TSA TSO CBT case studies
TSA TSO CBT · Put your knowledge to work in context.
The TSA Transportation Security Officer Computer-Based Test (TSO CBT) is the entry-level assessment used in hiring for Transportation Security Officer positions with the Transportation Security Administration. It is aimed at candidates who have applied to a TSO vacancy and been invited to test, and it is designed to gauge the aptitudes and judgment the job demands rather than technical security knowledge, since new hires are trained after selection. The test is delivered on computer and mixes multiple-choice items with situational judgment questions that ask how you would respond to realistic airport scenarios. Content clusters around recognizing objects in X-ray-style images, spotting differences and details quickly, choosing sound courses of action under pressure, reading and understanding written English, and handling customer-facing interactions professionally. The TSA TSO CBT case studies are 5 cases and about 1,812 words.
1The Overlapping Bag at Lane 3
You are the primary X-ray operator at Lane 3. A passenger sends through a black carry-on bag.
434 words, about 2 min2The Two Bins and the Missing Laptop
You are watching a checkpoint lane during a busy period. A passenger places a laptop in one bin and a jacket in a second bin, then walks through the metal detector.
331 words, about 2 min3The Angry Passenger and the Missed Bin
You are a TSO at a checkpoint. A passenger in a hurry has placed a small bag on the belt and is loudly complaining that the line is slow and that he will miss his flight.
347 words, about 2 min4The Written Notice at the Kiosk
You are working at a checkpoint information kiosk. It says my bag was flagged and I need to go to a secondary screening area, but I don't know where that is or what happens there." The paper reads: "Your checked bag has been selected for additional screening.
355 words, about 2 min5The Conflicting Instructions
You are a TSO at a checkpoint. A passenger approaches and asks to bring a sealed, unopened bottle of water through.
345 words, about 2 min