TDCJ CORE COMPETENCIES 200 THE
ULTIMATE EXAM PREP BANK 2026/2027
TDCJ Core Competencies Practice Exam
1. Which of the following is considered one of the four TDCJ Core
Values?
A. Loyalty
B. Perseverance
C. Bravery
D. Honesty
Rationale: The four TDCJ Core Values are Perseverance,
Integrity, Courage, and Commitment.
2. What is the primary purpose of the "Reactionary Gap" when
dealing with an offender?
A. To show dominance in a housing wing.
B. To provide the officer enough time to react to a sudden
physical threat.
C. To allow other officers to see the interaction clearly.
D. To prevent the spread of contagious diseases.
Rationale: Maintaining a gap (typically 6-10 feet) is a
fundamental safety competency to prevent a staff member from
being ambushed.
3. According to TDCJ policy, how often must a "Count" be
conducted?
A. Only when an offender is reported missing.
B. Once every 24 hours at midnight.
C. At specifically designated times and during any
emergency.
D. Whenever the Shift Supervisor feels it is necessary.
Rationale: Accurate counts are a core security competency and
must be performed at scheduled intervals to ensure 100%
accountability.
4. Which document is used to report an offender's rule violation?
A. I-210 Mental Health Form.
B. I-210 Offender Protection Assessment.
, C. I-216 Disciplinary Report.
D. BIR (Brief Incident Report).
Rationale: The I-216 is the formal instrument used to document
and initiate disciplinary action for rule infractions.
5. What does the "S" stand for in the SAFE acronym used during cell
searches?
A. Systematic
B. Speed
C. Security
D. Silence
Rationale: Searches must be Systematic, Accurate, Focused, and
Enthusiastic to ensure no contraband is missed.
6. Under the Use of Force policy, what is the first level of the force
continuum?
A. Chemical Agents.
B. Staff Presence.
C. Verbal Commands.
D. Physical Restraint.
Rationale: The mere presence of a uniformed officer in a
professional manner is the first step in maintaining order and
deterring misconduct.
7. Which landmark court case resulted in significant changes to the
Texas prison system regarding crowding and healthcare?
A. Roe v. Wade.
B. Ruiz v. Estelle.
C. Miranda v. Arizona.
D. Brown v. Board of Education.
Rationale: Ruiz v. Estelle (1980) found the TDCJ system
unconstitutional, leading to massive reforms in security and
healthcare standards.
8. When an officer is exposed to a Bloodborne Pathogen, what is the
first priority?
A. Notify the Warden immediately.
B. Wash the area thoroughly with soap and water.
C. Fill out an injury report (PERS 261).
D. Go to the nearest emergency room.
Rationale: Immediate decontamination is the first step to reduce
the risk of infection following exposure.
,9. What is the main objective of the PREA (Prison Rape Elimination
Act)?
A. To increase the number of cameras in a unit.
B. To provide a zero-tolerance policy for sexual abuse and
harassment.
C. To segregate all offenders based on offense history.
D. To provide extra recreation time for victims.
Rationale: PREA is a federal law mandated in TDCJ to prevent,
detect, and respond to sexual abuse within correctional facilities.
10. What color is the "Offender Identification Card" for an
offender in General Population?
A. Red.
B. Blue.
C. White.
D. Yellow.
Rationale: Standard ID cards for GP offenders are white; specific
colors like red are often used for high-security or escape-risk
classifications.
11. What is the maximum number of hours an officer can work in a
single shift, including overtime, according to standard safety
guidelines?
A. 12 hours.
B. 16 hours.
C. 20 hours.
D. 24 hours.
Rationale: To prevent fatigue-related security lapses, TDCJ
typically limits work to 16 hours in a 24-hour period except in
extreme emergencies.
12.When identifying an offender, what two pieces of information must
be verified?
A. Name and Height.
B. Name and TDCJ Number.
C. Offense and Sentence length.
D. Home address and Date of Birth.
Rationale: The unique TDCJ number and legal name are the only
100% reliable ways to ensure the correct offender is being moved
or released.
, 13.Which of the following is an example of "Contraband"?
A. A state-issued toothbrush.
B. A letter with an altered postage stamp.
C. A commissary-purchased bag of chips.
D. An offender's legal paperwork.
Rationale: Anything altered from its original state or not
authorized for possession is considered contraband.
14.During an emergency "Code Blue" (Medical Emergency), what is
the officer's first responsibility?
A. Perform surgery.
B. Secure the area and clear other offenders away.
C. Call the offender’s family.
D. Check the offender’s disciplinary record.
Rationale: Safety and security come first; the officer must secure
the scene so medical staff can work safely.
15. What is the definition of "Integrity" within the TDCJ?
A. Doing the right thing only when the Warden is watching.
B. Doing the right thing even when no one is watching.
C. Being friendly with all offenders.
D. Following orders only when you agree with them.
Rationale: Integrity is a core value requiring unwavering
adherence to moral and ethical principles.
16.Which "Post Order" takes precedence during a facility-wide
emergency?
A. The Dining Room post order.
B. The Emergency Operations Plan (EOP).
C. The Library post order.
D. The Maintenance post order.
Rationale: In a crisis, the EOP supersedes standard daily post
orders to ensure the safety of the entire unit.
17. What should an officer do if they find a "dummy" or "bolster" in an
offender's bunk during count?
A. Laugh and walk away.
B. Treat it as an escape in progress and notify
Control/Supervision.
