TSA Advanced Topics 3 — Questions and Answers
Question 1: A checked bag alarms in the CTX explosive detection system in the baggage room. Who resolves the alarm?
- A trained baggage screening officer conducting a physical search (Correct answer)
- The airline gate agent at the counter
- The passenger, who is called back to open it
- No one; alarmed bags are automatically rejected
Correct answer: A trained baggage screening officer conducting a physical search
Checked-bag alarms are resolved by qualified officers performing a hands-on inspection.
Question 2: Under layered security, which of the following is considered a covert layer rather than a visible one?
- Federal Air Marshals aboard flights (Correct answer)
- The walk-through metal detector
- Uniformed officers at the checkpoint
- The document-checking podium
Correct answer: Federal Air Marshals aboard flights
Federal Air Marshals operate covertly, unlike visible checkpoint equipment and staff.
Question 3: A passenger declares a medically necessary liquid over 3.4 ounces. What is the correct procedure?
- Allow it after additional screening such as ETD or visual inspection (Correct answer)
- Automatically confiscate it as a prohibited liquid
- Require it be poured out before the checkpoint
- Permit it only if under 12 ounces total
Correct answer: Allow it after additional screening such as ETD or visual inspection
Medically necessary liquids are permitted in larger quantities after extra screening.
Question 4: What is the primary advantage of CT technology at the checkpoint over traditional 2D X-ray?
- It produces 3D images that can be rotated for better threat analysis (Correct answer)
- It screens passengers without any bag being opened ever
- It replaces the need for explosive trace detection entirely
- It allows liquids of any size to remain in the bag
Correct answer: It produces 3D images that can be rotated for better threat analysis
Checkpoint CT generates rotatable 3D imagery, improving threat identification.
Question 5: An officer identifies a potential prohibited item during on-screen resolution but is unsure. What should they do?
- Escalate for a physical bag check to confirm (Correct answer)
- Clear the bag to keep the line moving
- Delete the image and rescan silently
- Ask a nearby passenger for a second opinion
Correct answer: Escalate for a physical bag check to confirm
Uncertain images must be resolved through a physical inspection, not cleared.
Question 6: 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 (Correct answer)
- The passenger's fingerprint against a criminal database
- The weight of the passenger's carry-on luggage
- The passenger's seat assignment on the aircraft
Correct answer: The validity and authenticity of the passenger's ID against flight vetting
CAT verifies ID authenticity and confirms the passenger is vetted to fly.
Question 7: A firearm is discovered in a carry-on bag at the checkpoint. What is the officer's immediate action?
- Notify law enforcement and secure the area (Correct answer)
- Return the firearm to the passenger to check it
- Allow it if the passenger has a concealed-carry permit
- Place it in the checked baggage stream themselves
Correct answer: Notify law enforcement and secure the area
Firearms at the checkpoint require immediate law enforcement notification.
TSA Advanced Topics 3
A checked bag alarms in the CTX explosive detection system in the baggage room.
Who resolves the alarm?