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Everything You Need to Know
The TSA’s X-ray test is the most challenging section of the TSA CBT employment screening test. Candidates who pass this test immediately receive a contingent job offer from the TSA and are on their way to a career as a Transportation Security Officer (TSO). During the X-ray test, you will be challenged to identify dangerous and harmless items on an x-ray scan.
The test is most often referred to as an Object Recognition Test (ORT). However, it is frequently called the Image Interpretation test, the Aviation Security Screening test, the X-ray Threat Identification Test, or the X-ray Competency Assessment Test.
Your ability to recognize dangerous items on an x-ray is a key part of keeping America’s skies safe.
The test helps the TSA identify candidates who are capable of quickly recognizing dangerous objects, such as guns, knives or other weapons, as well as harmless objects including bottles, phones, chargers or shoes. The X-Ray test measures your ability to recognize dangerous objects before they end up on an airplane. Due to the sensitive nature of this work, candidates who pass this test and get hired with the TSA are often asked to take the test multiple times during their employment to ensure that they did not just get lucky the first time.
Common and Past Names of the TSA X-ray Test
- TSA X-ray ORT
- TSA Object Recognition Test
- TSA X-ray Image Interpretation Test
- Aviation Security Screening Test
- TSO CBT Test
- TSO Test
- TSA CBT Test
- TSA Test
- Computer Based Training (CBT) Test
- TSA / TSO Screener Test
- Screening Officer Test
Organizations that Use X-Ray ORT in their Hiring Process
The US Transportation Security Administration (TSA) is only one of many security authorities and agencies that administer an X-Ray ORT as part of their hiring process of Transportation Security Officers (TSO). There are a number of government and private organizations that make hiring decisions based on their candidates’ performance in X-Ray object recognition tests, including:
- UK Civil Aviation Authority (CAA) and the British International Freight Association (BIFA), which administers the National X-Ray Competency Test (NXCT Test) to ensure that X-Ray screeners working in the aviation security industry meet minimum performance requirements. The pass mark of this up-to-1-hour-45-minutes test is 80% and it has three different versions – NXCT for cabin baggage, hold baggage, or air cargo and mail screeners.
- The Canadian Air Transport Security Authority (CATSA-ACTSA) contracts three security firms that operate at airports across Canada and requires all of them to include an X-Ray threat identification test to any person they wish to employ as a pre-boarding screening officer. These firms are:
- GardaWorld Aviation Services in the Central Region and the Prairies Region
- Securitas Transport Aviation Security in the Eastern Region
- G4S Secure Solutions in the Pacific Region
- ISS Australia – a leading security firm in Australia, which partnered with Kedlin Screening International (KSI) to administer the X-Ray Screener Test to its prospective employees
- The International Air Transport Association (IATA) X-Ray Screening Test is administered by many of the 290 airline companies represented by this trade association. This online 25-minute x-ray image interpretation test has an 80% passing grade and is an important part of the training of security screeners in airports and cargo facilities.
The Main X-Ray Competency Assessment Tests Used Today
There are a number of different x-ray tests being used. While some of the details may differ, if you are trying to prepare for any of the following tests, you can use the practice tests offered here for any of the following tests:
- CASRA – Center for Adaptive Security Research and Applications in Switzerland – Which offers either the CASRA X-Ray ORT (Object Recognition Test), which is a gray-scale based images or CASRAX-Ray CAT (Competency Assessment Test), which is the full color version.
- Simulscan X-Ray CBT – Screening for aviation security and surveillance companies.
- Kedlin Screening International (KSI) – X-Ray Screener assessment
- VIA Project Aviation Security – Cabin Baggage Screening (CBS) and Hold Baggage Screening (HBS) tests.
- Additional in-house x-ray tests – tests like those developed by the TSA.
Why X-Ray Object Recognition Tests Are Used in the Hiring Process
Human operators have the final word as to whether someone can or can’t enter an airplane. These operators rely on their visual abilities to quickly scan an x-ray and make a determination about a passenger. Studies have shown that while training will improve an individual’s ability to scan an x-ray, not everyone has the potential to become a proficient x-ray image interpretation expert. X-ray tests helps the TSA hire individuals with the right core skills.
Passing the X-ray Test
Threat Identification is the main task in X-Ray competency assessment tests. While looking at x-ray scans during the test, there are a number of different techniques you can use to correctly identify harmful and harmless objects. If you are looking for a free TSA practice test online, we invite you to try our free test.
Object Colors
Objects appear in different colors on the scan, depending on their density. As a rule, the denser the object, the darker it will appear on the scan.
