Australian Border Force Officer Recruit Situational Judgement Test

During a passenger baggage inspection at Sydney International Airport, a traveler passenger offers you a high-end designer watch, stating it is a gift to show appreciation for your hard work. How should you respond?

• APolitely refuse the gift, explain that ABF officers are strictly prohibited from acceptin…
• BAccept the watch but immediately hand it over to your supervisor at the end of your shift…
• CPolitely refuse the watch, but tell the passenger they can buy you a coffee instead to av…
• DAccept the watch, as refusing it might be seen as rude or culturally insensitive to the p…

You observe a senior ABF colleague bypass the standard screening protocol for a cargo container arriving from a high-risk port, claiming they know the importer personally and can vouch for them. What is the most appropriate action?

• AObserve the container details, document your colleague's actions, and immediately report…
• BConfront your colleague privately and demand that they perform the screening, threatening…
• CAccept your colleague's decision because their senior status and personal relationship wi…
• DIgnore the incident, assuming that the senior colleague has authorized clearance or is wo…

A close friend mentions they are importing a large shipment of vehicle parts and asks you to look up the customs clearance status in the integrated cargo system to see if it will be delayed. How should you handle this request?

• ADecline the request, explaining that accessing departmental databases for personal reason…
• BSearch for the shipment details on your next shift and provide the information, as it is…
• CTell your friend to submit a formal inquiry, but offer to look up the internal notes secr…
• DAsk a colleague to look up the shipment for you so that your own user ID is not logged in…

While off duty, you attend a social gathering where several acquaintances begin discussing their plans to import unregistered prescription medications into Australia. What is your professional obligation?

• AClarify that you cannot discuss border regulations socially, leave the conversation, and…
• BParticipate in the discussion to advise them on how to bypass border controls legally to…
• CDo nothing, as you are off duty and your personal life is separate from your professional…
• DVerbally reprimand the acquaintances and threaten them with immediate arrest, asserting y…

A passenger arriving from an international flight appears distressed and claims they forgot to declare several biological food items in their baggage. They ask you to throw the items away without writing a formal report or fine. What should you do?

• AExplain the requirement to declare all agricultural items, document the items formally, a…
• BAllow the passenger to discard the items in the waste bin and send them on their way with…
• CConfiscate the food items for your own consumption, as they would otherwise be destroyed.
• DIssue a maximum penalty fine immediately without explaining the biosecurity rules, to ser…

You are assigned to a team processing mail at a Gateway Facility. You notice a fellow officer pocketing a small electronic item from a damaged parcel. What should you do?

• AImmediately report the incident to your supervisor or the Department's Integrity Unit, no…
• BConfront the officer and ask them to share the item with you to ensure mutual accountabil…
• CPretend you did not see it to maintain a good working relationship with your teammate.
• DWait until the end of the week to see if the officer returns the item before taking any a…

A courier company manager offers to sponsor the ABF local office's annual social club event in exchange for faster customs clearance processing for their express shipments. How should you handle this?

• ARefuse the offer entirely, explain that processing priority is strictly regulated by law,…
• BAccept the sponsorship for the social club, but make it clear that clearances will still…
• CRefer the manager to the regional commander, suggesting that corporate partnerships are a…
• DAgree to the arrangement on a trial basis to see if it improves local operational efficie…

You realize that you accidentally entered incorrect passport details into the border control database for a passenger who has already cleared the gate. What is the correct course of action?

• ANotify your supervisor immediately and log a system correction ticket explaining the erro…
• BDo nothing and hope the system autocorrects or that the mistake is too minor to be notice…
• CDelete the entire entry and re-enter it under a new timestamp to hide the mistake.
• DBlame the system interface for the error if questioned by a supervisor during an audit.

You are off duty and notice a social media post by a colleague containing photos of restricted search areas at a marine port, along with a caption detailing upcoming search schedules. What is your obligation?

• AReport the post immediately to the Departmental Security Unit, as it compromises operatio…
• BComment on the post warning your colleague, but do not report it to avoid getting them in…
• CShare the post on your own profile to show support for the ABF's hard work in the communi…
• DIgnore the post, as your colleague is responsible for their own social media activity.

