TDCJ Core Competencies Exam | Texas Department of Criminal Justice 2026/2027 Update
TDCJ CORE COMPETENCIES EXAM
Texas Department of Criminal Justice
100 Verified Questions and Answers
2026/2027 Update · 8 Sections Covering All TDCJ Core Competency Domains
Section 1: TDCJ Organization and Professional Conduct (Q1 - Q12)
(Mission, Structure, Ethics, & Standards of Conduct)
Q1. What is the primary mission of the Texas Department of Criminal Justice (TDCJ)?
A. To punish offenders through maximum custody confinement
B. To provide public safety, promote positive change in offender behavior, and reintegrate offenders
into society through safe and secure operations [CORRECT]
C. To operate prisons at the lowest possible cost to Texas taxpayers
D. To enforce court-ordered sentences without rehabilitation programming
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: The TDCJ mission encompasses public safety, positive offender change, and successful reintegration - the
three pillars of modern correctional philosophy. This mission drives operational decisions, classification, programming,
and reentry efforts. Punishment alone (Option A) is too narrow; cost minimization (Option C) cannot supersede safety;
Option D ignores the rehabilitation mandate embedded in TDCJ policy. The mission statement aligns with the agencys
vision of reducing victimization through evidence-based practices.
Q2. Which TDCJ division is primarily responsible for the operation of state prisons and confinement facilities
for convicted felons?
A. Parole Division
B. Community Justice Assistance Division (CJAD)
C. Correctional Institutions Division (CID) [CORRECT]
D. Rehabilitation Programs Division
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: The Correctional Institutions Division (CID) operates state jails and prisons housing convicted felons,
manages security operations, and oversees custody staff. The Parole Division supervises offenders released to the
community; CJAD supervises probation (community supervision); Rehabilitation Programs Division manages
treatment and education programs. Knowing which division does what is essential for chain-of-command referrals,
inter-agency coordination, and proper routing of offender issues.
100 Verified Questions and Answers Page 1
,TDCJ Core Competencies Exam | Texas Department of Criminal Justice 2026/2027 Update
Q3. A correctional officer is approached off-duty by a known offender's family member who offers cash in
exchange for allowing a cell phone to be smuggled into the unit. Which action should the officer take FIRST?
A. Politely decline and immediately report the incident to their supervisor and the Office of Inspector
General (OIG) [CORRECT]
B. Accept the cash but refuse to smuggle the phone
C. Decline and ignore the incident since it occurred off-duty
D. Confront the family member aggressively and threaten arrest
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: TDCJ policy and Texas law require officers to report any attempt at bribery, smuggling, or corruption
immediately. Accepting money - even without intent to follow through - constitutes a criminal offense and Standards of
Conduct violation. Off-duty conduct is still governed by TDCJ ethics rules. The Office of Inspector General (OIG)
investigates criminal matters including introduction of contraband. Failure to report is itself a terminable offense. The
officer must document the encounter and cooperate with any resulting investigation.
Q4. Which of the following is a violation of the TDCJ Code of Conduct for correctional officers?
A. Maintaining a professional, courteous demeanor with offenders and staff
B. Accepting a small holiday gift (e.g., homemade cookies) from an offender's family member as a
goodwill gesture [CORRECT]
C. Reporting a coworker observed accepting contraband from an offender
D. Wearing the prescribed uniform clean, pressed, and in compliance with grooming standards
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: TDCJ prohibits officers from accepting gifts, favors, or loans from offenders, their families, or contractors -
regardless of value or intent. Even small gifts create the appearance of favoritism, compromise objectivity, and can be a
precursor to manipulation or bribery. This rule is a Standards of Conduct cornerstone. Maintaining professionalism (A),
reporting misconduct (C), and proper uniform/grooming (D) are required behaviors. Accepting any gift is a terminable
violation and may be criminal if linked to favors.
Q5. An officer reports for duty and notices a coworker smells of alcohol and appears impaired. Per TDCJ
policy, what is the officer's required action?
