the denser the material, the darker it will be. The most common machines use three colors to show the differences between the materials present in the luggage and other scanned objects:

Orange

The color orange represents the least dense materials, most often organic materials, whose atomic number is between 0 and 8. These materials include wood, oil, leather, liquids, organic powders (flour, baking soda, yeast), gels, and rubber. Examples of potential terrorist threats that are made of organic materials and may appear orange in color include C-4 explosives, TNT or Semtex.

Historical fact: Semtex and TNT were used in the 1988 Lockerbie (Scotland) terrorist attacks that blew up a Pan Am Flight 103 plane, killing 270 people.

In 3-color X-ray systems, there is no difference between organic materials and "low inorganic" materials, which also appear orange and have an atomic number between 8 and 10. These materials can be, for instance, paper, different fabrics, or cardboard. However, they can also represent drugs such as cocaine or heroin, which are also represented in orange.

Example

This image includes two packages of cocaine hidden in the lining of the suitcase.

Green

The color green represents materials with atomic numbers between 10 and 17 (for 3-color systems), therefore including highly inorganic materials such as glass, porcelain, and ceramics, as well as light metals such as aluminum, silicone, and plastic. Examples of threats that can appear green are propellants, gunpowder, or trigger devices.

Example

Scan of black powder in a jar:

Historical Fact: In 2004, an inorganic explosive based on Potassium Chlorate (KClO₃) was used to carry out a bombing at the Australian Embassy in Jakarta, Indonesia.

Blue

The color blue represents heavy materials (atomic numbers between 17 and 29) and dense materials (atomic number above 29). The intensity of the color blue increases with the density of materials. Among the heavy materials are iron and steel. Many threats appear in blue on the X-ray system screen, such as firearms and knives (conventional metal), batteries that can be connected to an explosive, grenades, bullets, etc. The densest materials include gold and silver, which can also be transported and can, in copious quantities, be connected to smuggling.

Example

Historical fact: In the 09/11 attacks, the terrorists hijacked four planes with knives and cutters. It was only after these attacks that knives were banned on board aircraft.

Some newer X-ray devices can show six different colors on the screen, which makes it easier to distinguish between the different materials used:

1. The color brown appears only when organic materials are present (Z_eff = 0-8), thus making it possible to distinguish military explosives such as C-4, TNT, or Semtex, from other slightly inorganic materials which will appear orange, as in the three-color system. This reduces the number of false alarms during screenings.
2. The color orange (Z_eff = 8-10) also distinguishes drugs and fertilizers from other organic materials.
3. The color yellow (Z_eff = 10-12) appears only when glass is present. It allows the screener to identify bottles of alcohol or suspicious liquids.
4. The color green (Z_eff = 12-17) makes it possible to discern IEDs, composed of electronic circuits, and/or detonators.
5. The color blue (Z_eff = 17-29) is used to detect heavy metals such as iron or steel, i.e., the main components of firearms or knives.
6. The color violet (Z_eff = 29+) appears when dense metals are present; this includes precious materials such as gold, silver, or platinum. The separation into distinct colors of these materials helps to detect illegal trafficking of precious metals.

The color black, in both three and six color systems, appears when materials impenetrable by X-rays are present, such as crystal. These opaque materials can be used to hide dangerous or contraband objects in luggage.

In the CBT exam taken nowadays the X-ray images appear in three colors, as they are relevant in most airports. In the future, with the advancement of technology and the use of six-color X-ray machines, the CBT could also use these images to evaluate future TSOs in a context appropriate to the advancement of technology.

Learn more about the different Threat Categories questions included in the TSA CBT X-ray Test and practice using our free sample test questions.

