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. Why is stakeholder buy-in important for strategic implementation? → Because successful implementation requires support and cooperation from those affected
2. In spatial reasoning tasks on the TSA, you are most commonly asked to: → Mentally rotate or reflect 2D or 3D shapes to match a target configuration
3. A decision matrix is a tool used in problem solving to: → Evaluate multiple options against a set of weighted criteria
4. Which of the following sentences contains a logical non sequitur? → He wears glasses; therefore, he must be intelligent.
5. Which of the following is an example of a 'sufficient condition'? → If it rains, the ground gets wet — rain alone guarantees wet ground
6. Which critical thinking skill involves recognizing that two situations share the same logical structure? → Identifying parallel reasoning
7. The word 'ameliorate' most nearly means: → Improve or make better
8. Which type of analysis examines data to identify patterns and trends over time? → Trend analysis
9. What is a 'straw man' fallacy? → Misrepresenting an opponent's argument to make it easier to attack
10. A box contains 4 red balls and 6 blue balls. If one ball is drawn at random, what is the probability it is red? → 2/5
11. Which TSA problem-solving strategy involves testing each answer option to find the one that satisfies all given conditions? → Back-solving (working backwards from answers)
12. A student claims: 'No one has disproved my theory, so it must be correct.' This is an example of: → Argument from ignorance
13. A recipe calls for 2 cups of flour to make 12 cookies. How many cups of flour are needed to make 30 cookies? → 5 cups
14. What are the key characteristics of effective documentation? → Accurate, complete, timely, legible, and objective
15. An argument states: 'All athletes train daily. Maria trains daily. Therefore, Maria is an athlete.' What logical flaw does this contain? → Affirming the consequent
16. What distinguishes quality assurance from quality control? → QA is proactive and process-focused; QC is reactive and product-focused
17. What is the purpose of setting SMART goals in strategic planning? → To create goals that are Specific, Measurable, Achievable, Relevant, and Time-bound
18. What does SWOT analysis evaluate? → Strengths, Weaknesses, Opportunities, and Threats
19. 'The fact that crime rates fell after the new policy proves the policy was effective.' This reasoning commits which fallacy? → Post hoc ergo propter hoc fallacy
20. What is a dashboard in the context of data reporting? → A visual display that consolidates key metrics and indicators in real-time
21. How often should compliance procedures be reviewed and updated? → Regularly, and whenever regulations change or new risks are identified
22. In a TSA passage, if new evidence 'strengthens' an argument, what does this mean? → It makes the conclusion more likely to be true given the premises
23. A car uses 8 liters of fuel per 100 km. How many liters are needed for a 350 km journey? → 28 liters
24. Which word best fills the blank? 'The scientist's theory, though initially _____, was eventually proven correct.' → controversial
25. What characterizes a high-performing team? → Clear goals, mutual trust, open communication, and shared accountability
26. Why is it important to document and standardize best practices? → To ensure consistency, enable training, and facilitate continuous improvement
27. Why is maintaining confidentiality important in record keeping? → To protect sensitive personal and professional information from unauthorized access
28. How should conflicts within a team be addressed? → Promptly and directly, focusing on issues rather than personalities
29. What should be done when strategic implementation encounters unexpected obstacles? → Assess the situation, adjust the plan as needed, and communicate changes to stakeholders
30. What is the primary goal of quality assurance in professional practice? → To ensure consistent delivery of products or services that meet established standards