TSA Cheat Sheet 2026

The 30 highest-yield TSA facts, distilled from real exam questions. Print it, save it as a PDF, or study it here — free, no sign-up.

1. A TSA prompt asks 'Is it ever right to break the law?' What must your essay do first? → Interpret key terms such as 'right' and 'the law'
2. Which document element is checked by Credential Authentication Technology (CAT) at the podium? → The validity and authenticity of the passenger's ID against flight vetting
3. If checkpoint A is closed, all its passengers reroute to checkpoint B. A had 80 people and B had 40. What is B's new load? → 120
4. Which of these items is on the TSA prohibited items list for carry-on bags? → Firearms and ammunition
5. Identify the sentence with the correct use of an apostrophe. → The officer's badge was shiny.
6. In standard dual-energy X-ray imaging used at TSA checkpoints, what color typically represents organic materials such as food, clothing, and plastics? → Orange
7. The REAL ID Act sets federal standards for which type of document used at TSA checkpoints? → State-issued driver's licenses and identification cards
8. You notice an unattended bag near the checkpoint. What should you do first? → Immediately alert your supervisor and follow the unattended baggage protocol
9. A candidate is asked how to respond when uncertain whether an item is prohibited. What is the safest approach? → Escalate for secondary screening or supervisor review
10. Which spatial-reasoning statement is true: a box rotated 90 degrees still has the same __? → Volume
11. A passenger presents a pacemaker and says it cannot go through the AIT scanner. What is the correct action? → Conduct a thorough physical pat-down as the alternative screening method
12. A passenger refuses to remove their shoes at the checkpoint. What is the correct procedure? → Explain the requirement and offer alternative screening if shoes are not removed
13. What should a passenger do if a checkpoint alarm sounds when they walk through the metal detector? → Cooperate with additional screening such as a pat-down
14. During a pat-down, a passenger expresses concern about privacy and modesty. How should you respond? → Explain each step, offer a private screening room, and use same-gender officer protocol
15. What key benefit does TSA PreCheck provide to enrolled travelers? → Expedited screening that allows shoes, laptops, and belts to remain on or in bags
16. A written item asks the candidate to identify the correct order of checkpoint steps. This assesses what competency? → Sequencing and procedural knowledge
17. Which of the following best describes handling of confidential security information? → Share only with authorized personnel
18. Which is the strongest way to open a TSA essay on an abstract prompt? → Clarify the terms and state the position you will defend
19. Under layered security, which of the following is considered a covert layer rather than a visible one? → Federal Air Marshals aboard flights
20. What percentage of aircraft in March had cargo that weighed 3.99 pounds or less? → 44.6%
21. You witness a fellow TSA officer using what appears to be excessive physical force on a passenger. What do you do? → Intervene to stop the excessive force and immediately report the incident to a supervisor
22. A passenger becomes verbally aggressive after being selected for additional screening. What is the best first response? → Remain calm, explain the process politely, and de-escalate
23. A checkpoint reduced wait times from 20 minutes to 12 minutes. What is the percentage decrease? → 40%
24. A passenger's laptop repeatedly alarms during ETD swabbing. What should the officer do? → Conduct further inspection to determine the source of the alarm
25. What does the TSA 3-1-1 rule primarily govern? → Liquids, gels, and aerosols in carry-on bags
26. You suspect a coworker is under the influence of alcohol while on duty. What is the correct action? → Report your concern to a supervisor immediately
27. A lane's throughput drops 25% during a staff shortage. If normal throughput is 240 passengers per hour, what is the reduced rate? → 180 per hour
28. If a TSA prompt is deliberately ambiguous, what is the best response? → Acknowledge the ambiguity and argue from a stated interpretation
29. How should you handle a two-part TSA prompt with a linked sub-question? → Address both parts and show how they connect
30. Complete the sentence with the correct verb. If he ever ________ to come over, he would be able to come over. → wanted