TSA Airport Assessment

The Airport Assessment is the third step in the TSO hiring process. This is the portion of the hiring process when you can let your personality shine through and stick out from the crowd. Make sure you prepare in advance and review popular interview questions. Come prepared with everything that you need. Read on to learn exactly what to expect on the airport assessment.

Before your Airport Assessment can even be schedule you must:

• Pass the Computer Based Test (CBT).
• Accept a contingent job offer.
• Pass the first credit check.
• Start the e-86 process by providing your demographic information to initiate the e-86 in the e-QIP system.

During the Airport Assessment you will go through the following steps:

• Check-in and verify your identity.
• Color Vision Test.
• Undergo a Standardized Interview.
• Complete forms.
• Get fingerprinted and take a Digital Photo.
• Go through the exit process.

Check-In for the Airport Assessment

This is the first component of the Airport Assessment process. During the check-in process you will be asked to present two forms of U.S. government issued identification, hand over all personal items (e.g., keys, phone, wallet, bag), and sign the TSA Form 1154 - Non Disclosure Agreement Form (NDA).

Color Vision Test

The Farnsworth D-15 Color Vision Test is used to ensure that all potential TSO officer can distinguish colors to appropriately meet the requirements of the position. The test results indicate if a candidate has a "color deficiency", not if you are "color blind."

Standardized Interview

The next step in the process is the standardized interview. This is a mandatory interview conducted by an airport staff member. Ideally, this should be a panel interview, with at least two staff members. The interviewers will ask all six mandatory universal interview questions. You will be rated on seven competencies during the interview. You will be given a Total interview score and Integrity/Honesty Pass result.

Example: Total score – 24/30, Integrity/Honesty score - Passed.

You need to get a minimum of a three on each of the competencies in order to Pass. A failing score on the Standardized Interview is if you get less than a "3" on any of the competencies and/or you get a Fail on the Integrity/Honesty competency.

Forms Review and Collection

If you successfully pass the Color Vision Test and the Standardized Interview you will move on to the Forms Review and Collection process portion. The candidate will be read the "Forms Review and Collection script" (Appendix C). You will be given a "Forms Packet" which contains "Single Sheet forms" and the "Medical Forms Packet."

Single Sheet Forms:

1. TSA Form 1154 - Non Disclosure Agreement (NDA).
2. OF 306 - Declaration for Federal Employment Form.
3. Authorization for Release of Information (SF86-1, page 20 in the SF86).
4. Authorization for Release of Medical Information Form (SF86-2, page 21 in the SF86).

Medical Forms Packet:

1. Medical Cover Letter from TSA .
2. Security Officer Medical Questionnaire (SOMQ).
3. Candidate Pre-Medical Instructions Form.

Fingerprint Collection and Digital Photo

You will need to get your fingerprints captured and a digital photo taken. Your fingerprints and digital photo will be uploaded to the Transportation Security Clearinghouse (TSC).

Exit Process

After you finish the Airport Assessment you will be exited with one of two possible "Exit Scripts:"

1. "Exit Script and Conditional Offer".
2. "Exit Script/No Conditional Offer".

If you receive the "Conditional Offer" that means that if you pass your medical and background check you will be eligible for a position if there is a hiring need.

TSA Interview Tips

1. Show up on time for check-in.
2. Make sure you come prepared with two forms of ID.
3. Get a good night’s sleep before in the interview.
4. Make sure you have your glasses or contacts if needed.
5. Use your candidate dashboard to collect any needed information.
6. Prepare anecdotes to back up any answer you might give to an interview question. Be ready to describe your answers, and explain how you would resolve an issue.

Sample TSA Interview Questions

These are some samples of the style of interview question you might encounter:

1. Have you ever encountered someone at your office do something unethical? What was your response?
2. Describe a time when you worked in a team. How did you contribute?
3. Tell me about a time when you displayed leadership?

FAQs for the Airport Assessment

What Happens If You Fail the Color Vision Test?

If you fail the Color Vision Test in the first try, they will administer the test a second time. If you fail the vision test the second time, you will be told that you received a failing grade and read the AAS-9 Failed Color Vision Script, then exited from the interview.

What Are Acceptable Forms of ID?

• Acceptable Photo ID: Driver’s License, U.S. Passport, U.S. Military ID, or State ID card.
• Acceptable Secondary ID: Social Security Card, Certified Birth Certificate, or Certificate of Naturalization.

What Happens If I Skip the Interview?

They will mark you as a "Check-In No Show" if you skip the appointment and do not call to cancel or reschedule.