TSA X-Ray Practice Test: How to Prepare for Screening Exams

As part of the recruitment process for a role within the Transport Security Agency, candidates must complete the TSA computer-based test (CBT).

One of the core areas of knowledge assessed by the test is an individual’s ability to recognize objects and make decisions based on what they can infer. This is tested through X-ray screening questions.

Passing the X-ray screening component of the TSA CBT is an essential part of the recruitment process. Employers will be seeking to identify the candidates with the best all-round skills to properly and effectively perform the duties required of them.

In this article, you will find everything you need to know about the types of question on the TSA computer-based x-ray test. You’ll also find information about TSA X-ray practice tests, preparation techniques and strategies for performing to the best of your ability on the day.

What Is the TSA CBT X-Ray Test?

The TSA computer-based x-ray test is designed to quickly and accurately assess a candidate's object recognition and decision-making skills.

Candidates are presented with a range of TSA CBT X-ray images of luggage, with the objective being to correctly identify those that would warrant further screening.

It’s important to be able to respond quickly, as each image is only shown for 10 seconds before being required to indicate whether they saw a prohibited item or not.

As well as a range of TSA CBT X-ray images of everyday objects, candidates are expected to correctly identify contraband items such as guns, hand grenades, and knives. You may also be shown suspicious packages secreted within other, more generic items like dolls and ornaments. 

Understanding TSA X-Ray Images

During the TSA X-ray practice test, you will be shown an array of colored images. It’s important to know what the different colors mean and how to identify prohibited or suspicious items from the images you’re shown. 

TSA CBT X-Ray Images – Color Coding

• Blue – Most dense. Materials like metal and dense plastics will often appear blue or black. Weapons are most likely to appear blue under X-ray imaging. 
• Green – Typically plastics and metal alloys. Stone, ceramics, and toys can also appear green.
• Orange – Least dense. Typically biological matter such as wool, leather, and plants. Plastic can also appear orange in imaging.
  

Prohibited Items

Prohibited items will include weapons and narcotics. The list of prohibited items is constantly changing and evolving.

It’s important to know what each item looks like, both as a whole and in parts. Take time to study the TSA list of prohibited items and research any you are unfamiliar with.

Obscured Items

When packing luggage, it’s not uncommon for items to overlap and become obscured. However, it’s important to know how to identify these items on an X-ray. 

While, in the majority of cases, an obscured item will be nothing to worry about, occasionally prohibited items will be deliberately obscured within other luggage to try and transport them through security. 

Learning the different parts of prohibited items and what they look like will make it easier to identify them even if you can’t see the entire image.

How to Prepare for the TSA CBT X-Ray Test

There are several ways to prepare for the TSA CBT X-ray test. By creating a consistent, thorough approach, you can enhance your performance and ensure that you perform to the best of your ability on the day of the real exam.

Use Free TSA CBT X-Ray Practice Tests and Simulators

One of the best ways to familiarize yourself with the test format and time constraints is with the use of free practice tests. 

TestHQ, JobTestPrep and other similar websites offer a range of free practice tests and sample questions to help candidates identify any areas of weakness and strengthen their skills. 

Study Sample Images

Looking at sample images will mean that you are more familiar with what prohibited items look like under X-ray imaging. You will find a vast array of sample images online, with tips for identifying items when only part of it is visible. 

Time Management

Time management is crucial when it comes to completing the CBT Test. You will only have 10 seconds to examine each image before submitting an answer, so it’s vital to practice under timed conditions. This will help you to improve your identification and reasoning skills. 

Study the TSA Prohibited Items List

The list of prohibited items can vary. It’s important to be up-to-date with the list before you take the TSA CBT test so that you can correctly identify objects.

Take time to study and memorize the list, and look at images showing the more unfamiliar objects or those only recently added.

Recommended Resources for Practice

There are several websites offering practice tests and study guides to aid you in your studies. Some practice tests and sample questions will even be free.

The TSA Careers website offers comprehensive information about the TSA X-ray test as well as example images and free CVT X-ray practice test questions.

JobTestPrep provides individuals with a range of tools to help prepare for the CBT X-ray test including practice tests, study guides, and preparation strategies. You can also find information about the TSA CBT Exam on TestHQ.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the passing score for the TSA X-ray screening test?

This is a pass/fail test, so there isn’t a specific passing score. Candidates are graded on their overall performance and are awarded one of three results: best qualified, highly qualified, or qualified.

Are there any free online resources for TSA X-ray practice tests?

Yes, there are a number of free TSA CBT X-ray practice tests. You will also find study guides and sample images to help familiarize yourself with what the test is expecting from candidates. 

How do I interpret color codes in TSA X-ray images?

• Blue – Most dense. Weapons and materials like metal and dense plastics will often appear blue or black. 
• Green – Typically plastics, metal alloys, stone, ceramics and toys 
• Orange – Least dense. Typically biological matter such as wool, leather and plants. Plastic can also appear orange in imaging.
  

How long does the TSA X-ray screening test take?

The TSA X-ray screening test is part of the TSA CBT test. This takes two and a half hours to complete and contains an English test as well as the 100-question X-ray section.

What types of items are typically flagged in the X-ray screening exam?

Typically, you will be looking for weapons like guns, knives, and hand grenades. You may also be asked to identify suspicious packages that would need to be investigated for narcotics. 

Final Thoughts

Passing the TSA CBT Test is an essential step towards a career in transport security. Without a suitably high score, your application will not progress. So, it’s important to be as prepared as possible ahead of your assessment.

CBT practice X-ray tests will familiarize you with the format of this section of the test as well as enable you to fully understand the test objectives. Regular practice helps to build confidence, improve time-management skills and strengthen your ability to correctly identify prohibited objects.

A thorough and consistent approach, with the addition of TSA X-ray practice tests, such as those on JobTestPrep and TestHQ, will mean that you’re able to perform at your best on the day.