TSA Accreditation Process 3 — Questions and Answers
Question 1: In the TSA accreditation framework, what is a 'Corrective Action Plan' (CAP)?
- A training curriculum for new screeners
- A documented response to identified deficiencies requiring remediation (Correct answer)
- A performance bonus structure for compliant screeners
- A schedule for routine equipment maintenance
Correct answer: A documented response to identified deficiencies requiring remediation
A Corrective Action Plan is a formal document outlining how an accredited entity will address identified security deficiencies within a specified timeframe.
Question 2: Which type of background check is required for personnel seeking TSA accreditation as security screeners?
- State-level criminal history check only
- Security Threat Assessment (STA) (Correct answer)
- Credit history verification
- Social media background review
Correct answer: Security Threat Assessment (STA)
A Security Threat Assessment (STA) is the federally mandated background check required for all transportation security personnel.
Question 3: What is the maximum number of airports that can participate in the Screening Partnership Program at any given time according to TSA policy?
- 10 airports
- 25 airports
- There is no statutory cap (Correct answer)
- 50 airports
Correct answer: There is no statutory cap
There is no statutory cap on the number of airports that can participate in SPP; any airport can apply to use private screeners under TSA oversight.
Question 4: An airport applying to switch from federal TSA screeners to accredited private screeners must submit its request to which office?
- Office of the Secretary of Homeland Security
- TSA Office of Security Operations
- Local TSA Federal Security Director (Correct answer)
- Congressional oversight committee
Correct answer: Local TSA Federal Security Director
Airport operators submit SPP applications to the local TSA Federal Security Director, who manages the transition coordination.
Question 5: Which of the following best describes 'performance-based accreditation' in the TSA framework?
- Accreditation based solely on passing written exams
- Accreditation tied to meeting measurable security outcome standards (Correct answer)
- A fast-track process for companies with prior military contracts
- An annual award for the top-performing screening company
Correct answer: Accreditation tied to meeting measurable security outcome standards
Performance-based accreditation evaluates whether programs achieve measurable security outcomes rather than simply following prescribed procedures.
Question 6: When TSA conducts an unannounced covert test at an accredited private screening checkpoint, what does a failing result primarily trigger?
- Immediate checkpoint closure and passenger rebooking
- Mandatory review and potential corrective action requirements (Correct answer)
- Automatic revocation of the airport's operating certificate
- Criminal prosecution of the screening supervisor
Correct answer: Mandatory review and potential corrective action requirements
A failed covert test triggers a mandatory review process and may require the accredited company to implement corrective actions.
Question 7: What is the significance of the 'comparability standard' in TSA's Screening Partnership Program?
- Private screener pay must match TSA officer salaries
- Private screening must be at least as effective as federal screening (Correct answer)
- Airport fees must be comparable across SPP and non-SPP airports
- Training hours must equal or exceed FAA requirements
Correct answer: Private screening must be at least as effective as federal screening
The comparability standard requires that private screening under SPP must be at least as effective as federal TSA screening in detecting threats.
TSA Accreditation Process 3
In the TSA accreditation framework, what is a 'Corrective Action Plan' (CAP)?