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TSA Computer-Based Test (TSA CBT) English Language Proficiency Syllabus
The English Language Proficiency syllabus for TSA Computer-Based Test (TSA CBT) in full: 4 chapters, 15 topics and 4 sub-topics, every one listed below, plus 51 English Language Proficiency flashcards with answers.
English Language Proficiency syllabus: all 4 chapters
Expand any chapter to see its topics and sub-topics.
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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
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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
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Written Communication Skills
4 topics- Grammar, sentence structure, and punctuation
- Spelling accuracy
- Clarity and conciseness in writing
- Logical sentence completion
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Verbal and Aural Comprehension
3 topics- Understanding spoken instructions
- Communicating clearly with travelers
- Interpreting tone and intent
TSA Computer-Based Test (TSA CBT) English Language Proficiency flashcards — 51 questions with answers
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.
What are 'supporting details' in a passage?
Facts, examples, reasons, or descriptions that explain, prove, or develop the main idea.
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.
What is an 'inference'?
A logical conclusion drawn from evidence and reasoning in the text rather than something stated explicitly.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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').
On safety signage, what does a red color typically signal?
Danger, prohibition, or stop — the highest level of hazard or a forbidden action.
What does a 'caution' sign (often yellow) indicate?
A potential hazard that could cause minor or moderate injury if not avoided.
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.
In aviation security, what does the abbreviation 'TSA' stand for?
Transportation Security Administration.
What is a 'TSO' in airport security terminology?
Transportation Security Officer — the personnel who conduct passenger and baggage screening at checkpoints.
What does 'screening' mean in an airport security context?
The process of inspecting passengers, baggage, and cargo to detect prohibited or dangerous items.
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.
What does the security term 'contraband' mean?
Goods that are illegal to possess or transport, or items forbidden under specific security rules.
In aviation, what is a 'concourse'?
A large open area or connecting passage in a terminal where passengers move between gates and services.
Show the other 31 English Language Proficiency flashcards
What does the airport term 'gate' refer to?
The designated area where passengers board and disembark from an aircraft.
What is 'secondary screening'?
An additional, more thorough inspection of a passenger or bag after the initial screening flags a concern.
What does 'X-ray' technology do at a security checkpoint?
It uses imaging to see inside bags so officers can identify the contents without opening them.
What is a synonym?
A word that has the same or nearly the same meaning as another word (e.g., 'large' and 'big').
What is an antonym?
A word that has the opposite meaning of another word (e.g., 'hot' and 'cold').
What are 'context clues'?
Hints within surrounding words or sentences that help you figure out the meaning of an unfamiliar word.
Name a common type of context clue based on contrast.
Antonym/contrast clues — signal words like 'but,' 'however,' or 'unlike' reveal meaning by stating the opposite.
What is the difference between 'affect' and 'effect'?
'Affect' is usually a verb meaning to influence; 'effect' is usually a noun meaning a result.
What is the difference between 'their,' 'there,' and 'they're'?
'Their' shows possession, 'there' refers to a place, and 'they're' is a contraction of 'they are.'
What is the difference between 'your' and 'you're'?
'Your' shows possession; 'you're' is a contraction of 'you are.'
What is the difference between 'accept' and 'except'?
'Accept' means to receive or agree to; 'except' means excluding or leaving out.
What is the difference between 'principal' and 'principle'?
'Principal' means main/most important (or a school's head); 'principle' is a rule or fundamental truth.
What is the difference between 'lose' and 'loose'?
'Lose' means to misplace or be defeated; 'loose' means not tight or not secured.
What does it mean to determine a word's 'meaning in context'?
Choosing the definition of a word that fits the specific sentence and situation, since many words have multiple meanings.
In 'The guard will screen each passenger,' what does 'screen' mean?
To inspect or examine — not a physical display.
What is a complete sentence required to have?
At least a subject and a predicate (verb) that together express a complete thought.
What is a sentence fragment?
An incomplete sentence that is missing a subject, a verb, or a complete thought.
What is a run-on sentence?
Two or more independent clauses joined without proper punctuation or a conjunction.
What is subject-verb agreement?
The rule that a singular subject takes a singular verb and a plural subject takes a plural verb.
When is a comma used before 'and,' 'but,' or 'or'?
When the conjunction joins two independent clauses into one sentence.
What punctuation correctly joins two closely related independent clauses without a conjunction?
A semicolon (;).
How do you form the possessive of a singular noun?
Add an apostrophe and 's' (e.g., 'officer's badge').
What is the correct spelling rule for 'i before e'?
'I before E except after C, or when sounding like A as in neighbor and weigh.'
How is the plural of nouns ending in a consonant + 'y' formed?
Change the 'y' to 'i' and add 'es' (e.g., 'duty' becomes 'duties').
What does 'conciseness' in writing mean?
Expressing ideas clearly using as few words as necessary, without unnecessary or repetitive wording.
What does 'clarity' in writing mean?
Writing so the meaning is immediately and unmistakably understood by the reader.
In logical sentence completion, how do you choose the correct missing word?
Select the word that fits the sentence's grammar and meaning, using context clues and logical relationships between ideas.
When listening to spoken instructions, what technique helps ensure accuracy?
Active listening — focusing fully, noting key points/sequence, and confirming or repeating back the instructions.
What does it mean to 'communicate clearly' with travelers?
Using simple, direct, polite language the traveler can easily understand, and confirming they have understood.
What is 'tone' in communication?
The attitude or emotion conveyed by the choice of words and phrasing (e.g., friendly, formal, urgent, angry).
What is the difference between 'tone' and 'intent' in a message?
Tone is the emotional quality of how something is said; intent is the speaker's underlying purpose or goal in saying it.
TSA Computer-Based Test (TSA CBT) English Language Proficiency FAQ
What is in the TSA Computer-Based Test (TSA CBT) English Language Proficiency syllabus?
TSA Computer-Based Test (TSA CBT) English Language Proficiency is split into 4 chapters: Reading Comprehension, Vocabulary and Word Usage, Written Communication Skills and Verbal and Aural Comprehension. Together they contain 15 topics and 4 sub-topics.
How many chapters are in TSA Computer-Based Test (TSA CBT) English Language Proficiency?
4 chapters, containing 15 topics and 4 sub-topics. The largest chapter is Reading Comprehension, with 4 topics.
Are there flashcards for TSA Computer-Based Test (TSA CBT) English Language Proficiency?
Yes — a 51-card English Language Proficiency deck, printed in full in the flashcards section of this page and available in the Examius app with spaced repetition. The free plan covers one exam of your choice, including its flashcards; Examius Pro, a one-time purchase, unlocks every other exam and deck.