TSA OFFICER CERTIFICATION EXAM
QUESTION AND CORRECT ANSWERS
(VERIFIED ANSWERS) PLUS RATIONALES
2026 Q&A INSTANT DOWNLOAD PDF
1. What is the primary responsibility of a TSA Officer?
a. Making travel reservations
b. Ensuring transportation security
c. Assisting with baggage handling
d. Processing immigration documentation
Rationale: TSA Officers are tasked with protecting the nation’s transportation
systems and ensuring security.
2. Which screening method uses electromagnetic energy to detect objects on a
person?
a. Manual search
b. X-ray screening
c. Canine screening
d. Pat-down search
Rationale: X-ray screening allows visualization of objects hidden under clothing
or in bags using electromagnetic energy.
3. What does “SIP” stand for in TSA operations?
a. Secure Identification Protocol
b. Security Inspection Process
c. Security Identification Display Area
d. Safety Inspection Procedure
Rationale: A Security Identification Display Area (SIDA) is a secure area where
identification must be visible at all times.
,4. What is the first step in handling a suspicious item?
a. Pick it up
b. Secure the area and notify a supervisor
c. Ignore it
d. Pack it with other items
Rationale: Ensuring safety by securing the area and notifying appropriate
personnel is the correct initial response.
5. Which item is prohibited in carry-on luggage?
a. Books
b. Clothes
c. Explosive materials
d. Electronics
Rationale: Explosive materials pose an immediate threat to aircraft and
passengers and are always prohibited.
6. What is the purpose of Advanced Imaging Technology (AIT)?
a. To weigh luggage
b. To check flight schedules
c. To detect potential threats on a person
d. To scan passports
Rationale: AIT detects metallic and non-metallic threats on individuals going
through security screening.
7. Which procedure must be used when a potential threat is identified on an X-
ray image?
a. Let the person continue
b. Write a report later
c. Conduct a secondary screening
d. Remove the item from the conveyor
Rationale: Secondary screening allows further inspection to determine if the
item is a threat.
8. What is the minimum frequency for TSA Officer recurrent training?
a. Monthly
, b. Annually
c. Biannually
d. Never
Rationale: TSA Officers undergo recurrent training at least every two years to
maintain proficiency.
9. What is the most secure way to verify traveler identity?
a. Visual inspection alone
b. ID check and boarding pass match
c. Asking their name
d. Comparing to a photo only
Rationale: Matching ID to boarding pass ensures the traveler is authorized for
that flight.
10. What does “PPE” stand for?
a. Personal Program Equipment
b. Personal Protective Equipment
c. Professional Protection Ensemble
d. Protective Passenger Equipment
Rationale: PPE refers to equipment like gloves and masks used to protect
officers.
11. What is the correct action if a passenger refuses a TSA screening?
a. Allow them through
b. Skip the screening
c. Deny access to the sterile area
d. Escort them to the gate
Rationale: Refusal of screening means they cannot access secure areas.
12. Which of the following is a sign of potential threat behavior?
a. Smiling politely
b. Quiet conversation
c. Nervous pacing near checkpoints
d. Reading a book
Rationale: Nervous pacing in sensitive areas can indicate stress or threat intent.
QUESTION AND CORRECT ANSWERS
(VERIFIED ANSWERS) PLUS RATIONALES
2026 Q&A INSTANT DOWNLOAD PDF
1. What is the primary responsibility of a TSA Officer?
a. Making travel reservations
b. Ensuring transportation security
c. Assisting with baggage handling
d. Processing immigration documentation
Rationale: TSA Officers are tasked with protecting the nation’s transportation
systems and ensuring security.
2. Which screening method uses electromagnetic energy to detect objects on a
person?
a. Manual search
b. X-ray screening
c. Canine screening
d. Pat-down search
Rationale: X-ray screening allows visualization of objects hidden under clothing
or in bags using electromagnetic energy.
3. What does “SIP” stand for in TSA operations?
a. Secure Identification Protocol
b. Security Inspection Process
c. Security Identification Display Area
d. Safety Inspection Procedure
Rationale: A Security Identification Display Area (SIDA) is a secure area where
identification must be visible at all times.
,4. What is the first step in handling a suspicious item?
a. Pick it up
b. Secure the area and notify a supervisor
c. Ignore it
d. Pack it with other items
Rationale: Ensuring safety by securing the area and notifying appropriate
personnel is the correct initial response.
5. Which item is prohibited in carry-on luggage?
a. Books
b. Clothes
c. Explosive materials
d. Electronics
Rationale: Explosive materials pose an immediate threat to aircraft and
passengers and are always prohibited.
6. What is the purpose of Advanced Imaging Technology (AIT)?
a. To weigh luggage
b. To check flight schedules
c. To detect potential threats on a person
d. To scan passports
Rationale: AIT detects metallic and non-metallic threats on individuals going
through security screening.
7. Which procedure must be used when a potential threat is identified on an X-
ray image?
a. Let the person continue
b. Write a report later
c. Conduct a secondary screening
d. Remove the item from the conveyor
Rationale: Secondary screening allows further inspection to determine if the
item is a threat.
8. What is the minimum frequency for TSA Officer recurrent training?
a. Monthly
, b. Annually
c. Biannually
d. Never
Rationale: TSA Officers undergo recurrent training at least every two years to
maintain proficiency.
9. What is the most secure way to verify traveler identity?
a. Visual inspection alone
b. ID check and boarding pass match
c. Asking their name
d. Comparing to a photo only
Rationale: Matching ID to boarding pass ensures the traveler is authorized for
that flight.
10. What does “PPE” stand for?
a. Personal Program Equipment
b. Personal Protective Equipment
c. Professional Protection Ensemble
d. Protective Passenger Equipment
Rationale: PPE refers to equipment like gloves and masks used to protect
officers.
11. What is the correct action if a passenger refuses a TSA screening?
a. Allow them through
b. Skip the screening
c. Deny access to the sterile area
d. Escort them to the gate
Rationale: Refusal of screening means they cannot access secure areas.
12. Which of the following is a sign of potential threat behavior?
a. Smiling politely
b. Quiet conversation
c. Nervous pacing near checkpoints
d. Reading a book
Rationale: Nervous pacing in sensitive areas can indicate stress or threat intent.