C. Wait until the next morning to report it.
D. Ask the roommate where the offender went.
ULTIMATE EXAM PREP BANK 2026/2027
TDCJ Core Competencies Practice Exam
1. Which of the following is considered one of the four TDCJ Core
Values?
A. Loyalty
B. Perseverance
C. Bravery
D. Honesty
Rationale: The four TDCJ Core Values are Perseverance,
Integrity, Courage, and Commitment.
2. What is the primary purpose of the "Reactionary Gap" when
dealing with an offender?
A. To show dominance in a housing wing.
B. To provide the officer enough time to react to a sudden
physical threat.
C. To allow other officers to see the interaction clearly.
D. To prevent the spread of contagious diseases.
Rationale: Maintaining a gap (typically 6-10 feet) is a
fundamental safety competency to prevent a staff member from
being ambushed.
3. According to TDCJ policy, how often must a "Count" be
conducted?
A. Only when an offender is reported missing.
B. Once every 24 hours at midnight.
C. At specifically designated times and during any
emergency.
D. Whenever the Shift Supervisor feels it is necessary.
Rationale: Accurate counts are a core security competency and
must be performed at scheduled intervals to ensure 100%
accountability.
4. Which document is used to report an offender's rule violation?
A. I-210 Mental Health Form.
B. I-210 Offender Protection Assessment.
, C. I-216 Disciplinary Report.
D. BIR (Brief Incident Report).
Rationale: The I-216 is the formal instrument used to document
and initiate disciplinary action for rule infractions.
5. What does the "S" stand for in the SAFE acronym used during cell
searches?
A. Systematic
B. Speed
C. Security
D. Silence
Rationale: Searches must be Systematic, Accurate, Focused, and
Enthusiastic to ensure no contraband is missed.
6. Under the Use of Force policy, what is the first level of the force
continuum?
A. Chemical Agents.
B. Staff Presence.
C. Verbal Commands.
D. Physical Restraint.
Rationale: The mere presence of a uniformed officer in a
professional manner is the first step in maintaining order and
deterring misconduct.
7. Which landmark court case resulted in significant changes to the
Texas prison system regarding crowding and healthcare?
A. Roe v. Wade.
B. Ruiz v. Estelle.
C. Miranda v. Arizona.
D. Brown v. Board of Education.
Rationale: Ruiz v. Estelle (1980) found the TDCJ system
unconstitutional, leading to massive reforms in security and
healthcare standards.
8. When an officer is exposed to a Bloodborne Pathogen, what is the
first priority?
A. Notify the Warden immediately.
B. Wash the area thoroughly with soap and water.
C. Fill out an injury report (PERS 261).
D. Go to the nearest emergency room.
Rationale: Immediate decontamination is the first step to reduce
the risk of infection following exposure.
,9. What is the main objective of the PREA (Prison Rape Elimination
Act)?
A. To increase the number of cameras in a unit.
B. To provide a zero-tolerance policy for sexual abuse and
harassment.
C. To segregate all offenders based on offense history.
D. To provide extra recreation time for victims.
Rationale: PREA is a federal law mandated in TDCJ to prevent,
detect, and respond to sexual abuse within correctional facilities.
10. What color is the "Offender Identification Card" for an
offender in General Population?
A. Red.
B. Blue.
C. White.
D. Yellow.
Rationale: Standard ID cards for GP offenders are white; specific
colors like red are often used for high-security or escape-risk
classifications.
11. What is the maximum number of hours an officer can work in a
single shift, including overtime, according to standard safety
guidelines?
A. 12 hours.
B. 16 hours.
C. 20 hours.
D. 24 hours.
Rationale: To prevent fatigue-related security lapses, TDCJ
typically limits work to 16 hours in a 24-hour period except in
extreme emergencies.
12.When identifying an offender, what two pieces of information must
be verified?
A. Name and Height.
B. Name and TDCJ Number.
C. Offense and Sentence length.
D. Home address and Date of Birth.
Rationale: The unique TDCJ number and legal name are the only
100% reliable ways to ensure the correct offender is being moved
or released.
, 13.Which of the following is an example of "Contraband"?
A. A state-issued toothbrush.
B. A letter with an altered postage stamp.
C. A commissary-purchased bag of chips.
D. An offender's legal paperwork.
Rationale: Anything altered from its original state or not
authorized for possession is considered contraband.
14.During an emergency "Code Blue" (Medical Emergency), what is
the officer's first responsibility?
A. Perform surgery.
B. Secure the area and clear other offenders away.
C. Call the offender’s family.
D. Check the offender’s disciplinary record.
Rationale: Safety and security come first; the officer must secure
the scene so medical staff can work safely.
15. What is the definition of "Integrity" within the TDCJ?
A. Doing the right thing only when the Warden is watching.
B. Doing the right thing even when no one is watching.
C. Being friendly with all offenders.
D. Following orders only when you agree with them.
Rationale: Integrity is a core value requiring unwavering
adherence to moral and ethical principles.
16.Which "Post Order" takes precedence during a facility-wide
emergency?
A. The Dining Room post order.
B. The Emergency Operations Plan (EOP).
C. The Library post order.
D. The Maintenance post order.
Rationale: In a crisis, the EOP supersedes standard daily post
orders to ensure the safety of the entire unit.
17. What should an officer do if they find a "dummy" or "bolster" in an
offender's bunk during count?
A. Laugh and walk away.
B. Treat it as an escape in progress and notify
Control/Supervision.
C. Wait until the next morning to report it.
D. Ask the roommate where the offender went.
