The TSA Written Skills Test is the English-language section commonly associated with the traditional TSA CBT.

Candidates may also see it referred to as:

  • TSA English Test
  • TSA CBT English Test
  • TSA Writing Skills Assessment
  • TSA Written Skills Assessment
  • TSA Written Communication Test
  • TSA CBT Written Test

This section evaluates whether Transportation Security Officer candidates can understand written information, identify correct grammar, choose clear sentences, understand vocabulary, and process instructions accurately.

Although many candidates focus heavily on the TSA X-ray section, the written skills section can also be important. Transportation Security Officers must understand procedures, communicate clearly, follow written instructions, and document information accurately.

This page explains what the TSA Written Skills Test covers, how it fits into the TSA CBT, what question types to expect, and how to prepare.

The practice questions on this page are not official TSA, DHS, USAJOBS, OPM, or federal agency questions. They are practice-style examples designed to help you understand common TSA hiring assessment skills.

The practice questions and guidance on this page are original educational materials. They are not official U.S. government, agency, USAJOBS, OPM, or assessment-vendor questions, and they do not reproduce a confidential exam, scoring key, or live test interface. Always follow your official job announcement and candidate invitation.

What Is the TSA Written Skills Test?

The TSA Written Skills Test is the English and written communication portion of the traditional TSA CBT.

It may evaluate skills such as:

  • grammar;
  • punctuation;
  • spelling;
  • vocabulary;
  • sentence structure;
  • reading comprehension;
  • sentence correction;
  • paragraph organization;
  • written clarity;
  • identifying errors;
  • choosing the best wording;
  • understanding instructions.

The test is not designed to measure advanced literature knowledge.

It focuses on practical English skills that can matter in a security-screening environment.

Why Written Skills Matter for TSOs

Transportation Security Officers work in a role that requires accuracy, professionalism, and clear communication.

TSOs may need to:

  • understand written procedures;
  • follow security instructions;
  • communicate with passengers;
  • document incidents;
  • read notices and updates;
  • understand screening rules;
  • communicate with supervisors and coworkers;
  • avoid misunderstandings;
  • use professional language.

Even if the role is operational and security-focused, written communication still matters.

A candidate who struggles with written instructions may have difficulty following procedures accurately.

TSA Written Skills Test vs TSA CBT vs TSA TAB

The terms can be confusing.

TSA Written Skills Test

The TSA Written Skills Test refers specifically to the English-language portion of the traditional TSA CBT.

It may include grammar, vocabulary, reading comprehension, and sentence correction.

TSA CBT

The traditional TSA CBT may include:

  • TSA X-ray Object Recognition;
  • TSA Written Skills / English skills.

TSA TAB

The newer TSA TAB, or Alternative Skills Test, is different from the written skills test.

It may include:

  • 2D to 3D Shape Folding;
  • Image Matching;
  • Connect the Dots;
  • visual-spatial reasoning;
  • attention to detail.

If your official TSA invitation does not clearly state the version, prepare for both the traditional CBT and newer TAB-style test.

What Is on the TSA Written Skills Test?

The TSA Written Skills Test may include questions in several areas.

Grammar

Grammar questions may test:

  • subject-verb agreement;
  • verb tense;
  • pronoun use;
  • modifiers;
  • sentence fragments;
  • run-on sentences;
  • parallel structure;
  • word order.

Vocabulary

Vocabulary questions may test:

  • synonyms;
  • antonyms;
  • word meaning in context;
  • common workplace vocabulary;
  • security-related language;
  • choosing the best word.

Spelling

Spelling questions may ask you to identify:

  • correctly spelled words;
  • incorrectly spelled words;
  • commonly confused words;
  • professional terms.

Sentence Correction

Sentence correction questions may ask you to choose the clearest and most grammatically correct sentence.

These questions may involve:

  • punctuation;
  • word choice;
  • grammar;
  • clarity;
  • concision;
  • sentence structure.

Reading Comprehension

Reading questions may present a short passage and ask you to identify:

  • the main idea;
  • a stated detail;
  • what follows from the passage;
  • the correct procedure;
  • the meaning of a sentence;
  • the best summary.

Paragraph Organization

Some writing skills assessments may include questions about sentence order, paragraph logic, and organization.

You may need to choose the sentence that best fits a paragraph or identify the clearest sequence of ideas.

TSA Written Skills Practice Questions

The following practice questions are designed to reflect TSA-style English and written skills topics.

They are not official TSA questions.

Section 1: Grammar Practice

Question 1

Choose the sentence that is grammatically correct.

