TDCJ Core Competencies Practice Exam (Original) – Actual
Questions with Correct Answers & Detailed Rationales –
(2026–2028 Update) instant pdf download
Section A: Security, Counts, and Key Control (1–15)
1. The primary purpose of an inmate count is to:
A. Track inmate work performance
B. Verify the presence and location of all inmates for security and
accountability
C. Check inmate hygiene
D. Determine parole eligibility
Explanation: Counts ensure all inmates are accounted for and in authorized
locations, a fundamental security function.
2. When conducting an official count, officers should:
A. Rely on other staff’s word
B. Visually identify each inmate and compare to the count sheet
C. Count beds instead of inmates
D. Use inmate nicknames
Explanation: Counts require visual confirmation of each inmate against official
rosters, not assumptions or bed counts.
3. If an officer’s count does not match the control center’s count, the correct
action is to:
A. Ignore the discrepancy
, B. Report it immediately and re-count as directed
C. Change the numbers to match
D. Ask another inmate to verify
Explanation: Any count discrepancy must be reported and resolved immediately
through a re-count.
4. Keys used inside a correctional facility should:
A. Be kept in the officer’s personal vehicle
B. Remain under constant control of authorized staff and never be loaned
to inmates
C. Be shared with inmate workers
D. Be left unattended at posts
Explanation: Key control is critical; keys must be secured and never accessible to
inmates.
5. If an officer drops a set of facility keys in an inmate area and cannot
immediately find them, the first step is to:
A. Wait until shift change
B. Notify control immediately and follow key emergency procedures
C. Ask inmates to help search quietly
D. Ignore it if no one saw
Explanation: Lost or compromised keys create a serious security risk; emergency
measures must be implemented at once.
6. Master keys and restricted keys are typically:
A. Issued to all staff
, B. Issued only to specifically authorized staff and tightly controlled
C. Stored in inmate lockers
D. Kept in unlocked drawers
Explanation: Master and restricted keys are highly sensitive and must be limited to
authorized staff under strict control.
7. When passing through a secure door, an officer should:
A. Allow inmates to hold the door
B. Ensure the door is fully closed and locked before leaving the area
C. Assume it will close automatically
D. Prop it open for convenience
Explanation: Doors must be confirmed closed and secured to maintain perimeter
and internal security.
8. “Tool control” refers to:
A. Inmates owning personal tools
B. Accounting for all tools issued, stored, and used to prevent them from
becoming weapons or contraband
C. Only tracking power tools
D. Leaving tools on job sites
Explanation: Tools are potential weapons; strict inventory and control are
required.
9. When issuing tools to inmates for a work assignment, the officer should:
A. Hand them out freely
B. Record each tool, issue them individually, and verify all are returned
, C. Let inmates share tools as needed
D. Trust inmates to count them
Explanation: Tool issuance requires documented accountability to ensure nothing
is lost or misused.
10.If a tool is missing at the end of a shift, the officer must:
A. Assume it’s misplaced
B. Initiate an immediate search and notify a supervisor
C. Wait until next day
D. Ask inmates if they saw it
Explanation: Missing tools pose immediate security risks and require urgent
action.
11.An emergency count may be called when:
A. Meals are late
B. An incident occurs that could affect inmate locations (e.g., disturbance,
escape attempt)
C. Weather changes
D. Visitors arrive
Explanation: Emergency counts verify inmate locations after incidents or
suspected security breaches.
12.During a recall for count, officers should:
A. Allow inmates to roam
B. Direct inmates to their assigned locations and ensure compliance
Questions with Correct Answers & Detailed Rationales –
(2026–2028 Update) instant pdf download
Section A: Security, Counts, and Key Control (1–15)
1. The primary purpose of an inmate count is to:
A. Track inmate work performance
B. Verify the presence and location of all inmates for security and
accountability
C. Check inmate hygiene
D. Determine parole eligibility
Explanation: Counts ensure all inmates are accounted for and in authorized
locations, a fundamental security function.
2. When conducting an official count, officers should:
A. Rely on other staff’s word
B. Visually identify each inmate and compare to the count sheet
C. Count beds instead of inmates
D. Use inmate nicknames
Explanation: Counts require visual confirmation of each inmate against official
rosters, not assumptions or bed counts.
3. If an officer’s count does not match the control center’s count, the correct
action is to:
A. Ignore the discrepancy
, B. Report it immediately and re-count as directed
C. Change the numbers to match
D. Ask another inmate to verify
Explanation: Any count discrepancy must be reported and resolved immediately
through a re-count.
4. Keys used inside a correctional facility should:
A. Be kept in the officer’s personal vehicle
B. Remain under constant control of authorized staff and never be loaned
to inmates
C. Be shared with inmate workers
D. Be left unattended at posts
Explanation: Key control is critical; keys must be secured and never accessible to
inmates.
5. If an officer drops a set of facility keys in an inmate area and cannot
immediately find them, the first step is to:
A. Wait until shift change
B. Notify control immediately and follow key emergency procedures
C. Ask inmates to help search quietly
D. Ignore it if no one saw
Explanation: Lost or compromised keys create a serious security risk; emergency
measures must be implemented at once.
6. Master keys and restricted keys are typically:
A. Issued to all staff
, B. Issued only to specifically authorized staff and tightly controlled
C. Stored in inmate lockers
D. Kept in unlocked drawers
Explanation: Master and restricted keys are highly sensitive and must be limited to
authorized staff under strict control.
7. When passing through a secure door, an officer should:
A. Allow inmates to hold the door
B. Ensure the door is fully closed and locked before leaving the area
C. Assume it will close automatically
D. Prop it open for convenience
Explanation: Doors must be confirmed closed and secured to maintain perimeter
and internal security.
8. “Tool control” refers to:
A. Inmates owning personal tools
B. Accounting for all tools issued, stored, and used to prevent them from
becoming weapons or contraband
C. Only tracking power tools
D. Leaving tools on job sites
Explanation: Tools are potential weapons; strict inventory and control are
required.
9. When issuing tools to inmates for a work assignment, the officer should:
A. Hand them out freely
B. Record each tool, issue them individually, and verify all are returned
, C. Let inmates share tools as needed
D. Trust inmates to count them
Explanation: Tool issuance requires documented accountability to ensure nothing
is lost or misused.
10.If a tool is missing at the end of a shift, the officer must:
A. Assume it’s misplaced
B. Initiate an immediate search and notify a supervisor
C. Wait until next day
D. Ask inmates if they saw it
Explanation: Missing tools pose immediate security risks and require urgent
action.
11.An emergency count may be called when:
A. Meals are late
B. An incident occurs that could affect inmate locations (e.g., disturbance,
escape attempt)
C. Weather changes
D. Visitors arrive
Explanation: Emergency counts verify inmate locations after incidents or
suspected security breaches.
12.During a recall for count, officers should:
A. Allow inmates to roam
B. Direct inmates to their assigned locations and ensure compliance
