Free TSA Assessment Test Practice Questions and Answers [2025]
Last update: October 2025
What Is the TSA CBT Test?
The TSA CBT (Computer-Based Test) is a required pre-employment exam used by the Transportation Security Administration to assess candidates applying for the role of Transportation Security Officer (TSO).
It includes either a traditional version with X-ray image analysis and English skills assessment or a newer short version testing spatial and cognitive abilities. Passing the TSA CBT is essential to move forward in the TSA hiring process.
What’s on the TSA Test (2025)?
There are two versions of the TSA CBT, depending on your test location:
| Feature | Traditional TSA Test | Short TSA Test |
|---|---|---|
| Length | 2.5 hours | 25–45 minutes |
| Where Taken | Most TSA centers | Select airports |
| Includes English Test | Yes | No |
| Includes X-Ray Test | Yes | No |
| Visual-Spatial Tasks | No | Yes (3 sections) |
| Skills Measured | Grammar, reading, vocab, X-ray | Shape folding, image matching, connect-the-dots |
How to Know Which TSA Test You’ll Take
Check your Pearson VUE scheduling email. If it includes the line:
“This assessment is not an English language proficiency assessment”
you’re scheduled for the short TSA test. Otherwise, expect the full TSA CBT with English and X-ray sections.
Clarification Note: TSA Assessment Tests
The acronym TSA refers to two unrelated tests, often confused because Pearson VUE may deliver both. The Thinking Skills Assessment (TSA) is an academic UK-based admissions test used by Oxford University. It consists of 50 multiple-choice questions per section, taken in 90 minutes.
The Transportation Security Administration (TSA) test is a U.S. pre-employment assessment for security roles, owned by the U.S. TSA.
TSA CBT Practice Questions
If you're taking the short version of the TSA test, you'll face three timed visual challenges:
-
2D to 3D Shape Folding
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Image Matching
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Connect the Dots (Letters, Numbers, Mixed)
If you're preparing for the traditional TSA CBT, your focus should be:
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X-ray Object Recognition (identifying weapons, tools, or banned items in luggage)
-
English Skills Assessment:
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Grammar and syntax
-
Reading comprehension
-
Vocabulary (synonyms, antonyms)
-
Practice tests for both versions help improve your speed, focus, and confidence.
Note: Looking for a PDF format? Check our free TSA PDF practice test.
TSA Shape Folding Questions – Practice and Tips
In these TSA CBT test 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.
2D to 3D Sample Question
Take a look at this sample question and see if you can solve it:
A = ? | B = ? | C = ?
Figure Folding requires methodical work, attention to detail, and an understanding of 3D figures. In the second example, while some 3D components overlap, the shape that connects them is unique, making it easier to track. Developing a methodical workflow will improve your accuracy. Find many examples in our All-Inclusive TSA CBT PrepPack.
TSA Image Matching Practice Questions
In Image Matching questions (AKA Speed Matching), 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 TSA CBT exam, time counts forward. While there's no time limit, answering quickly can improve your score.
Here is an example, take a look and try to identify the matching figure as fast as you can:
Shape Match Sample #2
The complexity of the question may also increase, as shown in the following example:
Tip
To answer quickly, narrow down the options by elimination. Scan the patterns from top-left going clockwise, and identify distinctive features. If there are multiple possible answers, refine your choices further using pattern differentiation techniques.
TSA Connect-the-Dots Test Free Practice
On these TSA CBT test questions, you are presented with numbers and/or letters scattered on the screen. You'll need to connect them numerically (1-2-3...), then alphabetically (A-B-C...), and finally sequentially (1-A-2-B-3-C...). This section of the TSA computer-based test assesses your speed and accuracy. It primarily focuses on the ease of switching between the alphabetical and numerical tasks.
It is similar to a common assessment of task shifting known as the Trail Making Test.
Take Full-Length TSA CBT Practice Tests
The shorter TSA exam emphasizes speed and precision. Our TSA test practice materials enhance these skills through full-length practice tests created by psychometric experts. Our TSA CBT test prep includes both the legacy X-ray & English TSA test versions, ensuring comprehensive TSA test preparation.
