What to Expect From a TSA Drug Test and How to Pass

Employed by the Transport Security Administration (TSA), Transport Security Officers (TSOs) are responsible for ensuring the safety of passengers and airline staff at airports throughout the US. When screening and processing passengers and baggage, TSOs are on the frontline regarding safety and security. 

If you’re considering a career as a Transport Security Officer, you must prepare for a rigorous recruitment process. This will include TSA drug screening as part of the obligatory medical and physical tests. Drug screening is an essential part of the recruitment process, ensuring that officers are suitable for the duties they will be undertaking.

As well as during recruitment, randomised testing is used to ensure that officers maintain the standards required. 

In this article, you’ll find everything you need to know about the TSA drug testing process. From what the test is looking for and what to expect during testing, to passing the test and what happens next, you will be fully prepared to succeed in this step of the Transport Security Officer recruitment process.

TSA Drug Test Type

 There are three main TSA drug test types, each with a different purpose. Testing is routinely performed as part of the recruitment process.

If you are already employed by TSA, you can be subject to randomized TSA drug screening. Testing is also sometimes required following an incident at work.

Urinalysis

Urine testing is conducted by asking individuals to provide a specimen of urine, which is then tested for prohibited substances. Typically, TSA uses five-panel testing, which analyses for five different types of drugs: marijuana, opiates, cocaine, amphetamines, and phencyclidine.  

Breathalyzer

Most people will be familiar with the concept of breathalyzer testing. It is commonly used by police forces to test drivers for alcohol use when stopped on suspicion of an offence. 

Breathalyzer testing involves breathing into a device for a sustained length of time. This is then analyzed for traces of alcohol, with a result available within minutes. 

Hair Follicle Testing

Occasionally, employees may be asked to submit a hair sample for testing. This needs to be hair which includes the root and will be tested for the same drugs as the five-panel urinalysis. 

The results of hair follicle testing can be more in-depth than urine testing, potentially highlighting drug use over a longer period. 

When Are TSA Drug Tests Conducted?

There are several reasons why individuals may be asked to submit a sample for drug testing. 

It’s important to remember that the TSA employment drug policy means that refusing to provide a sample can result in the termination of employment. So, if you’re asked to undergo testing, it will be obligatory rather than voluntary.

Pre-Employment Tests

As part of the standard recruitment process for a role within the Transport Security Administration, candidates are required to submit a urine sample for testing.

The TSA drug test for employment is a standard five-panel test. Refusal to comply with the TSA drug test for employment, or failure to submit a clean sample, will terminate your application.

Randomized Testing

Once employed, you will be subject to TSA random drug testing. Each year, around 10% of TSA employees will be tested. Individuals are selected at random, with the frequency of tests also varying.

Testing can involve five-panel urine tests and hair follicle testing as well as breathalyzer tests. Exactly which tests employees will be required to undertake is also randomized. This is done to ensure that employees are consistently meeting the standards and requirements expected of them, even if they aren’t expecting to be tested. 

Incident-Driven Tests

Situations can occur where additional testing may be required. This can happen after a security incident, an accident, or when suspicions are raised about an individual’s conduct. Often, incident-driven drug testing will occur as part of an investigation or disciplinary process. 

The TSA Drug Screening Process

Step 1

Testing will occur during your physical exam as part of the TSO recruitment process. When you speak to the doctor about your physical health and medical history, you will be asked to provide a ‘clean catch’ urine sample. This is a mid-flow sample of urine which is provided at the time of your medical.

Step 2

The doctor will give you a clear, sealed, tamper-proof plastic bag with a container to catch your sample. You will then be directed to use the bathroom.

Step 3

Before catching your sample, you should clean your hands and genitals thoroughly. This helps to avoid cross-contamination of the sample. You can then begin urinating and filling the container. Once the container is full, you are free to finish urinating as normal. 