A passenger who was selected for a random search becomes highly cooperative and drops a hundred-dollar note onto the search bench, whispering that they are in a hurry and would appreciate it if you 'skipped the formalities.' What should you do?

• AImmediately halt the search, secure the cash as evidence of an attempted bribe, alert a c…
• BTake the money, put it in the public donation bin, and proceed with a very quick search t…
• CPush the money back, warn the passenger to be careful with their cash, and continue the s…
• DAccept the money as a tip since you are providing efficient customer service under pressu…

While conducting a search of an commercial vessel, you discover a small bag of undeclared commercial items hidden behind a panel. The vessel's captain offers to give you half of the items if you do not record the find. What is your response?

• AImmediately decline the offer, report the find and the captain's bribe attempt to your su…
• BAccept the offer but give the items to a local charity to avoid personal gain.
• CPretend you did not find the bag to avoid conflict with the captain in international wate…
• DAccept the items, document the find, but write in your report that the bag was found empt…

A senior officer asks you to sign off on a use-of-force report for an incident you did not witness, claiming that it is just a routine formality to speed up the paperwork. How should you respond?

• APolitely decline to sign, explaining that you cannot sign off on an incident you did not…
• BSign the report to support your senior officer and maintain team solidarity.
• CSign the report but add a small note that you were not present, hoping no one notices.
• DReport the senior officer immediately to the police for forgery without speaking to them.

You find out that your brother has applied for a position with a cargo logistics company that is regularly audited by your specific team. What is your immediate responsibility?

• AFormally declare a potential conflict of interest to your supervisor or through the depar…
• BDo nothing, as your brother has only applied and does not work there yet.
• CAdvise your brother to withdraw his application so that you do not have to report it.
• DRequest that your team audit his company more strictly to prove your impartiality.

You accidentally damage a passenger's expensive suitcase during a physical baggage search. The passenger does not notice immediately. What is the correct action?

• AImmediately inform the passenger of the damage, apologize, and provide them with the offi…
• BSay nothing and let the passenger discover the damage later so that the ABF does not look…
• CQuickly close the suitcase and blame the airline baggage handlers if the passenger notice…
• DTell the passenger that the damage was pre-existing to avoid administrative paperwork.

An importer offers to pay you for private consultations on how to fill out customs declarations correctly so their goods pass through borders faster. Can you accept this work?

• ANo, this represents a severe conflict of interest and secondary employment that is strict…
• BYes, provided you do the consultations outside of your official working hours and do not…
• CYes, but you must declare the income on your annual tax return to maintain transparency.
• DNo, unless the importer is a family member, in which case it is considered helping family.

While processing passengers at the cruise terminal, you notice a colleague behaving erratically and smelling strongly of alcohol. What is your immediate action?

• AReport your observations to the duty supervisor immediately to ensure operational safety…
• BIgnore it, as they are a good colleague and you do not want to cause them to lose their j…
• CSuggest that they take a break in the tearoom and cover their tasks yourself without tell…
• DConfront them in front of the passengers and demand that they leave the operational area.

A passenger whom you have selected for questioning mentions that they are a high-ranking official in another government department and demands that you bypass search protocols as a courtesy. How should you handle this?

• APolitely explain that all border processing is subject to the same standard risk assessme…
• BApologize immediately and allow them to pass through without further questioning to avoid…
• CDemand that they show their official credentials, and if valid, escort them to the VIP lo…
• DNotify your supervisor and ask if you can receive a promotion for handling a VIP passenge…

You are processing cargo declarations and notice that an importer has consistently under-declared the value of their goods. The importer's agent offers to pay you a 'consulting fee' if you correct the invoices quietly. What is your response?

• ARefuse the fee, document the under-declarations and the agent's offer, and report the inc…
• BAccept the fee, correct the invoices, and tell yourself that the government is still gett…
• CRefuse the fee but correct the invoices anyway to help the agent avoid penalty fines.
• DIgnore the under-declaration entirely to avoid dealing with the corrupt agent.

While on duty at a mail sorting facility, you find an open envelope containing cash. There is no sender or receiver name on the envelope. What should you do?

