What disqualifies you from working at TSA?

Asked by: Antone Mayert MD  |  Last update: June 25, 2025
Score: 4.4/5 (64 votes)

Dishonesty, fraud, or misrepresentation, including identity fraud and money laundering, where the money laundering is related to a crime listed in Parts A or B (except welfare fraud and passing bad checks). Bribery. Smuggling. Immigration violations.

What disqualifies a TSA background check?

Permanent Disqualifying Criminal Offenses

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 causes you to fail a TSA background check?

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 ...

What does a background check for TSA consist of?

Identity Check – A wide range of records like your current address and social security will be checked for fraud. Former Workplace – Background checks are used to investigate any previous workplace accidents or financial settlements. References – Do you check out?

How hard is it to pass a TSA background check?

You cannot pass a TSA background check if you've served jail time (foreign or domestic) for longer than 365 consecutive days. You may also fail if you have a history of security-related offenses that violate transport safety regulations, for example, intimidating flight crew members.

TSA Careers: The Hiring Process

39 related questions found

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.

Will TSA hire me with a misdemeanor?

While misdemeanor offenses are generally less severe than felonies, certain misdemeanor crimes of violence can still disqualify individuals from TSA PreCheck. These may include: Misdemeanor assault or battery. Domestic violence offenses.

How do I know if I passed TSA background check?

After TSA completes the background check, one of the following will happen:
  • You will be notified by TSA that you are ineligible for a HazMat endorsement. If this happens you will receive a new CDL without a HazMat endorsement. ...
  • DMV will send you a new CDL with a HazMat endorsement when all applicable tests are completed.

Can I work for TSA with 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.

Why am I ineligible for TSA job?

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), ...

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 ...

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 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.

What happens if you fail the TSA background check?

If your background check reveals a disqualifying criminal offenses or any other concerns, the TSA will issue you a letter known as a “Preliminary Determination of Ineligibility.” Upon receipt of such a letter, we advise you to immediately have an attorney review the letter on your behalf.

What gets flagged at TSA?

Here are some reasons that are believed to get a person flagged on TSA's Selectee List.
  • Booking a one-way ticket.
  • 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.

How hard is it to get hired by TSA?

Getting into the TSA is not difficult because there are only a few basic requirements. You need to be a U.S. citizen and at least 18 years old. High school education is needed and you need to be healthy and able to pass a drug screening test. A background investigation will also need to be conducted.

How do you know if you passed the TSA assessment?

The TSA assessment is extremely important because it gives TSA more in depth insight into your skills. Candidates will be required to take the test at designated testing centers. Within a few minutes of taking the CBT test for TSO positions you will receive an email letting you know whether you passed.

What shows up on a security clearance background check?

This security clearance requires a thorough personnel security background investigation that examines your life history, character, trustworthiness, reliability and sound judgment. The background investigation will: Review your previous and current employment history, including contact with your current employer.

What jobs will not hire you with a misdemeanor?

Committing theft, fraud, or dishonesty as a misdemeanor may make it hard to get a banking position. Having a misdemeanor drug offense could negatively affect your chances of landing a nursing job or a position in the medical field.

Will TSA hire me with a DUI?

1100.73-5, Employee Responsibilities and Code of Conduct. to drive in an intoxicated state and endanger the public. employees, repeated DUI/DWI offenses are incompatible with continued employment with TSA.

Is TSA a federal job?

The Face of TSA. Transportation Security Officer (TSOs) and Security Support Assistants (SSAs) are the face of the agency, the people on the front lines who play an important role at TSA. For many people, working as a TSO or SSA has led to a long, fulfilling career with the federal government.

Can you work for TSA with a misdemeanor?

No felonies but yes for misdemeanors.

How far back does a TSA PreCheck background check go?

Along with felonies, some criminal offenses, including extortion, bribery, and firearms related incidents, can disqualify you from being approved for TSA PreCheck if they occurred in the last seven years.

What is disqualifying the positive?

Disqualifying the positive is a cognitive distortion which is often addressed in Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT). It involves dismissing or undervaluing positive experiences, thoughts, or achievements, leading to an overly negative self-view.