Working hours for Transportation Security Officer

Bernie in Columbia, South Carolina said: Weekends OFF? EVERY weekend? Almost all security jobs, just like retail or hospitality, require some weekend work. Any single SO, public or private sector, who gets every weekend off may very well be depriving their co-workers' children of time with their parents.

It goes by senority, some people don't mind working weekends. If that is a problem for someone then the screener position is not a good fit. Not being mean, but that is the job requirements, doesn't matter if your single or married. Having kids is not a justification for weekends off and that is not fair to the single long working person.

Tatiana said: A slip-shift is when you come in on one shift and work 4 hours, then you have 2-4 hours off in between which can be different each day, then you work another 4 hours on a different shift. Your hours change daily and mostly likely will end up working somedays during your breaks. And if you need a day off you have to go through two sets of supervisors, which means if one says yes and the other no, you don't get your day off.Most people who have done it, don't recommend it. Also, when a regular hour full time position does open up, you are usually passed over because they need people to do slip-shifts. The money isn't bad on slip-shifts, but the hours leave alot to be desired. You'll end up being at work at least 10-14 hours a day, yet only getting paid for 8-10. You'll have no time for yourself or other things outside of work.

As a new TSO it was very disheartening to find that the only path to full time was to accept a split shift first, Can't even bid for full time if you are a part time employee, only if you are a split shift employee first. Great for management, sucks for you! who want's to spend two additional DEAD hours at the airport with nothing to do? Not me!!

hey wanting to know what the pay is like the website said average is 28-42 grand a year what is the actual pay from your experience. I want to know if this would be a step as far as pay in the right direction

Rich 6th year Tso in Norristown, Pennsylvania said: you got that right

Hi Rich, just wondering what the specifics are on the background check -- credit, criminal, anything else? Do they perform a check with Child Services, a/k/a DYS, (formerly DSS)?

Hi all, does anyone know the type of color vision test that you have to pass to become a TSO? I am scheduled to take the computer-based test (english/x-ray test) this weekend. I am red/green colorblind so I'm not sure if it's worth my time to continue in the application process.

Does anyone know where you go for an interview? Is it where you applied to be stationed or would it be the closest to where you live now?

Miimi in New Braunfels, Texas said: thanks... I to went through each step and did my physical and drug test last friday! Ha ha Also still waiting.....

Does the color vision test consist of looking at flash cards or identifying colors?

How many assesment test do you need to take, I took the computer test word knowledge, paragraph comprehension, and the part identifying objects and passed, is there another assesment test?

When you leave the airport, do the TSA Officer need take off the badge? Thanks!

Mike said: So is there anyway that a person can take the test and everything for the TSA slot in a different city than the job. Then if you get the job move to that city?

Yes. My friend took the test for an opening in HI. He lives in MI. as far as the interview and such I am unsure but the application process and the computer based can be done from anywhere as long as it is available near you.

Nick in Auburn, Washington said: Hi all, does anyone know the type of color vision test that you have to pass to become a TSO? I am scheduled to take the computer-based test (english/x-ray test) this weekend. I am red/green colorblind so I'm not sure if it's worth my time to continue in the application process.

You cannot be colorblind and work for the TSA because of the colors on the X-ray. It would be impossible for you to do certain things that all TSOs must do.

By the way the process seems to be moving along a lot faster now then it has in the past. I was a TSO from 2004 to 2006 and resigned in 2006. I VERY MUCH regret resigning from the TSA. It was one of the best jobs I've ever had. I have reapplied last Saturday, Sunday i was sent something saying I passed min quals and they asked me to print out 2 forms to sign and fax to them, I did so and Monday (2 days after applying) I received an e-mail asking me to schedule my computerized test which is now scheduled for 2 days from now on Wednesday. I am curious how long it will take after that this time, last time my total process was from July and hired in November.

Went to computerized testing and found out by the time I walked out the door that I passed and received a contingent offer, curious now how long it will be. (Last time it took 3 months total for whole process)

Do you think the process will take less time if it is in a tiny airport? I can understand it taking months for somewhere large... but we have like 2 gates =) What do you think?

Hi, I have a 3-hour interview at LAX next week. I passed the computer test and did all my online and faxing stuff within 4 months or so from today. What can I expect at the interview? What are the next processes? I dont have perfect vision, so can I be denied employment even if I wear glasses? What do they look for during the medical exam?