• ALog the envelope and cash immediately into the departmental lost-and-found registry, secu…
• BTake the cash and buy coffee for the team to boost operational morale.
• CKeep the money since it is untraceable and would otherwise be wasted.
• DLeave the envelope where it is so that you do not get blamed for stealing it.

A local business owner offers you free entry to their gym as a thank-you for helping them understand import regulations at a public outreach event. How should you respond?

• APolitely decline the offer, explaining that ABF officers cannot accept personal benefits…
• BAccept the membership, but only use the gym during your off-duty hours to keep it separat…
• CAccept the membership but report it to your supervisor as a 'minor community interaction.'
• DDecline the offer but ask if they can give the free membership to your partner instead.

You are processing passengers at the airport. A traveler complains loudly about the length of the queue, using offensive language directed at you. How should you handle this?

• AMaintain a calm, professional tone, focus on processing their documents quickly, and poli…
• BRefuse to process their documents and tell them they must wait at the back of the queue u…
• CArgue back using similar language to show that you will not be intimidated on duty.
• DImmediately call for armed back-up to arrest the passenger for offensive behavior.

A local television station contacts you directly, asking for a quick phone interview about your experiences as a new recruit and recent changes to border security. What is the correct action?

• ADecline to comment and immediately refer the journalist to the Departmental Media Unit in…
• BProvide the interview, ensuring you only speak about positive aspects of your training to…
• CAgree to the interview but ask to remain anonymous so that you do not violate media polic…
• DProvide the interview but charge them a small fee to cover your time.

You notice that a colleague is repeatedly showing up late for shift handover, leaving the outgoing team member stuck past their rostered time. How should you address this?

• ADiscuss the issue calmly with your colleague, explaining the impact of their lateness on…
• BDo nothing, as it is not your responsibility to manage other people's time.
• CArrive late for your own shifts in return to show them how frustrating it is.
• DComplain about the colleague to everyone else on the team to pressure them into changing.

A traveler whom you have selected for a baggage search becomes very cooperative and attempts to make light conversation, asking if you are single and inviting you out for a drink. What is your response?

• APolitely decline the personal invitation, maintain a professional distance, and focus on…
• BAccept the invitation to be polite and prevent the passenger from feeling rejected during…
• CTell the passenger that you can meet them after your shift is finished if the search goes…
• DReprimand the passenger harshly for harassment and threaten to cancel their visa.

You disagree with a new operational guideline issued by your regional commander, believing it will make cargo inspections slower and less effective. What is the correct approach?

• AFollow the new guideline as instructed, and raise your operational concerns constructivel…
• BIgnore the guideline and continue using the old method, as you are the one performing the…
• CDiscuss your frustration with cargo importers to get them to lobby against the new guidel…
• DSubmit an anonymous complaint to the media about the commander's poor decision-making.

You are off duty and heading home. You want to stop by a local pub to meet some friends. You are still wearing your full ABF uniform. What is the most appropriate action?

• AGo home first to change out of your uniform, or cover it completely, as wearing the unifo…
• BGo directly to the pub, as long as you do not drink alcohol while wearing the uniform.
• CGo to the pub, but sit in a corner and keep a low profile so that you do not attract atte…
• DGo to the pub, as wearing the uniform off duty helps promote the ABF in the local communi…

You notice that a colleague has created a personal blog where they post stories about daily passenger inspections, including descriptions of passengers' behavior and details of detected smuggling attempts. What is your response?

• AReport the blog to your supervisor and the Departmental Security Unit, as it violates inf…
• BLeave a comment on the blog advising your colleague to change the names of the passengers…
• CSubscribe to the blog and share the links with your friends to show them what border work…
• DDo nothing, as it is your colleague's personal blog and they have a right to free speech.

While processing passengers at the international terminal, you see your uncle in the queue approaching your counter. What should you do?

• APolitely ask your uncle to go to another counter for processing, and notify your supervis…
• BProcess your uncle's passport quickly and wave him through as a family courtesy.
• CSearch your uncle's bags extra thoroughly to prove to your colleagues that you do not sho…
• DProcess his passport normally without saying anything, as long as his travel history look…

Your team leader instructs you to search a cargo container without wearing the required safety gear (steel-cap boots and helmet) because the gear is in another building and they are in a rush. How should you handle this?