The New TSA Test Practice-
- 2D to 3D shape folding practice tests (6)
- Image matching practice tests (4)
- Connect the dots practice tests (5)
X-ray & English TSA Test Practice:
- 14 X-ray practice tests
- Guidance for item recognition
- 47 extra drills (vocabulary, writing, grammar)
Navigate Through JobTestPrep's Aviation Category
TSA X-Ray Test: How It Works
The X-ray section of the TSA Computer-Based Test (CBT) is one of the most challenging parts of the exam. It’s designed to test your ability to identify potential threats inside passenger luggage using color-coded images. This section is part of the traditional 2.5-hour TSA CBT, alongside an English assessment, and is administered at TSA testing centers.
- Duration: 15 seconds per image
- Question Types: Identify whether a specified item (e.g., gun, knife, water bottle) appears in the image
- Scoring: Based on accuracy and speed. Incorrect guesses or missed threats can reduce your score
You'll see scanned images of bags containing both harmless and prohibited items. Your job is to quickly and confidently decide if the target item is present.
TSA X-Ray Test Colors & Examples
The TSA X-Ray test (also used by GardaWorld) images are color-coded based on material density:
| Color | Meaning | Sample Questions |
|---|---|---|
| 🔵 Blue | Dense / Metal | Q1 (Wrench), Q5 (Key - Missing), Q10 (Watch) |
| 🟢 Green | Medium Density / Plastic | Q3 (Toy), Q4 (Pen), Q11 (Electronic Device) |
| 🟠 Orange | Organic Material (Wood/Food) | Q2 (Kitchen Tool), Q6 (Shoe), Q8 (Spatula) |
| 🔴 Red | Low-Density (Paper/Fabric) |
💡 Important: Focus on structural features over color. Some items may appear in unexpected shades depending on their composition. Focus on structure and outline.
What Items Appear on the TSA X-Ray Test?
The test mixes everyday items with potential threats. You may be asked to find or rule out:
- Tools: wrench, screwdriver, spatula
- Household items: pen, key, shoe, watch
- Electronics: charger, headphones, flashlight
- Weapons: knife, gun, grenade
Let’s go through sample questions so you can get a feel for what to expect.
TSA X-Ray Practice Questions
Can you identify a wrench in the X-ray image?
Answer:
Yes, there's a Wrench in this X-ray scan. The wrench appears blue, indicating it’s a dense metal object.
Note that the Wrench is in blue color – which indicates an item that is made of metal.
💡 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.
Can you identify a Kitchen Tool in the X-ray image?
Answer:
Yes, there's a Kitchen Tool in this X-ray scan. Appears orange and blue – part wood (organic), part metal (dense).
Note that the Kitchen tool is partially blue and partially orange – indicating that it is made of metal and wood.
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:
Can you identify a toy in the X-ray image?
Answer:
Yes, there's a toy in this X-ray scan. The toy appears green-blue, blending with other items.
A toy is a general term. In this bag, there is a dinosaur toy. The dinosaur is made of plastic; thus, it appears green-blue, making it very hard to identify over the other green and blue items in the luggage. There are no specific ways of identifying this item other than knowing it in advance.
If you are asked to identify a unique item, like the toy in this question, try to look for unique outlines – like the dinosaur’s back in this case. It may help identify some irregular objects in the suitcase.
Practicing Luggage Scanning
Search the items using a method to make sure you don't miss anything. Try scanning the bags in snake-like movements or dividing the suitcase into four parts and searching each one separately. Don’t forget to examine the outlines of the luggage for items that might be hidden there.
Now try to solve this next set of questions:
Free TSA CBT English Test Practice
The TSA screener English test (also known as the TSA Writing Skills Assessment) includes Reading Comprehension, Vocabulary, and Written Communication. Your TSA exam may contain some or all of these topics.
💡 Tips for Reading Comprehension:
- Read the questions first before reading the passage.
- Answer the easiest questions first.
- Base all answers strictly on the passage—do not assume external knowledge.
💡 Tips for Synonym & Antonym Questions:
- Eliminate at least two answer choices with similar meanings.
- Use prefixes & suffixes to determine meanings.
- For antonyms, first identify if the given word has a positive or negative connotation.
TSA Reading Comprehension Practice Questions
Read the following passage and try answering the questions below:
💡 Tips for Reading Comprehension questions
- Read the questions before the passage. This will help you understand what you should be looking for in the text.