Hey ya'll, passed my airport assessment test & interview today, next I call to schedule my medical & vision exam in a couple weeks. They are doing a background and credit check now. Then after I pass all that, then I wait for a call to attend orientation. Wish me luck and I wish u all luck as well!

Tatiana said: I did all the things you just metioned last summer. I didn't get another call from TSA until Feb of this year, then I had to go through all the medical forms and get cleared from that. It's been 14 months since I first applied for this position and I just got hired this past week. It may take a while, but it's worth it. Good Luck!

Wow that is a long time. I am waiting on my interview an e-86.Wondering if it would take as long . It all went fast till the assessment.

Deegurl in Lincoln City, Oregon said: By the way the process seems to be moving along a lot faster now then it has in the past. I was a TSO from 2004 to 2006 and resigned in 2006. I VERY MUCH regret resigning from the TSA. It was one of the best jobs I've ever had. I have reapplied last Saturday, Sunday i was sent something saying I passed min quals and they asked me to print out 2 forms to sign and fax to them, I did so and Monday (2 days after applying) I received an e-mail asking me to schedule my computerized test which is now scheduled for 2 days from now on Wednesday. I am curious how long it will take after that this time, last time my total process was from July and hired in November.

Hello, I live in Eugene .I want this job sooo bad. I am at the point of contengent offer or interview wait. I sent my e-86. I hope I get the job. If I made it this far is it a good chance that I will make it? I worked for the State of Oregon in a group home and quit due to the increase in sex offenders. I hope that does not look bad in my e-86 I have issue w/sex offenders /violent ect.thanks for reply. Deanna I started this in feb so it was moving fast till credit check ,just pased now waiting....

Nick in Auburn, Washington said: Hi all, does anyone know the type of color vision test that you have to pass to become a TSO? I am scheduled to take the computer-based test (english/x-ray test) this weekend. I am red/green colorblind so I'm not sure if it's worth my time to continue in the application process

Hey did you ever get the job as a TSO. Iam color blind aswell and I am not sure if i should continue on the application process

Tatiana said: I did all the things you just metioned last summer. I didn't get another call from TSA until Feb of this year, then I had to go through all the medical forms and get cleared from that. It's been 14 months since I first applied for this position and I just got hired this past week. It may take a while, but it's worth it. Good Luck!

Hi.just wondering what is that computer based test for tranportation security officer ( tso) is ? I go in a few days to take a 2hr test in phx,az

I dont know why or how I failed the TSA computer test but I did. I am smart, been a store manager for 10 years, and very responsible. Took the written part of the test, and the XRay screening test. All I can guess is that I said I saw objects in the Xrays that I mistook for objects they ask me to identify... without telling too many secrets, can anyone tell me who passed the test if they felt they had to really search for the objects they asked for, or are they as easily seen as the examples they give you??? Also is there anywhere I can go to train for screening before I take the test?? Please Help!!

I took the test a few days ago. I felt the 1st section was easy but the xray part was challenging toward the end. I did not pass either. I was so disappointed. I wish I could find out my % score. If I take the test again in 6 months I wish I could practice before I take it, I'm sure I can't though. I know one thing, I will take that break offered in between tests.

I took the test this morning. It took less than an hour total and the seek and find was the worst computer game ever. But I passed!!! Shocked!!!!!! And it took them less than 2 hours to send the e-mail = scary fast! I'm not really worried about the rest, the interview is the only possible sticky point, but I don't think it will be a problem. Does anyone know about the background investigation? Is it high security level type stuff? I've done that before too, so no biggie, I'm just wondering if I should be warning people ahead of time.

Waiting to take the test again... in Chattanooga, Tennessee said: I dont know why or how I failed the TSA computer test but I did. I am smart, been a store manager for 10 years, and very responsible. Took the written part of the test, and the XRay screening test. All I can guess is that I said I saw objects in the Xrays that I mistook for objects they ask me to identify... without telling too many secrets, can anyone tell me who passed the test if they felt they had to really search for the objects they asked for, or are they as easily seen as the examples they give you??? Also is there anywhere I can go to train for screening before I take the test?? Please Help!!

I just wanted to tell you that when I took the CBT and it came to the Xray parts if I didn't see it, I clicked NO! I really think that this Xray part also is an Integrity test as well because believe me when I say if I didn't see I said NO!

Can anyone tell me what the class consists of? I swear in Tomorrow in Memphis Tn and start the training. I was told that I also had to certify to for sure get the job..

Mike said: So is there anyway that a person can take the test and everything for the TSA slot in a different city than the job. Then if you get the job move to that city?