Blue – Objects that appear blue in a scan are dense. These include metals, hard plastics, alloys, and dense ceramics. As most weapons will show up on the scan in blue, these are the first items you should look at closely while examining a scan.
Green – Objects that appear green are less dense. They are typically softer plastic, less dense alloys, or inorganic materials. Objects like electronics, which have a mix of dense and medium dense parts, often appear green and blue.
Orange – These objects are low density, and includes fabric, food, liquids and clothes. Orange items can be deceptively dangerous, as many explosive materials appear orange in the scan.
Object Shapes and Sizes
X-ray screeners need to become adept at recognizing the shape of different objects. Folded over objects and bad angles can present challenges to security personnel, who need to recognize the outline of the item to identify it.
The relative size of objects can also help with identification of those objects.
Overlapping Objects
The position of objects in a bag can make it difficult to identify, especially when items are overlapping or there is a lot of clutter in the bag. Your best strategy for handling these types of scans is to try and identify the outline of the objects and make a determination as to whether the items are harmful or harmless.
TSA X-Ray Test Features
The X-Ray portion of the TSA CBT is a timed test.
Before beginning the test, you will be shown how certain objects appear in an x-ray. You will have 30 seconds to study these objects before the test begins. Then, you will have 15 seconds to look at x-ray images of passenger bags and determine if the items are in the scan.
Items to be found on the x-ray image are either dangerous and prevented from going on an airplane, or harmless and can go on the plane. Some scans have knives, guns, grenades, IEDs (Improvised Explosive Devices) and other weapons, while other scans will have harmless objects like laptops, chargers, bottles, shoes, clothes, and toys.
The images can be complex, as objects can overlap, or be turned in different directions, requiring you to mentally turn them around to see if they look dangerous.
Technical Facts
You will usually be given two practice sessions by the TSA before taking the actual test.
You will also be shown the shapes of 6 different dangerous items before the test, to help them recognize objects which must not get on an airplane. They have 30 seconds to study the shapes.
The x-ray portion of the test contains 5-6 sets of images, with 18 images in each set. Each set takes approximately 5 minutes.
You must by 18 years old or older, be U.S. citizens, and have a high school or GED diploma, and possess excellent visual and cognitive abilities to take the test and work for the TSA. If you are male and born after 1959, you must also be registered with the selective service.
The test is given at a TSA facility testing center. There may be multiple people taking the test at one time. Each test taker sits at their own computer monitor. If there is a dangerous object in the image, press 1. If the image appears to be safe, press 2.
TSA Test Results Scale and Interpretations
Results from the TSA CBT test are available within a few minutes. You will receive points for each correct answer, while points will be deducted for each incorrect answer.
Results are delivered by email. If you pass, you will receive a contingent offer of employment. However, you must still submit several forms before you can start working, as well as have an interview, pass a medical evaluation and drug test, and successfully complete a background test.
XRAY Test FAQs
How long is the TSA test?
You should expect that the test will take a total of 2.5 hours to complete. This includes both the sections of the test, as well as a break.
How do I pass the TSA CBT?
The TSA CBT is comprised of two sections. First, there is the Basic English Skills section of the test, which most native English speakers will easily pass. Then, there is the X-ray ORT test. Passing the x-ray portion of the test is more difficult, due to the time limit on each x-ray image. Successful candidates often take practice exams, so that they are used to the speed of the test and the nature of x-rays.
How do I prepare for the TSA’s X-ray test?
The best way to prepare for the x-ray test is to take a TSA practice test. This will familiarize you with the format of the test and the time frame, as well as get you comfortable with looking at luggage scans.
How many questions are on the TSA CBT?
There are approximately 60 questions in the written section, and 100 images in the x-ray section, which are divided into 5-6 sessions.
Is there a practice test for X-ray test?
Yes, there are a number of TSA CBT practice tests for the X-ray test, including a free TSA practice test offered by iPrep. The practice tests simulate an actual test, so that by the time you are ready to take the test you are experienced in recognizing luggage scans, and comfortable with seeing and responding to a scan within 15 seconds.
Can you prepare for the TSA test?
X-rays present objects in different colors, making it easier for luggage screeners to identify objects. By understanding the colors in an x-ray, you will have an easier time recognizing dangerous objects.
• Black/Blue – This color indicates hard materials, including metals, hard plastics, and ceramics. Guns, knives, and wires usually appear in these colors.
• Green – This color indicates less dense objects. Objects that are blue and green are frequently electronic devices, such as laptops or phones.
