PrepTerminal

Master the GardaWorld Screening Officer Test with GardaWorld QuickPass

Score 80%+ on the X-ray ORT and aptitude test, and join the 30% who earn CATSA certification through targeted, full-phase prep.

Free GardaWorld Practice Test

Experience the 20-second decision pressure of the real GardaWorld Object Recognition Test.

Want more? Our full course has 40+ ORT quizzes plus complete aptitude prep.

Two-Phase Assessment

GardaWorld PBSO Exam Structure

Sequential Test: Pass the X-ray ORT to move to the 60-minute Aptitude Test

Phase 1: X-Ray ORT

20 images | 30 minutes | 80% pass required

The gatekeeper test. 20 seconds per X-ray image to identify guns, grenades, knives, and Swiss knives in cluttered baggage. No retreat rule—once you submit, you can't go back. 70% of candidates fail here.

Critical Skills Tested:

Figure-ground segregation • 2D-to-3D visualization • Mental rotation • Material density recognition • Speed-accuracy calibration • Sustained vigilance

Phase 2: Aptitude Test

100 questions | 60 minutes | 80% pass required

The comprehensive filter. Average 36 seconds per question across six domains. Heavily weighted toward English literacy (60%)—spelling alone is 40% of your score.

Test Breakdown:

Spelling (40Q) • Math (20Q) • Grammar (10Q) • Reading Comp (10Q) • Logic/Pattern (10Q) • Competency (10Q)

Strategic reality: You must pass the ORT first. Fail Phase 1, and you're dismissed before the Aptitude Test even begins. Six-month mandatory wait before reapplication.

Why This Exam Matters

GardaWorld contracts with CATSA to provide Pre-Board Screening Officers at Canada's major airports

CATSA Certification

Up to 180 hours of specialized training required post-hire to achieve Canadian Air Transport Security Authority certification for airport screening.

Major Airport Hubs

Opportunities at YYZ (Toronto), YUL (Montreal), YVR (Vancouver), YYC (Calgary), YOW (Ottawa), and other Class 1 airports across Canada.

Competitive Compensation

Ottawa: $23.92–$28.47/hr • Montreal: $21.83–$25.55/hr • Calgary: $22.30–$23.53/hr. Regional variations based on location and experience.

Complete Preparation System

What You'll Master

From X-ray threat detection to split-second literacy recall—comprehensive training for both assessment phases

X-Ray Threat Detection

X-Ray Threat Detection

40+ timed ORT simulations with guns, grenades, knives in cluttered baggage. Master material density recognition and 2D-to-3D visualization.

Spelling & Literacy

Spelling & Literacy (60%)

Master professional security vocabulary. Spelling dominates—get 35+/40 correct to secure your pass.

Math & Logical Reasoning

Math & Logical Reasoning

20 math + 10 logic questions requiring speed-accuracy under pressure. Pattern recognition and quantitative thinking.

Competency & Judgment

Competency & Judgment

10 situational questions assessing alignment with GardaWorld values: Integrity, Vigilance, Trust, Respect.

Grammar & Reading Comp

Grammar & Reading Comp

10 grammar + 10 reading questions. Master policy interpretation and structured communication.

3D Spatial Reasoning

2D-3D Spatial Reasoning

Future-proof training for CATSA's CT scanner rollout. 8 specialized modules for advanced visualization.

Prepterminal's GardaWorld QuickPass Advantage

Generic test prep won't cut it. You need training that mirrors the exact format, timing, and pressure of both assessment phases.

Authentic ORT Simulations

40+ practice quizzes replicating the 20-second time pressure, no-retreat rule, and exact threat items (guns, grenades, knives, Swiss knives). Build speed-accuracy calibration through repetition.

Strategic Time Management

Master pacing with spelling, grammar, and comprehension drills. Apply the 80/20 rule to save seconds for tougher math and logic sections.

CATSA-Aligned Content

Training grounded in Canadian Air Transport Security Authority regulations and requirements. We understand the federal certification context—not just the test format.

Cognitive Skills Reinforcement

Sharpen analytical accuracy with math, logic, and 2D–3D interpretation modules. Train your pattern recognition and problem-solving under pressure.

Challenge → Strategy → Result

Master the Bottlenecks

Every candidate faces these exact challenges. Here's how to turn each obstacle into competitive advantage.

20-Second Triage Pressure

With just 20 seconds per X-ray, hesitation is fatal—over 70% fail Phase 1 by freezing or rushing.

✅ The Solution:

Use speed-triage simulations and timed repetition drills to build reflex-level recognition and accuracy under pressure.

Overlapping Item Complexity

Threat items often hide beneath layers of clothing or electronics. Candidates relying on full visibility consistently miss concealed weapons.

✅ The Solution:

Train with figure–ground exercises and feature-extraction techniques to identify partial shapes within cluttered X-rays.

Spelling Dominates Score

40 spelling questions = 40% of your Aptitude Test. Over-focusing on math wastes time and costs easy points.

✅ The Solution:

Prioritize professional vocabulary drills and rapid-error identification to lock in 35 + / 40 on spelling accuracy.

Instant Elimination Anxiety

Failing the ORT means instant disqualification—no Aptitude Test, 6-month wait. High stakes amplify the pressure.

✅ The Solution:

Use sequential mocks and stress-inoculation practice to normalize intensity and maintain focus.

Proven Results

Trusted By Canadian Security Candidates

900+
Airport Security Candidates Trained
4.6/5
Trustpilot Rating
83%
Report Passing Both Phases
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Common Questions

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

What is the GardaWorld Pre-Board Screening Officer exam?

A two-phase assessment: (1) X-ray Object Recognition Test (ORT)—20 images in 30 minutes identifying threat items, and (2) Aptitude Test—100 questions in 60 minutes covering spelling, math, grammar, reading, logic, and competency. Both require 80% to pass.

Why do 70% of candidates fail?

The ORT's 20-second time limit per image creates extreme pressure. Most candidates lack experience with X-ray interpretation, visual triage, and figure-ground segregation—resulting in missed threats and instant elimination before Phase 2.

What's included in your course?

40+ timed ORT simulations with authentic threat items, complete aptitude test prep (100 practice questions per section), 2D-to-3D spatial training for CATSA's CT scanners, professional spelling vocabulary drills, and competency-based interview prep aligned with GardaWorld values.

Is CATSA certification required?

Yes. GardaWorld operates under CATSA regulations. After passing both exam phases and being hired, you'll complete up to 180 hours of specialized training to achieve CATSA certification for airport screening duties.

Do I need prior security experience?

No. The exam tests trainability and aptitude, not prior knowledge. However, Canadian citizenship or permanent residency, secondary school completion, and security clearance (criminal/financial check) are mandatory prerequisites.

What if I'm applying in Quebec?

Quebec applicants must obtain a separate Bureau de la sécurité privée (BSP) permit in addition to federal requirements. Our course includes guidance on Quebec-specific licensing and provides bilingual support resources.

What happens if I fail?

Failure in either phase results in a mandatory six-month waiting period before reapplication. This extended ban makes first-attempt success critical—strategic preparation significantly increases your probability of passing both phases.

Can I access the course on mobile?

Yes. Our platform is fully responsive across phones, tablets, and computers. Study anywhere during your access window. However, we recommend desktop/laptop for ORT simulations to mirror the actual computer-based test environment.

Ready to Launch Your Airport Security Career?

Get exam-ready for every phase of the GardaWorld assessment with GardaWorld QuickPass.

900+
Success Candidates
4.6/5
Trustpilot Rating
83%
Success Rate
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