Federal Air Marshal Test: What to Expect and How to Prepare
Feb 26, 2025What Is the Federal Air Marshal Test?
The Federal Air Marshals provide essential safety and security at US airports. Because of the far-reaching and specialized nature of their role, it’s important to ensure that the best possible candidates are selected from each batch of applicants.
The Federal Air Marshal test is part of this process. The multi-stage assessment forms part of the hiring process for the Transport Security Administration (TSA). Candidates will sit a written test, a situational judgment test, and a physical test.
Anyone wanting to begin a career as a Federal Air Marshal is required to pass the test.
In this article, you will find out more about the Federal Air Marshal Test and how to prepare for it, along with tips for success. You’ll also find Federal Air Marshal practice test questions you can use in your study prep.
Key Components of the Federal Air Marshal Test
There are several sections to the Federal Air Marshal test, each designed to assess specific skills and abilities.
Typically, candidates will complete a written test and an assessment battery.
Federal Air Marshal Written Test
The written assessment is designed to evaluate a candidate's problem-solving abilities and attention to detail. This is done through three individual assessments covering logical reasoning, mathematical skill, reading comprehension, and situational judgment.
Each test uses a multiple-choice format and is timed. It’s important to answer as many questions as possible within the time limit. You won’t be penalized for wrong answers, but failing to complete a question could mean missing out on valuable marks.
Federal Air Marshal Assessment Battery
The second stage in the process is the Federal Air Marshal Assessment Battery, which is designed to evaluate physical, cognitive, and psychological attributes.
For many candidates, the fitness test is one of the most challenging sections of the Federal Air Marshal test. The job can be very physically demanding, so it’s important to ensure that potential recruits have the correct level of physical fitness to undertake the role. The fitness test includes assessments for strength, endurance, and agility.
Psychological assessments might seem a little overwhelming initially, but recruiters need to be confident in your mental readiness for the challenges working as a Federal Air Marshal will involve. Candidates are tested on mental resilience and selected based on their suitability for the role.
Federal Air Marshal Test Example Questions
1. Federal Air Marshal Written Test
Logical Reasoning
A train leaves Station A at 8:00 a.m., traveling at 60 miles per hour. A second train leaves Station A at 9:00 a.m., traveling at 80 miles per hour on the same track.
At what time will the second train catch up to the first train?
a) 10:00 a.m.
b) 11:00 a.m.
c) 12:00 p.m.
d) 1:00 p.m.
The correct answer is: b) 11:00 a.m.
- The first train has a 1-hour head start, covering 60 miles in that time.
- The second train gains 20 miles per hour (80 mph – 60 mph).
- Time required to catch up = 60 miles ÷ 20 mph = 3 hours.
- 9:00 AM (departure time of second train) + 3 hours = 11:00 a.m..
Math Skills
If a Federal Air Marshal needs to fly 3,500 miles and their plane travels at 500 miles per hour, how long will the flight take?
a) 5 hours
b) 6 hours
c) 7 hours
d) 8 hours
The correct answer is: c) 7 hours
Flight time is calculated using:
2. Federal Air Marshal Situational Judgment Test
Handling a Security Threat
While on duty, you notice a passenger acting suspiciously, frequently looking around and appearing nervous.
What should you do?
a) Immediately detain the passenger and search their belongings.
b) Discreetly observe their behavior and notify the flight crew if concerns persist.
c) Confront the passenger directly and ask if they need assistance.
d) Ignore the behavior unless another passenger reports it.
The correct answer is: b) Discreetly observe their behavior and notify the flight crew if concerns persist.
- Air Marshals must remain covert and avoid unnecessary confrontation.
- Notifying the flight crew allows for further assessment without drawing attention.
Conflict De-escalation
During a flight, two passengers start arguing loudly over a seating dispute. What is the best course of action?
a) Intervene immediately and separate the passengers.
b) Allow the argument to continue unless it becomes violent.
c) Ask a flight attendant to handle the situation.
d) Observe quietly and take action only if a physical altercation occurs.
The correct answer is: a) Intervene immediately and separate the passengers.
- Preventing escalation is crucial for in-flight safety.
- Air Marshals must de-escalate conflicts before they pose a security threat.
3. Federal Air Marshal Physical Fitness Test
Running Endurance
A Federal Air Marshal candidate must complete a 1.5-mile run in under 12 minutes.
What is the minimum average speed (miles per hour) they need to maintain?
a) 6.0 mph
b) 7.5 mph
c) 8.0 mph
d) 9.0 mph
The correct answer is: b) 7.5 mph
Push-Up Requirements
Federal Air Marshal candidates must perform a minimum of 30 push-ups in 1 minute.
If a candidate maintains a steady pace, how many push-ups should they complete every 15 seconds?
a) 5
b) 7
c) 8
d) 10
The correct answer is: a) 5
- Push-ups per second = 30 ÷ 60 = 0.5 push-ups per second.
- Push-ups per 15 seconds = 0.5 × 15 = 5 push-ups.
4. Federal Air Marshal Psychological Assessment
Stress Management
You are on a long-haul flight and have been monitoring passengers for hours. You start feeling fatigued but need to remain alert.