• Orange – This color indicates biological materials, including food, leather, liquids and gels.
Research has shown that your ability to recognize x-ray scans will improve with practice.
Is the TSA computer test hard?
There are different sections to the TSA computer-based test. The most difficult section of the test is the X-ray test, where you are challenged to recognize dangerous objects within 15 seconds. This task is difficult as many times the objects are laid in a position that makes it difficult to recognize the outline of the object. In addition, other objects in the bag may hide or cover up portions of the object.
Only about 30% of test takers pass this section of the test, which is required if you want to work as a transportation security officer. Those who do pass the test are occasionally required to take the test multiple times to ensure that they maintain their threat identification skills.
What is an object recognition test?
An object recognition test, or ORT, tests ones’ ability to recognize shapes of object in an x-ray. This type of test is frequently used to test security screeners, who must quickly assess if a passenger’s bag contains weapons or other dangerous objects.
What type of questions are on the TSA CBT test?
The TSA CBT test is made up of two sections. There is an English skills test, where you will be tested on vocabulary, reading comprehension, and spelling and grammar. There is also an object recognition test, where you will have to look at an x-ray and determine whether or not there are any weapons or other dangerous objects in the picture.
Administration
The TSA CBT test for a pre-board screening officer is administered by the TSA online via a safe web platform. It can be taken individually or by a large group of candidates. Your reports are generated instantly upon completion of the test. This test is proctored and given only in TSA testing sites near your house. You cannot take it at home.
Test Provider
The X-ray Test was produced by the Transportation Security Administration (TSA), which was formed after the terrorist attacks in New York, Pennsylvania, and Virginia on September 11, 2001. The main aim of the organization is to prevent such fatal attacks in the future and save lives. Inspired by such a noble cause – to serve the nation – thousands of people joined TSA and helped in the free movement of people and commerce by building up a strong and secure transportation system.
Transportation Security Administration’s Computer-Based Tests have two parts: TSA Writing Skills Test and TSA XRAY Test. They are used as pre-employment tests for pre-boarding screening officer positions. Other TSA tests are used for different positions such as an inspector, manager, air marshal, security officer, etc. If you want to increase your chances of getting hired for the screening position, you must pass the Transportation Security Administration Tests. In addition, you must be a U.S. citizen, 18 years old and have a high school diploma in order to take any of the TSA tests including the XRAY test.
Disclaimer – All the information and prep materials on iPrep are genuine and were created for tutoring purposes. iPrep is not affiliated with the Transportation Security Administration, which is the owner of the XRAY and ORT Tests.
About this Course
Welcome to iPrep’s X-Ray Object Recognition Test course.
This course will help you boost your skills and with it your confidence towards your upcoming test. This is the most challenging test that you need to pass in order to become a transportation security officer. The format of the test conforms with the TSA CBT exam but it will provide the necessary skills for those who are about to take the test of other companies/organizations.
* Note that this XRAY course DOES NOT incude practice for the the first TSA test section for basic English skills!
The course is comprised of both practice and learning sessions. It will provide you with the following tools and benefits:
- The learning lessons will help you understand the underlying technics that are essential for succeeding in the test. You will learn how to interpret images of luggage that went through X-ray imaging: how to recognize different materials, how to identify threats, and how to eliminate distractions.
- You will take several Xray object recognition tests. In each simulation you will be introduced with a specific type of object, and then you will try to recognize that specific object in a series X-ray images. The simulations are timed according to the time limits of the TSA CBT exam. Experiencing the test’s time pressure will ensure it will not come as a surprise on test day.
- You will then be able to re-approach each of the simulations in the non-timed Practice Mode. This enables you to take the time to carefully examine each image in order to recognize additional items in each bag.
3.0 Learning Hours6 Practice Tests100 Questions30 Day Access
By the end of this course, you will be more knowledgeable and comfortable with the X-ray object recognition test. Knowledge and familiarity with the test are the two most significant factors that can help you maximize your score and improve your chances of success.
Wishing you an enjoyable learning experience!
Skills You Will Learn
X-Ray InterpretationObject RecognitionThreat Identification
Curriculum
- Course Introduction
- X-Ray Object Recognition Guide
- X-Ray Object Recognition Test Simulations
- X-Ray Object Recognition Test - Practice Mode
- Course Conclusion XRAY
Reviews
In this XRAY sample exercise, your goal is to recognize whether cameras or shoes are found in the following pieces of luggage.
| Cameras – The body of a camera is usually made of high-density plastic or alloys. Therefore, their body would be dark green or even blue. |  |
| Shoes – Shoes are made of organic fabrics or very light plastic materials. They usually have an orange shade, which means that it might be quite difficult to recognize them among other objects. Try to locate metallic plates which are often inside the sole of the shoe. |  |
thanks to this test, it has made me more aware of what to look for in an x-ray.
