CBP Officer Entrance Examination flashcards

33 cards. Read the term and the definition here. The deck at the top of this page is optional.

Contrapositive equivalence

The contrapositive of "If P then Q" is "If not Q then not P." These two statements always share the same truth value, so one validly substitutes for the other.

Affirming the consequent

A logical error that concludes P from "If P then Q" and Q. The consequent being true does not establish that the antecedent is true.

Necessary versus sufficient

A necessary condition must hold for a result to occur; a sufficient condition guarantees it. Confusing the two produces invalid conclusions on reasoning items.

Meaning of unless

"P unless Q" translates to "If not Q then P," which is equivalent to "If not P then Q." Treat unless as an if-not construction.

Undistributed middle fallacy

Concluding that X is A from "all A are B" and "X is B." Sharing the property B does not place X inside category A.

Valid syllogism chain

From "all A are B" and "all B are C," conclude "all A are C." The middle term B must be distributed across both premises for validity.

Percent change formula

Percent change equals new value minus old value, divided by old value, times 100. Divide by the original amount, never the new one.

Reversing a percent increase

To recover an original amount after a 15% increase, divide the final amount by 1.15. Multiplying by 0.85 gives the wrong base.

Combined work rate

If two workers finish alone in a and b hours, together they take 1 divided by (1/a + 1/b) hours. Add rates, then invert.

Average speed, equal distances

For equal distances traveled at speeds x and y, average speed is 2xy divided by (x + y). It is never the simple mean of the speeds.

Simple interest formula

Simple interest equals principal times annual rate times time in years. Interest accrues only on the original principal, not on prior interest.

Compound amount formula

Amount equals principal times (1 plus rate divided by periods per year) raised to periods per year times years. Interest earns interest each period.

Weighted average rule

Multiply each value by its weight, sum the products, then divide by total weight. The result always falls between the smallest and largest values.

Ratio scaling

A ratio compares parts; multiply or divide both terms by the same nonzero factor. Set up proportions and cross-multiply with units aligned.

Subject-verb agreement with and

A compound subject joined by "and" takes a plural verb. Joining with "or" or "nor" makes the verb agree with the nearer subject.

Intervening phrase rule

Phrases like "along with," "as well as," and "together with" sit between subject and verb without changing the subject's number.

Singular indefinite pronouns

Each, either, everyone, nobody, and somebody are singular and take singular verbs and pronouns, even when followed by a plural prepositional phrase.

Dangling modifier

An introductory participial phrase must describe the subject of the main clause. If it describes something else, the sentence is illogical and needs rewriting.

Parallel structure rule

Items in a list, comparison, or correlative pair must share grammatical form, such as all infinitives or all gerunds, not a mix.

Semicolon versus colon

A semicolon joins two independent clauses. A colon follows a complete clause and introduces a list, example, or explanation.

Run-on sentence

Two independent clauses joined with no punctuation or only a comma. Fix with a period, semicolon, or coordinating conjunction.

Who versus whom

Use who for the subject of a verb and whom for an object or after a preposition. Substituting he or him confirms the correct case.

Main idea scope

The main idea must cover the entire passage. A statement that is accurate but addresses only one paragraph is a supporting detail instead.

Valid inference standard

An inference must follow necessarily from stated evidence. Choices that are merely plausible or need outside knowledge are incorrect.

Tone from word choice

Tone is revealed through connotation and adjectives, not topic alone. Extreme absolutes such as always and never rarely fit measured passages.

Vocabulary in context

Substitute each answer choice into the original sentence and keep the option that preserves the passage's meaning, not the most familiar dictionary sense.

Cause versus effect confusion

A trap answer reverses a stated relationship, presenting a result as the cause. Track signal words like because, therefore, and as a result.

Author's purpose verbs

Purpose choices such as explain, argue, compare, or describe must match the passage's structure. Argument passages contain claims supported by evidence.

General Schedule entry grades

CBP officer positions follow the General Schedule; entry-level officers commonly start at GS-5 or GS-7 based on qualifying education or experience.

CBP hiring components

The officer process includes a written examination, structured interview, medical and fitness screening, drug test, polygraph, and background investigation.

CBP mission scope

Customs and Border Protection, within the Department of Homeland Security, secures borders while facilitating lawful trade and travel at ports of entry.

Officer duties at ports

Officers inspect travelers and cargo, determine admissibility, assess duties and penalties, and enforce customs, immigration, and agriculture law.

Basic eligibility requirements

Applicants must be U.S. citizens, hold a valid driver's license, pass a background investigation, and meet entry age limits for law enforcement retirement.