Tips and Tricks

1. Concentration and speed are key in this test; you must stay focused because you have only 15 seconds per image. Thus, losing concentration will cause you to lose precious time that you need in order to determine whether or not an object is located in each given image.
2. The objects appearing in the different categories may appear in different forms and may not necessarily correspond to the examples given at the beginning of each category. For example, the edged weapons may contain objects of all types, as explained earlier on this page.
3. Angles and positions of objects in X-ray images may change, so it is important to look for objects in the image all the while keeping in mind that they may appear in different configurations.
4. In some X-ray images, it may be difficult to distinguish the edges of different objects. In this case, focus on the colors and try to distinguish between the differences in intensity and shades.
5. If you cannot find the object you are looking for in the image and you reach the time limit, we recommend that you choose to answer claiming that the object is not there and press "3", rather than not answering at all. This is because wrong answers do not take away points; you have nothing to lose by guessing. The time limit and stress may cause you to decide that an object is in a picture without having seen it. We recommend that you choose answer "1" only if you have successfully viewed the required object.
6. To effectively scan for an object, divide the image into several parts. For example, you can divide the image into four parts (image a), divide it into several vertical parts (b) or horizontal parts (c) that you will study one by one. It is up to you to find the method that suits you best.

   

   

   

7. Finally, the best advice we can give you is this: practice! Only 30% of the candidates who attempt the CBT X-ray test are successful, and this is largely dependent on their preparation. We have provided a complete guide to the different categories of objects that appear in the test. This page provides you with a lot of essential information to help you better understand the CBT X-ray test and we therefore recommend that you read the entire page and understand and memorize the different tips presented. For even more practice, visit the online preparation page, where you can practice questions similar to the test under the same conditions.

Read on: TSA CBT Test: X-ray Threat Categories & Free Tests

As mentioned earlier, the TSA CBT Test is divided into 5-6 image sections. These categories include different types of threats or everyday objects that can be used or modified to make them dangerous. In order to prepare for the CBT, it is important to practice detecting different objects in an X-ray image. Objects may appear in different shapes, colors, viewpoints, be in pieces, hidden under other objects, etc. TSA Career will help you discover these different categories.

There are a few different and important elements to consider when analyzing X-ray images:

Key Factors in X-ray Analysis

• Angles: Each object can appear from different angles or viewpoints. Some views, for example from the front, are easy to recognize, while others make the task much more complex.
• Materials: In order to make forbidden objects indetectable when passing through X-ray machines, terrorists can use weapons made of different materials than the original ones, which makes them much more difficult to detect by screening.
• Shape: Some objects may appear in different shapes that are difficult to detect, especially if they are objects that you do not come across often in your daily life.
• Mental rotation: Objects in X-ray images may be presented upside down or sideways, making them more difficult to detect at first glance. It is important to know how to mentally rotate objects in order to discern them in the X-ray images.
• Overcrowding: In half-empty luggage, prohibited items are easily detected. However, the more a suitcase or bag is filled with various objects, the harder it becomes to distinguish potentially dangerous items.
• Overlapping: As with clutter, illegal objects underneath other objects become much more difficult to discern, both in shape and color.

These different elements make it very difficult to distinguish weapons and other dangerous objects in X-ray images, especially if you have never tried to do so before. It is therefore important to train yourself to recognize these items in all their forms, and under all conditions, in order to maximize your chance at succeeding and passing the TSA X-ray Test.

Firearms

Firearms are one of the most important categories of objects to detect in X-ray images. According to the TSA, dozens of firearms (mostly handguns) are requisitioned every week at hundreds of airports in the United States. Firearms are an overly broad category to detect in X-ray images, not only because of the wide variety of different weapons (pistols, revolvers, etc.), but also because of the materials used and the possibility of transporting them in parts or whilst containing ammunition.

Under the laws of many countries, the term "firearm" also includes any item that looks like a firearm, whether or not it is actually capable of firing. Thus, any item that may appear capable of firing a projectile or injuring someone is prohibited by most airports in carry-on luggage. This includes, but is not limited to:

• All types of firearms (pistols, revolvers, rifles, shotguns, etc.)
• Ammunition
• Parts of guns and firearms
• Realistic replicas of firearms
• Gun Powder
• Compressed air guns
• Rocket launcher
• Pellet guns
• Flare guns
• Flares
• Starter pistols
• Toy guns of all types
• BB guns
• Cap guns
• Industrial bolt and nail guns
• Crossbows
• Bolts
• Arrows
• Gun lighters
• Catapults
• Harpoon and spear guns
• Captive bolt pistol (also known as cattle gun, stun bolt gun, bolt gun and stunner)

