TSO Prohibited Items Identification Questions and Answers

Question 1

A passenger's carry-on bag contains several spare lithium-ion batteries for a camera, each rated at 95 Wh. The batteries are individually protected in plastic cases. According to TSA and FAA regulations, what is the correct procedure for these items?

Accepted Answer

The batteries are permitted in carry-on baggage as they are under the 100 Wh limit and properly protected.

Answer

Spare (uninstalled) lithium-ion batteries with a rating of 100 watt-hours (Wh) or less are permitted in carry-on baggage. They must be protected from short-circuiting, for instance by being in their original retail packaging or by placing tape over the terminals. There is no limit on the quantity for personal use. They are strictly prohibited in checked baggage due to fire risk.

Question 2

During X-ray screening of a carry-on bag, a TSO identifies a container of peanut butter that is larger than 3.4 ounces (100 ml). The passenger states it is a food item, not a liquid. How should the TSO classify and handle this item?

Accepted Answer

Classify the item as a liquid/gel and subject it to the 3-1-1 liquids rule, offering the passenger options for disposal or checking.

Answer

TSA considers foods that are spreadable, such as peanut butter, creams, and pastes, to be subject to the 3-1-1 liquids rule. If a container of such an item is larger than 3.4 ounces (100 ml), it is not permitted in carry-on baggage and must be placed in checked baggage or disposed of.

Question 3

A passenger is traveling with a ceremonial knife (a Kirpan) for religious reasons and presents it at the checkpoint. Which of the following is the correct action for the TSO?

Accepted Answer

Inform the passenger that all knives, including religious ones, are prohibited in carry-on and must be transported in checked baggage.

Answer

TSA regulations state that religious knives, swords, and other objects with blades are not permitted through the security checkpoint. They must be properly packed in checked baggage. While TSOs should handle such items with respect, the prohibition on sharp objects in the sterile area applies.

Question 4

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

Accepted Answer

Knitting needles and scissors with blades less than 4 inches from the pivot point.

Answer

Knitting needles are permitted in carry-on baggage. Scissors with a blade length of less than 4 inches from the pivot point are also allowed. Pepper spray and most tools are prohibited in carry-on. All knives, except for plastic or round-bladed butter knives, are prohibited.

Question 5

A TSO discovers firearm parts, specifically a slide and a magazine, in a passenger's carry-on bag during screening. The parts are separate, and there is no firearm frame or ammunition present. What is the correct determination?

Accepted Answer

The items must be transported in checked baggage only.

Answer

TSA regulations explicitly state that firearm parts, including magazines, clips, bolts, firing pins, frames, and receivers, are prohibited in carry-on baggage. They may only be transported in checked baggage.

(TSO) Transportation Security Officer Certification Practice Test

(TSO) Transportation Security Officer Certification Practice Test

TSO Prohibited Items Identification Questions and Answers