I live in new york and took the test for california airport in queens ny. They said I would have my airport assesment in either new york or cali,its been 7 months and I am still waiting on the assesment.

I took the computer based test and received an email within an hour after completing it, that I had passed. I am currently in the credit check phase and was wondering how long it took to hear back from the TSA during this phase in the process. Thanks and I look forward to reading your comments.

Swearing in tomorrow in Cordova, Tennessee said: I just wanted to tell you that when I took the CBT and it came to the Xray parts if I didn't see it, I clicked NO! I really think that this Xray part also is an Integrity test as well because believe me when I say if I didn't see I said NO!

I know TSA tests are secret and Im not asking for an answer sheet, which I know would be wrong, but everyone knows you will have to be able to identify objects on an xray screener...let me give you an example question...say you had to identify if you the outline of a duck, a cow, or a bird, (for the people who passed)did you see the "duck""cow""or bird" in the test exactly the same way they showed it in the examples ? or were the "duck", "cow", or bird hidden, or partially hidden behind other objects? or are they clearly identifiable as they show in the examples??

I have a red-green definencey in the color test......will that fail me for the TSA job.

I've applied, and things have gone very quickly so far. It's only been a month since I submitted my applicaiton My credit check was started last Wed, it's now been a week. Does anyone know how long it takes to get an answer/email invite to fill out the e-86? If anyone can give me an estimated time frame I'd really appreciate it.

HelpMePlease in Chattanooga, Tennessee said: I know TSA tests are secret and Im not asking for an answer sheet, which I know would be wrong, but everyone knows you will have to be able to identify objects on an xray screener...let me give you an example question...say you had to identify if you the outline of a duck, a cow, or a bird, (for the people who passed)did you see the "duck""cow""or bird" in the test exactly the same way they showed it in the examples ? or were the "duck", "cow", or bird hidden, or partially hidden behind other objects? or are they clearly identifiable as they show in the examples??

sometimes they are clear and sometimes they are hidden behind/among other objects. You have to look. It is not a trick. Not every image has the target object in it.

I was a TSO for 2 years, when I was hired I was promised FT employment within a year of employment and at 2 years they still had nothing in sight as far as full time. Normal working hours and weekends is NOT something you should ever look forward to at the TSA. I knew people who had been there 15 years and still worked evening shifts with tuesday/wednesday off. I found out 3 years after leaving (I would have been there 5 years) that my team went up to 32 hours a week up from 25. If you are looking for full time steady 9-5 work then this job is NOT for you and never will be. A lot of shift work, christmas' in the airport and shutting down concourses at the end of the night.

And when I say been there 15 years I mean in the airport as a screener, so with TSA since day 1 of the conversion

By the way Deanna, Eugene isn't hiring until the end of the year, that is the same airport I was going through and I called and straight up asked. She said airport assessments would be taking place in November or December.

Kitty, I don't know how long it takes. I called and asked after a couple of weeks and they told me to go ahead. I've been waiting for the credit check to clear for 2 weeks now...

Wow thanks for the info. I went and got my CNA. I would love to have both jobs . I wonder why sooo late Nov Dec??? Then why did they want people in the poolfor TSO so early??

any info on how to study for the cbt ?

Be well rested, take that break they offer. I don't know of a way of studying. Brush up on your elementary english/grammer reading comprehension for the first part of the test. If you learn of way to prepare for the second part let me know. I messed that one up. Should have taken that offered break.

TWO QUESTIONS
FIRST QUESTION DO YOU GET HEALTH INSURANCE WHEN YOU ARE PART TIME EMPLOYMENT?
SECOND QUESTION THE E-86 IS IT A FORM THEY GIVE YOU OR DO YOU CREATE IT YOURSELF

Nyk said: Kitty, I don't know how long it takes. I called and asked after a couple of weeks and they told me to go ahead. I've been waiting for the credit check to clear for 2 weeks now...

Just so you know, I submitted my paperwork to start the credit/background check on May 12. Today, May 28, I received the email invite to fill out the e-86. That's a period of 2 1/2 weeks turn around. I'll keep you posted on my process so the rest of you have something to measure against.

A here's the timeline for my app:
Applied Mon April 19.
Got email response to take test Thurs Apr 22.
Took Test Fri Apr 30. Received email back same day.
Sent in release forms May 12.
Received email to fill out e-86 May 28.

