FREE TSO Prohibited Items and Threat Recognition Questions and Answers

Question 1

While screening a carry-on bag with an X-ray system, a TSO observes several distinct items: a block of cheese (organic, orange), a cell phone (mixed components), a dense metal pipe (inorganic, blue/black), and several loose batteries connected by wires.
Which of the following is the MOST appropriate next step?

Accepted Answer

Initiate the immediate protocol for a potential Improvised Explosive Device (IED) and notify a supervisor.

Answer

Allow the bag to proceed, as none of the individual items are on the prohibited list.

Answer

Confiscate the block of cheese for being an oversized organic material.

Answer

Instruct the passenger to remove the batteries and discard them.

Question 2

A TSO discovers an undeclared handgun inside a passenger's carry-on bag during X-ray screening. What is the correct immediate procedure for the TSO to follow?

Accepted Answer

Do not touch the bag, stop the screening process for that lane, and immediately notify a supervisor and Law Enforcement.

Answer

Confiscate the firearm and issue a civil penalty to the passenger.

Answer

Unload the firearm and return it to the passenger with instructions to place it in checked baggage.

Answer

Ask the passenger if they have a license to carry and allow them to proceed if they do.

Question 3

Which of the following tools is generally permitted in a passenger's carry-on baggage, according to TSA regulations?

Accepted Answer

A screwdriver that is 6 inches long.

Answer

A hammer with a 10-inch handle.

Answer

A cordless power drill with the battery pack installed.

Answer

A crowbar.

Question 4

During a pat-down of a passenger who alarmed the AIT, a TSO feels a hard, non-metallic object sewn into the lining of the passenger's jacket. The passenger claims it is a good luck charm. The object itself is not on the prohibited items list. What is the most appropriate action for the TSO?

Accepted Answer

Request the passenger to remove the object for closer inspection; if they refuse, deny entry and notify law enforcement.

Answer

Allow the passenger to proceed since the object is not a prohibited item.

Answer

Confiscate the jacket as it has been tampered with.

Answer

Tell the passenger that good luck charms are not allowed and must be discarded.

Question 5

What is the correct procedure for a passenger traveling with spare (uninstalled) lithium-ion batteries, including power banks?

Accepted Answer

They must be packed in carry-on baggage and protected from short-circuiting.

Answer

They must be packed in checked baggage.

Answer

They can be packed in either carry-on or checked baggage.

Answer

They are prohibited from air travel entirely.

Question 6

A TSO observes an X-ray image of a dense, cylindrical object with wires leading to a small rectangular box. The passenger states it is a homemade portable speaker. Which factor is MOST critical for the TSO to consider when determining if this is a threat?

Accepted Answer

The object's resemblance to a pipe bomb, regardless of the passenger's explanation.

Answer

The passenger's travel destination.

Answer

Whether the speaker is functional.

Answer

The brand name of the electronic components.