Practice Test Geeks(TSO) Transportation Security Officer Certification Practice Test
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Prohibited Items Identification Flashcards

7 cards from real TSO practice questions. Tap to flip, then mark Knew It or Still Learning — missed cards come back until you master them.

Read the first 7 Prohibited Items Identification flashcards as text

  1. A passenger's X-ray image shows a cylindrical object with wires attached inside a laptop bag. What is the FIRST step a TSO should take?

    Answer: Call for a supervisor and treat it as a possible IED until cleared

    Any anomaly suggesting an improvised explosive device (IED) requires calling a supervisor and following established protocols before any manual inspection.

  2. Which of these knife types is ALWAYS prohibited in carry-on baggage regardless of blade length?

    Answer: Box cutter / razor blade

    Box cutters and loose razor blades are prohibited in carry-on regardless of size; folding knives under 2.36 inches with non-locking blades were previously allowed but all sharp items are now generally restricted.

  3. A traveler has a checked bag containing an unloaded firearm and loose ammunition stored separately. Is this compliant with TSA rules?

    Answer: No, ammunition must be in the original factory box or equivalent approved container

    Ammunition must be securely packaged in the manufacturer's original box or a container specifically designed for ammunition — loose ammunition is not permitted.

  4. Which of the following is considered a prohibited item in carry-on due to its gel-like consistency exceeding 3.4 oz?

    Answer: Peanut butter jar (16 oz)

    Peanut butter has a gel-like spreadable consistency and is subject to the 3-1-1 liquid rule, making containers over 3.4 oz prohibited in carry-on.

  5. A passenger has 4 lithium-ion spare batteries (each 100Wh) in their checked bag. What action should the TSO take?

    Answer: Flag the bag; spare lithium batteries are prohibited in checked baggage and must go in carry-on

    Spare lithium batteries (not installed in devices) are prohibited in checked baggage but allowed in carry-on where a fire can be detected and suppressed.

  6. Which martial arts weapon is prohibited in carry-on baggage?

    Answer: Nunchucks

    Nunchucks are prohibited in carry-on baggage because they are impact weapons; they may be transported in checked baggage.

  7. A passenger presents a medical syringe and claims it is for insulin. There is no medication present. What should the TSO do?

    Answer: Request the associated medication or prescription label; without it, the syringe may be denied

    TSA recommends that syringes be accompanied by clearly labeled medication; without associated medication, the TSO may deny the syringe entry into the sterile area.