TSA CBT

Overview

Transportation Security Officers (TSOs) screen passengers, baggage and cargo at US airports for the Transportation Security Administration (TSA). Applicants who meet the minimum qualifications may be invited to a proctored computer-based test (CBT), which TSA calls the TSO Assessment Battery (TAB). It measures aptitude for interpreting X-ray images and is one step in a longer hiring process that also includes an interview, a medical evaluation, a drug test and a background check.

Who can apply

To be considered for a TSO post, an applicant must:

• be a US citizen or US national

• be at least 18 years old

• have a high school diploma, GED or equivalent certificate (such as HiSET or TASC), or at least one year of full-time work experience in the security industry, aviation screening, or as an X-ray technician

• be registered with Selective Service, if male and born after 31 December 1959

• be able to pass a federal drug screening, a medical evaluation and a background investigation

• be proficient in English and willing to work irregular shifts, overtime when needed, and travel for training

A resume is not required for the TSO position.

Selection process

TSA lists these steps for TSO hiring:

1. Find an open TSO announcement and apply through USAJOBS, including an online assessment questionnaire.

2. Take the computer-based test (TAB) at a test centre, if invited.

3. Receive a tentative job offer.

4. Complete the airport assessment, a panel structured interview on the competencies the job needs.

5. Pass the medical evaluation and federal drug test.

6. Pass the background check.

7. Enter the ready pool and receive a final job offer when the airport has a vacancy.

Exam pattern

Online assessment questionnaire

Part of the application on USAJOBS. The TSO announcement for 2025–26 described four short essay questions, each answered in 200 words or fewer. The assessment has a cut score set at the minimum proficiency TSA requires.

Computer-based test (TSO Assessment Battery)

The TAB is a proctored, computer-based test that evaluates X-ray interpretation aptitude. After an invitation arrives by email from the US Office of Personnel Management, the candidate must schedule and complete it at a nearby test centre within 21 calendar days, or the application is closed.

Airport assessment

A panel structured interview that assesses decision-making and interpersonal abilities.

Syllabus

TSA does not publish a syllabus for the TAB. The competencies listed for the TSO job are attention to detail, conscientiousness, critical thinking, flexibility, integrity and honesty, interpersonal skills, oral communication, teamwork and visual observation.

Marking and results

A passing TAB result is kept on record for two years. A failed result is kept on record for six months, after which the applicant can test again.

How to apply

Applications are accepted only through USAJOBS, not through other job boards. Applicants create a USAJOBS account through login.gov, fill in the contact and eligibility sections of their profile, and apply to a TSO announcement. No documents need to be attached when applying; they can be provided later in the hiring process. After submitting, the applicant should receive an email saying whether they meet the eligibility requirements.

After the exam

Candidates who pass the TAB and the interview go through a medical evaluation (physical exam, bloodwork, colour vision, distance vision and hearing tests, and joint mobility), a federal urine drug test that must be negative for illegal drugs including marijuana, and a background check (the SF-86 questionnaire, fingerprinting, and credit and criminal history checks). New hires complete TSA's new-hire training, which may require at least three weeks of travel in full-time duty status.

Pay

The TSO post is in pay band SV-D. As an example, the 2025–26 announcement for Valdosta, Georgia listed $44,315 to$56,844 a year; pay varies by location.