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TSA Connect the Dots

Ace the New Format of the 2024 TSA CBT | Free Practice | Exam Tips
Bestseller
4.6
1589 Reviews|8876 Students|Last Updated: May 16, 2024

Connecting the dots is one of the components introduced by the TSA (Transportation Security Administration) in October 2022 as part of its revamped Computer-Based Test (CBT) or TSO Assessment Battery. Alongside Image Recognition and TSA 2D to 3D Interpretation, this section holds particular importance in estimating critical skills for TSA duties.

By introducing Connect the Dots, the TSA seeks to enrich the evaluation of visual-spatial skills and cognitive aptitude in prospective candidates, fostering a deeper understanding of their abilities within the context of TSA duties.

What's Tested in TSA Connect-the-Dots?

The primary objective of including connect-the-dots in the TSA CBT is to check visual-spatial skills. These skills are vital for TSA officers tasked with monitoring security screens, identifying suspicious items, and ensuring comprehensive airport security.

Connect-the-Dots questions check various important skills:

Pattern Recognition: Visually frame the pattern in the mind and connect dots under tense conditions while the clock is ticking.

Spatial Awareness: Grasping the spatial arrangement between various points.

Attention to Detail: Quickly spotting the essential nuances necessary for connecting the dots in the required sequence.

Logical Reasoning: Employing logical steps to complete the visual puzzles under time constraints.

These skills directly apply to TSA duties. For instance, pattern recognition and spatial awareness are crucial for monitoring security screens and spotting potential threats. Attention to detail assists in identifying overlooked items, while logical reasoning enables swift, informed decisions.

Take a Free Connect-the-Dots Practice Test

Connect The Dots Practice Test

Click on the dots to connect them in the proper sequence.

Connect-The-Dots Questions Explained

Connect-the-dots questions are designed to test different aspects of visual-spatial skills and cognitive abilities. On the screen, you will see several dots labeled with either numbers or letters.
As per the instructions provided, you’ll need to find the starting point and, using the mouse, click (usually left-click) on the next dot, repeating this process until all dots are connected.

The task is typically simple starting with either numerical or alphabetical, and then alphanumeric order (1-15, then A-Z, and finally, alternating between numbers and letters like 1, A, 2, B, 3, C, etc.). Despite their apparent simplicity, challenges arise when faced with sequences such as alphanumeric or reverse orders, especially when time is limited.

Below are the various types of sequences you may encounter:

Numerical Sequence

In a numerical sequence question, you will see a series of dots scattered across the screen. The task is to connect these dots in the required numerical order. Below is an example for more clarity:

TSA Connect the Dots - Numerical
**Note: Screen grab from our custom practice quiz.

Alphabetical Sequence

In the alphabetical sequence question, you will see dots on your screen labeled with alphabets randomly. Your task is to connect the dots in the required order. Below is an example for more clarity:

TSA Connect the Dots - Alphabetical
**Note: Screen grab from our custom practice quiz.

Alphanumeric Sequence

 In an alphanumerical sequence question , dots will be labeled with both numbers and alphabets. Your task is to connect the dots as per the instructions (Like 1-A-2-B-3-C. or vice versa). 

TSA Connect the Dots - Alphanumerical
**Note: Screen grab from our custom practice quiz.

Want to practice more sections of the TSA CBT New Format? Check out our TSA Practice Test Page which contains practice for all the new & legacy formats of the TSA CBT.

Tips to Ace Connect-the-dots Questions

Quick Puzzle Overview

Quickly scan the entire puzzle to understand its layout and identify the starting point. The aim is to Identify Patterns virtually before you begin answering these questions. Doing this saves you time.

Use Efficient Visual Tracking

As you are connecting one dot, visually track the next one to maintain a smooth flow. Avoid losing your place by regularly scanning at the entire puzzle to ensure you are on the right track.

Tackle Complex Patterns in Bits

In your mind, try to divide complex patterns into smaller, more manageable bits. Once you have the image in your mind gradually start working through the dots . Don’t forget to look at the bigger picture as you pace, to ensure you haven’t missed anything.

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The Challenges You Can Expect

Complex Patterns: Unlike standard puzzles, TSA Connect the Dots questions involve intricate patterns that require careful attention and precision. These patterns may include numerical, alphabetical, or alphanumerical sequences, each presenting its own set of challenges.

Time Constraints: Managing your time effectively is crucial, as the TSA test is time-limited. Balancing speed and accuracy can be difficult, especially with complex patterns that require thoughtful consideration.

