How to Pass a TSA Background Check: What You Need to Know

Background checks are an increasingly common part of recruitment processes. For an organization like the Transport Security Authority (TSA), background checks are essential for any candidate hoping for a career.

TSA background checks are designed to ensure that the best possible candidates are selected for each and every role. With safety and security at the heart of everything the Transport Security Authority does, it’s essential that its employees should be beyond reproach in all aspects of their lives.

A thorough TSA background investigation considers everything from spent convictions to financial conduct to identify the individuals who best embody the values and standards of the TSA.

In this article, you will delve into what your TSA background check will involve, the type of issues that would result in automatic disqualification from employment, and what to do if you think your background check is incorrect. 

What Is a TSA Background Check?

 The TSA fingerprint and background check is designed to ensure that Transport Service Authority employees exemplify safety and trustworthiness. By thoroughly evaluating the backgrounds of potential employees, the TSA can be confident that the staff it hires will be able to conduct themselves suitably.

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.

As well as standard identity checks, your medical records and driving history will be examined in this TSA 10 year background check, and your fingerprints will be submitted to the FBI for a thorough assessment of your suitability as a candidate.

Assessors will also consider your financial history and employment record to gain an overview of your trustworthiness and stability.

The TSA Background Check Process

When you submit your application, you will be asked to submit fingerprints and additional information for background checks. If you do not consent, then your application will be automatically disqualified.

The information you provide is then used to search databases for any record of conviction as well as terrorism databases. Your fingerprints will be sent to the FBI for evaluation, credit checks will be completed, and your medical history will be evaluated.

In most cases, you will be provided with an update on your application progress within 60 days, although it can take longer for the full checks to be completed.

How to Pass a TSA Background Investigation

Be Honest

If there are things within your background that might cause issues, then it’s best to be honest about them. Not all convictions will render your application invalid, but failing to declare them will be frowned upon. The TSA is looking for trustworthiness in its applicants. 

Prepare Supporting Evidence

If you’re likely to be asked questions about your immigration status or any other aspect of a background check, make sure to have the evidence to support your claims.

This is especially true if you’re likely to fail the drugs screening section of your background check due to prescribed medications. If recruiters can access all of the available evidence, they can make a fully informed decision about your application. 

Understand the Disqualifying Factors

Before applying to work for the TSA, you must understand the relevant offences or issues that could disqualify you from employment.

The TSA website keeps an up-to-date list of the current disqualifying factors, as well as additional information about offences that have a designated waiting period before your application can be considered.

What Happens If You Fail the TSA Background Investigation?

If you failed a TSA background check, it could be that a conviction has been revealed that renders your application invalid.

Alternatively, it could be that you failed to submit all of the required information, and so your background checks couldn’t be completed.

If you believe that the decision to fail your background check is incorrect, you can appeal. In this case, you should make sure that you have as much supporting evidence as possible for your case.

In cases where your background check has revealed a serious felony conviction, there is very little you can do. Some convictions will carry a lifetime disqualification from working for the TSA.

However, there are cases where a specific length of time needs to have passed between your conviction and your application. Usually, this will be between five and 10 years.

Specific Scenarios and Requirements

TSA PreCheck

Individuals who travel frequently are offered the opportunity to undergo TSA PreCheck (sometimes referred to as the TSA pre-background check). This is a program that evaluates passengers before arriving at the airport and can speed up the check-in process.

Applications for the TSA pre-background check can be made online, where you will be asked to attend a designated location (there are TSA background check locations across the country) on a specified date to undergo a range of background checks.

This information is then used to decide whether someone is authorised for faster security clearance at the airport.

To learn more about the TSA PreCheck background check requirements and get a list of TSA background check locations, visit the TSA website. 

HAZMAT Endorsements

Drivers who transport hazardous materials for commercial reasons are required to undergo additional checks and screening. This is done to identify anyone who could potentially be considered a terrorist threat.

Individuals are required to possess a HAZMAT endorsement certificate as part of their commercial driver’s licence.

You can find out more about TSA HAZMAT background check locations on the TSA website.

Pilots

As well as the standard background checks, pilots will have their licensing and employment history thoroughly vetted to ensure that they don’t pose a threat to security. The TSA background check for pilots will include a thorough search of terrorism watch lists.

Frequently Asked Questions

What disqualifies you from passing a TSA background check?

Felonies such as terrorism offences, murder, espionage, and treason. Also, the recent use of drugs, or narcotics offences, offences relating to explosive materials, racketeering, fraud and extortion offences, sexual offences and immigration offences. You are also likely to be disqualified if there is a current active warrant for your arrest.

How long does it take to complete a TSA background check?

In most cases, background checks are completed within 60 days. However, this can take longer if additional searches need to be made.

What does the TSA background check look for?

The TSA background check is designed to thoroughly examine an applicant's past conduct and history. This includes immigration status, employment history and criminal convictions. 

Can I reapply if I fail the TSA background check?

No, if you’ve failed a TSA background check, you will be disqualified from further applications. However, if you don’t agree with something found in the check, you can appeal the decision.

Do pilots and HAZMAT drivers undergo additional screening?

Yes. Because of the nature of their jobs, additional checks and screening are required. You can find out more about TSA HAZMAT background check locations on the TSA website.

Final Thoughts

If you’re hoping for a career within the Transport Security Authority, completing a background check is an essential step in the recruitment process. Preparing for any potential questions that could be asked, and complying with all requests made of you will make the process a lot more straightforward.

Although there are some convictions which will render you permanently disqualified from a role within the TSA, others will require a length of time to have passed between conviction and application. Knowing the rules and having evidence to back up your application can help to strengthen your application, even if something shows up on your checks.

Remember, above all, honesty and thorough preparation are vital.