TSO Standard Operating Procedures (SOP) Questions and Answers

Question 1

A TSO at the Travel Document Checker (TDC) podium observes that the name on a passenger's government-issued ID is a common variation of the name on their boarding pass (e.g., 'Mike' on the ID and 'Michael' on the boarding pass). According to standard procedure, what is the TSO's correct initial action?

Accepted Answer

Advise the passenger to return to the airline check-in counter to have their boarding pass reissued to match the ID.

Answer

The SOP requires that the name on the travel document and the government-issued ID must match. The airline is responsible for issuing the boarding pass correctly. Therefore, the TSO's role is to identify the discrepancy and direct the passenger to the airline to resolve the issue, ensuring the passenger's identity is consistent across all documents.

Question 2

During screening operations, an X-ray machine (Advanced Technology or AT) malfunctions and shuts down completely. According to the SOP for equipment failure, what is the TSO's immediate primary responsibility?

Accepted Answer

Immediately close the affected lane and notify a supervisor or lead TSO.

Answer

The SOP for equipment malfunctions prioritizes securing the checkpoint. The immediate action is to stop the flow of passengers through the non-functioning lane to prevent any unscreened items from passing, and then to escalate the issue to leadership. A supervisor will then initiate the appropriate contingency and maintenance procedures.

Question 3

Which of the following actions constitutes a violation of the Standard Operating Procedure for handling Sensitive Security Information (SSI)?

Accepted Answer

Discussing specific checkpoint screening vulnerabilities in a non-public employee breakroom.

Answer

SSI must be protected from unauthorized disclosure, which includes being overheard by those without a 'need to know'. Discussing specific vulnerabilities or procedures, even in a breakroom, is a violation because it could be overheard by individuals who are not authorized to have that information, compromising security.

Question 4

A passenger waiting in the divestiture line suddenly appears distressed and collapses, indicating a potential medical emergency. According to the SOP, which of the following should be the TSO's first priority?

Accepted Answer

Ensure the immediate area is secure and promptly notify a supervisor to request medical assistance.

Answer

In any emergency, life safety is the top priority. The TSO's initial role is to act as a first responder by securing the scene to prevent further injury to the passenger or others and immediately notifying leadership, who will summon professional medical help. Screening operations are secondary to a medical emergency.

Question 5

According to the SOP for opening a screening lane, which of the following is a mandatory step that must be completed before screening any passengers?

Accepted Answer

Conduct and document all required operational tests and calibrations of the screening equipment.

Answer

Before a screening lane can become operational, the SOP mandates that all equipment (e.g., X-ray, WTMD, AIT, ETD) must be tested and calibrated to ensure it is functioning correctly and meets all security standards. This verification is a critical step to guarantee the integrity of the screening process.

(TSO) Transportation Security Officer Certification Practice Test

(TSO) Transportation Security Officer Certification Practice Test

TSO Standard Operating Procedures (SOP) Questions and Answers