Page 1 of 279
TDCJ CORRECTIONAL OFFICER CORE
COMPETENCIES EXAM
TABLE OF CONTENTS
1. **Module 1: TDCJ History, Mission, and Core Values** ……………………………. 8
*(Questions 1–15)*
2. **Module 2: Correctional Policies and Procedures** ………………………………. 12
*(Questions 16–35)*
3. **Module 3: Security and Custody Procedures** ……………………………………. 17
*(Questions 36–60)*
4. **Module 4: Inmate Supervision and Classification** ………………………………. 23
*(Questions 61–80)*
5. **Module 5: Use of Force and Defensive Tactics** …………………………………. 28
*(Questions 81–105)*
6. **Module 6: Emergency Response and Crisis Management** ……………………. 34
,Page 2 of 279
*(Questions 106–130)*
7. **Module 7: Communication and Conflict Resolution** ……………………………. 40
*(Questions 131–150)*
8. **Module 8: Ethics and Professional Conduct** …………………………………….. 45
*(Questions 151–170)*
9. **Module 9: Health, Safety, and Wellness Procedures** ………………………….. 50
*(Questions 171–190)*
10. **Module 10: Report Writing and Documentation** ……………………………….. 55
*(Questions 191–210)*
MODULE 1: TDCJ HISTORY, MISSION, AND CORE VALUES
Question 1
Topic: TDCJ Mission and Purpose
Learning Objective: Identify the primary mission of the Texas Department of Criminal Justice.
Difficulty: Easy
**Question:**
What is the primary mission of the Texas Department of Criminal Justice (TDCJ)?
,Page 3 of 279
A. To maximize inmate labor for state economic benefit
B. To provide public safety, promote positive change in offender behavior, and reintegrate law-
abiding citizens
C. To ensure all offenders serve maximum sentences without parole consideration
D. To operate the largest correctional system in the United States
Correct answer: B. To provide public safety, promote positive change in offender behavior, and
reintegrate law-abiding citizens
Detailed rationale:
The TDCJ mission balances public protection through secure confinement with rehabilitative
opportunities aimed at reducing recidivism. Modern corrections emphasizes that punishment
alone is insufficient; the agency must also work to promote positive behavioral change and
successful reintegration into society. This mission reflects a rehabilitative rather than purely
punitive philosophy.
Why the other options are incorrect:
A: While inmate labor programs exist, they are not the primary mission of TDCJ. The agency's
focus is on public safety and rehabilitation, not economic production.
C: TDCJ does not aim to maximize sentences or prevent parole. The agency administers
sentences according to law and provides opportunities for parole consideration where
applicable.
D: While TDCJ is indeed a large correctional system, operational size is not a mission statement;
it is a characteristic, not a purpose.
, Page 4 of 279
Exam tip: Remember the three pillars of the TDCJ mission: **Public Safety + Positive Change +
Reintegration**. This is frequently tested on the Core Competencies Exam.
---
### Question 2
**Topic:** TDCJ Core Values
**Learning Objective:** Identify and recall TDCJ's four core values.
**Difficulty:** Easy
**Question:**
Which of the following is NOT one of the TDCJ core values?
A. Integrity
B. Perseverance
C. Commitment
D. Accountability
**Correct answer:** D. Accountability
**Detailed rationale:**
The TDCJ core values are **Integrity, Courage, Commitment, and Perseverance**. While
accountability is an important professional quality and is implied within these values, it is not
one of the four explicitly stated core values of the agency. These values guide employee conduct
and decision-making throughout the organization.
TDCJ CORRECTIONAL OFFICER CORE
COMPETENCIES EXAM
TABLE OF CONTENTS
1. **Module 1: TDCJ History, Mission, and Core Values** ……………………………. 8
*(Questions 1–15)*
2. **Module 2: Correctional Policies and Procedures** ………………………………. 12
*(Questions 16–35)*
3. **Module 3: Security and Custody Procedures** ……………………………………. 17
*(Questions 36–60)*
4. **Module 4: Inmate Supervision and Classification** ………………………………. 23
*(Questions 61–80)*
5. **Module 5: Use of Force and Defensive Tactics** …………………………………. 28
*(Questions 81–105)*
6. **Module 6: Emergency Response and Crisis Management** ……………………. 34
,Page 2 of 279
*(Questions 106–130)*
7. **Module 7: Communication and Conflict Resolution** ……………………………. 40
*(Questions 131–150)*
8. **Module 8: Ethics and Professional Conduct** …………………………………….. 45
*(Questions 151–170)*
9. **Module 9: Health, Safety, and Wellness Procedures** ………………………….. 50
*(Questions 171–190)*
10. **Module 10: Report Writing and Documentation** ……………………………….. 55
*(Questions 191–210)*
MODULE 1: TDCJ HISTORY, MISSION, AND CORE VALUES
Question 1
Topic: TDCJ Mission and Purpose
Learning Objective: Identify the primary mission of the Texas Department of Criminal Justice.
Difficulty: Easy
**Question:**
What is the primary mission of the Texas Department of Criminal Justice (TDCJ)?
,Page 3 of 279
A. To maximize inmate labor for state economic benefit
B. To provide public safety, promote positive change in offender behavior, and reintegrate law-
abiding citizens
C. To ensure all offenders serve maximum sentences without parole consideration
D. To operate the largest correctional system in the United States
Correct answer: B. To provide public safety, promote positive change in offender behavior, and
reintegrate law-abiding citizens
Detailed rationale:
The TDCJ mission balances public protection through secure confinement with rehabilitative
opportunities aimed at reducing recidivism. Modern corrections emphasizes that punishment
alone is insufficient; the agency must also work to promote positive behavioral change and
successful reintegration into society. This mission reflects a rehabilitative rather than purely
punitive philosophy.
Why the other options are incorrect:
A: While inmate labor programs exist, they are not the primary mission of TDCJ. The agency's
focus is on public safety and rehabilitation, not economic production.
C: TDCJ does not aim to maximize sentences or prevent parole. The agency administers
sentences according to law and provides opportunities for parole consideration where
applicable.
D: While TDCJ is indeed a large correctional system, operational size is not a mission statement;
it is a characteristic, not a purpose.
, Page 4 of 279
Exam tip: Remember the three pillars of the TDCJ mission: **Public Safety + Positive Change +
Reintegration**. This is frequently tested on the Core Competencies Exam.
---
### Question 2
**Topic:** TDCJ Core Values
**Learning Objective:** Identify and recall TDCJ's four core values.
**Difficulty:** Easy
**Question:**
Which of the following is NOT one of the TDCJ core values?
A. Integrity
B. Perseverance
C. Commitment
D. Accountability
**Correct answer:** D. Accountability
**Detailed rationale:**
The TDCJ core values are **Integrity, Courage, Commitment, and Perseverance**. While
accountability is an important professional quality and is implied within these values, it is not
one of the four explicitly stated core values of the agency. These values guide employee conduct
and decision-making throughout the organization.
