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

The combination of a power source (batteries), a switch/initiator (cell phone components), and a confinement device (pipe) along with a potential explosive (represented by the dense organic cheese) are all components of an IED. Recognizing the combination of these items, or "PIES" (Power, Initiator, Explosive, Switch), as a potential threat is a critical skill, requiring an immediate response and supervisor notification.

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

TSOs are not to handle firearms discovered at the checkpoint. The standard procedure is to stop the screening process, isolate the bag without touching it further, and immediately notify a supervisor and contact a Law Enforcement Officer (LEO) to take possession of the weapon and handle the passenger.

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

TSA regulations generally permit tools that are 7 inches or less in length to be carried in carry-on baggage. Hammers, crowbars, and power tools must be placed in checked baggage. A 6-inch screwdriver falls within the acceptable size limit for carry-on items.

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

Artful concealment of any item, even if the item itself is not prohibited, is a significant security concern and a threat indicator. The TSO must resolve the alarm and inspect the object. Refusal by the passenger to allow inspection of the concealed object requires escalation, including denying entry and involving law enforcement, as the intent cannot be determined.

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

Due to fire risk, the FAA and TSA mandate that all spare lithium-ion batteries, which include power banks and cell phone charging cases, must be transported in carry-on baggage only. They are prohibited from checked baggage. Furthermore, they must be individually protected to prevent short circuits, for example, by keeping them in original packaging, taping over the terminals, or placing each in a separate plastic bag.

(TSO) Transportation Security Officer Certification Practice Test

(TSO) Transportation Security Officer Certification Practice Test

FREE TSO Prohibited Items and Threat Recognition Questions and Answers