Ace Your TSA Airport Assessment with Our Authentic Prep (2025 Update)

1. Arrival and Identity Verification

Your first interaction sets the tone. Upon arrival, you'll check in with TSA staff and present two valid forms of government-issued ID.

You will be asked to temporarily hand over personal items such as your wallet, phone, keys, and any bags.

You'll also sign a confidentiality agreement (TSA Form 1154), confirming your understanding of the non-disclosure policy related to the assessment.

2. Color Vision Screening

Next, you will complete the Farnsworth D-15 Color Vision Test. This test is designed to verify your ability to accurately differentiate colors—an important skill for identifying threats in scanned images.

Note that this isn’t a test for general color blindness but rather for color deficiencies that could interfere with TSA duties.

If you don’t pass on the first attempt, you will be given a second chance. Failing both times will unfortunately result in disqualification.

3. Structured Behavioral Interview

The core of the assessment is the standardized interview, conducted by TSA personnel—often as a panel.

You’ll be asked six predetermined behavioral questions meant to assess how you respond to challenges, resolve conflicts, work within a team, and uphold ethical standards.

You’ll be evaluated on seven key competencies, and each must receive a score of at least 3 out of 5 for you to move forward. Additionally, you must pass the Integrity/Honesty section—a critical aspect of the TSA’s hiring standards.

Example Result:

• Total Interview Score: 24/30
• Integrity/Honesty: Passed

Failing to meet the score threshold in any competency or receiving a fail in integrity will result in disqualification.

4. Forms Completion and Submission
If you pass the previous stages, you will then receive a set of official forms to complete. A TSA representative will walk you through a scripted explanation before you fill out:

Single-Page Forms:

• Non-Disclosure Agreement (TSA Form 1154)
• Declaration for Federal Employment (OF 306)
• Authorization for Background and Medical Information (SF86-1 and SF86-2)

Medical Packet Forms:

• SOMQ (Security Officer Medical Questionnaire)
• Medical Cover Letter with Pre-Medical Instructions

Completing these forms accurately and thoroughly is essential for the next phase of your application.

5. Fingerprinting and Digital Photo

You’ll then provide digital fingerprints and a photograph, which will be submitted to the Transportation Security Clearinghouse (TSC) for identity verification and background processing.

6. Final Exit and Next Steps

Before leaving, you’ll receive one of two closing scripts:

• Conditional Offer Script: This means you're on track for hire, pending successful completion of your medical evaluation and full background investigation.
• No Conditional Offer Script: If you’re not moving forward, you’ll be respectfully informed at this stage.

To increase your chances of success, follow these best practices:

• Arrive early to avoid any check-in issues.
• Bring two forms of valid ID—both primary and secondary.
• Sleep well the night before so you're alert and clear-minded.
• If you wear glasses or contacts, bring them with you.
• Log in to your candidate dashboard to double-check any instructions or updates.
• Practice responses to common interview questions.
• Use real-life examples and be ready to explain how you handle problems, work in teams, and maintain professionalism under stress.

Here are a few examples of questions you may encounter during your standardized interview:

• "Can you describe a situation where you witnessed unethical behavior in the workplace? How did you handle it?"
• "Tell me about a time you had to work closely with a team to achieve a goal. What was your role?"
• "Have you ever taken the lead on a project or task? How did you ensure it was completed successfully?"