TSA Hiring Process: Complete 2026 Guide to Get Hired

💡 Check our Free TSA CBT test for practice questions.

TSA (Transportation Security Administration) welcomes candidates from a variety of backgrounds and experiences. However, to apply for a TSA agent position, you must meet the following basic requirements:

• Be a U.S. citizen or national, 18 years of age or older
• Have a high school diploma, GED, or equivalent education certificate
• Pass a federal drug screening, medical evaluation, and background investigation
• Be available to work irregular shifts, occasional overtime, and willing to travel for training

In recent years, many candidates complete the process within a few months. However, timelines can vary widely and may take several months to over a year depending on the airport, hiring needs, and background check duration.

If you're wondering how to become a TSA agent, this page walks you through every step of the process, from qualifications to onboarding.

To begin the TSA application process and apply for TSA jobs, go to https://jobs.tsa.gov/federal-hiring-process and look for TSA job openings. You can search by city, state, or schedule - full time or part-time.

Read the job announcement carefully. Submit your resume and documents, and follow your application status in the TSA candidate dashboard. 

Once you find a position, read the qualification section of the JOA [Job Opportunity Announcement] carefully and list all relevant experience, including dates, on your resume. Double-check if you need to include any extra paperwork before you apply.

Create an account on USAJOBS and submit your application. Then you’ll be directed to the TSA candidate’s dashboard - where you can keep up with the progress of your application.

If you meet the minimum qualifications, you’ll be invited to take the TSA CBT (Computer-Based Test).

• The new TAB TSA test is a 20-45 min test, involving three types of questions. The most challenging part of the test is 2D to 3D shape questions, which many candidates find extremely difficult to answer.
• The former test version, which has still been administered throughout the year, evaluates your English and X-ray object recognition skills. It takes 2.5 hours to complete, and its goal is to find candidates who will ensure travelers' safety across the country.

After completing the test, you’ll typically receive your results via email, usually as a pass/fail outcome rather than a detailed score.

Congratulations! You have been offered a job. But do not open the champagne yet, you still have a long way to go. Your acceptance is still conditioned and not final.

There are still a few more requirements before you are ready to be hired. You'll need to fill out standard authorization forms, so the TSA will be able to run a credit check on you. You’ll also need to complete the E86 National Security Questionnaire. This is a U.S. government questionnaire that you fill out so they can gather information for a background check.

It's important to remember that you have 14 days from passing the CBT exam to complete those forms. Otherwise, your application will be deactivated.

Bear in mind that the TSA is an anti-terrorist organization, and the answers to this questionnaire are taken very seriously. The E86 form will take a long time to fill out and may require you to gather personal information such as previous addresses, employers, relatives, and friends.

Give yourself plenty of time to complete this form, and be ready to collect details you do not have on hand.

In the standardized interview, you will be asked five scenario-based interview questions and evaluated based on your demonstrated competencies. You are expected to describe the situation you were in, the actions you took, and the outcomes in your answers.

At least two members of the airport staff will take part in this panel. The process takes about an hour or less (depending upon the interviewee). At the end of the assessment, candidates are informed whether they passed or failed. The Transportation Security Administration does not publicly disclose the exact scoring system or minimum thresholds for passing.

To pass, you must achieve a minimum score of three on each competency. If you receive a score of less than a "3" on either of the competencies or a failure on the Integrity competency, you will then receive a failing score on the standardized interview.

At this point, you're getting closer to the finish line but not quite there yet. You still must pass a few more tests, including a medical evaluation, drug test, and background check.

The Airport Assessment may include the structured interview described above, along with additional evaluations. The exact order of these steps can vary by location.

If you pass the TSA CBT test, as well as the credit and security check, you will be contacted to schedule the TSA Airport Assessment. In this stage you'll have to go through:

• An interview
• Color vision test
• Fingerprinting

And after that you'll have few more evaluations to pass:

• Medical evaluation
• Drug test 
• Background check

You’ll receive more detailed information about the TSA position in this airport such as standard shift schedules and parking and transportation options. This is a good opportunity for you to really learn about the job and to make sure it’s a good fit for you.

