The TSA has an ‘open door’ policy, where you can apply for a job online. The only requirements are that you are at least 18 years old and have a high school diploma. So it is not necessary to have any special skills or work experience to become a Tsa officer. As long as you meet the minimum qualifications, and are accepted onto the program, everything else along the way is provided by the TSA as part of your training.
When you think of becoming a Tsa, your probably envision yourself standing at the airport and greeting people with a smile. That truly is the job description of a TSA officer but that is only part of it. There are several behind the scenes tasks that make up the daily activities of a TSA officer. If you have ever thought about becoming a Tsa here are some steps to help you fulfill this dream.
Job opportunities for transportation security officers are expected to grow rapidly by 2026, according to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS). TSOs monitor security systems and stand watch as passengers move through airport checkpoints and on passenger aircraft. They ensure compliance with government regulations and ensure the safety of passengers and crew members.
How To Become A Tsa
How To Become a TSA Agent in 7 Steps (Plus Skills To Develop)
By Indeed Editorial Team
Published November 16, 2021
The travel industry relies on the expertise of many professionals to function properly. This includes transportation professionals, travel agents, hospitality workers and similar professionals. One specific type of transportation professional is those who specialize in security, such as TSA agents. In this article, we explain what a TSA agent is and does, outline how to become a TSA agent, list important skills for these agents to develop and discuss the salary, career outlook and work environment for these professionals.
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What is a TSA agent?
A Transportation Security Administration (TSA) agent oversees the safety of passengers as they travel. They’re responsible for screening passengers, luggage and cargo to look for security threats. They enforce travel regulations and ensure all travelers and baggage comply with these regulations.
Related: 12 TSA Agent Job Titles (With Primary Duties and Salaries)
What does a TSA agent do?
While exact duties may vary, some common responsibilities of a TSA agent may include:
Answer traveler questions and provide them with guidance
Cooperate with other law enforcement officers to complete investigations
Ensure the safety and security of all travelers and areas
Evaluate screening images to look for abnormalities
Identify dangerous objects in bags or on passengers
Managing crowds of travelers and redirecting them for efficiency
Monitor travelers for potential threats
Operate imaging equipment and electronic detection devices
Patting down travelers when necessary
Perform additional testing on items to confirm hazardous materials
How to become a TSA agent
Here are the steps to follow for how to become a TSA agent:
- Finish your education
Becoming a TSA agent requires earning at least a high school diploma or GED. While not a requirement, you may also consider pursuing a college degree. Possessing an associate or bachelor’s degree may help better prepare you for your role and distinguish you from other applicants. Consider earning a degree in an area like:
Criminal justice
Criminology
Political science
Sociology
Related: 15 Top Criminal Justice Degrees (With Salaries)
- Obtain relevant experience
Pursue opportunities to gain relevant experience that may help you prepare for the role. For example, working as a security guard may help you develop important skills. Also, working for the TSA may be a viable career option for people who have previous military or law enforcement experience. - Search for jobs
Begin looking for jobs with the TSA. Common examples of where to look may be U.S. government websites and the TSA website. Review job opportunities, and learn more about the requirements for each job. - Satisfy the requirements
Working for the TSA involves meeting certain requirements. The organization requires employees to be at least 18 years old, be U.S. citizens, have a high school diploma and have proficiency in the English language. As you progress through the application process, it may also involve passing tests like:
Background check
Color vision
Credit check
Criminal check
Drug screening
Hearing
Joint mobility
Medical evaluation
X-ray interpretation aptitude
- Attend the interview
As you apply for roles, the TSA may invite you to complete an interview. This may be an in-person or telephone interview. During the interview, the hiring manager may ask you questions about your competencies related to the job performance, your previous work experience, your skills and similar topics.
Related: 8 Essential TSA Interview Questions (And How To Answer Them)
- Complete training
Upon hire, it’s important to complete your training. This may involve completing approximately 120 hours of classroom, online and on-the-job training and passing additional tests. Training may teach you about topics like:
Biometrics
Bottle liquid scanners
Checked baggage searches
Explosive detection or tracing systems
Explosive testing machinery operation
Imaging technology
Individual screenings
Paperless boarding passes
Property searches
Threat image projection
X-ray operation
- Maintain certification
Once you become a TSA agent, it’s important to maintain the certifications you earn during training. This may involve continuous education with related tests annually, and it may require third-party evaluations. Continuing education courses help ensure you’re familiar with the latest security protocols and find your job exciting.
TSA agent skills
Some essential skills for TSA agents to develop include:
Adaptable: It’s important for TSA agents to be able to respond quickly to quickly threats. Being adaptable helps them change their actions based on the changing needs, enabling them to best protect travelers.
Customer service: Much of a TSA agent’s work requires them to work with the public directly. It’s essential they have excellent customer service skills to know how to speak with and assist travelers.
Observant: Being observant and having excellent attention to detail helps TSA agents examine screenings carefully to identify any potential causes for concern. This skill may also support TSA agents in being able to detect suspicious behavior.
Quick learner: It’s often beneficial for TSA agents to be able to learn quickly. For example, the TSA regularly introduces new technologies or updates their policies, so it’s helpful if they can retain this information fast.
Works well under stress: TSA agents work in environments that are often stressful and busy. It’s imperative they’re comfortable handling dangerous materials and able to deescalate potential threats.
Related: Security Guard Skills: What They Are and How To Develop Them
TSA agent salary and job outlook
According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), the national average salary for transportation security screeners or TSA agents is $44,920 per year. However, it’s important to remember that exact salaries may vary. For example, location, experience and qualifications may affect how much you earn.
The BLS reports that there are an estimated 46,850 transportation security screeners in the United States. While it doesn’t have career outlook information for TSA agents specifically, the BLS provides career outlook information for security guards and gambling surveillance officers. It predicts the employment of these professionals may increase by 15% from 2020 to 2030. The BLS expects this increase in employment as professionals leave the workforce, such as to retire or pursue other career opportunities.
TSA agent work environment
TSA agents are responsible for ensuring the safety and security of travelers in a variety of settings. They primarily work in airports. However, they may also work in train stations, subways and other transportation areas and checkpoints.
As people travel all year and all times of day, TSA agents may work varied hours. They may work at any time of day, including overnight shifts, and they may work overtime or extended hours during busy times. They may also work weekends and holidays.