A. The officers was assigned to the checkpoint. B. The officers were assigned to the checkpoint. C. The officers is assigned to the checkpoint. D. The officers be assigned to the checkpoint.

Correct answer: B

Explanation: “Officers” is plural, so the correct verb is “were.”

Question 2

Choose the sentence that is grammatically correct.

A. The passenger place their bag on the conveyor belt. B. The passenger places their bag on the conveyor belt. C. The passenger placing their bag on the conveyor belt. D. The passenger have placed their bag on the conveyor belt.

Correct answer: B

Explanation: “The passenger” is singular, so the verb should be “places.”

Question 3

Choose the sentence that is grammatically correct.

A. The bags were inspected before they were cleared. B. The bags was inspected before they was cleared. C. The bags is inspected before they were cleared. D. The bags be inspected before they are cleared.

Correct answer: A

Explanation: “Bags” is plural, so “were inspected” and “they were cleared” are correct.

Question 4

Choose the sentence that is grammatically correct.

A. After the alarm sounded, the officer followed procedure. B. After the alarm sounded the officer followed procedure with. C. The officer followed because after the alarm sounded procedure. D. After sounded alarm, officer procedure followed.

Correct answer: A

Explanation: A is a complete and clear sentence with correct word order.

Question 5

Choose the sentence that avoids a run-on error.

A. The checkpoint was busy the officers continued screening. B. The checkpoint was busy, and the officers continued screening. C. The checkpoint was busy the officers, continued screening. D. The checkpoint was busy and officers continued screening without sentence.

Correct answer: B

Explanation: B correctly joins two related ideas with a comma and coordinating conjunction.

Section 2: Vocabulary Practice

Question 6

Choose the word most similar in meaning to inspect.

A. examine B. ignore C. hide D. delay

Correct answer: A

Explanation: To inspect means to examine carefully.

Question 7

Choose the word most opposite in meaning to prohibited.

A. forbidden B. restricted C. allowed D. blocked

Correct answer: C

Explanation: Prohibited means not allowed. The opposite is allowed.

Question 8

Choose the word most similar in meaning to verify.

A. confirm B. remove C. damage D. guess

Correct answer: A

Explanation: To verify means to confirm that something is true or accurate.

Question 9

Choose the word most opposite in meaning to temporary.

A. brief B. short-term C. permanent D. limited

Correct answer: C

Explanation: Temporary means lasting for a limited time. Permanent means lasting indefinitely.

Question 10

Choose the word most similar in meaning to assist.

A. help B. refuse C. hide D. confuse

Correct answer: A

Explanation: Assist means help.

Section 3: Spelling Practice

Question 11

Which word is spelled correctly?

A. Suspicious B. Suspicous C. Suspicius D. Suspishous

Correct answer: A

Explanation: The correct spelling is “suspicious.”

Question 12

Which word is spelled correctly?

A. Proceedure B. Procedure C. Procedur D. Proccedure

Correct answer: B

Explanation: The correct spelling is “procedure.”

Question 13

Which word is spelled correctly?

A. Seperate B. Separrate C. Separate D. Separete

Correct answer: C

Explanation: The correct spelling is “separate.”

Question 14

Which word is spelled correctly?

A. Identification B. Identifacation C. Identifikation D. Identificasion

Correct answer: A

Explanation: The correct spelling is “identification.”

Question 15

Which word is spelled correctly?

A. Comunication B. Communication C. Communacation D. Comminication

Correct answer: B

Explanation: The correct spelling is “communication.”

Section 4: Sentence Correction Practice

Question 16

Choose the best correction.

The passenger placed there bag on the conveyor belt.

A. Change “passenger” to “passengers” B. Change “there” to “their” C. Change “bag” to “bags” D. No correction is needed

Correct answer: B

Explanation: “Their” is the possessive form. “There” refers to a place.

Question 17

Choose the best correction.

The officer seen the unattended bag near the checkpoint.

A. Change “seen” to “saw” B. Change “officer” to “officers” C. Change “bag” to “bags” D. No correction is needed

Correct answer: A

Explanation: The correct past tense is “saw.”

Question 18

Choose the clearest sentence.

A. The bag because it was left alone by the passenger was reported. B. The unattended bag was reported according to procedure. C. Bag unattended was procedure reported by. D. The bag was alone and procedure because reported.

Correct answer: B

Explanation: B is clear, concise, and professional.

Question 19

Choose the sentence with correct punctuation.

A. The officer checked the document, and confirmed the passenger’s identity. B. The officer checked the document and confirmed the passenger’s identity. C. The officer checked, the document and confirmed the passenger’s identity. D. The officer checked the document and, confirmed the passenger’s identity.