I'll let you know as things progress - wish me luck!

gary in Taylor, Michigan said: TWO QUESTIONS
FIRST QUESTION DO YOU GET HEALTH INSURANCE WHEN YOU ARE PART TIME EMPLOYMENT?
SECOND QUESTION THE E-86 IS IT A FORM THEY GIVE YOU OR DO YOU CREATE IT YOURSELF

Question one : As I understand it you get full time bennies for part time TSO.

The e86 form is online.

Deanna seemed really stupid to me to and I wouldn't believe it, if it hadn't come directly from the supervisor there herself. I was expecting to have already done the AA by now personally. Where did you get your CNA through and how long? I'd really like ultrasound tech but there aren't any colleges in this part of Oregon who offer that :(

Gary when I was a Tso from 2004 to 2006 I was offered health insurance but couldn't afford it, they wanted 300 n some dollars a month to cover me and I only made like 650 every 2 weeks so it seemed pointless to work. I went without insurance the entire time working there. The federal government you'd think would give you free insurance but they don't.

Quick question ;; if i have a unpaid ticket does that affect me during the background check process because thats thee step that im on now ;; umm it's just a jay-walking ticket.

I am mildly color blind and can distinguish colors fine, but I wasn't able to pass that stupid color test until I found Dr Thomas Azman. I went to his office got special lenses and can now pass test every time! Checkout the site www.colormax.org, when I contacted them the dr himself called me back and answered all my questions and out me at ease with his 100% guarantee! Good Luck!

Kitty in Charleston, South Carolina said: Just so you know, I submitted my paperwork to start the credit/background check on May 12. Today, May 28, I received the email invite to fill out the e-86. That's a period of 2 1/2 weeks turn around. I'll keep you posted on my process so the rest of you have something to measure against.

A here's the timeline for my app:
Applied Mon April 19.
Got email response to take test Thurs Apr 22.
Took Test Fri Apr 30. Received email back same day.
Sent in release forms May 12.
Received email to fill out e-86 May 28.

I'll let you know as things progress - wish me luck!

So far it seems to be hurry up and wait. I started the process at the end of march, have made it all the way through and passed the medical eval. They are still sitting on my e-86 with no end in sight. Every time I call to check on it, they say that there are alot of people applying, so everything is taking longer. I still have the background check to go before entering the ready pool. After that, who knows how long I will sit in there? The airport I applied to said they want people up and going by August - I don't know how that is going to happen at this rate. So far, in my experience, the big wheels of government turn pretty slow. Anyone that I have talked to and asked about a timeline for how long this is going to take, the answer has always been 6 months to a year from application to on the job. I am glad they are thorough, although it does seem like alot to go through for the amount they pay.

typha in Renton, Washington said: So far it seems to be hurry up and wait. I started the process at the end of march, have made it all the way through and passed the medical eval. They are still sitting on my e-86 with no end in sight. Every time I call to check on it, they say that there are alot of people applying, so everything is taking longer. I still have the background check to go before entering the ready pool. After that, who knows how long I will sit in there? The airport I applied to said they want people up and going by August - I don't know how that is going to happen at this rate. So far, in my experience, the big wheels of government turn pretty slow. Anyone that I have talked to and asked about a timeline for how long this is going to take, the answer has always been 6 months to a year from application to on the job. I am glad they are thorough, although it does seem like alot to go through for the amount they pay.

Hi Typha--I passed my required exams on May 19, 2010. My background form was submitted this week. I am going through a contractor for the Gov. called Covenant Aviation Security. Are you also going through a contractor? They told me there will be a class held this Sept. The starting pay in SFO is 19.00 hr. Is that the same in WA? What did the medical exam consist of? Thanks!

Nyk said: Kitty, I don't know how long it takes. I called and asked after a couple of weeks and they told me to go ahead. I've been waiting for the credit check to clear for 2 weeks now...

Hi NYK and Kitty: I was told this week 6/29/10 that the timeframe for the background check would be 30 days.

Kitty in Charleston, South Carolina said: Just so you know, I submitted my paperwork to start the credit/background check on May 12. Today, May 28, I received the email invite to fill out the e-86. That's a period of 2 1/2 weeks turn around. I'll keep you posted on my process so the rest of you have something to measure against.

A here's the timeline for my app:
Applied Mon April 19.
Got email response to take test Thurs Apr 22.
Took Test Fri Apr 30. Received email back same day.
Sent in release forms May 12.
Received email to fill out e-86 May 28.

I'll let you know as things progress - wish me luck!

How's it going for you Kitty?

I NEED KNOW IF IM TO OLD FOR A TSO JOB I HAVE 49