How strict is the TSA background check?

Asked by: Marlin Bahringer  |  Last update: January 23, 2026
Score: 4.3/5 (62 votes)

TSA background checks are designed to assess everything from immigration history to drug and alcohol records. Typically, this will involve recruiters assessing your actions over the previous 10 years before your application, but checks can look further into your history if required.

What would cause you to fail a TSA background check?

TSA may also determine that an applicant is not eligible if the security threat assessment process reveals extensive foreign or domestic criminal convictions, a conviction for a serious crime not listed in Part A or B below (including some lesser included offenses of serious crimes; e.g. murder/voluntary manslaughter), ...

How hard is it to pass a TSA background check?

However, to safeguard the ranks of this vital agency, a rigorous and thorough background check was set into place as part of the TSA hiring process. From checking credit rating to unpaid debts, and criminal convictions, there are a number of factors that can you lead to automatic disqualification.

What disqualifies you from working at TSA?

Permanent Disqualifying Criminal Offenses

Treason. A crime listed in U.S. Code, Title 18, Chapter 113B, such as terrorism, or a comparable state law. A crime involving a transportation security incident. Improper transportation of hazardous material (U.S. Code, Title 49 §5124) or a comparable state law.

What disqualifies you from getting TSA approved?

If you commit certain violations of federal security regulations, such as assault, threat, intimidation, or interference with flight crew, physical or sexual assault or threat of physical or sexual assault of any individual on an aircraft, interference with security operations, access control violations, providing ...

TSA Security Clearance Process

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What are the disqualifying offenses for background checks?

A conviction for a serious offense, such as fraud, theft, violence, or drug-related crimes, may raise questions about an individual's reliability, trustworthiness, and potential risks to the workplace (especially workplace safety), ultimately resulting in disqualification from the hiring process.

Are TSA jobs hard to get?

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.

Can you work for TSA if you have bad credit?

Unsatisfied court judgments of any amount. Note: Having debt of $7,500 or more (for example credit card, automobile loan, etc.) will not disqualify you from becoming a TSA employee. However, having delinquent (bad) debt as described in 1, 2, 3, 4 or 5 above will disqualify you.

What is the TSA medical exam like?

TSA Medical Evaluation Overview

The medical evaluation is a three-stage process, including a hearing test, drug test, and physical exam. Below, we will explain each stage in greater depth so that you know exactly what to expect and become the best Transportation Security Officer possible.

What is a disqualifying felony?

"Disqualifying offense" means a conviction for: Any offense that is a felony; a sex offense as defined in this section; a crime against children or persons as defined in RCW 43.43.

Is TSA testing hard?

Many consider the test hard and you'll likely find it difficult if you don't prepare. The most challenging aspect of the original TSA CBT is the X-ray image interpretation section. The pass rate for this section is around 30%.

How hard is it to pass a background check?

There's a chance you will fail a background check if you have a criminal history. This is particularly true if the offenses on your record are relevant to the job you're applying for (i.e. if you committed a sexual offense and are applying to work with children).

Why do I always get flagged at TSA?

Reasons You May Be Flagged

Paying for a ticket with cash. Making flight reservations on short notice. Recent travel to certain countries. Holding a passport from a country that the U.S. does not have a good relationship with.

What disqualifies you from working at the airport?

The FAA has a lengthy list of disqualifying crimes. Such convictions include murder, forgery, armed robbery, extortion, or illegal drug distribution. If the background check returns any of these convictions, the applicant will not move forward.

What happens if you fail TSA test?

What happens if you fail the TSA test? It is crucial to try and pass the TSA CBT test on the first try. If you fail the test, you must wait six months before applying for any TSO positions. After a second failed attempt, the TSA-CBT test cannot be taken again.

What disqualifies you from TSA background check?

Permanent Disqualifying Criminal Offenses
  • Espionage.
  • Sedition.
  • Treason.
  • A crime listed in U.S. Code, Title 18, Chapter 113B, such as terrorism, or a comparable state law.
  • A crime involving a transportation security incident.

What is the highest paying job in TSA?

The average TSA (Transportation Security Administration) salary ranges from approximately $30,000 per year for Agent to $180,798 per year for Executive Director.

What level background check does TSA do?

How does the TSA look in a background check? Fingerprinting and fingerprint processing to check against FBI criminal databases and FBI terrorist watch lists. Felony and misdemeanor criminal searches at county, state, and federal levels.

Do TSA agents get paid a lot?

How much does a Tsa Agent make in California? As of Jan 22, 2025, the average annual pay for the Tsa Agent jobs category in California is $54,285 a year. Just in case you need a simple salary calculator, that works out to be approximately $26.10 an hour. This is the equivalent of $1,043/week or $4,523/month.

Is the TSA interview hard?

TSA (Transportation Security Administration) interviews FAQs

Candidates interviewing for Airport Screener and TSO (Transportation Security Officer)-Newark EWR Airport rated their interviews as the hardest, whereas interviews for Security and Customs Officer roles were rated as the easiest.

Does TSA do polygraphs?

“The mission of the TSA National Polygraph Program, which resides within TSA Investigations, is to conduct counterintelligence and specific issue examinations in support of criminal and administrative investigations, as well as to support TSA in pre-employment polygraph exams for TSA Law Enforcement Officer positions, ...

What is a red flag on background check?

A red flag in a background check is anything alarming or concerning about a person's past. This could be a history of breaking the law, lying about work experience or education, or other serious issues. However, not all red flags are the same. Some might be small and not that serious, depending on the job.

How do I know if I can pass a background check?

You can determine whether you failed an employee background check if you have any of the following seven disqualifying factors:
  • Inconsistent employment history. ...
  • Inaccurate resume information. ...
  • A criminal history. ...
  • Negative reviews from employers. ...
  • Poor driving record. ...
  • A failed drug or alcohol test. ...
  • Poor credit history.

What looks bad on a background check?

Warning signs on a background check include multiple periods of unexplained unemployment, inconsistent information, short periods of employment, minimal relevant job experience, no required education or training, professional license issues, dangerous criminal convictions, job-related criminal convictions, bad ...