Cognitive Flexibility: Switching between different types of sequences (e.g., numerical to alphabetical) within a single puzzle demands high cognitive flexibility. This can be particularly challenging when dealing with alphanumerical pattern questions.

Check Out our TSA Prep Booster™ Course Modules

In Summary

As you gear up to join the ranks of TSA professionals, remember that the right preparation can set you apart from the crowd. Our TSA Prep Booster™ Course is crafted to reflect the actual TSA tests closely, providing you with the most comprehensive and engaging training experience available.

From detailed practice tests like Connect-the-Dots to expertly designed modules in critical areas, we equip you with everything you need to excel. Why wait?

Embrace this opportunity to elevate your preparation. Join the thousands who have successfully navigated their TSA careers with our guidance. Enroll today and start your journey towards becoming a standout candidate in the field of airport security. Let’s make your dream job a reality!

1 Week

$160.00$78.90

1 Month

$180.00$88.90

3 Months

$200.00$98.90
**Note: The trademarks associated with TSA and other affiliates belong to the Department of Homeland Security (DHS). Prepterminal has no affiliation with the DHS or the U.S. government whatsoever. The DHS neither endorses nor promotes Prepterminal or any of its services. Prepterminal only provides test prep courses for the TSA CBT.
Michael Lerner

Created by: Michael Lerner

BSc, Psychometric Tutor, Prepterminal Test Expert

8876 students,
4.6
, 1589 Reviews

Hey, welcome to our TSA CBT Test Prep Course. I’m Michael, I am here to assist you with any queries you may have about the TSA CBT Exam Preparation. Don’t hesitate to contact me at [email protected].

Success Stories

Discover what 1589 students said about us:
Ethan Montgomery

I used three different courses, and I took the test recently. These guys did an awesome job explaining the 2D to 3D folding section, which was really helpful. However, the feedback on wrong answers only appears after you complete all the practice quiz. Immediate feedback would make it much easier to understand and learn from mistakes on the spot. Overall, they've covered the toughest section in depth, which is impressive.

Ethan Montgomery

The x-ray section has way too many questions and feels really disorganized. It was overwhelming to get through. I took the test a few days ago and, while practicing was helpful, a better structure would have made the prep much easier to handle.

Olivia Harrison

I took the new TSA CBT recently, and this prep material was a lifesaver. It breaks down the the complex 2D -to 3D questions in a way that's easy to understand. I was much less anxious on test day thanks to this prep. If you're getting ready for the TSA CBT, I can't recommend this enough. It’s seriously a game-changer!

Emily Dawson

I felt well-prepared for the test and was happy with my results. One thing that would have made it easier to understand was if the animation videos were a bit slower. Sometimes they were a bit too fast for me to follow, but overall, I would still recommend this course to anyone looking to prepare for the TSA CBT 40 minutes test.

Jeff Huggett

The practice quizzes were really helpful, and I felt more prepared on test day. I was happy with my results and would recommend this course to anyone struggling with the 2D to 3D section

Shannon O'Donnell

It covers both the old and new formats of the test. If you're taking the new format, you can skip the connect the dots, match the images, and shapes folding shapes questions and focus on the rest of the material.

Mina Wagih

I was looking for a prep course that would help me improve my understanding of the folding shapes questions - everyone said they were too complex. This course is great. The 2D-to-3D section was particularly helpful, as it taught me how to approach complex shapes in a logical way. I felt more prepared on test day and was happy I bought this course.

Gary Wilkerson

The 2D-to-3D section was particularly helpful, as it broke down complex concepts into manageable chunks.

Mahmoud A.

This course is pretty solid, It’s definitely one of the best one out there. They cover everything in detail and explain things real clear. But man, if only they’d slow down a bit with those 2D to 3D folding shape videos , I’d be giving this a solid 5 stars. Anyway, got my exam coming up next week, so hoping for some good results!

Carlos R.

I took the test in late May and passed my CBT test. PrepTerminal’s prep course was a big help with the new test format. They have this cool "connect the dots" feature where you can actually practice by connecting dots, which was really useful. The "match the images" section wasn’t exactly like the actual exam since the exam had mostly stick figures, but that part was the easiest in the new TSO format, so it didn’t bother me much. Overall, great material!

George T

TSA Prep Booster™ Course
Bestseller
4.6
| 1589 Reviews |8876 Students