What is the TSA training like?

At TSA Academy, they learn the protocols and procedures for customer service and keeping everyone safe. The academy's fully functional mock-checkpoint training has everything from walk-through metal detectors and body scanners to X-ray machines and even the queue signage that you'd see at an airport.

What can I expect from TSA training?

The training begins with eight classes each start week, with each of the classes having 24 students assigned to three instructors. The Online Learning Center includes assignments, such as X-ray operations, operating machinery while scanning for explosives, body searches, and searching baggage.

Is it hard to become TSA?

While you can apply to the TSA with only the basic requirements, it can be a very competitive process. Most TSA agents have additional education beyond a high school diploma and many also have great experience to place on their resume as well.

Does TSA have basic training?

Learn about the TSA Academy at the Federal Law Enforcement Training Center. Located in Georgia, this basic training is now required for all new TSA officers.

Is TSO training hard?

You also can't be color blind or deaf, and you have to be able to lift 50 pounds — but that's pretty much it. For most new hires, the biggest hurdle is making it through the training process — not because it's actually difficult, but because it's pretty damn tedious.

First look inside TSA training academy

Is TSA a stressful job?

Of the respondents, 55% said that they strongly agreed or agreed that they felt stressed at work most of the time. Learn more about work-life balance at TSA (Transportation Security Administration).

Is a TSO job worth it?

TSOs are the backbone of TSA and they play a vital role in keeping air travel safe. If you're interested in a career that offers benefits like health care and retirement, and where you work alongside a diverse and inclusive team, the TSO position offers a great first step in your federal career.

How many weeks is TSA training?

TSA Agents Train on a Campus in Georgia

Nearly 200 potential TSOs are trained for two weeks at the Federal Law Enforcement Training Center (FLETC), based in Glynco, Georgia. The center has classrooms, dormitories, and a dining hall that serves more than 4,000 meals a day.

Do TSA agents carry guns?

Most TSA employees are TSO's who do not have arrest powers and do not carry weapons of any kind, including guns. However, there are some individuals under the TSA such as Federal Air Marshals who do have law enforcement powers and are allowed to carry guns through the airport and even on planes.

Is TSA training virtual?

Adept at workarounds, TSA's Training and Development (T&D) held 111 virtual basic training programs in 2020, successfully graduating 2,267 new TSA officers in the COVID-19 pandemic era.

Do TSA agents fly for free?

There Are No Travel Perks

Unlike flight attendants and other airline employees, TSA agents don't receive perks like free space-available air travel or the occasional free meal.

How many months is TSA training?

New hires will attend a TSA training program in the Federal Law Enforcement Training Center (FLETC) in Glynco, Georgia lasting nine days. It includes eight classes of 24 students and three instructors.

Does TSA pay for college?

“The TSA Associates Program was a great experience for me and I will continue my education with the Government Reimbursement for Academic Degree (GRAD) program.” GRAD, a tuition program that invests in TSA employees, reimburses up to $5,000 of tuition expenses on eligible coursework within a calendar year depending on ...

Does TSA have flexible schedules?

Due to the nature of the job, virtually no flexibility is offered to accommodate personal commitments or schedules. TSA does allow one-way trades and shift trades under the Collective Bargaining Agreement.

How much do TSA agents make?

Salary Ranges for Tsa Screeners

The salaries of Tsa Screeners in the US range from $11,043 to $294,666 , with a median salary of $52,938 . The middle 57% of Tsa Screeners makes between $52,938 and $132,844, with the top 86% making $294,666.

Where does TSA training take place?

The TSA Academy (TSA-A) is located on the Federal Law Enforcement Training Center (FLETC) campus in Glynco, GA,. It is the primary home of TSO Basic Training Program Phase 2 for TSO new hires, and also provides training for Transportation Security Inspectors (TSI), Security Training Instructors (STI), and others.

Do TSA have badges?

Agencies often give badges to workers who aren't law-enforcement officers. At the TSA, badges are carried by 1,200 inspectors who check that airlines, airports and others comply with security rules.

Are TSA cops?

Most TSA officers are not commissioned law enforcement officers, and their role is to conduct screening of passengers, baggage and cargo. TSA screeners can search you and your baggage at screening checkpoints, but they cannot arrest you. Other law enforcement officers, such as airport police, are present at airports.

Is TSA part of FBI?

The Transportation Security Administration (TSA) is an agency of the United States Department of Homeland Security (DHS) that has authority over the security of transportation systems within, and connecting to the United States.

Whats the difference between TSO and TSA?

TSA is the Transportation Security Administration; it is the federal agency in charge of airport and aircraft security. A TSO is a Transportation Security Officer; this is the position of airport security screening officers.

How many TSA employees are there?

The Administrator of the Transportation Security Administration is responsible for a workforce of approximately 60,000 employees charged with protecting U.S. transportation systems and the traveling public.

Is TSA a fun job?

The job is repetitive and there is not much to really be happy about. It is easy and not too difficult to get through the day. Just get use to dealing with a lot of travelers asking you questions.

How many hours does a TSO work?

(3) The AA for Security Operations has established PT TSO work schedules between 16 and 25 hours per week (32-50 hours per pay period) for PT TSOs hired after April 2, 2007. PT TSOs hired before that date may have PT work schedules between 16 and 32 hours per week (32-64 hours per pay period).

Why is TSA so miserable?

Common themes from the surveys include “dissatisfaction with career advancement opportunities and issues with management's competence and communication.” Indeed, the most commonly selected reason for leaving the TSA was “dissatisfaction with career advancement opportunities and processes,” CNN reports.

Does TSA have a high turnover rate?

The attrition rate among private airport screeners may be as low as 8.5 percent, according to government studies. The high rate among part-time workers is a concern because they make up 23 percent of all TSA screeners, according to the organization.