TDCJ CORE COMPETENCIES EXAM ACTUAL 2026/2027
QUESTIONS AND 100% CORRECT ANSWERS
1. During a routine security check, you discover that a tool assigned to your work
area cannot be immediately accounted for. What is the most appropriate first
action?
A. Wait until the end of the shift to see if it turns up.
B. Continue normal duties because the tool is probably misplaced.
C. Immediately notify your supervisor and follow established accountability
procedures.
D. Ask an offender to help locate the tool.
Answer: C
Rationale: Missing tools present a significant security risk and should be reported
immediately according to institutional procedures.
2. Which action best demonstrates professionalism while supervising offenders?
A. Showing favoritism toward cooperative offenders.
B. Sharing personal information to build trust.
C. Maintaining fairness, respect, and appropriate professional boundaries.
D. Ignoring minor rule violations to avoid conflict.
Answer: C
,Rationale: Professional boundaries help maintain security, consistency, and public
trust.
3. When writing an incident report, the officer should primarily include:
A. Opinions about the offender's character.
B. Rumors obtained from other offenders.
C. Personal conclusions without evidence.
D. Objective facts observed during the incident.
Answer: D
Rationale: Incident reports should be factual, accurate, and free from personal
opinions.
4. During inmate movement, your primary responsibility is to:
A. Finish paperwork before monitoring movement.
B. Allow offenders to determine the quickest route.
C. Maintain security, accountability, and continuous observation.
D. Focus only on counting offenders at the destination.
Answer: C
Rationale: Safe offender movement requires continuous supervision throughout
the process.
,5. A correctional officer notices another employee violating institutional policy.
The most appropriate response is to:
A. Ignore the behavior.
B. Discuss it with offenders.
C. Post about it on social media.
D. Report the matter through the appropriate chain of command.
Answer: D
Rationale: Reporting misconduct helps maintain institutional integrity and safety.
6. Which communication technique is most effective during an emergency?
A. Speaking rapidly with multiple instructions.
B. Using slang familiar to offenders.
C. Giving clear, concise, and direct instructions.
D. Allowing everyone to speak at once.
Answer: C
Rationale: Clear communication reduces confusion during emergencies.
7. Why are routine searches conducted within correctional facilities?
A. To inconvenience offenders.
B. To detect contraband and maintain institutional security.
C. To reduce paperwork.
D. To replace offender counts.
, Answer: B
Rationale: Searches are an essential preventive security measure.
8. If an offender appears to be experiencing a medical emergency, the officer
should first:
A. Diagnose the medical condition.
B. Delay reporting until count is complete.
C. Leave the offender unattended.
D. Notify appropriate medical staff while maintaining safety and following
facility procedures.
Answer: D
Rationale: Officers facilitate prompt medical response while maintaining
institutional security.
9. The purpose of following the chain of command is to:
A. Slow communication.
B. Avoid supervisor involvement.
C. Promote accountability and organized decision-making.
D. Allow employees to bypass immediate supervisors.
Answer: C
Rationale: The chain of command ensures effective communication and
accountability.
QUESTIONS AND 100% CORRECT ANSWERS
1. During a routine security check, you discover that a tool assigned to your work
area cannot be immediately accounted for. What is the most appropriate first
action?
A. Wait until the end of the shift to see if it turns up.
B. Continue normal duties because the tool is probably misplaced.
C. Immediately notify your supervisor and follow established accountability
procedures.
D. Ask an offender to help locate the tool.
Answer: C
Rationale: Missing tools present a significant security risk and should be reported
immediately according to institutional procedures.
2. Which action best demonstrates professionalism while supervising offenders?
A. Showing favoritism toward cooperative offenders.
B. Sharing personal information to build trust.
C. Maintaining fairness, respect, and appropriate professional boundaries.
D. Ignoring minor rule violations to avoid conflict.
Answer: C
,Rationale: Professional boundaries help maintain security, consistency, and public
trust.
3. When writing an incident report, the officer should primarily include:
A. Opinions about the offender's character.
B. Rumors obtained from other offenders.
C. Personal conclusions without evidence.
D. Objective facts observed during the incident.
Answer: D
Rationale: Incident reports should be factual, accurate, and free from personal
opinions.
4. During inmate movement, your primary responsibility is to:
A. Finish paperwork before monitoring movement.
B. Allow offenders to determine the quickest route.
C. Maintain security, accountability, and continuous observation.
D. Focus only on counting offenders at the destination.
Answer: C
Rationale: Safe offender movement requires continuous supervision throughout
the process.
,5. A correctional officer notices another employee violating institutional policy.
The most appropriate response is to:
A. Ignore the behavior.
B. Discuss it with offenders.
C. Post about it on social media.
D. Report the matter through the appropriate chain of command.
Answer: D
Rationale: Reporting misconduct helps maintain institutional integrity and safety.
6. Which communication technique is most effective during an emergency?
A. Speaking rapidly with multiple instructions.
B. Using slang familiar to offenders.
C. Giving clear, concise, and direct instructions.
D. Allowing everyone to speak at once.
Answer: C
Rationale: Clear communication reduces confusion during emergencies.
7. Why are routine searches conducted within correctional facilities?
A. To inconvenience offenders.
B. To detect contraband and maintain institutional security.
C. To reduce paperwork.
D. To replace offender counts.
, Answer: B
Rationale: Searches are an essential preventive security measure.
8. If an offender appears to be experiencing a medical emergency, the officer
should first:
A. Diagnose the medical condition.
B. Delay reporting until count is complete.
C. Leave the offender unattended.
D. Notify appropriate medical staff while maintaining safety and following
facility procedures.
Answer: D
Rationale: Officers facilitate prompt medical response while maintaining
institutional security.
9. The purpose of following the chain of command is to:
A. Slow communication.
B. Avoid supervisor involvement.
C. Promote accountability and organized decision-making.
D. Allow employees to bypass immediate supervisors.
Answer: C
Rationale: The chain of command ensures effective communication and
accountability.
