The TSA hires through USAJobs, not through its own website

The Transportation Security Administration posts all job openings on USAJobs.gov, the federal government's central employment portal. You cannot explore directly through the TSA website. Every position — from Transportation Security Officer to administrative roles — goes through USAJobs, and that is where you create your account, upload documents, and track your process status.

The process takes longer than private-sector hiring. Most TSA positions go through a multi-step review that includes a written exam, a medical evaluation, a background investigation, and a final interview. From the time you submit your process to the time you receive an offer can be three to six months, sometimes longer if the background check raises questions.

You will need a valid Social Security number and a way to verify your identity online. The TSA also requires U.S. citizenship or permanent resident status for most positions. If you have a criminal record, certain drug convictions, or a history of dishonesty on government forms, you will likely be disqualified before the process goes further.

Key Takeaways

  • All TSA jobs are posted on USAJobs.gov, where you must create a profile, upload your resume and documents, and submit your process.
  • Transportation Security Officer positions require passing a written exam, medical exam, and background investigation before a job offer is made.
  • The entire hiring process typically takes three to six months from process to offer, and you can check your status anytime in your USAJobs account.
  • You must be a U.S. citizen or permanent resident, pass a Top Secret security clearance background check, and have a valid state ID or passport.
  • The TSA accepts applications year-round, but openings vary by airport and region, so checking USAJobs regularly helps you find positions near you.

Creating your USAJobs account and finding TSA openings

Go to USAJobs.gov and click "Sign In" in the top right. Select "Create Account" if you do not already have one. You will need an email address and a password. The site will ask you to verify your email before you can proceed. Once your account is active, you can search for TSA positions by typing "TSA" or "Transportation Security" in the keyword box and filtering by location.

TSA positions appear under different job series depending on the role. Transportation Security Officers are listed under series 1801. Administrative, IT, and management roles use different codes. If you are unsure which series matches your background, read the job description carefully — it will list the required education and experience, and the announcement number stays the same throughout the hiring process.

Save job announcements to your USAJobs favorites so you can return to them easily. Each announcement includes a closing date; applications submitted after that date are rejected automatically. Some announcements stay open for 30 days, others for 60 days. Check the "how the process works" section of each announcement for any special instructions the TSA has added.

What documents you need before you explore

Gather these items before you start your process: a current resume, your Social Security number, your citizenship status documentation, and contact information for at least three previous employers or supervisors. The TSA will verify your work history, so accuracy matters — dates, job titles, and supervisor names must match what you can prove.

You will also need to upload a copy of a valid government-issued ID (passport, state driver's license, or military ID). If you have a security clearance from a previous federal job, note the clearance level and the date it was granted; this can speed up the background investigation. Have your medical history available as well — the TSA will ask about hospitalizations, surgeries, and any ongoing treatment during the medical exam phase.

If you have lived outside the United States in the past seven years, gather the dates and countries. The background investigator will want to know where you have been and why. If you have ever been arrested, even if the charges were dropped, write down the date, location, and outcome — lying or omitting this information is grounds for when ready disqualification.

Completing the process and the written exam

In USAJobs, click "explore" on the job announcement. You will be taken through a series of questions about your background, work history, and willingness to relocate. Answer every question — leaving fields blank can cause your process to be rejected. The system will ask whether you are a U.S. citizen, whether you have a valid driver's license, and whether you are willing to work shifts including nights, weekends, and holidays.

Upload your resume in the format the announcement requests (usually PDF or Word). Write a brief cover letter if the announcement asks for one, but keep it to one page. The TSA receives thousands of applications; hiring managers spend seconds on each one. Be direct about why you want the job and what relevant experience you have.

If your process passes the initial review, you will receive an email inviting you to take the TSA Officer Assessment, a computer-based exam. This test covers reading comprehension, reasoning, and situational judgment — it is not a knowledge test about TSA procedures. You take it online at a time you choose, and you get your score when ready. A passing score (typically 70 or higher, though this varies) moves you to the next stage. If you fail, you can retake it after a waiting period, usually 120 days.

