TSA Computer-Based Test (TSA CBT) English Language Proficiency Syllabus

English Language Proficiency syllabus — full chapter and topic list

Expand any chapter to see its topics and sub-topics. This is the whole examinable outline for English Language Proficiency in TSA Computer-Based Test (TSA CBT), not a summary of it.

1. 1

   Reading Comprehension

   4 topics

   • Identifying main ideas and supporting details
   • Drawing inferences from short passages
   • Following written procedures and instructions
     • Step-by-step operational directions
     • Conditional and sequential instructions
   • Interpreting signage, notices, and labels
2. 2

   Vocabulary and Word Usage

   4 topics

   • Common security and aviation terminology
   • Synonyms, antonyms, and context clues
   • Commonly confused words
     • Their/there/they're and similar homophones
     • Affect vs. effect, accept vs. except
   • Word meaning in context
3. 3

   Written Communication Skills

   4 topics

   • Grammar, sentence structure, and punctuation
   • Spelling accuracy
   • Clarity and conciseness in writing
   • Logical sentence completion
4. 4

   Verbal and Aural Comprehension

   3 topics

   • Understanding spoken instructions
   • Communicating clearly with travelers
   • Interpreting tone and intent

English Language Proficiency flashcards for TSA Computer-Based Test (TSA CBT)

22 of 51 cards from the English Language Proficiency deck — real questions with worked answers.

1. What is the 'main idea' of a passage?

   The central point or overall message the author wants to convey — what the passage is mostly about, often stated in a topic sentence.

2. What are 'supporting details' in a passage?

   Facts, examples, reasons, or descriptions that explain, prove, or develop the main idea.

3. How can you locate the main idea when it is not directly stated?

   Identify the common subject of all the supporting details and summarize what they collectively point to.

4. What is an 'inference'?

   A logical conclusion drawn from evidence and reasoning in the text rather than something stated explicitly.

5. What must a valid inference always be based on?

   Clues and evidence actually present in the passage, combined with reasonable logic — not personal opinion or outside assumptions.

6. In reading, what is the difference between a stated fact and an inference?

   A stated fact is written directly in the text; an inference is a conclusion you reason out from the given information.

7. When following written procedures, why is step order important?

   Steps are often sequential and dependent; performing them out of order can cause errors, safety hazards, or incorrect results.

8. What should you do first before carrying out a set of written instructions?

   Read all the instructions completely from start to finish before beginning any step.

9. In instructions, what is the difference between a 'note,' a 'caution,' and a 'warning'?

   A note gives helpful information, a caution warns of possible equipment/process damage, and a warning indicates risk of personal injury.

10. What does signal/transition language like 'before,' 'after,' and 'then' tell you in a procedure?

    It indicates the sequence and timing of steps — what must happen first, next, or last.

11. What is the purpose of a 'notice' sign?

    To convey general information or instructions about practices not related to immediate personal injury (e.g., 'Notice: Authorized Personnel Only').

12. On safety signage, what does a red color typically signal?

    Danger, prohibition, or stop — the highest level of hazard or a forbidden action.

13. What does a 'caution' sign (often yellow) indicate?

    A potential hazard that could cause minor or moderate injury if not avoided.

14. When interpreting a label, what key information should you look for?

    Contents/identity, handling or usage instructions, warnings, quantities, and any expiration or safety symbols.

15. In aviation security, what does the abbreviation 'TSA' stand for?

    Transportation Security Administration.

16. What is a 'TSO' in airport security terminology?

    Transportation Security Officer — the personnel who conduct passenger and baggage screening at checkpoints.

17. What does 'screening' mean in an airport security context?

    The process of inspecting passengers, baggage, and cargo to detect prohibited or dangerous items.

18. What is a 'prohibited item' at an airport checkpoint?

    Any object not allowed past security or onto an aircraft, such as weapons, explosives, or certain liquids over the limit.

19. What does the security term 'contraband' mean?

    Goods that are illegal to possess or transport, or items forbidden under specific security rules.

20. In aviation, what is a 'concourse'?

    A large open area or connecting passage in a terminal where passengers move between gates and services.

21. What does the airport term 'gate' refer to?

    The designated area where passengers board and disembark from an aircraft.

22. What is 'secondary screening'?

    An additional, more thorough inspection of a passenger or bag after the initial screening flags a concern.

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