• AExplain that you must wear the mandatory Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) for safety,…
• BFollow the instruction and search the container without safety gear to avoid slowing down…
• CRefuse to search the container and sit in the break room until the team leader apologizes.
• DSearch the container but complain loudly to the cargo workers about the team leader's uns…

During a night shift at a container examination facility, you feel extremely fatigued and are struggling to stay alert while operating heavy scanning equipment. What is the most appropriate action?

• AInform your supervisor or team leader immediately about your fatigue, request a short bre…
• BDrink several energy drinks and continue operating the scanning equipment to avoid lettin…
• CTake a quick nap while sitting at the scanning console when there are no containers in th…
• DSay nothing and push through the shift, hoping that you do not make any major mistakes or…

You overhear a colleague making derogatory remarks about a traveler's ethnicity to another officer in the staff common room. How should you respond?

• AConfront your colleague calmly, stating that such remarks are unprofessional and violate…
• BJoin in the conversation to maintain social connections with your team members.
• CIgnore the comments, as they were made in the private staff room and not in front of the…
• DRecord the conversation secretly on your phone and post it online to expose your colleagu…

A passenger who has been selected for a baggage search begins filming you with their smartphone while complaining about being targeted. How should you handle this?

• AMaintain your composure, explain the search process clearly, focus on the search, and all…
• BSnatch the phone away from the passenger and delete the recording to protect operational…
• CRefuse to conduct the search until the passenger turns off the camera and deletes the vid…
• DCall security immediately to have the passenger arrested for filming a law enforcement of…

You are processing an elderly traveler who does not speak English. They appear confused, stressed, and are clutching their travel documents tightly. What is the most professional approach?

• AUse clear gestures, speak in a calm and reassuring tone, and request assistance from a bi…
• BSpeak louder and slower in English to make them understand your instructions.
• CTake their documents firmly from their hands and point them toward the waiting room witho…
• DSkip the processing questions entirely and wave them through to avoid causing them more s…

Your team is conducting a search of a commercial vessel. A dispute arises between two colleagues regarding which cabin to search first, which is delaying the operation. How should you assist?

• ASuggest referencing the vessel search plan and task allocation sheet, or ask the team lea…
• BSide with the senior colleague immediately to end the argument, regardless of the plan.
• CWalk away and search a different area of the vessel on your own to avoid the conflict.
• DJoin the argument and tell both colleagues that they are being unprofessional and slow.

You find a passenger's passport and boarding pass left behind at a passport control counter. What is the correct protocol?

• ASecure the documents immediately, log them in the system, check if the passenger is still…
• BLeave the documents on the counter in case the passenger returns to retrieve them.
• CPut the documents in your pocket and wait until the end of your shift to hand them in.
• DThrow the documents away if they look old or expired to clear clutter from the desk.

While purchasing lunch at an airport food outlet, the cashier refuses your payment, stating that ABF officers always get free food at their store. What should you do?

• APolitely insist on paying the full amount, explaining that departmental policy prohibits…
• BAccept the free food and thank the cashier, as it is a common gesture of goodwill toward…
• CAccept the free food but leave a large tip on the counter equivalent to the cost of the m…
• DAccept the food and tell your colleagues so they can also get free meals from that store.

You see a colleague using an official ABF marked vehicle during their shift to transport personal furniture to a nearby apartment. What should you do?

• AReport the misuse of the official vehicle to your supervisor or the departmental asset co…
• BOffer to help them move the furniture to ensure it is done quickly and they get back to w…
• CSay nothing, as long as they return the vehicle with a full tank of fuel.
• DAsk if you can borrow the vehicle next weekend for your own personal use.

A colleague asks to log into the border control system using your username and password because their own account has been temporarily locked and they need to process a backlog of passengers. How do you respond?

• ARefuse the request, explaining that credential sharing is a severe security violation, an…
• BLog in for them and let them use the console while you stand watch to ensure they do not…
• CProvide your password just for this shift to ensure that passenger processing is not dela…
• DSuggest that they use a supervisor's login details instead, as they have higher clearance.