A. Ignore the observation unless the coworker causes an incident
B. Confront the coworker privately and let them decide whether to go home
C. Immediately notify the shift supervisor and document the observation; do not allow the impaired
officer to perform security duties [CORRECT]
D. Send the coworker home in their own vehicle without notifying anyone
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: TDCJ policy requires employees to report any observed impairment to a supervisor immediately - allowing
an impaired officer to work creates serious safety, liability, and security risks. The impaired officer must not perform
security duties until evaluated. Allowing them to drive home (Option D) risks DUI and injury. Confronting privately
(Option B) is insufficient and may enable cover-up. Ignoring (Option A) violates the duty to report. Supervisors will
arrange for evaluation, transportation, and appropriate disciplinary action per policy.
100 Verified Questions and Answers Page 2
,TDCJ Core Competencies Exam | Texas Department of Criminal Justice 2026/2027 Update
Q6. TDCJ Standards of Conduct prohibit officers from engaging in personal relationships with offenders
under their supervision. Which scenario is also prohibited even after the offender is released from custody?
A. Speaking with a former offender who is now a law-abiding citizen at a community event
B. Establishing a romantic or business relationship with a former offender who was under the officer's
supervision, especially within a specified time period after release or discharge [CORRECT]
C. Working alongside a former offender at a private employer
D. Living in the same city as a former offender
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: TDCJ policy prohibits officers from engaging in romantic, financial, or business relationships with former
offenders who were under their supervision, generally for a defined period (often 2 years) after the offender's discharge
or release, and sometimes permanently for those the officer directly supervised. This rule prevents exploitation,
manipulation, and the appearance of impropriety. Brief professional contact (A) or coincidental encounters (C, D) are
not prohibited. The rule specifically targets exploitative or potentially compromising relationships. Violations are
terminable and may be criminal.
Q7. Which of the following best describes the chain of command within a TDCJ correctional facility?
A. Warden - Offender - Officer
B. Officer - Sergeant - Lieutenant - Captain - Major - Warden [CORRECT]
C. Officer - Warden - Sergeant - Major
D. TDCJ Executive Director - Warden - Officer - Sergeant
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: The standard TDCJ custody chain of command ascends from Officer to Sergeant (first-line supervisor) to
Lieutenant (shift supervisor) to Captain to Major to Warden (facility head). Above the Warden are regional directors
and TDCJ executive leadership. The chain of command ensures proper supervision, accountability, and communication
flow. Officers must follow it for routine matters (using the chain for grievances, requests, and reports) but may bypass
it for serious misconduct (e.g., reporting supervisor wrongdoing to OIG). Options A, C, and D misorder the chain.
100 Verified Questions and Answers Page 3
, TDCJ Core Competencies Exam | Texas Department of Criminal Justice 2026/2027 Update
Q8. A correctional officer is required to maintain a professional appearance. Which grooming standard is
consistent with TDCJ policy for male officers?
A. Long hair worn in a ponytail, visible tattoos on face/neck, beard longer than 1/4 inch
B. Clean-cut hair that does not touch the collar, no visible offensive tattoos while in uniform,
clean-shaven or neatly trimmed beard within policy limits (if permitted by medical accommodation)
[CORRECT]
C. Any hairstyle as long as the officer wears a hat
D. Visible piercings in the nose, lip, and eyebrows while on duty
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: TDCJ grooming standards require male officers to maintain clean-cut hair that does not touch the collar, no
visible offensive tattoos (covered when in uniform), and either clean-shaven faces or beards within policy limits
(religious or medical accommodations may apply). Ponytails (A), extreme piercings (D), and unregulated appearance
(C) violate the standards. Standards exist to project professionalism, prevent officer identification outside work for
safety, and avoid appearance-based exploitation. Female officers have parallel standards (hair up off collar, limited
jewelry, etc.).
Q9. Which action by an officer on social media would be considered a violation of TDCJ Standards of
Conduct?
A. Posting a generic comment about the importance of public service
B. Posting a photo of oneself in uniform inside the facility with offenders visible in the background,
along with derogatory comments about a specific offender [CORRECT]
C. Posting a picture of one's family at home
D. Liking a friend's post about a charity event
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: TDCJ policy prohibits officers from posting photos or videos taken inside facilities, identifying offenders,
disclosing security information, or making derogatory comments about offenders, coworkers, or the agency on social
media. Such posts compromise security, violate offender privacy, damage agency reputation, and may be criminal.
Generic comments about public service (A), family photos (C), and engaging with non-work content (D) are not
violations. Officers must maintain professionalism online and offline; social media activity is monitored and
disciplined when it violates policy.
