CCSP Cargo Screening Procedures & Technologies 2 — Questions and Answers
Question 1: Which technology uses backscatter X-ray to detect organic materials and low-density threats that may be invisible to transmission X-ray alone?
- Computed Tomography (CT)
- Backscatter imaging (Correct answer)
- Passive millimeter wave
- Trace detection portals
Correct answer: Backscatter imaging
Backscatter X-ray reflects radiation off the surface of objects, making it effective at detecting organic materials and low-density threats like plastic explosives.
Question 2: Under TSA's CCSP program, who bears primary responsibility for ensuring that cargo placed aboard a passenger aircraft has been properly screened?
- The freight forwarder who consolidated the shipment
- The indirect air carrier (IAC) or certified cargo screening facility (CCSF)
- The passenger airline accepting the cargo (Correct answer)
- U.S. Customs and Border Protection
Correct answer: The passenger airline accepting the cargo
Under the 100% cargo screening mandate, the aircraft operator (airline) bears final accountability for ensuring all cargo loaded aboard passenger aircraft has been screened.
Question 3: What does the acronym 'ETD' stand for in cargo security screening?
- Electronic Transfer Document
- Explosive Trace Detection (Correct answer)
- Enhanced Threat Detection
- Exterior Threat Diagnostics
Correct answer: Explosive Trace Detection
ETD stands for Explosive Trace Detection, a method that collects and analyzes swab or air samples to identify trace amounts of explosive materials.
Question 4: A cargo screener detects an anomaly in a high-density cargo pallet using X-ray. What is the MOST appropriate next step?
- Clear the cargo and note the anomaly in the log
- Apply a secondary screening method such as physical inspection or ETD (Correct answer)
- Reject the cargo and notify the shipper immediately
- Escalate directly to law enforcement without further screening
Correct answer: Apply a secondary screening method such as physical inspection or ETD
When X-ray reveals an anomaly, the proper protocol is to apply an approved secondary screening method before making a disposition decision.
Question 5: Which of the following is NOT an approved cargo screening method under TSA's CCSP program?
- Physical search
- Explosive detection canine teams
- Visual inspection without physical contact (Correct answer)
- Advanced imaging technology (AIT)
Correct answer: Visual inspection without physical contact
Visual inspection without physical contact does not meet TSA's approved screening standards; physical search requires hands-on examination of cargo contents.
Question 6: How long must a Certified Cargo Screening Facility (CCSF) retain cargo screening records according to TSA requirements?
- 30 days
- 90 days
- 180 days (Correct answer)
- 1 year
Correct answer: 180 days
TSA requires CCSFs to retain cargo screening records for a minimum of 180 days to support audits and incident investigations.
Question 7: Which type of cargo is exempt from the 100% screening requirement for passenger aircraft under certain TSA provisions?
- Live animals transported as cargo (Correct answer)
- Perishable food items requiring temperature control
- U.S. Postal Service Priority Mail Express packages
- Cargo screened and sealed by a TSA-approved Known Shipper
Correct answer: Live animals transported as cargo
Live animals transported as cargo are generally exempt from physical X-ray screening, though other security measures must still be applied.
CCSP Cargo Screening Procedures & Technologies 2
Which technology uses backscatter X-ray to detect organic materials and low-density threats that may be invisible to transmission X-ray alone?