- Choose the easiest questions first. For example, a question asking what a word means in the given context or a question asking how two statements are related.
- Don’t try to assume anything outside of the text. Everything you need to answer each question can be found within the passages themselves. Disregard any answer that is not supported by the text.
- For 'True/False/Cannot Say' questions, if you are having trouble answering any question, the most likely answer will be 'cannot say'.
TSA Grammar Test – Error Detection Practice
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.
TSA Vocabulary Questions – Synonyms and Antonyms
💡 Tips for Synonym and Antonyms Questions:
- Eliminate at least two answer choices that are synonyms or close to each other. If they have close meaning, it means that they're not the correct answer.
- Watch for the suffix and prefix of words to help you understand the meaning of a word. For example, the prefix "de" means "reverse" or "change" (declassify, demotivate, etc.), and the prefixes il/im/in/ir mean "not" (illegal, insecure, etc.).
- In Antonym questions, eliminate words based on their positive or negative meanings. If the given word is positive, you can quickly eliminate all the answers that have a positive connotation and vice versa.
The English section, as can be seen, is very different from the first part of the test. It requires a completely different set of skills: the ability to assess and make assumptions, as well as vocabulary and grammar skills. Additional texts, practice questions, and tests, alongside guides and tips for succeeding in this section can be found in our full TSA Test Prep.
Get More Practice for Both TSA CBT Test Versions
Our TSA CBT test prep prepares you for both the short TSA exam and X-ray TSA test, ensuring high-speed accuracy and X-ray image analysis proficiency.
Newer TSA Test Practice (Aptitude):
- 3 Shape folding practice tests + 3 extra tests
- 4 Image matching practice tests
- 5 Connect the dots practice tests
TSA X-Ray & English Test Practice: - 14 X-ray practice tests (simulating the TSA computer-based test)
- Guides with TSA-specific item identification tips
- 47 drills to improve English test skills
- 7 TSA test practice simulations
English tests are also required for the TSA Air Marshal Position.
How to Pass the TSA CBT – Expert Tips
Below you'll find valuable resources for the other steps you need to pass during the Transportation Security Administration hiring process.
TSA Hiring Process – What Happens After the Test?
The entire process may take anywhere from 6 months to 2 years.
The application timeline for the TSA varies depending on the number of vacancies in the government department.
You may submit your application online and wait months to hear back from the TSA before a vacancy in your area becomes available. However, if an opening opens immediately, you could hear from the department the next day.
The length of the hiring process is also determined by how well you do on the TSA CBT (Computer-Based Test). Candidates with higher scores get job offers more quickly.
TSA CBT FAQs
Your Pearson VUE scheduling email usually includes a note. If it says, “This assessment is not an English language proficiency assessment,” you’ll take the short, visual-based version. If not, expect the full 2.5-hour test with English and X-ray sections.
The TSA doesn’t publish official passing scores. However, candidates are grouped into categories: Best Qualified, Highly Qualified, and Qualified. Scoring in the top group gives you the best chance of advancing quickly.
Use full-length practice tests that reflect the actual question formats.
Our test was developed by psychometric experts and closely mirrors the real exam's format, timing, and difficulty level. Many users report that the practice test feels very similar to the actual experience.
The number of questions varies slightly by version. The full version includes approximately 100 X-ray questions and 50–60 English questions. The short version includes 15–25 cognitive tasks across three sections.
The traditional version lasts about 2.5 hours. The short version, used at select airports, takes 25–45 minutes.
If you fail or miss your scheduled exam, you’ll be disqualified from applying again for six months. After two failed attempts, you may become ineligible to apply for a TSO role at all.
You’ll move on to the next stage of the hiring process, which may include an airport assessment, credit and background checks, a medical evaluation, drug screening, and formal training.
Regular practice, time management, and focusing on weak areas are key to maximizing your score.
TSOs (Transportation Security Officers) screen passengers and luggage at U.S. airports to ensure public safety.
Starting Salary: ~$37,000–$42,000/year
With Experience: $50,000+ possible (incl. overtime)
Benefits: Paid training, health insurance, federal retirement plan, and advancement opportunities
Passing the TSA test is required to qualify for this role.
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