Correct answer: B

Explanation: There is no need for a comma between two verbs that share the same subject.

Question 20

Choose the best sentence.

A. The traveler was asked to remove electronics from the bag. B. The traveler ask removing electronics bag. C. Electronics remove traveler from asked. D. The traveler were asked removes electronics.

Correct answer: A

Explanation: A is grammatically correct and clear.

Section 5: Reading Comprehension Practice

Question 21

Read the passage:

“All unattended items must be reported according to procedure. Officers should not attempt to determine ownership without following the required security steps.”

What must be reported?

A. Only damaged bags B. All unattended items C. Only food items D. Only checked luggage

Correct answer: B

Explanation: The passage directly states that all unattended items must be reported.

Question 22

Read the passage:

“Candidates who receive an invitation to complete the proctored assessment should follow the scheduling instructions in the email. Failure to complete the assessment within the required window may result in the application being closed.”

What should candidates do after receiving the invitation?

A. Ignore the email until a second reminder arrives. B. Follow the scheduling instructions and complete the assessment within the required window. C. Wait until the application closes. D. Apply for a different position only.

Correct answer: B

Explanation: The passage says candidates should follow the scheduling instructions and complete the assessment within the required window.

Question 23

Read the passage:

“Transportation Security Officers screen passengers, baggage, and cargo to help keep transportation systems safe.”

According to the passage, what do TSOs screen?

A. Passengers, baggage, and cargo B. Only pilots C. Only airport restaurants D. Only parking lots

Correct answer: A

Explanation: The passage states that TSOs screen passengers, baggage, and cargo.

Question 24

Read the passage:

“Before beginning a screening task, officers must understand the instructions and follow the required procedure.”

What is the best conclusion?

A. Officers may ignore instructions when busy. B. Officers should understand instructions and follow procedure before beginning the task. C. Procedures are optional. D. Instructions are never important.

Correct answer: B

Explanation: The passage says officers must understand instructions and follow required procedure.

Question 25

Read the passage:

“Some assessments may include visual reasoning, while others may include English skills and object recognition. Candidates should read their official invitation carefully.”

What does the passage suggest?

A. Every candidate receives the exact same test. B. Candidates should check their official invitation because assessment formats may differ. C. English skills are never tested. D. Visual reasoning is never tested.

Correct answer: B

Explanation: The passage states that assessment formats may differ and candidates should read their official invitation carefully.

Section 6: Paragraph Organization Practice

Question 26

Which sentence should come first in a paragraph about reporting an unattended bag?

A. The officer then followed the required reporting procedure. B. An unattended bag was observed near the checkpoint. C. The area was monitored while the next step was completed. D. The incident was documented after the procedure was followed.

Correct answer: B

Explanation: A paragraph should begin with the initial event: the unattended bag was observed.

Question 27

Choose the most logical order.

  1. The officer noticed an unattended item.
  2. The officer followed the required reporting procedure.
  3. The incident was documented.
  4. The item was handled according to instructions.

A. 1, 2, 4, 3 B. 3, 2, 1, 4 C. 4, 1, 3, 2 D. 2, 3, 4, 1

Correct answer: A

Explanation: The logical order is: notice the item, follow procedure, handle the item according to instructions, then document the incident.

Question 28

Which sentence best concludes a paragraph about following screening instructions?

A. Therefore, following instructions helps ensure consistent and secure screening. B. The weather was sunny. C. Many passengers carry phones. D. The airport has restaurants.

Correct answer: A

Explanation: A clearly summarizes the importance of following screening instructions.

Question 29

Which sentence does not belong in a paragraph about written communication?

A. Clear writing reduces misunderstandings. B. Accurate reports help supervisors understand what happened. C. Grammar and punctuation can affect meaning. D. Some passengers prefer window seats.

Correct answer: D

Explanation: D is unrelated to written communication.

Question 30

Which topic sentence is best for a paragraph about professional communication?

A. Professional communication helps officers provide clear information while maintaining order. B. Some luggage is blue. C. The parking lot is large. D. Many people travel in summer.

Correct answer: A

Explanation: A introduces the paragraph topic clearly and directly.

TSA Written Skills Practice Answer Key

  1. B
  2. B
  3. A
  4. A
  5. B
  6. A
  7. C
  8. A
  9. C
  10. A
  11. A
  12. B
  13. C
  14. A
  15. B
  16. B
  17. A
  18. B
  19. B
  20. A
  21. B
  22. B
  23. A
  24. B
  25. B
  26. B
  27. A
  28. A
  29. D
  30. A

How to Score This TSA Written Skills Practice Test

Use this practice score guide:

  • 27-30 correct: Strong baseline. Move to timed TSA-style English practice.
  • 23-26 correct: Good readiness. Review grammar, vocabulary, or reading questions you missed.
  • 18-22 correct: Moderate readiness. Practice each written skills area separately.
  • 12-17 correct: Needs improvement. Build accuracy before adding time pressure.
  • 11 or fewer correct: Start with untimed grammar, vocabulary, and reading lessons.