During a baggage search, a passenger becomes angry, stands up close to you, clenches their fists, and begins shouting. How should you react?

• AStep back to maintain a safe distance, use a calm and non-confrontational tone to de-esca…
• BImmediately tackle the passenger to the ground to prevent them from attacking you.
• CClench your own fists and stand close to them to show that you are not intimidated.
• DTurn your back on the passenger and walk away to find a security guard.

After a high-pressure shift involving the detention of a suspected smuggler, you find yourself feeling anxious and unable to sleep. What is the most constructive way to manage this?

• AUse the Department's Employee Assistance Program (EAP) to speak with a professional couns…
• BKeep your feelings to yourself, as showing stress might make you look weak or unsuitable…
• CConsume alcohol after your shift to help you relax and forget about the stress.
• DPost about your stressful experience on an online forum to get sympathy from the public.

You are observing passengers in the customs hall. You notice a traveler who is sweating profusely, looking around nervously, and constantly adjusting their heavy jacket, despite the warm weather. What is your operational assessment?

• AIdentify the passenger as showing behavioral and physical indicators of high stress, and…
• BIgnore them, as some people are naturally anxious flyers or might be unwell.
• CConfront them loudly in public, asking if they are carrying drugs, to see their reaction.
• DWait until they clear customs and then follow them to their hotel to see what they do.

While auditing a cargo container manifest, you notice that the paper seal number recorded on the manifest does not match the metal bolt seal physically attached to the container door. How do you proceed?

• ATreat the container as high-risk, halt its release, log the discrepancy, and coordinate a…
• BChange the number on the manifest to match the physical seal to keep the paperwork neat.
• CRelease the container anyway, assuming it was a simple typo made at the port of origin.
• DAsk the truck driver who is picking up the container if they know why the seals do not ma…

You are part of a marine unit preparing to board a suspicious fishing vessel suspected of carrying illicit cargo. The weather is deteriorating rapidly, and swell heights are exceeding safe boarding limits. What is the correct operational decision?

• AAdvise your supervisor of the unsafe weather conditions, recommend delaying the boarding,…
• BAttempt the boarding anyway, as stopping the suspicious cargo is worth taking personal sa…
• CAbort the entire mission and return to port immediately without notifying other units.
• DTell the captain of the fishing vessel over the radio to sail to a nearby port and wait f…

An unaccompanied minor arrives at the passport control gate from an international flight. They do not have a valid entry visa or any documentation showing parent consent for travel. What is your immediate action?

• AEscort the child to a secure, child-friendly holding area, ensure they are supervised, an…
• BRefuse entry immediately and place the child on the next flight back to their origin alon…
• CAllow the child to enter Australia to find their relatives on their own, since they are v…
• DKeep the child at your processing counter until your shift ends, then take them home with…

During a physical search of a passenger's heavy winter coat, you feel thick, stiff panels sewn into the lining that do not match the coat's design. What is your next operational step?

• AHalt the search, use an X-ray scanner or physical probe to inspect the lining safely, and…
• BCut the coat open immediately with a knife without telling the passenger or taking safety…
• CGive the coat back to the passenger and apologize for inspecting it.
• DAsk the passenger if they hid anything in the coat lining and accept their answer.

A traveler declares they are carrying 'a few personal gifts' in their bags. Upon search, you find 50 brand-new, identical smartphones still in their shrink-wrap. How should you proceed?

• AClassify the items as commercial cargo rather than personal effects, explain the requirem…
• BConfiscate the phones and tell the passenger that importing electronics is illegal.
• CAllow the passenger to keep the phones as gifts without paying duty, as they declared the…
• DCharge the passenger a cash fee directly at the bench to clear the phones immediately.

While conducting a baggage search, you notice a plastic toy that feels heavier than expected and has glue residue around the seams. What is your operational assessment?

• AThe toy has indicators of internal concealment. Refer it for X-ray imaging or careful dis…
• BAssume the toy was repaired by the traveler and hand it back to avoid breaking it.
• CSmash the toy on the search bench immediately to see what is inside.
• DTell the traveler that they are under arrest for carrying a glued toy.