What does a Transportation Security Officer do?

Transportation Security Officers are often the first line of defense for the overall safety of transportation systems and travelers. While they mainly work in airports, they can also work in transport hubs and cargo locations. They must be well-trained and prepared to identify, report and respond appropriately to suspicious activity or cargo or any security threats that might occur.

Transportation Security Officer skills and qualifications

Some skills you might want to list in your TSO description include:

• Attention to detail and observational skills to identify issues, activities and items that present a security risk

• Communication and customer service skills to interact with the public and represent the airport or place of work

• The ability to remain calm in stressful situations

• Physical stamina to stand for hours or respond quickly if a security issue arises

• Conflict resolution skills to manage challenging situations involving travelers

Transportation Security Officer experience requirements

Entry-level Transportation Security Officer candidates may not need experience, as employers commonly offer on-the-job training. However, you might indicate that you prefer experience in law enforcement, public safety or security. Individuals who have worked private security contracts, have a military background or have worked in law enforcement often have experience relevant to a Transportation Security Officer position.

Transportation Security Officer education and training requirements

The TSA doesn’t require formal education or training for entry-level TSOs. However, candidates must be registered for the Selective Service and pass a background investigation, medical evaluation and drug screening. Some employers may require certifications in security, transportation safety, public safety or other relevant fields.

If you’re hiring for a Transportation Security Officer position that requires driving, especially with passengers, you may want to include a commercial driver’s license (CDL) requirement in your job description.

Job description samples for similar positions

If the Transportation Security Officer job description above isn’t quite what you’re looking for, one of these similar job titles might fit your needs:

• Security

• Security Engineer

• Security Guard

• Security Specialist

Transportation Security Officer job description FAQs

Who does a Transportation Security Officer report to?

Transportation Security Officers typically report to Lead or Supervisory Security Officers. TSO teams as a whole report to Transportation Security Managers or Airport Facility Directors or Administrators. Outside airport work environments, TSOs may report to Security or Facilities Managers.

Should your TSO job description include background check requirements?

You can help candidates self-select appropriately by clarifying position requirements in your job descriptions and listings. That includes whether you require candidates to pass a full criminal background check or you run a credit check as part of prehire evaluations.

What type of career growth path can you create for TSO job applicants?

Transportation Security Officers might grow into positions such as Lead Security Officer or Security Manager. Depending on how your security teams are set up, they may move into specific types of security, such as working with canine security teams or joining cybersecurity teams if they develop the appropriate skills.

What is the difference between a Transportation Security Officer and a Security Specialist?

While a Transportation Security Officer oversees various safety protocols related to airports or similar settings, a Security Specialist wards against data vulnerabilities. The former involves security within specific environments, while Security Specialists focus on cybersecurity.