100 Verified Questions and Answers Page 4
TDCJ CORE COMPETENCIES EXAM
Texas Department of Criminal Justice
100 Verified Questions and Answers
2026/2027 Update · 8 Sections Covering All TDCJ Core Competency Domains
Section 1: TDCJ Organization and Professional Conduct (Q1 - Q12)
(Mission, Structure, Ethics, & Standards of Conduct)
Q1. What is the primary mission of the Texas Department of Criminal Justice (TDCJ)?
A. To punish offenders through maximum custody confinement
B. To provide public safety, promote positive change in offender behavior, and reintegrate offenders
into society through safe and secure operations [CORRECT]
C. To operate prisons at the lowest possible cost to Texas taxpayers
D. To enforce court-ordered sentences without rehabilitation programming
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: The TDCJ mission encompasses public safety, positive offender change, and successful reintegration - the
three pillars of modern correctional philosophy. This mission drives operational decisions, classification, programming,
and reentry efforts. Punishment alone (Option A) is too narrow; cost minimization (Option C) cannot supersede safety;
Option D ignores the rehabilitation mandate embedded in TDCJ policy. The mission statement aligns with the agencys
vision of reducing victimization through evidence-based practices.
Q2. Which TDCJ division is primarily responsible for the operation of state prisons and confinement facilities
for convicted felons?
A. Parole Division
B. Community Justice Assistance Division (CJAD)
C. Correctional Institutions Division (CID) [CORRECT]
D. Rehabilitation Programs Division
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: The Correctional Institutions Division (CID) operates state jails and prisons housing convicted felons,
manages security operations, and oversees custody staff. The Parole Division supervises offenders released to the
community; CJAD supervises probation (community supervision); Rehabilitation Programs Division manages
treatment and education programs. Knowing which division does what is essential for chain-of-command referrals,
inter-agency coordination, and proper routing of offender issues.
100 Verified Questions and Answers Page 1
,TDCJ Core Competencies Exam | Texas Department of Criminal Justice 2026/2027 Update
Q3. A correctional officer is approached off-duty by a known offender's family member who offers cash in
exchange for allowing a cell phone to be smuggled into the unit. Which action should the officer take FIRST?
A. Politely decline and immediately report the incident to their supervisor and the Office of Inspector
General (OIG) [CORRECT]
B. Accept the cash but refuse to smuggle the phone
C. Decline and ignore the incident since it occurred off-duty
D. Confront the family member aggressively and threaten arrest
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: TDCJ policy and Texas law require officers to report any attempt at bribery, smuggling, or corruption
immediately. Accepting money - even without intent to follow through - constitutes a criminal offense and Standards of
Conduct violation. Off-duty conduct is still governed by TDCJ ethics rules. The Office of Inspector General (OIG)
investigates criminal matters including introduction of contraband. Failure to report is itself a terminable offense. The
officer must document the encounter and cooperate with any resulting investigation.
Q4. Which of the following is a violation of the TDCJ Code of Conduct for correctional officers?
A. Maintaining a professional, courteous demeanor with offenders and staff
B. Accepting a small holiday gift (e.g., homemade cookies) from an offender's family member as a
goodwill gesture [CORRECT]
C. Reporting a coworker observed accepting contraband from an offender
D. Wearing the prescribed uniform clean, pressed, and in compliance with grooming standards
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: TDCJ prohibits officers from accepting gifts, favors, or loans from offenders, their families, or contractors -
regardless of value or intent. Even small gifts create the appearance of favoritism, compromise objectivity, and can be a
precursor to manipulation or bribery. This rule is a Standards of Conduct cornerstone. Maintaining professionalism (A),
reporting misconduct (C), and proper uniform/grooming (D) are required behaviors. Accepting any gift is a terminable
violation and may be criminal if linked to favors.
Q5. An officer reports for duty and notices a coworker smells of alcohol and appears impaired. Per TDCJ
policy, what is the officer's required action?
A. Ignore the observation unless the coworker causes an incident
B. Confront the coworker privately and let them decide whether to go home
C. Immediately notify the shift supervisor and document the observation; do not allow the impaired
officer to perform security duties [CORRECT]
D. Send the coworker home in their own vehicle without notifying anyone
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: TDCJ policy requires employees to report any observed impairment to a supervisor immediately - allowing
an impaired officer to work creates serious safety, liability, and security risks. The impaired officer must not perform
security duties until evaluated. Allowing them to drive home (Option D) risks DUI and injury. Confronting privately
(Option B) is insufficient and may enable cover-up. Ignoring (Option A) violates the duty to report. Supervisors will
arrange for evaluation, transportation, and appropriate disciplinary action per policy.