Additionally, terrorists may use either manufactured weapons, i.e., those that were produced by professional weapons factories, or improvised weapons, i.e., those that were produced by non-professional weapons manufacturers or by the terrorists themselves. The improvised firearms can be much more difficult to detect on X-ray images due to their different sizes, shapes, and materials used. Some weapons may even be sold in disguised forms, such as a cane, a pen, or other everyday objects. Criminals may also choose to saw off the barrel of the weapon in order to change its shape, and/or disassemble and place it in strategic locations in carry-on luggage, such as hidden behind electrical components, in the lining of suitcases near metal support bars, behind dense items, or simply positions that make detection difficult.

All these elements complicate the TSO's task and they may appear in the X-ray images presented in the CBT X-ray Test. It is therefore important to familiarize yourself with the different parts of a firearm, the different possible viewpoints, and any representations of weapons or replicas that may be concealed in them.

Each firearm is generally composed of more or less identical parts, sharing the same characteristics that can be distinguished on an X-ray scanner:

Pistol

Revolver

1. Slide: The slide of a gun is the upper part that covers the chamber, the mechanical parts that trigger the shot and those that manage the movement of the ammunition in the weapon. It can cover all or part of the barrel, depending on the weapon model. This part is the densest part of the weapon and consequently its color is generally the darkest (blue because it is made of steel or heavy metal).
2. Trigger: The trigger is the mechanical element of a firearm that allows firing shots. It can be made of different metals or materials and thus may appear in different colors. Moreover, it can be hidden from different angles or points of view, complicating detection of the firearm.
3. Grip: The grip is the handle of the weapon. It is also the part in which the magazine is inserted in a pistol. It can be made of different materials and thus appear in different colors on X-ray image.
4. Barrel: The barrel is the straight shooting tube, usually made of high-strength metal. It can be entirely/partially covered by the slide, as in the case of a pistol. In conventional firearms it will always appear in blue in the X-ray images.
5. Magazine: The magazine is a part found only in pistols. It will always include a spring; this is necessary in order to create enough pressure to shoot the bullets. This spring appears in X-ray images and can be used to detect the presence of a gun in an image.
6. Cylinder : The cylinder is a part found only in revolvers. It is the rotating part containing multiple chambers into which ammunition is inserted.
7. Cartridge: A cartridge is a type of pre-assembled ammunition for firearms. It consists of a propellant charge (usually black powder or smokeless powder) and a projectile (bullet).

Different Angles and Points of View: Pistols

In order to best prepare you, here are several examples of possible views and states of a gun, as seen under X-ray:

Slide forward without magazine and without bullets:

Top/bottom view:

Slide back without magazine and without bullets:

Slide forward with magazine and bullets:

Slide forward with magazine but without bullets:

Gun disassembled:

Magazine or cartridge only with bullets:

Real, Non-Conventional, and Toy Weapons

In 2019, 4,432 firearms were found during screenings at U.S. airport security checkpoints. This equates to an average of 85.2 guns per week or 12.1 guns found per day. 3,863 of the weapons were loaded.

This huge number demonstrates just how important the TSO's work in an airport is.

Free Sample Questions

Here are several examples of questions that may or may not appear with firearms. Choose answer one if you recognize a gun in the luggage. Choose answer two if you think there is no gun in the image.

Question 1

1. 1
2. 2

Click here to see the answer

You should have selected 1.

Explanation: You can see a weapon hidden behind the computer, appearing visibly from the front.

Question 2

1. 1
2. 2

Click here to see the answer

You should have selected 1.

Explanation: Here we can also see a weapon hidden behind the computer, this time upside down.

Question 3

1. 1
2. 2

Question 4

1. 1
2. 2

Click here to see the answer

You should have selected 1.

Explanation: In this question we can see a gun seen from above, hidden behind the computer. Only the barrel and the slide appear in this image; their higher density causes these areas in the image to appear black behind the already dense blue of the computer.

Question 5

1. 1
2. 2

For more sample X-ray questions from the guns category, check our complete preparation pack.