This score is for practice only.

It is not an official TSA score, TSA CBT score, written skills score, eligibility result, hiring decision, or pass/fail outcome.

How to Prepare for the TSA Written Skills Test

1. Review Basic Grammar

Focus on practical grammar rules.

Review:

  • subject-verb agreement;
  • verb tense;
  • pronoun use;
  • sentence fragments;
  • run-on sentences;
  • punctuation;
  • modifiers;
  • parallel structure.

You do not need advanced grammar theory, but you should be able to identify clear and correct sentences.

2. Practice Sentence Correction

Sentence correction questions reward clarity and accuracy.

When choosing an answer, ask:

  • Is the sentence complete?
  • Is the grammar correct?
  • Is the meaning clear?
  • Is the word order natural?
  • Is there unnecessary wording?
  • Is punctuation used correctly?

The best answer is usually clear, concise, and grammatically correct.

For ranked-response or work-style sections, cognitive ability test preparation may also be useful when you need extra drills under time pressure.

3. Build Workplace Vocabulary

TSA-style written skills questions may use practical workplace vocabulary.

Review words such as:

  • inspect;
  • verify;
  • prohibited;
  • procedure;
  • identify;
  • report;
  • document;
  • assess;
  • secure;
  • restrict;
  • communicate;
  • authorize;
  • compliance;
  • suspicious;
  • unattended.

Learn both synonyms and antonyms.

4. Practice Reading Comprehension

Reading questions may ask you to find stated information or apply a rule from a short passage.

Use this method:

  1. Read the question first.
  2. Read the passage carefully.
  3. Identify the exact sentence that answers the question.
  4. Avoid assumptions.
  5. Choose the answer supported by the passage.

Do not add outside information unless the question asks you to.

5. Practice Paragraph Organization

For paragraph organization, look for:

  • the first event;
  • the main topic;
  • cause and effect;
  • chronological order;
  • transition words;
  • conclusion sentences;
  • unrelated sentences.

A strong paragraph has a logical flow.

6. Add Timed Practice

Start untimed if you are rusty.

Then gradually add timing.

Use this progression:

  1. Practice grammar questions.
  2. Practice vocabulary questions.
  3. Practice reading comprehension.
  4. Practice paragraph organization.
  5. Take mixed timed sets.
  6. Review every mistake.

7. Review Every Wrong Answer

For each missed question, identify the reason:

  • grammar mistake;
  • vocabulary gap;
  • misread passage;
  • spelling error;
  • punctuation issue;
  • unclear sentence structure;
  • paragraph logic mistake;
  • careless answer.

Then practice similar questions.

Common TSA Written Skills Test Mistakes

Mistake 1: Focusing Only on the X-Ray Test

The X-ray section is important, but the English section can also affect performance in traditional TSA CBT formats.

Do not ignore written skills.

Mistake 2: Choosing a Sentence That Sounds Formal but Is Unclear

Formal wording is not always better.

The best answer is usually clear, correct, and direct.

Mistake 3: Misreading the Question

Some questions ask for the correct sentence. Others ask for the incorrect sentence.

Read carefully.

Mistake 4: Confusing Similar Words

Commonly confused words include:

  • there, their, they’re;
  • its, it’s;
  • affect, effect;
  • to, too, two;
  • then, than;
  • your, you’re.

Mistake 5: Ignoring Subject-Verb Agreement

Make sure singular subjects use singular verbs and plural subjects use plural verbs.

Mistake 6: Adding Assumptions in Reading Questions

Answer based on the passage.

Do not infer beyond what is supported.

Mistake 7: Overlooking Punctuation

Commas, periods, semicolons, and apostrophes can change meaning.

Mistake 8: Not Practicing Under Time Pressure

You may understand grammar slowly but still struggle under timed test conditions.

Add timed practice after building accuracy.

Mistake 9: Memorizing Answer Patterns

Do not rely on answer choice patterns. Practice the skill itself.

Mistake 10: Ignoring Official Instructions

Your TSA invitation and official candidate materials are the authority.

Always follow official instructions.

TSA Written Skills Study Plan

If You Have 14 Days

Days 1-2

  • Learn the TSA CBT and written skills format.
  • Take a short diagnostic.

