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TSA Orientation 2024: What to Expect & How to Pass It
With the bulk of the hiring process behind you, you can now look forward to the next stage, which is training at the TSA Academy.
You have to remember that you are hired preliminarily; you still pass both phase 1 and 2 training to start working, so don't quit your job! Additionally, it's important to remember that even though you will get a stipend during training, you will only actually get paid upon your successful completion of all phases.
In this article, we will go over your TSA Orientation days at the Transportation Security Administration so that you know what to expect.
Just Starting Your TSA Hiring Process?
Learn what to expect on the challenging new TSA test you'll need to pass as your first stage.
How long is Orientation at the TSA?
There is no iron-clad rule to the length of the process; some new hires reported two days, while others reported four.
However, what is for sure is that Orientation is an integral part of the onboarding process, and you will complete the following:
- Fill out Federal forms, including the OF-306.
- New employee session
- Providing documentation to prove employment eligibility
- Developmental activities
When you complete this portion of the process, then you will move on to the Federal Law Enforcement Training Center (FLETC) to complete your training.
What to Expect at TSO Orientation?
One of the primary tasks that you will complete at your Orientation is "A Day in the Life" where you will hear from a current TSO Officer about everything they go through in a day.
They will walk you through their motivation to get up every day, their daily routine on the job, and issues that come up with X-ray machines. They will explain how they best collaborate with fellow employees and managers and how their coaches and mentors affect their ability to do their job
It is essential to pay close attention. As soon as you are finished with your TSA orientation, the process will continue with a 2-week BTP at the TSA Academy, at the Federal Law Enforcement Training Centers in Glynco, GA.
Is Transportation Security Orientation Paid?
The process is part of the overall training, so yes, you will get paid. However, it is essential to mention that the payment will not transfer until you get officially hired at the end of the entire process.
Furthermore, there have been cases of new hires getting fired on their first day for falling asleep during a speech. So, it's super important to pay attention and get proper rest before sitting in class. And bear in mind you will have intense info-filled classes in the weeks ahead, So make sure to be ready.
Is There a Dress Code?
Before you are invited to the Orientation, you will receive an email, including a dress code. It should be noted throughout the entire training process the dress code is only enforced on day one and can cause dismissal. So, it's important to come dressed as asked.
The email states: "Orientation Day is business casual, including a white dress shirt, black pants, and black closed-toe shoes. "This means ladies should not come in either a dress or skirt.
TSA Orientation Test
You will be tested on what you have learned during the Orientation. It has been said that no one has ever failed the exam because all you have to do is listen. The trainer will go over the test before you take it, so pay attention, and you will be fine. In any event, it will not take more than 10 minutes.
TSA Orientation College
Considering that the Federal Law Enforcement Training Centers in Glynco, GA continue the Orientation, it could be fair to call it the "orientation college."
The Federal Law Enforcement Training Centers (FLETC) Glynco campus is equidistant between Savannah, GA, and Jacksonville, FL.
The Center is actually a town unto itself with its own zip code (31524). It is known as Glynco, GA, and is located on the northwestern edge of Brunswick, GA.
For the first time in its 20 year history, the TSA has moved to a full-fledged facility replete with instructors, classrooms, dorms, dining hall, and the lab!
The lab is essentially a wide range of structures that include:
- 18 firearms ranges and an explosives range
- State-of-the-art indoor range complex with 146 separate firing points.
- Eight highly versatile semi-enclosed ranges with 200 additional firing points.
- Fully functional mock port of entry.
- Multiple video-equipped houses for practical training.
Additional features are a library, mock courtrooms, a fully stocked gym, forensic labs, and more.
Pre-Orientation Paperwork
You will need to complete and sign the following forms and documentation:
- Declaration for Federal Employment (OF-306)
- Employment Eligibility Verification (Form I-9)
- OGE Form 450 or OGE Form 278 ( if applicable)
- Unexpired, acceptable documents for citizenship and employment eligibility verification.
What Happens After Orientation?
Congratulations, you have passed the Orientation and will continue with the TSA hiring process. Then, you will get on a bus and travel to the Federal Law Enforcement Training Centers (FLETC) Glynco campus.
You will then spend two weeks taking courses, conducting practical training exercises, studying, getting into physical shape, and much more.
It is important to remember that grades matter. On both Phase 1 and Phase 2 of your training, you must maintain a minimum grade of 70% or else you are out; you did not come all this way, passing through the TSA's extremely long process to go home now.
Ensure that you complete the process and succeed in grabbing the position you want.
JobTestPrep's Online TSA Test Preparation Course
Our TSA practice tests are made to mirror any possible version of the test- the exact questions you'll face in the new TSA exam, and the older X-ray and English tests that have still been given to candidates throughout the year.
I passed the New Format Test
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Learn More About the Other TSA Hiring Process Stages