Explosives

Explosives are, along with firearms, one of the greatest threats used by terrorists to achieve mass casualties. Explosives can appear in many forms, including grenades, military explosives, improvised explosive devices (IEDs), pipe bombs, and liquids.

Terrorists have used various methods to infiltrate explosives onto an aircraft. Since explosives can be of different sizes, shapes, materials, components, and colors, they are extremely difficult to detect during screening by TSOs, and constant vigilance is required when checking carry-on luggage and passengers. Indeed, explosives can be inserted inside checked luggage and hand luggage but can also be carried on the passengers themselves (for example in the heels of shoes). In addition, explosives can be concealed on or in the hand luggage of other passengers, after having been either given as a gift or under threat, or even without their awareness.

It is very likely that the TSA CBT test you take will include X-ray images with explosives. Below you will find all the necessary information about the different types of explosives, colors, densities, shapes, and sizes, as well as examples of X-ray images with explosives.

Grenades

A hand grenade is a small explosive device designed to be thrown by hand and then explode after a brief time. They come in different forms and contents: some are explosive, some are incendiary (produce intense heat due to a chemical reaction with the white phosphorus inside), and some emit smoke or gas. However, the grenade most commonly used by terrorists is the fragmentation grenade, an anti-personnel weapon designed to explode after a certain time limit (usually a few seconds).

Different Parts of a Hand Grenade

The main elements of a grenade are:

1. Body: contains filler and, in certain grenades, also provides fragmentation.
2. Filler: the chemical or explosive in the grenade that determines the type of grenade and its characteristics. For example, a Comp-B grenade contains a mixture of RDX and TNT, both organic materials.
3. Fuse assembly: makes the grenade work by igniting or detonating the charge. It also includes a timer that allows the grenade to explode after several seconds.
4. Safety pin and clip: the safety clip prevents the pin from being pulled out by accident, while the clip prevents the safety lever from moving and engaging the detonator.

Colors

The outer part of a hand grenade is usually made entirely of metal or iron. Because of this, they appear blue in the X-ray images, as in the image above.

Historical facts: In December 1985, several groups of terrorists simultaneously attacked Israeli airline El Al counters at airports in Rome, Italy and Vienna, Austria, using hand grenades and machine guns. Nineteen civilians were killed, and many were injured. To date, this attack was the last in which grenades were used.

IED – Improvised Explosive Device

IEDs – Improvised Explosive Devices, are explosives improvised by terrorists for the purpose of committing attacks. Unlike the stereotypical stick of dynamite attached to an alarm clock used as a counter, IEDs can appear in many different shapes, making them extremely difficult to detect. The materials used can often be molded into any number of different shapes and objects and even be prepared into thin sheets that can be slipped into the linings of suitcases. In addition, the densities, and other characteristics of IEDs can make them appear similar to other harmless organic materials such as leather, plastic, textiles, or food. As technology advances, IEDs are becoming more complex and difficult to detect, constantly changing and evolving. Even the smallest IEDs can have enormous destructive power, especially when detonated in the pressurized cabin of a high-flying aircraft.

Although each IED is different, the main elements remain the same.

The Explosive

Explosive materials are chemical compounds or mixtures that react to a stimulus (heat, friction, ignition, etc.) by undergoing dramatic chemical decomposition. This reaction may be an explosion, a fire, or may produce a lot of heat and gas in a very short time, thus releasing large amounts of energy. The pressure and energy released can be used to spread shrapnel, pieces of metal, or other objects being pushed out of the explosive, with the intention of injuring or killing nearby people and causing considerable damage. Explosive charges can be military, commercial, homemade, or combinations.

One of the most common types of materials used by terrorists is plastic (plastic explosives), also used by the military. Its main quality is its malleability, which allows it to adapt to all kinds of materials or to take different shapes. Moreover, it forms a binding base that surrounds the explosive material, which makes it less sensitive to heat and shock and allows it to be handled and transported with limited risk. An example of a plastic explosive is C4, which is made of a clay-like material that is ideal for camouflaging an IED. Another example is Semtex, used in the 1988 Lockerbie bombing of Pan Am Flight 103. Plastic explosives appear orange in X-ray images.