You will be expected to undergo a medical test if you score well on the airport evaluation. The TSA medical evaluation includes:

• Hearing test
• Physical examination
• Psychological examination

Physical examination

The goal of the medical test is to assess your ability to perform job-related functions based on any medical/physical conditions you present. On the exam, the doctor will check your general health: blood pressure, pulse rate, heartbeat, etc. to ensure your physical readiness. They will also ask about your medical history.

They will provide restrictions if you are not able to perform any of the essential job functions, such as:

• Physical ability to lift or up to 50 pounds repeatedly without assistance.
• Squat, bend, and stoop to conduct pat-downs.
• Stand for 6 hours straight.
• Walk up to three miles during a shift.

Psychological examination

The medical evaluation may include vision, hearing, and general health checks to ensure you can perform job-related duties. In some cases, additional medical information may be reviewed as part of the evaluation. 

A five-panel urine test will be used by the Transportation Security Administration to check for drugs. These tests are cheaper to conduct in bulk. A standard drug screening is required as part of the hiring process.

Get more important information about this process on our TSA drug test candidate guide.

The TSA is prohibited from hiring candidates with certain criminal convictions or delinquent debt, so they run a background check to make sure you are eligible. If you get to this point, it's a positive sign.

Any TSA background check requires financial investment from the organization, so they only run it for the candidates they really want.

Once all the tests have been passed, and background checks have been successfully completed, you’ll be added to the “ready pool”.

After step 4, it takes about two weeks for the paperwork to go through. After that, if you passed, you'll be assigned to a pool of candidates who are eligible, the “TSA ready pool.” Your eligibility to receive a job offer will be valid for two years.

Candidates in the ready pool are ranked based on their overall performance. While some sources refer to categories such as “Best Qualified” or “Highly Qualified,” the TSA does not publicly disclose its exact ranking system.

The candidates that are categorized in the ready pool as "Best Qualified" applicants, will have a better chance of getting the job. 

Want to hear the best tips for solving the TSA CBT and get into the "Best Qualified" category? Watch this short video:

Those with the best scores in the “ready pool” will be chosen to start working first and will be invited to the TSA Orientation. Training typically includes both classroom and on-the-job components. Location and duration may vary depending on the role and airport. For example it may take place at the TSA training facility in Georgia and last for 2 weeks.

During the orientation, you will be doing some online learning training. You will discuss the history of TSA and the past incident which resulted in the formation and the current TSA operation (because of 911 and other events).

You will be introduced to the tools and equipment used at the checkpoint. You will also have to make some typical administrative arrangements. Filling out some paperwork, setting up your airport badge, and TSA cards. They should also be getting the order for your uniforms, including measurements.

The goal of the orientation is to prepare you for your new job, and this is not a screening stage.

Congratulations! You start the very first day of your federal service, which is why it's your "Entry on Duty" date. Depending on which airport you work at, the exact specifics of the job, such as hours, start date, and pay, can vary.

Many candidates complete the process within a few months, though timelines can vary significantly depending on location and background checks.

How much does a TSA agent make?

TSA officer salaries vary depending on location and experience. Under the updated pay system, many entry-level Transportation Security Officers (TSOs) earn approximately $40,000 to $60,000 annually, with higher pay possible in certain locations. Employees may also receive overtime pay and full federal benefits.

Free TSA CBT Practice | TSA Airport Assessment | TSA Background Check | TSA Drug Test | TSA Medical Evaluation | TSA Ready Pool | TSA Orientation | TSA Training | TSA Scores | TSA CBT X-Ray | TSA CBT English Test | Boeing Entry Level Job Hiring Process | Assessment by Profession | Pre-Employment Tests | Preparation by Airlines