Visual identification of items in bags and the construction of bags has been very helpful.
so far, this tutorial is very detailed. I am having to study under crunch time…test is in a few days, also I have to work. so I am studying in a classroom. I am getting something out of the information. Worse case scenario, I will have to come back, study and retake exam.
amazing course, feel so prepared. definitely suggested! I will come back in cute if required.
First study session. Provided opportunity to review as long as needed. Very informative so far.
Amazing course. Very helpful to my upcoming test. I now feel 90% ready to pass the test.
great test, I feel like I got familiar with identifying objects under a scanner whether the angle it is positioned on.
The course was satisfactory. The only thing I would add is the other parts of the test as part of the practice test.
I love iprep I feel more prepared and ready to take my test I was really nervous but I’m not as much anymore this practice gave me the confidence boost I needed.
this course helps to become familiar with xray questions. great test! will reccomend to friends.
Gave me a confidence boost for up coming test. Thanks to this prep course I feel I will be better prepared now I have an inclination of what to expect, & how some items can be camouflaged either intentionally or in innocently.
I took my test today and few minutes late, I received an email saying that I pass. In order for you to pass the test, you have to be calm. Try not to stress it out. The reading and writing portion is a high school level test. As for the XRAY, this course definitely help. They will not show any of the pics u see on the course, but just knowing how to identify it help a lot. Iprep thanks a lot for this course.
This course, while brief in length, has increased my confidence in taking/ passing this test tremendously. It wasn’t easy to find methods of studying that wouldn’t cost an arm and a leg, this was one of the few that I discovered
Amazing content, after reviewing this course I am much more confident going into my tests!
I am not in the field but I wanted to experience how hard and challenging the Xray officer task is, and believe me when I say i will have a lot of respect for them now, doing this 8hrs on a daily basis is super hard and super challenging
it really is an eye opener for sure at it helps you recognise by colors and its broken out into sections which helps the eye when looking for certain items, I recoomend it.
Good Practise course who want to appear for the tests. Detailed explanation of various colours in X rays
Very interesting course. Clear explanation and easy to understand. It is honestly helpful to get prepared for ORT/E-ray test
After failing in the NXCT exam, I found this exercise was quite helpful to give another try
Excellent source for training. I can do it online anytime for free too.
I would for sure recommend to my friends to say amazing source of her training
Definitely helped me a lot love the practice hope I get the job speaking it into existence.
this has help me tremendously, ive been studying all day. i go in to take my test tomorrow morning after studying on iprep i think ill do just fine.
Informing and vary helpful for the studying for anyone looking to gain more information about xray
great examples with great explanations to the questions. Keep up the good work with these questions.
Very satisfied with the information. I feel more confident that I will fo great on xray section. Thank you for the help of learning it.. i was super nervous. Now my confidence is boosted, wish me luck. Thanks again
This was what I needed. Gave me an excellent boost! I have more confidence now as I move forward.
Thank you, it really helped me. I didn’t have a test yet, but I hope it will help
Outstanding practice information and helpful in my preparation for the future test we will be taken. Thank you very much.
Marty C.
I feel way more comfortable than I did before. I tried taking a practice test on a different site and failed. However, they broke it down so well on this site, I was able to understand it way better than I did prior and scored better.
Very helpful for beginners really liked it.I will recommend it to friends for practice also.
I had taken and failed this exam many years ago. Had I had this review, I would of had a better understanding of what it would be like. Taking the practices gives me a boost in confidence this time!
I learned a lot from this guide and feel confident in my ability to pass the exam.
very good excellent. I hope it will be helping me a lot. thank you so much
I’m learning a lot of things using this iprep. I love it so much This
I took this test for 2.5 hours and I passed. This was a wonderful starter course! Even though the real test was slightly different, I was able to learn a pace and view the objects very well on my test. I received my results soon after taking it.
Very good course. Helped me to understand what to expect when I actually have to take the real deal. It also explains to you why and what objects you miss and / or need to look out for. Also provides an untimed section so you can slowly go through it without a timer and look at everything for a less pressure setting. I think its a great thing to try if you are about to take the TSA test .
