Mixed Deck — All TSA Topics Flashcards

Choose the word closest in meaning to 'discrepancy'.

Answer: Inconsistency

A discrepancy is a difference or inconsistency between things that should match.

You observe a colleague accepting a cash tip from a passenger after screening. What should you do?

Answer: Report the incident to your supervisor

TSA officers are prohibited from accepting gifts or gratuities, and violations must be reported to a supervisor.

A passenger declares a medically necessary liquid over 3.4 ounces. What is the correct procedure?

Answer: Allow it after additional screening such as ETD or visual inspection

Medically necessary liquids are permitted in larger quantities after extra screening.

Choose the sentence with correct semicolon use.

Answer: The flight was delayed; we waited two hours.

A semicolon correctly joins two related independent clauses.

Which sentence uses the modifier correctly?

Answer: Walking to the gate, she felt the bag was heavy.

The modifier "walking to the gate" correctly describes "she."

Two passengers start arguing loudly in the screening line. What should you do first?

Answer: Stay calm, use a neutral tone to de-escalate, and call for support if needed

Calm de-escalation plus calling for backup keeps people safe and the checkpoint under control.

An X-ray image shows a battery, wires, and an unknown organic mass packed tightly together. What should the officer do?

Answer: Follow the procedure for a possible improvised explosive device and alert a supervisor

A power source, wiring, and organic material together are signs of a possible IED and require the specific escalation protocol.

Which of the following items is always prohibited in BOTH carry-on and checked baggage?

Answer: Explosive and incendiary devices

Explosive and incendiary devices are absolutely prohibited in both carry-on and checked baggage on commercial flights.

If it is false that 'every gate is open,' which must be true?

Answer: At least one gate is closed

The negation of 'every gate is open' means at least one gate is closed.

A passenger presents an ID that CAT flags as potentially fraudulent. What is the next step?

Answer: Refer the passenger for additional verification and possible law enforcement

A CAT fraud flag requires further identity verification and possible referral.

What is the main purpose of the Advanced Imaging Technology (body scanner)?

Answer: To detect concealed items on a person

Body scanners detect metallic and non-metallic items hidden under clothing.

What is the best approach to staying current in a rapidly evolving field?

Answer: Regularly read industry publications, attend workshops, take courses, and participate in professional communities

Multiple learning channels ensure comprehensive awareness of industry changes, new technologies, and evolving best practices.

What is the best way to strengthen an argument in a TSA essay?

Answer: Address and rebut a plausible counter-argument

Engaging with counter-arguments shows critical depth and makes your case more convincing.

What detection technology do most ETD units at airport checkpoints use to identify explosive residue?

Answer: Ion mobility spectrometry

Most checkpoint ETD units use ion mobility spectrometry, which separates ionized sample molecules by how fast they drift through an electric field.

Which sentence uses the correct word form?

Answer: They're going to inspect the bags now.

'They're' is the contraction of 'they are'. 'Their' is possessive and 'there' refers to a place. 'Theyre' is not a word.

Which behaviors are common warning signs that a passenger may be escalating?

Answer: Clenched fists, raised voice, and pacing

Physical tension, a louder voice, and restless movement often show anger building up.

A checked bag alarms in the CTX explosive detection system in the baggage room. Who resolves the alarm?

Answer: A trained baggage screening officer conducting a physical search

Checked-bag alarms are resolved by qualified officers performing a hands-on inspection.

How should you handle a two-part TSA prompt with a linked sub-question?

Answer: Address both parts and show how they connect

Both elements must be engaged, with the relationship between them made explicit.

A passenger's carry-on bag alarms and the officer needs to swab it for explosive residue. Which technology is used?

Answer: Explosives Trace Detection (ETD)

ETD analyzes swab samples for trace amounts of explosive residue.

During ETD screening, a passenger asks to have their person screened away from public view. What should the officer do?

Answer: Offer private screening in line with procedures

Passengers may request private screening, and officers should provide it according to procedure, normally with a witness present.