TSA Advanced Topics 2 — Questions and Answers
Question 1: During an Advanced Imaging Technology (AIT) scan, a passenger triggers an anomaly alarm on the lower back. What is the correct next step?
- Conduct a localized pat-down of the indicated area (Correct answer)
- Send the passenger through the walk-through metal detector
- Require the passenger to remove all clothing in private
- Clear the passenger since AIT alarms are advisory only
Correct answer: Conduct a localized pat-down of the indicated area
AIT anomaly boxes indicate a specific area that must be resolved with a targeted pat-down.
Question 2: A passenger presents a TSA PreCheck boarding pass but the indicator is missing from the barcode. How should the officer proceed?
- Direct the passenger to standard screening lanes (Correct answer)
- Automatically grant PreCheck benefits anyway
- Deny boarding and refer to law enforcement
- Manually stamp the boarding pass for PreCheck
Correct answer: Direct the passenger to standard screening lanes
Without a valid PreCheck indicator, the passenger receives standard screening.
Question 3: Which type of threat is Explosive Trace Detection (ETD) technology primarily designed to identify?
- Trace particles or vapors from explosive materials (Correct answer)
- Metallic weapons concealed on the body
- Liquids exceeding the 3.4-ounce limit
- Fraudulent identification documents
Correct answer: Trace particles or vapors from explosive materials
ETD swabs collect and analyze microscopic residue left by explosive compounds.
Question 4: An officer notices a Computed Tomography (CT) scanner image shows a dense, organic mass matching an alarm profile. What is the appropriate action?
- Open the bag for a physical search and possible ETD (Correct answer)
- Clear the bag since CT eliminates false alarms
- Send the bag back through the X-ray twice
- Ask the passenger to describe the contents and clear it
Correct answer: Open the bag for a physical search and possible ETD
A CT alarm requires a physical bag search to resolve the potential threat.
Question 5: In Threat Image Projection (TIP), what is the purpose of inserting fictional threat images into X-ray screens?
- To test and train officer detection performance (Correct answer)
- To slow down the passenger line intentionally
- To calibrate the machine's color settings
- To record passenger belongings for records
Correct answer: To test and train officer detection performance
TIP overlays fake threats to keep officers alert and measure detection skill.
Question 6: A passenger in a wheelchair cannot be screened by AIT or the metal detector. What screening method applies?
- A thorough pat-down including the wheelchair (Correct answer)
- Denial of entry to the secure area
- Visual inspection only with no contact
- Immediate referral to a supervisor for exemption
Correct answer: A thorough pat-down including the wheelchair
Passengers unable to use imaging equipment receive a pat-down and equipment inspection.
Question 7: What does a Selectee designation on a boarding pass require an officer to perform?
- Enhanced screening including pat-down and property search (Correct answer)
- Standard screening with no additional steps
- Automatic denial of boarding
- A single hand-swab for explosives only
Correct answer: Enhanced screening including pat-down and property search
Selectee status triggers enhanced screening of the person and belongings.
TSA Advanced Topics 2
During an Advanced Imaging Technology (AIT) scan, a passenger triggers an anomaly alarm on the lower back.
What is the correct next step?