TSA CBT-A (Transportation Security Officer Test) Pass Rate, Format & Study Guide

The TSA computer-based test (CBT-A) is the proctored assessment that applicants for Transportation Security Officer positions take after applying on USAJOBS. TSA describes it as a test of x-ray and image-interpretation aptitude together with English proficiency. TSA does not publish the number of items, the timing, the scale or the cut-score value. Applicants must meet or exceed a cut score based on the minimum required proficiency; passing results stay on record for two years and failed results for six months (TSA Transportation Security Officer careers page).

Meeting the TSA cut score is a required step in the TSO hiring process: applicants who do not reach it are not considered for the position.

Applicants to Transportation Security Officer jobs preparing for the computer-based test and applicants retesting after six months.

The certifying body does not publicly publish an official pass rate for this exam. Be wary of third-party sites citing a specific number here — treat any pass-rate claim you see elsewhere for this exam as unverified.

TSA keeps passing results on record for two years and failed results for six months before you can retest for the same position (TSA careers page).

Passing standard: you must meet or exceed a cut score based on the minimum level of required proficiency; TSA does not publish the cut-score value. TSA does not publish the number of items, the timing, the scale or the cut-score value. Applicants must meet or exceed a cut score based on the minimum required proficiency; passing results stay on record for two years and failed results for six months (TSA Transportation Security Officer careers page). No official pass rate is available for this exam, so none is quoted here.

TSA does not publish the number of items, the timing, the scale or the cut-score value. Applicants must meet or exceed a cut score based on the minimum required proficiency; passing results stay on record for two years and failed results for six months (TSA Transportation Security Officer careers page). Format: Proctored computer-based test · x-ray / image interpretation and English · item count, timing and cut score not published by TSA. Passing standard: you must meet or exceed a cut score based on the minimum level of required proficiency; TSA does not publish the cut-score value.

The certifying body publishes no exact weights for the areas it tests, so none are shown here.

You apply for a Transportation Security Officer position through USAJOBS and meet the TSA qualifications (including U.S. citizenship and English proficiency); TSA invites qualified applicants to the computer-based test.

No candidate fee is quoted here; the TSA pages do not list one. Travel to the testing location and other costs are yours.

This test is a hiring step, not a credential, so no renewal applies; TSA sets what happens after your result.

Work through every topic area first, then switch to timed practice (100 questions in 120 minutes) and review the questions you miss.

Content outlines, fees and passing standards change; this guide follows the materials listed under Verification as of October 2026. Check the certifying body or hiring authority before you register.