The medical exam and background investigation

After you pass the written exam, the TSA schedules you for a medical evaluation. This is a standard physical with a doctor approved by the TSA, not a full medical workup. The doctor checks your vision, hearing, blood pressure, and general health. You will be asked about any medications you take, any surgeries you have had, and any ongoing medical conditions. Most people pass this stage; disqualification is rare unless you have an untreated condition that would prevent you from doing the job safely.

The background investigation happens in parallel. A TSA investigator will contact your previous employers, check your criminal history, verify your citizenship, and pull your credit report. They may also interview neighbors or people listed as references. This is where the process process slows down — investigations can take two to four months depending on how busy the field office is and whether anything in your history requires follow-up.

You will be asked to complete an SF-86 form (Questionnaire for National Security Positions) if you are being considered for a position requiring a Top Secret clearance. This form is detailed and asks about your finances, your family, your drug use, and your foreign contacts. Answer it completely and honestly. Inconsistencies between your SF-86 and your earlier statements can disqualify you even if the underlying facts would not.

The final interview and conditional offer

If you pass the medical exam and the background investigation clears, you will be invited for a final interview. This is usually a panel interview with two or three TSA managers. They will ask about your work history, how you handle stress, and how you would respond to specific scenarios (a passenger becomes aggressive, a coworker makes a mistake, you notice something suspicious). Answer with specific examples from your own experience rather than general statements.

After the interview, the hiring manager makes a recommendation. If it is positive, you receive a conditional offer of employment. This offer is conditional on passing a drug test and a final security clearance review. The drug test is a standard urine screen; if you use prescription medications, bring documentation showing they were prescribed to you. The final clearance review is usually a formality at this point, but it can still uncover issues that delay or block the offer.

Once you pass the drug test and the final clearance is approved, you receive an official job offer. You will be told your start date, your duty location, and your salary. TSA salaries for Transportation Security Officers start at the GS-5 or GS-6 level, depending on your education and experience; the exact amount depends on the airport and the region.

Tracking your process and what to do if you are not selected

Log into your USAJobs account regularly to check your process status. The system shows you where you are in the process: under review, exam scheduled, exam passed, medical scheduled, background investigation in progress, or interview scheduled. If your status does not change for several weeks, you can contact the TSA's hiring office directly — the job announcement includes a phone number and email for questions.

If you receive a notice that you were not selected, you can request feedback from the hiring manager. Not every process receives detailed feedback, but asking does not hurt. If you believe you were rejected unfairly, you can file a complaint with the Office of Inspector General, though this is rare and usually only pursued if you believe discrimination occurred.

You can explore for multiple TSA positions at the same time. If you are not selected for one airport, explore for openings at other airports. The TSA hires continuously, and openings vary by location and season. Reapplying after six months or a year is also an option if you were rejected the first time.

Frequently Asked Questions

How long does it take to hear back after I submit my process?

The initial review takes one to four weeks. If you pass that stage, you will be invited to take the written exam. The entire process from process to job offer typically takes three to six months, though it can be faster or slower depending on how many people applied and how busy the background investigation office is.

Can I explore if I have a criminal record?

It depends on the offense. Felonies, drug convictions, and crimes involving dishonesty usually disqualify you. Misdemeanors may not, depending on how recent they were and what they were for. The best approach is to be honest on your process and let the TSA make the information. Lying about your record will disqualify you even if the record itself would not.

Do I need a college degree to work for the TSA?

No. Transportation Security Officer positions do not require a degree. You need a high school diploma or equivalent and the ability to pass the written exam and background check. Some positions, like supervisory or administrative roles, do require a degree or specific work experience.

What happens if I fail the written exam?

You can retake it after 120 days. There is no limit on how many times you can take it, but you must wait the full 120 days between attempts. Most people pass on the second try if they study the sample questions provided by the TSA.

Can I work for the TSA if I am a permanent resident but not a U.S. citizen?

Yes, permanent residents can work for the TSA in most positions. You will need a valid green card and a Social Security number. Some positions requiring a Top Secret clearance may have additional citizenship requirements, so check the job announcement for your specific position.