Step 4

Make sure to properly seal the container and follow instructions regarding packaging before handing it back to the doctor conducting your medical. 

Common Concerns About the TSA Drug Screening Process

If you’ve never had a TSA drug screening before, it’s normal to have concerns about the process. 

Will You Have Privacy?

Usually, yes. In typical cases, individuals are shown the bathroom and instructed to fill a designated container with a sample of urine. 

How Do You Know Your Sample Isn’t Being Tampered With?

Containers are provided in tamper-proof packaging and, once filled, are repackaged in additional tamper-proof packaging. 

When Will You Get Your Results?

The whole process is probably quicker than you might think. Once you have provided a sample, it will be sent to a lab.

Labs are usually able to review tests within a few days, but it may take a week or two to get the full results sent to you.

How to Pass a TSA Drug Screening

If you’ve been asked to complete drug testing as part of the TSA recruitment process, or as an obligation of your employment as a TSO, there are a few things you can do to ensure you pass.

Don’t Take Prohibited Substances

If you know you’re going to be tested for a range of narcotics, then the best course of action is to avoid them. After all, if you don’t take prohibited substances, then you can’t test positive for them.

However, for substances such as alcohol, it’s still possible to include them within your lifestyle and still enjoy a career as a Transport Security Officer.

A beer with friends isn’t going to put you over the limit for a breathalyzer test. But, you should be conscious of how much you’re drinking and how long traces will stay in your system. Avoiding alcohol when you are due to work is the most sensible course of action.

Disclose Relevant Medical Information

There are certain prescription drugs that can show a positive result on a drug screening test. For example, some strong pain relief medications will be opiate-based or metabolised in a way that provides positive results for opiates.

If you are currently regularly taking any medication, you should disclose this when asked to provide a sample for testing. It’s a good idea to also provide medical evidence to back up your claims.

This could be a current prescription or a letter from your doctor. Disclosing this information means your results can be interpreted with your medical history in mind.

If your results are positive, additional testing can be undertaken to ensure that the result is caused by medication and not prohibited substances. 

Don’t Try to Fake It

It could be tempting to try to cheat your way through a drug test, but this is never a good idea. 

While home remedies, detox kits, drinking excessive amounts of water and using somebody else’s sample might sound like a great idea, these methods very rarely (if ever) work. 

Frequently Asked Questions 

What happens if I fail a TSA drug test?

If you fail a TSA drug test as part of a recruitment process, your application will be halted and you will not be offered employment. If you’re already a TSO, your employment will likely be terminated.

Are TSA random drug tests truly random?

Yes. Employees are selected at random from across the Transport Security Administration. Approximately 10% of all staff are tested each year.

Can I reapply for a TSA position if I fail a drug test?

Yes, although you will have to undergo drug testing again. Sometimes, you will have to wait years before applying again. This can be up to two years.

Does TSA test for alcohol as well as drugs?

Yes. As well as testing for a range of substances via urine analysis, you can be asked to provide a breathalyzer test to test for alcohol use. 

How often do TSA employees undergo drug screenings?

Everyone will undergo a TSA pre employment drug test as part of their employment process. Once employed, testing is random, unless there is an incident or concern that warrants additional testing. 

Final Thoughts

Drug testing is an essential part of the recruitment process for Transport Security Officers. By screening potential employees and continuing to test existing staff members, TSA standards, the TSA employment drug policy, and drug and alcohol policies are maintained.

If you’re hoping for a career within the Transport Security Agency, willingness to submit to regular testing is essential. A refusal to comply will result in your recruitment process or employment being terminated.

TSA drug testing doesn’t have to be a stressful process. Being fully aware of TSA policies and expectations will mean that you know what to anticipate on the day. Remember to disclose any relevant medical history that could impact your results so that this can be taken into account when interpreting them.

Understanding how drug testing works, and what the expectations are of potential employees, will mean that you can effectively prepare for this stage of the recruitment process and embrace your future as a Transport Security Officer.