One word – EXCELLENT!!! It give us all confidence to face the test. I feel now encouraged to sit for it even with time constraints. Thank you iPrep, you guys makes the difference.
iprep course excellent for anyone that is wanting to get into some form of security as it expands your knowledge in identifying objects with confidence.
This prep test so awesome it has given me a insight to what to expect during the CBT test this prep test has been very helpful for me and I was very surprised to my results practicing with iprep I recommend this practice test to anyone who preparing for the CBT.
Thank you.
The course outlined all the important information about x-ray detection of metals and non-metals and how to identify each one them. Thanks again for your course!
Great course, very helpful and detailed guidelines. The Xray image interpretation part of the test was still difficult but I got used to the technique thanks to iPrep. I passed! I highly recommend it. And thank you!!
Very helpful for preparing for the TSA X-ray portion of the CBT. Highly recommended as a good way to understand and gain knowledge on how to interpret what the different colors mean when looking for potential threats.
Amazing, such a massive help. I found the practice tests extremely helpful and actually very interesting, just hope it all helps with the job selection.
If I don’t ace my test then it DEFINITELY wouldn’t be because of Iprep online. This was an amazing experience.
This is a Great course! Easy to access and understand. Very clear in definition and explanation!
Very good course I learned a lot. Thank you for all the good tips you guys are awesome.
it is a pretty nice program but not enough test question, need more test question!
This is a very helpful study guide with practice tests and explanations, Especially, I liked how personalized work on your mistakes section was.
Before taking this course, I knew very little about X-ray Object Recognition. After completing the course , I’m very confident that I will do great on my test. The course had so much insightful information and tips to get me prepared for my test.
An excellent prep course! I was not expecting the prep material to be of this high calibre. I learned a lot. Thank you! S.S
It was amazing … I really think i will pass due to the help of you guys
This was an amazing course and I learnt so much in a very short time about ORT of which I knew nothing.
I recommend it forcefully to all candidates who are planning to start a career as a screening officer.
Great way to prep and very helpful and informational I love how it lets you check your answers and go back and try the test again like I said great way to practice
I must say this is a great program. I never read any XRAY before I feel like I can pass my test. Thank you!
I loved this test…it really helped prepare me for my upcoming cbt test.. I feel a lot more confident
A great help in object recognition. I enjoyed it a lot! Thank you for the opportunity.
I am surprised! This is difficult, however the practise tests are great and I am now prepared for the exam. Thank you
iprep gives you good knowledge about the different courses and it has one of the best simulation test to make you successful in getting the job you desire. I benefited a lot from their tests
nice one. seems very useful tool to practice a wide range of tests. Thumbs up.
This indeed is very helpful to get the insight of Screening Officer test. Thank you iprep team.
AMAZING! I FEEL SO CONFIDENT ABOUT TAKING MY TEST, SO GREAT! SUPER BLESSED I FOUND THIS WEBSITE.
I will be taking my test on this tomorrow, since I just received the notice for testing today. So I decided to find this online course, which can help me in learning about what the test is all about. This was a great practice course for the X-Ray Object Recognition testing, since it is one of the main test to pass. Wish me luck and thanks for offering such a outstanding test for beginners looking to get a job with the TSA.
This is great! There’s a lot useful information and tips. This simulation is very helpful. I feel better prepared for the test.
Its a very good review and very helpful with details I hope I will pass the test thanks of this website
This really helped I had no idea what to know coming into this or what I needed to know and I am very happy with everything that was provided.
Well explained course. Very informative. I feel like i didnot know anything before trying this one. Now i am full confident.
A wonderful insight on what to expect for the object recognition test. Thank you so much for creating this test to help others. 🙂
Loved it!!! The peace of alone is worth it. I feel much more prepared to take a test I knew northing about. The fact that you can go back and check answers is outstanding,
The iPREP was easy to follow and made now I am comfortable with identifying different objects with ease in suitcases. After doing the x-ray object recognition test simulations step by step instructions, I am confident in passing my tests.
Awesome course, I feel that what ever I need to know for my test in in here, very informative and well explained. Thanks a lot!
This practice test was very helpful and gave insight on how the real test might be
Extremely helpful. Recommend this to anyone getting ready for the CBT test. The practice images gave me an insight and very helpful with the timer.
this was a great way to get an idea of what to expect. i’m very pleased.
The object recognition test is a good tool to practice before taking on the actual test. An endeavour has been made to ensure that candidate is given maximum knowledge about the test. Every item has been explained in detail.
Excellent job
This simulation made my eyes familiar to how objects will look like differently under X-ray.
Great practice . It helped me a lot recognizing X-rays items . I highly recommend it