TDCJ Core Competencies Exam 2026 – 200 verified practice questions with answers.
Covers use of force, contraband control, inmate management, PREA, security
procedures & ethics. Pass your Texas Department of Criminal Justice exam with
confidence.
DOMAIN 1: TDCJ CORE VALUES & MISSION
Q1: What is the mission statement of the Texas Department of Criminal Justice?
Answer: To provide public safety, promote positive change in offender behavior, reintegrate
offenders into society, and assist victims of crime.
Rationale: This mission guides all TDCJ operations and is a foundational concept tested on
the exam.
Q2: What are the four TDCJ Core Values?
Answer: Courage, Integrity, Perseverance, and Commitment.
Rationale: These values define the expected professional conduct of all TDCJ staff.
Q3: Which document outlines uniform and grooming standards for TDCJ employees?
Answer: PD-28.
Rationale: PD-28 is the official policy governing employee appearance, proper attire, and
identification.
Q4: What does the acronym "BIONIC" stand for in TDCJ training?
,Answer: Believe It Or Not, I Care.
Rationale: BIONIC reinforces the importance of demonstrating compassion and
professionalism in interactions with offenders.
DOMAIN 2: SECURITY PROCEDURES & KEY/LOCK MANAGEMENT
Q5: Keys are identified by what method in TDCJ?
Answer: SITE & TOUCH.
Rationale: This system ensures proper key identification and accountability in correctional
settings.
Q6: The number on the keys indicates what?
Answer: The number of keys on the ring.
Rationale: This helps officers quickly verify the correct key set for specific locks.
Q7: Which officer will contain the hand restraints key?
Answer: The armed officer.
Rationale: To prevent an offender from accessing restraints keys, the armed officer
maintains control of them.
Q8: What items does a standard medical lifesaving kit contain?
Answer: Towelettes, shears, mask, gloves, and biohazard bag.
,Rationale: These supplies enable officers to provide basic medical assistance while
maintaining universal precautions.
Q9: What items does a transport bag contain?
Answer: Hand restraints with key, black box, padlock with key, belly belt, and leg restraints
(with key holes facing up).
Rationale: This standardizes the equipment required for safe offender transport.
Q10: How should leg restraints be positioned on an offender during transport?
Answer: Key holes go up.
Rationale: Correct positioning ensures the restraints function properly and allows easy
access if needed.
Q11: When leaving the unit on transport, all offenders must be:
Answer: Strip searched, provided with a change of clothing, checked with a metal detector,
and restraints placed with key holes up.
Rationale: This comprehensive procedure prevents contraband introduction and ensures
transport safety.
Q12: How many doors should be opened at one time when walking through a sally
port?
Answer: One door.
, Rationale: This prevents escape and maintains security during entry and exit procedures.
Q13: How often should cell block officers conduct egress (in/out) checks?
Answer: Every hour.
Rationale: Regular egress checks ensure accountability and detect unauthorized
movement.
Q14: How often must all cells be searched?
Answer: Within 45 days, and bi-annually during unit lockdown.
Rationale: Systematic searches are essential for contraband control.
Q15: What is the "Reactionary Gap" and why is it important?
Answer: Maintaining distance (typically 6-10 feet) between officer and offender to allow
reaction time to a sudden physical threat.
Rationale: This is a fundamental safety competency to prevent ambush.
DOMAIN 3: USE OF FORCE
Q16: What is the primary objective of the use of force in a correctional facility?
Answer: To gain control of a situation or person—force is never punitive.
Rationale: Use of force is legally authorized only to regain control and ensure safety.
Covers use of force, contraband control, inmate management, PREA, security
procedures & ethics. Pass your Texas Department of Criminal Justice exam with
confidence.
DOMAIN 1: TDCJ CORE VALUES & MISSION
Q1: What is the mission statement of the Texas Department of Criminal Justice?
Answer: To provide public safety, promote positive change in offender behavior, reintegrate
offenders into society, and assist victims of crime.
Rationale: This mission guides all TDCJ operations and is a foundational concept tested on
the exam.
Q2: What are the four TDCJ Core Values?
Answer: Courage, Integrity, Perseverance, and Commitment.
Rationale: These values define the expected professional conduct of all TDCJ staff.
Q3: Which document outlines uniform and grooming standards for TDCJ employees?
Answer: PD-28.
Rationale: PD-28 is the official policy governing employee appearance, proper attire, and
identification.
Q4: What does the acronym "BIONIC" stand for in TDCJ training?
,Answer: Believe It Or Not, I Care.
Rationale: BIONIC reinforces the importance of demonstrating compassion and
professionalism in interactions with offenders.
DOMAIN 2: SECURITY PROCEDURES & KEY/LOCK MANAGEMENT
Q5: Keys are identified by what method in TDCJ?
Answer: SITE & TOUCH.
Rationale: This system ensures proper key identification and accountability in correctional
settings.
Q6: The number on the keys indicates what?
Answer: The number of keys on the ring.
Rationale: This helps officers quickly verify the correct key set for specific locks.
Q7: Which officer will contain the hand restraints key?
Answer: The armed officer.
Rationale: To prevent an offender from accessing restraints keys, the armed officer
maintains control of them.
Q8: What items does a standard medical lifesaving kit contain?
Answer: Towelettes, shears, mask, gloves, and biohazard bag.
,Rationale: These supplies enable officers to provide basic medical assistance while
maintaining universal precautions.
Q9: What items does a transport bag contain?
Answer: Hand restraints with key, black box, padlock with key, belly belt, and leg restraints
(with key holes facing up).
Rationale: This standardizes the equipment required for safe offender transport.
Q10: How should leg restraints be positioned on an offender during transport?
Answer: Key holes go up.
Rationale: Correct positioning ensures the restraints function properly and allows easy
access if needed.
Q11: When leaving the unit on transport, all offenders must be:
Answer: Strip searched, provided with a change of clothing, checked with a metal detector,
and restraints placed with key holes up.
Rationale: This comprehensive procedure prevents contraband introduction and ensures
transport safety.
Q12: How many doors should be opened at one time when walking through a sally
port?
Answer: One door.
, Rationale: This prevents escape and maintains security during entry and exit procedures.
Q13: How often should cell block officers conduct egress (in/out) checks?
Answer: Every hour.
Rationale: Regular egress checks ensure accountability and detect unauthorized
movement.
Q14: How often must all cells be searched?
Answer: Within 45 days, and bi-annually during unit lockdown.
Rationale: Systematic searches are essential for contraband control.
Q15: What is the "Reactionary Gap" and why is it important?
Answer: Maintaining distance (typically 6-10 feet) between officer and offender to allow
reaction time to a sudden physical threat.
Rationale: This is a fundamental safety competency to prevent ambush.
DOMAIN 3: USE OF FORCE
Q16: What is the primary objective of the use of force in a correctional facility?
Answer: To gain control of a situation or person—force is never punitive.
Rationale: Use of force is legally authorized only to regain control and ensure safety.