Days 3-5

  • Review grammar rules.
  • Practice subject-verb agreement, tense, fragments, and run-ons.

Days 6-7

  • Practice vocabulary, synonyms, antonyms, and spelling.

Days 8-10

  • Practice reading comprehension.
  • Focus on answering from the passage only.

Days 11-12

  • Practice sentence correction and paragraph organization.

Days 13-14

  • Take mixed timed practice sets.
  • Review mistakes and weak topics.

If You Have 7 Days

Day 1

  • Take a diagnostic and identify weak areas.

Day 2

  • Review grammar and sentence correction.

Day 3

  • Practice vocabulary and spelling.

Day 4

  • Practice reading comprehension.

Day 5

  • Practice paragraph organization.

Day 6

  • Take timed mixed practice.

Day 7

  • Light review and test-day preparation.

If You Have 24 Hours

If your written skills test is tomorrow:

  1. Review common grammar rules.
  2. Practice 10 sentence correction questions.
  3. Practice 10 vocabulary questions.
  4. Practice 5 reading comprehension questions.
  5. Review common spelling errors.
  6. Review official instructions.
  7. Sleep as well as possible.

Free vs Paid TSA Written Skills Practice

Free practice is useful for:

  • learning the format;
  • reviewing grammar basics;
  • practicing sample questions;
  • identifying weak areas;
  • building confidence.

Paid preparation may be useful if:

  • the TSO job opportunity is important;
  • you need full TSA CBT practice;
  • you want realistic English test simulations;
  • you need detailed explanations;
  • you struggle with grammar or reading;
  • you also need X-ray practice;
  • you want preparation for both CBT and TAB;
  • you failed before;
  • you need to prepare quickly.

You may also find these useful:

Official TSA Transportation Security Officer careers page

Official TSA application tipsheet

TSA Written Skills Test-Day Tips

Before the test:

  • read your official instructions;
  • review common grammar rules;
  • practice a few warm-up questions;
  • confirm testing details;
  • prepare required ID;
  • avoid last-minute cramming.

During the test:

  • read each question carefully;
  • watch for “correct” vs “incorrect” wording;
  • eliminate obviously wrong answers;
  • choose the clearest sentence;
  • answer reading questions from the passage;
  • do not rely on answer patterns;
  • manage time.

After the test:

  • follow TSA candidate instructions;
  • monitor your email;
  • prepare for additional hiring steps if invited.

TSA Written Skills Preparation Checklist

Before your TSA Written Skills Test, make sure you can:

  • identify correct subject-verb agreement;
  • correct common grammar mistakes;
  • recognize sentence fragments;
  • recognize run-on sentences;
  • choose clear sentences;
  • understand common TSA-related vocabulary;
  • identify synonyms and antonyms;
  • spell common workplace words;
  • answer reading comprehension questions;
  • organize sentences logically;
  • avoid unsupported assumptions;
  • manage time pressure.

You may also want to review:

FAQ

What is the TSA Written Skills Test?

The TSA Written Skills Test is the English and written communication section commonly associated with the traditional TSA CBT. It may test grammar, vocabulary, spelling, reading comprehension, sentence correction, and paragraph organization.

Is the TSA Written Skills Test the same as the TSA CBT?

The written skills test is one section of the traditional TSA CBT. The traditional CBT may also include X-ray object recognition.

Does the TSA TAB include written skills?

The newer TSA TAB is generally associated with visual-spatial tasks such as shape folding, image matching, and connect-the-dots. However, candidates should always follow their official TSA invitation and prepare broadly if the test format is unclear.

What grammar should I study for the TSA Written Skills Test?

Study subject-verb agreement, verb tense, sentence fragments, run-on sentences, punctuation, pronouns, modifiers, word order, and clear sentence construction.

Does the TSA Written Skills Test include vocabulary?

Yes, TSA-style English practice may include vocabulary, synonyms, antonyms, and word meaning in context.

Is the TSA Written Skills Test hard?

It can be challenging if you have not reviewed grammar, reading comprehension, or sentence correction recently. It is especially difficult when timed.

How do I prepare for the TSA Written Skills Test?

Practice grammar, vocabulary, spelling, reading comprehension, sentence correction, and paragraph organization. Then take mixed timed practice sets.

Should I only study English for the TSA CBT?

No. Traditional TSA CBT preparation should also include X-ray object recognition. If your format is unclear, you may also need to prepare for TSA TAB-style visual-spatial questions.

Are these official TSA Written Skills questions?

No. The questions on this page are practice-style examples. They are not official TSA, DHS, USAJOBS, OPM, or federal agency questions.