Energy Supplier

All IEDs require power, most often from regular or electronic device batteries, and usually require several batteries connected together, as with most electronic devices today. Batteries or cells are usually filled with carbon, with a metallic shell, and therefore appear blue or green (although carbon is an organic material). The presence of batteries in different objects that are not supposed to contain them should arouse your suspicion when inspecting X-ray images, as well as the presence of too many batteries, or a battery of a non-typical shape or size (e.g., round batteries in a computer). In addition, you must pay attention to batteries with pieces of solder attaching, messy wiring, and other such items, when observing X-ray images.

Detonator (Initiator)

The detonator initiates the explosion process, creating a tiny explosion in its center. The detonator can be commercial, military, or improvised. It usually consists of a small pipe, made of copper, glass, or aluminum, closed on one side. Its structure is usually very delicate, containing a very small amount of explosive material in the center. Because of their small size and low density, detonators can be difficult to spot on X-ray images. They can be distinguished by detecting the presence of small parallel wires ending suddenly, or by detecting an opaque area in the center of the detonator, due to the presence of lead azide (inorganic compound), which can be thought of as a "signature", betraying the presence of a detonator.

Switch

There are several kinds of switches: anti-handling switches, which are designed to be activated if the IED is handled, lifted, or opened; delay switches, which time the explosion by clockwork, digital, thermal, chemical/electrochemical mechanisms; and remote-control switches, which allow the IED to be detonated remotely. They can appear in the form of complex electronic components, telephones, watches, or even simple circular metallic cables crossing each other.

Wiring

Wiring is necessary to connect the various components of an IED. Terrorists often use cables of different lengths, without regard to the appearance of the object, and the quality of the cabling may be inconsistent with the quality of the item. In addition, there may be an excessive amount of wiring relative to the size of the object and the wires may even protrude. You should look out for all of these details when looking for IEDs in X-ray images.

Timer

A watch or alarm clock is often used as a time-delay detonation method in IEDs. The hands of the watch are used to complete an electrical circuit to detonate the explosive. However, some terrorists also use digital and electronic timers.

Colors

Depending on the nature of an IED, it may appear in different colors in the X-ray systems, usually orange or green, depending on the chemical components and their atomic number (Z_eff). As a general rule, military and commercial explosives appear orange, whilst homemade IEDs tend to appear green.

Examples of Military Explosives

Plastic explosives such as C-4 or Semtex also appear orange in color:

Among the commercial explosives, most commonly used is Ammonium Nitrate (orange), often mixed with Aluminum Powder (green):

When these are mixed, the products can appear as a mixture of orange and green colors, called AN/AL. The higher the aluminum concentration in the mixture, the greener it will appear.

Explosives composed of inorganic materials, such as Potassium Chlorate or Potassium Nitrate, appear in green. These mixtures are used increasingly by terrorists and therefore it is important to know how to recognize them as well.

Another type of inorganic explosive that appears in green is Poor mans C-4:

Wiring used for IED's can also appear in either orange or green. Detonator wires usually contain PETN or RDX (military explosives) and will therefore appear orange, whereas time-delayed detonator wires or amateur trigger wires usually contain black powder that appears green in the X-ray images.

Explosives can also be part of the IED's used by terrorists. Water has a higher density than explosive liquids such as diesel and therefore appears darker in X-ray images:

Another type of commonly used IEDs is called Pipe Bombs. These are built of pipes containing explosive materials, such as black powder (green under X-ray) or smokeless powder (orange under X-ray). The pipes can also be made out of various materials, for example PVC or metal (blue under X-ray). Most X-ray systems will not necessarily be able to detect the explosive in the pipe, so it is important to be able to recognize the shape of the pipe as well as the different colors in which it may appear.

Example of a pipe bomb in a baggage:

Historical facts: In 2001, an individual by the name of Richard Reid attempted to detonate an IED composed of black powder and a detonator, placed in his shoe on a flight from Paris to Miami. His attempt to ignite the explosive failed due to perspiration and he was arrested upon the plane's landing.In 2009, an individual aboard a plane from Ghana to Amsterdam attempted to detonate his underwear with a PETN detonator sewn into it. On lighting the explosive the terrorist set fire to his legs and part of the plane, but the fire was put out.
In 2011, terrorists used explosive belts consisting of 5 kg of TNT and shrapnel to detonate themselves in the arrival terminal of the Moscow airport, killing 37 people and injuring 180.

