Free TSA CBT Test Practice & Guide for Both X-Ray and Newer Test Version.

The updated TSA test version lasts between 25-45 minutes, and comprises three question types: 2D to 3D shape folding, shape matching, and dot connection. These evaluate crucial cognitive skills necessary for a promising TSO, with a focus on visual information processing ability.

In these questions, you are given a flat, 2D shape (often with markings or labels on various segments) and asked to visualize how it would look when folded into a 3D object. You will be asked to match numbers on the faces of the 2D shape to the corresponding letters on the faces of the folded 3D shape.

Figure Folding requires methodical work, attention to detail, and an understanding of 3D figures. In the second example, it can be seen that while there are some 3D components overlapping, the shape that connects them is unique – and, therefore, could be easily tracked. After finding the first piece, the other pieces are more easily found. You can find many examples that will help you create a methodical workflow and a better understanding of how to approach these spatial questions in our All-Inclusive TSA CBT PrepPack.

In the Shapes Match questions, you are given a target shape and must quickly identify the matching shape from a series of other shapes. The matching shape may be rotated or scaled, adding to the complexity. On the actual test, time counts forward. While there's no time limit, answering quickly can improve your score.

On these TSA questions, you are presented with numbers and/or letters scattered on the screen. Initially, you'll be instructed to connect the dots numerically (1-2-3...), followed by connecting them alphabetically (A-B-C...). Finally, you'll be required to connect both numbers and letters sequentially (1-A-2-B-3-C...). Although this section may appear simple, achieving a high score requires high accuracy and speed.

The original version assesses different skills – mostly those directly related to the transportation security position. We will begin by covering the X-Ray portion of the test.

The TSA CBT X-Ray and English test lasts for 2.5 hours and is split into five sessions with breaks in between. It includes 100 images for the X-ray Object Recognition Test (ORT) section and 50-60 questions in the English section. The test is administered at a TSA testing center.

The TSA X-Ray test (also used by GardaWorld) is the section most candidates are nervous about. Here, you'll need to quickly decide whether you identify a given object or not, based on the question's instructions. These objects may include forbidden items such as knives and other weapons, as well as everyday items, like toys, kitchenware, electronics, etc. Note that you'll have 15 seconds per question on the real test.

How to analyze X-rays by color density?

X-Ray machines present images that are colored based on the density of the scanned items. The denser the material, the darker it will appear.

• Blue represents dense materials, such as metal, hard (dense) plastics, and different parts of weaponry.
• Green represents less dense materials such as plastics and alloys (less dense metals).
• Orange represents the least dense material, which is mostly biological material.

💡 Note that although most guns, knives, and grenades are made of metal, they might come in different densities, thus appearing in the TSA exam as green or even orange. 

Now that you have an idea of what the TSA questions look like, keep going to try different questions involving varied and unique items, which can be more tricky to find. We have divided the questions according to the different objects required to identify, starting with Toys, Pens, Keys, and Shoes. 

💡 Avoid memorizing the item's colors as they may change from one question to the next depending on the item's specific materials and densities – as can be seen in the following questions.  

How can you be certain of your observation?

If there was a key in the image, it would probably appear in blue (since it is made of metal). Like the TSA CBT exam, our practice test contains images with no concealed items. You must be able to memorize the different traits and structures you are looking for to quickly rule out the presence of items in the images.

Some images may be more challenging, with items that are more difficult to identify. See if you can spot the requested item in the following question: 

 Now try to solve this next set of questions, with different items to identify:

Some items such as water bottles are more distinct, and as seen in the examples above, their absence is clear. In the second example, common knowledge (spatula being made of wood) can be utilized to answer the question successfully. However, there are a variety of working tool items that may be more challenging to identify.

Now try this next set of questions, with new and varying items:

💡 Note – here you can spot a distinctive metal water bottle. However, since the question requires finding an electronic device, you should ignore the water bottle and any item that is not an electronic device. Make sure to always read and follow the instructions before each question. 

What traits should you look for to find electronic items?

A plug: pay attention to the different kinds of plugs (EU, US, AU, UK)

Colors: Many electronic items have a plastic wrap and inside of it are metal parts. The density of the metal parts shows as green or blue, so you can notice the chips, batteries, wires, and other metallic components inside the electronic object.

💡 An important note about knives:

On the actual TSA Computer-Based Test, you'll need to identify different kinds of knives, from large knives to utility knives, sharp nail filers, and even scissors. All these examples and more can be found in the wide variety of questions in our complete TSA Preparation Pack. 

Usually, the body of the grenade appears in green or blue. However, it is better to learn to identify its parts rather than relying on the colors, as they may look different in other X-Ray machines. Since the grenade may vary in shape, it is best to learn the different structures of different grenades and be prepared to identify them in any variation in the real test. 

Congratulations! You have now completed the free preparation for the X-Ray section of your TSA CBT exam. However, for most applicants, the test is yet to finish. We are now inviting you to prepare for the English section, which is crucial for your success in the TSA exam and for airport employees: 

The TSA screener English test (also known as the TSA Writing Skills Assessment) is a multiple-choice test that usually includes three topics: Reading Comprehension, Vocabulary, and Written Communication. Notice that your test may include some, and not all, of those topics, but we recommend practicing for all of those parts, in order to ensure you are fully prepared. 

 Read the following passage and try answering the questions below:

Common grammar mistakes you should be familiar with:

1. Adding a comma where it's inappropriate or forgetting to add a comma where needed.

2. Pronoun disagreement: for example - "Every TSA agent must wear their own badge."

3. Mistakes in apostrophe usage.

4. Sentence fragments- sentences without a subject and a verb.

5. No clear antecedent. For example - "The TSO found the passenger's Swiss knife, and he was surprised."

7. Mixing up spellings, such as you're/your, to/too, there/their, etc.

8. Capitalization mistakes.

For more vocabulary assessing exams, check out our Free Wonderlic Test Practice.

Below you'll find valuable resources for the other steps you need to pass during the Transportation Security Administration hiring process.

TSA CBT Hiring Process Guide

Airport Assessment

Medical Evaluation

Drug Test

Background Check

Ready Pool

Orientation

Training