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All-in-One TDCJ Core Competencies Exam
Bundle (2025–2026) – Verified Answers &
Rationales
1. What is the minimum number of staff required to open a
secure housing unit door containing general population
inmates?
A) One sworn officer
B) Two correctional officers
C) One officer and one supervisor
D) Three officers
Answer: B – Two correctional officers (TDCJ Policy BP-03.91).
One operates the control panel while the other provides cover
and observes the entry/exit zone to prevent escapes or assaults.
2. You are conducting a count. Your number does not match
the control center’s number. What is your FIRST action?
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A) Immediately call a lockdown
B) Recount your assigned area silently
C) Report the discrepancy to your supervisor
D) Search all cells
Answer: C – Report discrepancy immediately. Timely reporting
allows for a controlled secondary count before an escape can be
confirmed. Recounting alone delays critical notification.
3. Which of the following is an example of a “deadly force”
situation under TDCJ rules?
A) Inmate refuses to return to cell
B) Inmate throws food at officer
C) Inmate takes a staff member hostage with a shank
D) Inmate is fighting another inmate with fists
Answer: C – Hostage situation with a weapon creates imminent
threat of death or serious bodily injury. TDCJ Use of Force
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Matrix authorizes deadly force only to prevent death/serious
injury or escape of a violent felon.
4. Scenario: You see an inmate pass a small package to
another inmate during recreation. What do you do?
A) Yell at them to stop
B) Immediately confiscate the package
C) Observe, document, and report to your supervisor
D) Ignore it to avoid conflict
Answer: C – Observe, document, report. Direct confrontation in
a crowded yard may cause a riot. Discreet documentation allows
for intelligence gathering and possible cell searches.
5. What does “TDCJ-ID” number uniquely identify?
A) Inmate’s medical record
B) Inmate’s classification level
C) Inmate’s permanent identification number
D) Inmate’s parole eligibility date
All-in-One TDCJ Core Competencies Exam
Bundle (2025–2026) – Verified Answers &
Rationales
1. What is the minimum number of staff required to open a
secure housing unit door containing general population
inmates?
A) One sworn officer
B) Two correctional officers
C) One officer and one supervisor
D) Three officers
Answer: B – Two correctional officers (TDCJ Policy BP-03.91).
One operates the control panel while the other provides cover
and observes the entry/exit zone to prevent escapes or assaults.
2. You are conducting a count. Your number does not match
the control center’s number. What is your FIRST action?
,Page 2 of 24
A) Immediately call a lockdown
B) Recount your assigned area silently
C) Report the discrepancy to your supervisor
D) Search all cells
Answer: C – Report discrepancy immediately. Timely reporting
allows for a controlled secondary count before an escape can be
confirmed. Recounting alone delays critical notification.
3. Which of the following is an example of a “deadly force”
situation under TDCJ rules?
A) Inmate refuses to return to cell
B) Inmate throws food at officer
C) Inmate takes a staff member hostage with a shank
D) Inmate is fighting another inmate with fists
Answer: C – Hostage situation with a weapon creates imminent
threat of death or serious bodily injury. TDCJ Use of Force
, Page 3 of 24
Matrix authorizes deadly force only to prevent death/serious
injury or escape of a violent felon.
4. Scenario: You see an inmate pass a small package to
another inmate during recreation. What do you do?
A) Yell at them to stop
B) Immediately confiscate the package
C) Observe, document, and report to your supervisor
D) Ignore it to avoid conflict
Answer: C – Observe, document, report. Direct confrontation in
a crowded yard may cause a riot. Discreet documentation allows
for intelligence gathering and possible cell searches.
5. What does “TDCJ-ID” number uniquely identify?
A) Inmate’s medical record
B) Inmate’s classification level
C) Inmate’s permanent identification number
D) Inmate’s parole eligibility date