Examples of Questions

Question 1

1. 1
2. 2

Click here to see the answer

You should have selected 1.

Explanation: We can see an orange explosive rectangle connected to a battery and a small detonator.

Question 2

1. 1
2. 2

Click here to see the answer

You should have selected 1.

Explanation: In this example, we can see an organic explosive (orange) connected to batteries and a detonator.

Question 3

1. 1
2. 2

Question 4

1. 1
2. 2

Click here to see the answer

You should have selected 1.

Explanation: In this example, we can see a TNT type explosive, orange in color, with metal tips appearing blue.

Question 5

1. 1
2. 2

For more sample X-ray questions from the explosives category, check our complete preparation pack.

White Weapons

Bladed weapons include more than just knives and can appear in different forms. By definition, according to Wikipedia, a bladed weapon is a cutting, piercing or blunt weapon that is activated only by human force or by a mechanism to which it has been connected, excluding an explosion, and regardless of whether it is made of wood, stone, bone, edge, metal, or composite materials. This definition includes many items that are prohibited from passengers' carry-on baggage, including, but not limited to:

• Knives of all types
• Razors and razor blades
• Swords, sabers
• Scalpels
• Scissors with a blade longer than six centimeters
• Harpoons
• Arrows and darts
• Machetes and axes
• Tools that can be used as a weapon (screwdrivers, cutters, hammers, drills, bits, saws, Swiss Army knife, pliers, etc.)
• Shuriken (throwing stars)
• Ice skates
• Baseball and cricket bats
• Clubs of all types (golf clubs, clubs, sticks, pool cues, etc.)
• Field hockey or Lacrosse sticks
• Kayak or canoe paddles
• Skateboards
• Fishing rods
• Martial arts equipment (Nunchuks, brass knuckles, kubotan, etc.)

As described in the definition, knives and other edged weapons can be made of different materials, be it metal, ceramic, wood, plastic compounds, or glass. Materials other than metal, which is easily recognizable by its blue color in an X-ray image, are characterized by low density X-ray projections that can be exceedingly difficult to detect visually by the screeners. Most often, the handle and the blade of a knife will be made of different materials, e.g., wood and metal, and will therefore appear of different color and density: it is highly possible that only the handle or only the blade appear in the image. In addition, the position of the weapon or tool can strongly affect detection difficulty; a blade that is bent, turned on its side or hidden in a corner of the case will be much more difficult to identify.

Examples of Knives Made of Different Materials

Real facts: Prior to 2001, knives with a blade less than 10 centimeters could be carried in passengers' carry-on luggage legally and were not prohibited. Following the attacks of September 11, 2001, the policy of what was allowed in carry-on luggage changed completely. In these attacks the terrorists carried knives, which they used to take control of the planes and injure several passengers and personnel, before using the planes as missiles.

Free Sample Questions

Question 1

1. 1
2. 2

Click here to see the answer

You should have selected 1.

Explanation: In this example, you can see that there is a large knife resembling a kitchen knife in the center of the image.

Question 2

1. 1
2. 2

Click here to see the answer

You should have selected 1.

Explanation: In this example, we can see that there are Nunchuks in the picture. These are at the bottom and appear in orange color.

Question 3

1. 1
2. 2

Click here to see the answer

You should have selected 1.

Explanation: In this example, we can see that there is at least one cutter in the image.

Question 4

1. 1
2. 2

Click here to see the answer

You should have selected 1.

Explanation: In this image you can see a knife hidden under the computer.

Question 5

1. 1
2. 2

Click here to see the answer

You should have selected 1.

Explanation: In this example, we can see a knife with a folding blade. Only the handle is visible, as the blade is folded into the handle.

For more sample X-ray questions from the knives category, check our complete preparation pack.

