How to become a TSA screener?

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To become a TSA examiner or screener in the US, applicants must meet certain requirements, pass pre-employment tests, and undergo a thorough background check. Physical and medical standards must also be met, and training is required. Daily or weekly training and random drug tests are necessary to maintain employment.

To become a United States (US) TSA (Transportation Security Administration) examiner, you must apply to the TSA, meet certain requirements, pass pre-employment tests, and be able to perform the necessary tasks to maintain employment. . This includes being 18 years of age at the time of application and being a US citizen by birth or able to prove nationalization. You must be fluent in English and have a high school diploma, GED (General Education Development) equivalent or one or more years of experience in a related security position. A thorough background check, including credit check, is also performed on any candidate who intends to become a TSA examiner.

TSA screeners work at airports at security checkpoints and in baggage handling to ensure that no contraband or dangerous items make it onto a plane. To become a TSA screener, you need to be able to handle stressful situations and provide excellent customer service to people who may be frustrated, tired, and angry when dealing with security procedures. Having experience in security techniques, especially those involving the use of X-ray equipment, and customer service can help you land a job as a TSA screener.

To begin the application process to become a TSA screener, contact your local TSA office or visit the TSA website and apply. You may be required to provide proof of US citizenship, as well as other documentation such as a high school diploma or GED certificate. Certain physical requirements are also expected, such as the ability to repeatedly and regularly lift up to 31 kg (70 pounds), stand for up to four hours without a break, and walk up to three kilometers (over two miles) during a single shift. Certain medical standards are also required, including visual and hearing ability, joint mobility, and relatively low blood pressure.

After you apply, a full background and credit check will be performed. If you have defaulted on $7,500 or more in debt, except in certain bankruptcy situations, if you are in arrears on state or federal taxes, or are overdue on child support, you may not be eligible to work as a TSA examiner. As a TSA examiner may potentially receive bribes for allowing illegal or hazardous materials to pass through a security checkpoint, applicants must not appear to be viable candidates to accept them. Therefore, your finances must be in good standing and you must pass a personal and criminal background check before receiving the necessary security clearance to become a TSA examiner.

If you meet all of these criteria, you may have the opportunity to complete the necessary training to become a TSA examiner. You will need to complete 56 to 72 hours of classroom or computer training, followed by 112 to 128 hours of on-the-job training. It is also possible that you will have to travel for up to two weeks to complete this training. Once you are properly qualified, you must complete daily or weekly training and briefing on safety issues, as well as pass random drug tests in order to retain employment.




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