Ace Your TSA CBT Test with Our Ultimate 2025 TSA Test Prep

Get access to a complete prep for TSA CBT, TAB, and X-Ray Interpretation Tests + a “Get TSA-Ready in Just 24 Hours” plan and increase your chance of success in your assessments. 

The TSA Test (All Versions)

The TSA test is a gateway to one of the most trusted and critical roles in national security—becoming a Transportation Security Officer (TSO). Whether you’re preparing for the TSA CBT, the TSO Assessment Battery (TAB), or X-ray interpretation tests used by third-party contractors and government agencies, this practice test is designed to help you master every section with skill and speed.

You'll get a step-by-step system that walks you through key exam areas, helps you practice under real test conditions, and a powerful 24-hour review strategy to boost your confidence just before the exam.

TSA Computer-Based Test (CBT) Overview

The TSA CBT is the most common test taken by applicants and has two main parts:

1. English Language Proficiency

You’ll be tested on:

• Vocabulary
• Reading comprehension
• Grammar and sentence structure
• Ability to understand instructions and policies

Tip: Practice reading security documents, emails, and instructions, as you’ll need to interpret rules precisely as a TSO.

2. X-Ray Object Recognition Test (ORT)

This is the heart of the CBT and tests your ability to:

• Interpret X-ray images of luggage
• Identify prohibited or dangerous items
• Differentiate everyday objects from threats

You’ll review simulated X-ray images and answer YES/NO if a specific item (like a knife, firearm, or bottle) is present.

You’ll need:

• Visual speed
• Object recognition under time pressure
• Understanding X-ray color codes:
  • Orange: Organic materials (e.g., explosives, food, liquids)
  • Blue: Metal (e.g., guns, knives)
  • Green: Plastics and dense electronics

Transportation Security Officer Assessment Battery (TAB)

The TAB is used for higher-level TSO roles or additional screening in certain airport locations. It includes more advanced cognitive and spatial reasoning tests.

1. 2D-3D Shape Matching

You’ll be shown a flat (2D) shape and asked to match it to the correct 3D object it could represent. This measures spatial awareness and mental rotation, crucial for interpreting luggage layers in real-world screening.

Tip: Practice visualizing shapes from different angles and converting flat diagrams into solid forms mentally.

2. Threat Detection and Material Identification

These tests mimic real-world image analysis scenarios. You’ll be timed to detect potential threats, such as wires connected to batteries, circuit boards, knives, or firearms.

You’ll be tested on identifying what materials objects are made of, based on their color in the X-ray.

X-Ray Interpretation and Threat Identification

The TSA X-ray interpretation test is about training your eyes and brain to work together in high-stress, high-speed scenarios. These core learning lessons are designed to enhance your visual intelligence and help you pass the test with confidence.

1. Spot the Difference: Harmless vs. Suspicious

You must quickly distinguish safe everyday items (like toothbrushes or chargers) from high-risk objects (like folding knives or blades). Learn to identify red flags based on shape, grouping, and material.

2. Ignore the Clutter

Common items like shoes, laptops, and water bottles can be distracting. The skill is to filter out noise and focus on threat indicators like metal shapes or dense materials.

3. Identify IED Components

IEDs are disguised and broken into parts—batteries, wires, unusual containers. Practice recognizing suspicious combinations and unnatural groupings within bags.

4. Decode Cluttered Layouts

Expect twisted wires, overlapping items, and rotated objects. Train yourself to isolate image zones and interpret how items appear when layered or upside down.

5. Spot Hidden or Rotated Threats

Threat items may be concealed, turned sideways, or partially blocked. Don’t rely on color alone—master the shape and outline from multiple angles.

Timed Object Recognition Drills

Once you’ve built the foundation, it’s time to apply your skills under pressure. Timed drills simulate the real TSA X-ray test environment—fast-paced, high-pressure, with only a few seconds to make a decision.

You’ll be exposed to four main object categories:

1. Common Travel Items

Think phones, shoes, toiletries, laptops, belts, umbrellas, power banks. These are harmless but can dominate the image space. Your job is to quickly spot what doesn’t belong, even when it’s surrounded by these everyday items.

2. Contraband Objects

Includes banned items that are not typically lethal but violate TSA regulations—like scissors over 4 inches, torch lighters, self-defense sprays, or toy weapons. You must be able to recognize these by size, shape, and location in the bag.

3. Simulated IED Components

Practice identifying suspicious configurations—battery packs, timing devices, switches, wires, and dense packages. Look for signs of concealment or unnatural pairings of unrelated items.

4. Sharp Tools, Lighters, Weapons

These are high-threat items that must be identified instantly:

• Knives (folded or open)

• Firearms (full or disassembled)

• Scissors, screwdrivers, and multitools

• Butane lighters or flame-producing devices

Tip: Master the outline and structure of each item—not just the color. A blade’s silhouette, a gun’s barrel, or a wire’s curve can give away its identity, even when partially hidden or rotated. Rely on structure and shape more than anything else.

Writing Skills

In select TSA or Federal assessments (especially for supervisory roles), candidates may be required to complete a writing section.

This evaluates:

• Clarity of communication

• Ability to write security-related reports

• Grammar and sentence construction

• Objective tone and professionalism

Sample Task:

Write a report detailing an incident in which a traveler refused to comply with instructions at the checkpoint.

Tips for this section:

• Use formal tone

• Be objective and factual

• Focus on clarity and sequence