Drugs

Illegal substances such as drugs are obviously forbidden in airports and airplanes, and their transportation in hand luggage or checked luggage is prohibited. The transport of medication is authorized, and no special precautions are required, except for liquid medication (more than 100 ml or 3.3814 ounce). It is advisable to present liquid medications to the TSO screening your hand luggage.

Smugglers sometimes try to hide drugs such as cocaine in luggage. Cocaine is an organic product and therefore appears orange in the X-ray images. It appears as a block, usually hidden in the lining of the suitcase. Heroin also appears orange in color.

Historical facts: In July 2019, a 42-year-old woman traveling with her young son from Canada was arrested at Sydney airport with twelve kilograms of cocaine in her luggage.

Free Sample Questions

Question 1

1. 1
2. 2

Click here to see the answer

You should have selected 1.

Explanation: In this example, there are two packages of heroin in the suitcase.

Question 2

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2. 2

Question 3

1. 1
2. 2

Click here to see the answer

You should have selected 1.

Explanation: In this example, there are two packages of cocaine in the suitcase.

Question 4

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2. 2

Question 5

1. 1
2. 2

Click here to see the answer

You should have selected 1.

Explanation: In this image you can see many packages of drugs in the suitcase, probably cocaine.

For more sample X-ray questions from the drugs category, check our complete preparation.

Tools

Tools larger than 7 inches are not allowed in carry-on luggage. However, they can be carried in checked luggage. Tools are usually made of metal and therefore appear blue on the X-ray images.

Free Sample Questions

Question 1

1. 1
2. 2

Click here to see the answer

You should have selected 1.

Explanation: In this example, you can see a plier on the right side of the suitcase.

Question 2

1. 1
2. 2

Click here to see the answer

You should have selected 1.

Explanation: In this example, you can see three tools in the center of the case: two pliers and a wrench.

Question 3

1. 1
2. 2

Question 4

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Click here to see the answer

You should have selected 1.

Explanation: In this image we can identify at least one tool; a wrench in the suitcase. It is highly likely that other tools are also present.

Question 5

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2. 2

Click here to see the answer

You should have selected 1.

Explanation: In this image, a complete tool kit with many tools can be seen.

For more sample X-ray questions from the tools category, check our complete preparation.

Banned Items

Currently, hundreds of items are banned and cannot be carried on board an aircraft or inside an airport. To determine whether or not you can take a certain item with you we recommend visiting the TSA website, which lists all items that are allowed and prohibited. If you are studying to take the CBT test, you can also visit this page to familiarize yourself with the various restrictions.

Skills and Competencies Required

The CBT test in general, and the X-ray section in particular, require certain competencies from candidates. The exam's purpose is to ensure that they meet the requirements, skills, and values required for the TSO position:

• Visual Search: the ability to examine a visual scene (in this case an X-ray image), considering both the time limit and the entire scene.
• Figure-ground segregation: the ability to distinguish distinct objects from background clutter, using cues such as edge demarcations and different colors.
• Mental Rotation: the ability to recognize objects positioned in different orientations.
• Spatial Imagination: the ability to mentally visualize rearrangements or recombination of separate elements to form a three-dimensional object.
• Attentiveness: the ability to focus and maintain attention.
• Concentration: the ability to filter out irrelevant external stimuli such as noise or constant movement in the screening areas and to focus one's direct cognitive abilities on a primary task.
• Retention: the ability to acquire knowledge and skills at a certain level and maintain them at that level over time.
• Memory: the ability to internally reference an image or situation based on previous visual presentations or external references.

You can improve all these skills by training for the CBT X-ray test beforehand. Visit the following link to reach our preparation packs.

Next Step After the CBT: Conditional Offer

If you pass the TSA CBT Test, the next step in the hiring process is typically the receipt of a conditional offer. This is not a final offer of employment, but rather an offer contingent on the successful completion of the remaining recruitment phases. Even if you accept, you should not resign from your current job yet, as there are still additional assessments and potential waiting periods before final hiring.

The conditional offer may arrive by email shortly after completing the CBT, sometimes even within minutes.

Want to see the full hiring journey? Read our detailed guide to the TSA Airport Assessment and Hiring Process.