200+ Free TDCJ Pre-Employment Test Practice Questions
Pass your TDCJ Pre-Employment Test (Texas Correctional Officer) exam on the first try — instant access, no signup required.
Which of the following is an example of an inmate's due process right under the Fourteenth Amendment?
Explore More Corrections Officer Certifications
Continue into nearby exams from the same family. Each card keeps practice questions, study guides, flashcards, videos, and articles in one place.
More From This Family
Videos and articles for deeper review.
Key Facts: TDCJ Pre-Employment Test Exam
100
Test Questions
TDCJ HR
5 × 20
Sections × Questions
TDCJ HR
1 hr 40 min
Total Time Limit
TDCJ HR
Free
Candidate Cost
TDCJ HR
§493
Governing Texas Code
Texas Government Code
18+
Minimum Age
TDCJ HR
The TDCJ Pre-Employment Test is a free, proctored, 100-question multiple-choice exam given by the Texas Department of Criminal Justice to correctional officer applicants. It runs 1 hour 40 minutes and is split into five 20-question sections: reading comprehension (TDCJ procedural and Administrative Directive content), following instructions (route sheets and post orders), math reasoning (count math, time, scheduling), vocabulary and grammar, and judgment and integrity scenarios. Passing standards follow Texas Government Code §493.
Sample TDCJ Pre-Employment Test Practice Questions
Try these sample questions to test your TDCJ Pre-Employment Test exam readiness. Each question includes a detailed explanation. Start the interactive quiz above for the full 200+ question experience with AI tutoring.
1Passage: "TDCJ correctional officers are responsible for the custody, control, and supervision of inmates housed in state correctional facilities. Officers conduct counts, searches, and inspections, and supervise inmate movement, work assignments, and recreational activities." According to the passage, which is NOT a listed duty of a TDCJ correctional officer?
2Passage: "Administrative Directive AD-03.72 governs the use of force in TDCJ facilities. Force is authorized only to the extent reasonably necessary to control the inmate, prevent escape, prevent injury, or maintain institutional security." Based on the passage, which is NOT an authorized use-of-force purpose?
3Passage: "Every offender count must be reported to the shift supervisor within 15 minutes of completion. If the count does not clear, all inmate movement halts immediately until a recount is conducted and the count is verified." If a count does not clear at 09:00, what must happen?
4Passage: "PREA, the Prison Rape Elimination Act, requires TDCJ to maintain a zero-tolerance policy for sexual abuse and sexual harassment of offenders. Officers must report any allegation, suspicion, or observation immediately to a supervisor." An officer who hears a credible rumor of sexual abuse but does not personally witness it must:
5Passage: "TDCJ AD-04.11 requires officers to log every entry and exit through a secured perimeter gate, including the time, name, badge number, and reason for passage." If an officer logs an entry but omits the badge number, the entry is:
6Passage: "Inmate grievances must be filed within 15 days of the incident under TDCJ Step 1 procedures. Step 2 appeals must be filed within 15 days of receiving the Step 1 response." An incident occurs on March 1. What is the latest date for a Step 1 grievance?
7Passage: "Contraband is defined as any item not authorized by TDCJ policy, including unauthorized food, currency, weapons, communication devices, or any item modified from its original purpose." A modified toothbrush sharpened to a point is best classified as:
8Passage: "Officers must verify offender identification before any transfer of custody between facilities. Verification includes the TDCJ number, full legal name, date of birth, and a photograph match." If the TDCJ number matches but the photograph does not, the officer should:
9Passage: "TDCJ correctional officers must remain cognizant of inmate behavior patterns, including unusual silence, gathering of small groups, or sudden changes in routine." In this sentence, "cognizant" most nearly means:
10Passage: "Officers should refrain from fraternizing with offenders or their family members under any circumstances." In this sentence, "fraternizing" most nearly means:
About the TDCJ Pre-Employment Test Exam
The TDCJ Pre-Employment Test is Texas's selection exam for entry-level correctional officer applicants. The test contains 100 multiple-choice questions across five 20-question sections — reading comprehension, following instructions, math reasoning, vocabulary and grammar, and judgment and integrity — administered by TDCJ Human Resources in 1 hour 40 minutes.
Questions
100 scored questions
Time Limit
1 hour 40 minutes
Passing Score
Per TDCJ Texas Government Code §493 standards
Exam Fee
Free (Texas Department of Criminal Justice (TDCJ))
TDCJ Pre-Employment Test Exam Content Outline
Reading Comprehension
TDCJ procedural passages, Administrative Directives, fact extraction, inference, and vocabulary in context
Following Instructions
Route sheets, post orders, and step-by-step procedural sequences
Math Reasoning
Count math, time calculations, scheduling, and basic arithmetic
Vocabulary & Grammar
Corrections terminology, agreement, pronouns, tense, and punctuation
Judgment & Integrity
Situational judgment scenarios on ethics, use of force, and offender interactions
How to Pass the TDCJ Pre-Employment Test Exam
What You Need to Know
- Passing score: Per TDCJ Texas Government Code §493 standards
- Exam length: 100 questions
- Time limit: 1 hour 40 minutes
- Exam fee: Free
Keys to Passing
- Complete 500+ practice questions
- Score 80%+ consistently before scheduling
- Focus on highest-weighted sections
- Use our AI tutor for tough concepts
TDCJ Pre-Employment Test Study Tips from Top Performers
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the TDCJ Pre-Employment Test?
It is Texas's selection exam for entry-level correctional officer applicants, administered by the Texas Department of Criminal Justice. The test has 100 multiple-choice questions across five 20-question sections — reading comprehension, following instructions, math reasoning, vocabulary and grammar, and judgment and integrity — completed in 1 hour 40 minutes.
How many questions are on the TDCJ correctional officer test and how long is it?
The exam contains 100 multiple-choice questions split into five sections of 20 questions each. Candidates have 1 hour 40 minutes to complete the test.
What score do I need to pass the TDCJ Pre-Employment Test?
Passing standards follow Texas Government Code §493 and TDCJ Human Resources policy. TDCJ does not publish a single national or first-time pass rate; candidates should follow the score notice provided by TDCJ HR.
Does the TDCJ correctional officer test cost anything?
No. TDCJ administers the pre-employment test at no charge to correctional officer applicants. Candidates are responsible for their own travel to the TDCJ testing site.
What topics are covered on the TDCJ test?
The exam covers reading comprehension of TDCJ procedures and Administrative Directives, following written instructions such as route sheets and post orders, math reasoning including count math and scheduling, vocabulary and grammar with corrections terminology, and situational judgment scenarios on ethics, use of force, and offender interactions.
What are the minimum qualifications to take the TDCJ test?
Applicants must be at least 18 years old, have a high school diploma or GED, hold a valid driver's license, be a U.S. citizen or have authorization to work, pass a background investigation and drug screening, and have no disqualifying felony convictions under Texas Government Code §493.
Can I retake the TDCJ Pre-Employment Test if I fail?
Retake rules are set by TDCJ Human Resources and depend on the hiring cycle. Candidates who fail are typically required to wait a defined period before reapplying. Follow the notice provided by TDCJ HR.
Is the TDCJ test the same as a national corrections officer exam?
No. TDCJ's test is Texas-specific and is built around TDCJ procedures and Administrative Directives. National vendor tests such as IOS NCOSI and Stanard NCST are used by other agencies but are separate from the TDCJ in-house exam.