Prepare for the TSA Background Check With a Complete Candidate Guide [2024]

In the aftermath of the horrific attacks on 9/11, the United States Government created the TSA to help ensure that a similar attack could never happen again.

However, to safeguard the ranks of this vital agency, a rigorous and thorough background check was set into place as part of the TSA hiring process. From checking credit rating to unpaid debts, and criminal convictions, there are a number of factors that can you lead to automatic disqualification.

The background check is thorough and is conducted at a State or Government Facility. However, one should note that the TSA does not view all criminal convictions equally, so we will look at what types disqualify and which do not.

💡 Check our Free TSA CBT test for practice questions.

Well, let's first get "the obvious" out of the way. If you have been convicted or pled guilty to committing or conspiring to commit either murder, espionage, sedition, treason, or terrorism – then don't bother applying.

However, a background check into a number of other examples can lead to an automatic lifetime ban from working at the agency. Below, we will get to other "lesser crimes" that have varying degrees of limitation.

This crime is defined as "a security incident resulting in a significant loss of life, environmental damage, transportation system disruption, or economic disruption in a particular area."

However, those who were active in unions and organized work stoppages don't have to worry, as an employer-employee dispute is not defined as a Transportation Security Incident.

This violation refers to unlawful possession of, selling, distributing, purchasing, exporting, transferring, storing, manufacturing anything with explosive materials as defined by the US legal code.

In short, this refers to those who have been convicted of belonging to gangs, mafias, and other organized crime groups. In addition, the law places any group that commits kidnapping, gambling, arson, robbery, bribery, extortion, or obscenities as racketeering.

While the above offenses are unforgivable, the agency will conduct a background check on crimes you may have possibly committed at the federal, state, or county levels!

While these crimes may not earn you a permanent ban, some may prevent you from receiving a job offer for five to seven years!

It is important to note that these offenses affect your candidacy whether you are convicted for committing them or conspiracy to commit them.

This violation refers to the unlawful possession, selling, distributing, purchasing, exporting, transferring, storing, manufacturing of firearms or military equipment as defined by the US penal code.

With the strict exception of welfare fraud and bad checks, money laundering, identity fraud will all put you on the no-hire list at the TSA. Additionally, illegally influencing a public official or being on the receiving end of an illegal financial offering is called bribery and is illegal as well.

If you are an immigrant and have worked for at least 180 days within five years without a permit. Additionally, either fraudulent entry into a point of entry or circumvention of a point of entry is a violation that will result in a five to seven-year ban.

Buying, distributing or importing an illegal drug. It is unnecessary to add that taking an illegal drug will obviously be picked up during the drug test and will disqualify you as well. Moreover, voluntary manslaughter (ex, heat of passion) or assault with intent to kill are additional categories of crimes, which will impede your ability to work with the TSA.

These include rape or aggravated sexual assault, arson, kidnapping-hostage taking, and robbery.

It is important to note that even a warrant for arrest or indictment (until revoked) discovered during the TSA Background Check in any of the violations mentioned above can be enough to prevent your candidacy.

There are several additional ways in which the TSA Background Checks are conducted per the Federal Aviation Administration Records (FAA.)

• Fingerprinting Law – The organization will submit your fingerprints to the FBI to ensure that no Federal crimes were committed.
• Buying, distributing or importing an illegal drug. It is unnecessary to add that taking an illegal drug will obviously be picked up during the drug test and will disqualify you as well.
• Medical Certificates – They will check all your medical claims against FAA records to ensure that you are on the up and up.
• Driving Record – Red flags including, vehicle violations, and license suspensions, will be examined.
• Identity Check – A wide range of records like your current address and social security will be checked for fraud.
• Former Workplace – Background checks are used to investigate any previous workplace accidents or financial settlements.
• References – Do you check out? Make sure your references are good because they will check.