Yes, the TSA Computer-Based Test (CBT) is strictly timed and requires rapid decision-making. In 2026, most applicants face the "Short" or "New" version of the test, which typically lasts between 25 and 45 minutes. This version includes sections like X-Ray Image Interpretation, where you have roughly 15 seconds to identify prohibited items (like knives or guns) in a cluttered bag, and Visual-Spatial tasks (2D to 3D shape folding). The older "Traditional" version can last up to 2.5 hours and includes English proficiency and baggage screening. Time management is the most critical factor, as many applicants find the pressure of the countdown more difficult than the questions themselves. Because the timer follows you across sections, working quickly on easier questions is essential to save time for the complex 2D-to-3D interpretation puzzles at the end.