100 Verified Questions and Answers Page 2
,TDCJ Core Competencies Exam | Texas Department of Criminal Justice 2026/2027 Update
Q6. TDCJ Standards of Conduct prohibit officers from engaging in personal relationships with offenders
under their supervision. Which scenario is also prohibited even after the offender is released from custody?
A. Speaking with a former offender who is now a law-abiding citizen at a community event
B. Establishing a romantic or business relationship with a former offender who was under the officer's
supervision, especially within a specified time period after release or discharge [CORRECT]
C. Working alongside a former offender at a private employer
D. Living in the same city as a former offender
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: TDCJ policy prohibits officers from engaging in romantic, financial, or business relationships with former
offenders who were under their supervision, generally for a defined period (often 2 years) after the offender's discharge
or release, and sometimes permanently for those the officer directly supervised. This rule prevents exploitation,
manipulation, and the appearance of impropriety. Brief professional contact (A) or coincidental encounters (C, D) are
not prohibited. The rule specifically targets exploitative or potentially compromising relationships. Violations are
terminable and may be criminal.
Q7. Which of the following best describes the chain of command within a TDCJ correctional facility?
A. Warden - Offender - Officer
B. Officer - Sergeant - Lieutenant - Captain - Major - Warden [CORRECT]
C. Officer - Warden - Sergeant - Major
D. TDCJ Executive Director - Warden - Officer - Sergeant
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: The standard TDCJ custody chain of command ascends from Officer to Sergeant (first-line supervisor) to
Lieutenant (shift supervisor) to Captain to Major to Warden (facility head). Above the Warden are regional directors
and TDCJ executive leadership. The chain of command ensures proper supervision, accountability, and communication
flow. Officers must follow it for routine matters (using the chain for grievances, requests, and reports) but may bypass
it for serious misconduct (e.g., reporting supervisor wrongdoing to OIG). Options A, C, and D misorder the chain.
100 Verified Questions and Answers Page 3
, TDCJ Core Competencies Exam | Texas Department of Criminal Justice 2026/2027 Update
Q8. A correctional officer is required to maintain a professional appearance. Which grooming standard is
consistent with TDCJ policy for male officers?
A. Long hair worn in a ponytail, visible tattoos on face/neck, beard longer than 1/4 inch
B. Clean-cut hair that does not touch the collar, no visible offensive tattoos while in uniform,
clean-shaven or neatly trimmed beard within policy limits (if permitted by medical accommodation)
[CORRECT]
C. Any hairstyle as long as the officer wears a hat
D. Visible piercings in the nose, lip, and eyebrows while on duty
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: TDCJ grooming standards require male officers to maintain clean-cut hair that does not touch the collar, no
visible offensive tattoos (covered when in uniform), and either clean-shaven faces or beards within policy limits
(religious or medical accommodations may apply). Ponytails (A), extreme piercings (D), and unregulated appearance
(C) violate the standards. Standards exist to project professionalism, prevent officer identification outside work for
safety, and avoid appearance-based exploitation. Female officers have parallel standards (hair up off collar, limited
jewelry, etc.).
Q9. Which action by an officer on social media would be considered a violation of TDCJ Standards of
Conduct?
A. Posting a generic comment about the importance of public service
B. Posting a photo of oneself in uniform inside the facility with offenders visible in the background,
along with derogatory comments about a specific offender [CORRECT]
C. Posting a picture of one's family at home
D. Liking a friend's post about a charity event
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: TDCJ policy prohibits officers from posting photos or videos taken inside facilities, identifying offenders,
disclosing security information, or making derogatory comments about offenders, coworkers, or the agency on social
media. Such posts compromise security, violate offender privacy, damage agency reputation, and may be criminal.
Generic comments about public service (A), family photos (C), and engaging with non-work content (D) are not
violations. Officers must maintain professionalism online and offline; social media activity is monitored and
disciplined when it violates policy.
100 Verified Questions and Answers Page 4