What should you do?
a) Take a short nap while remaining seated.
b) Have a caffeinated drink and engage in subtle stretching exercises.
c) Relax and focus less on monitoring for the next hour.
d) Ask a flight attendant for an energy drink.
The correct answer is: b) Have a caffeinated drink and engage in subtle stretching exercises.
- Maintaining alertness is essential for situational awareness.
- Caffeine and movement help combat fatigue without compromising duty.
Handling High-Pressure Situations
During an emergency landing, passengers begin to panic.
How should you respond?
a) Raise your voice to establish authority and demand calm.
b) Allow flight attendants to handle the situation while you monitor.
c) Use a firm but calm tone to reassure passengers and provide guidance.
d) Ignore the passengers and focus solely on scanning for threats.
The correct answer is: c) Use a firm but calm tone to reassure passengers and provide guidance.
- Panic can escalate into chaos if not managed properly.
- A calm demeanor helps control the situation while maintaining authority.
How to Prepare for the Federal Air Marshal Exam
Thorough preparation can help you to feel calm and confident ahead of the Federal Air Marshal test. It will also enable you the opportunity to brush up on areas of knowledge that might be weaker.
Preparing for the exam doesn’t have to be complicated. There are a number of simple things you can do which will mean you’re able to perform to the best of your ability on the day.
Study for the Written Test
During the exam, you will be tested on your logical reasoning, math, reading comprehension, and situational judgment skills. It’s a good idea to practice all of these things to make sure that you brush up on your knowledge and understand what to expect on the day.
There are several websites offering free sample questions and test preparation resources. Additionally, you can purchase test packages that will provide you with further information and evaluations of your answers.
Taking the time to review your answers will help you to understand more about what a question is asking and identify any areas of weakness that might need to be strengthened.
Prepare for the Physical Fitness Test
The physical fitness section of the exam aims to assess strength, endurance, and overall agility.
It’s a good idea to practice a comprehensive workout regimen that covers all of these areas. Exercises like swimming, running, circuit training, and high intensity interval training are particularly good for improving and maintaining overall fitness.
Practice Situational Judgment
Situational judgment questions are designed to assess how an individual thinks and is likely to react in different circumstances. This information is used by recruiters to identify the candidates best-suited to working as an Air Marshal.
Practice questions can be very useful in testing critical thinking and decision-making skills under pressure. Taking time to work through a range of sample situational judgment questions will mean that you understand the format of the test and what to expect on the day.
Tips for Success in the Federal Air Marshal Exam
Combining regular practice with simple tips and strategies can help you to succeed in both the written and physical sections of the Federal Air Marshal Test.
Stay Calm Under Pressure
It’s important to stay calm during the Federal Air Marshal test. If you’re someone who struggles with anxiety in exam situations, this can negatively impact your recall and performance.
One of the best things you can do to help you feel less anxious about an upcoming exam is to practice. This will help you to feel comfortable with the style of questions you’re likely to face.
However, there are other ways to help you stay calm. Practicing mindfulness and breathing techniques can also help you to remain calm. It’s also a good idea to make sure you get enough sleep in the run-up to the test as feeling tired can increase feelings of anxiety.
Practice Time Management
Each stage of the Federal Air Marshal Test is timed. Because of this, you will need to be able to remain calm under pressure and answer both quickly and accurately.
Practicing under timed conditions can help to improve recall and response time, and may help you to perform better on the day.
Focus on Physical Fitness
The physical fitness test can be quite demanding, so it’s important to ensure that you are as physically fit as possible.
Practicing a well-rounded fitness regimen that includes strength, flexibility, and endurance will ensure that you’re able to meet the physical demands of the test.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the Federal Air Marshal test?
The Federal Air Marshal test is a series of written, physical, and psychological assessments administered by the Transport Security Association. They are used to evaluate candidates who have applied for Federal Air Marshal roles.
How long is the Federal Air Marshal written test?
Usually, the Federal Air Marshal written test lasts around two hours. Questions will cover reasoning, math, and situational judgement.
What should I wear for the Federal Air Marshal physical test?
You will need to have a full range of movement as the test will be physically demanding. Comfortable workout clothing and running shoes are the best choices.
Can I retake the Federal Air Marshal test?
This will depend on specific Transport Security Association policies. In most cases, you will be able to retake the test after a designated waiting period.
How difficult is the Federal Air Marshal test?
The test can be challenging due to the level of knowledge and physical readiness required by candidates. Taking the time to understand what is expected of you, and working though practice questions will mean that you’re able to feel confident in your abilities.
Final Thoughts
The Federal Air Marshal Test can be an intense series of assessments to face, but it’s an essential step in the recruitment process for anyone wanting to work in this field.
Candidates need to possess a range of carefully selected skills to carry out the role effectively, so recruiters will want to see you performing to the best of your ability on the day. Thorough preparation can help with this.
Whether you choose free options or paid practice packages, taking the time to work through practice questions and sample tests will mean that you understand the skills the test requires of you, and are familiar with the test’s format.
A structured, comprehensive fitness plan will mean that you’re at peak fitness for the physical section of the test. All of these steps will enable you to remain calm, focused, and motivated when you face your Federal Air Marshal test for real.
