TSA Credential Overview 3 — Questions and Answers
Question 1: What technology is embedded in the TWIC card to allow electronic identity verification?
- A contactless smart chip (Correct answer)
- A magnetic stripe
- A QR code
- An RFID barcode
Correct answer: A contactless smart chip
TWIC cards contain a contactless smart chip that stores biometric data and enables electronic verification at access readers.
Question 2: An airport employee badge that grants access to the Security Identification Display Area (SIDA) is issued by whom?
- The airport authority or airline employer (Correct answer)
- TSA headquarters directly
- The Department of Homeland Security
- The FAA
Correct answer: The airport authority or airline employer
SIDA badges are issued by the airport operator or employing airline after TSA-mandated background checks are completed.
Question 3: Which program allows members of CBP's Global Entry to also receive TSA PreCheck benefits automatically?
- Global Entry members receive PreCheck as an included benefit (Correct answer)
- Global Entry and PreCheck are completely separate with no overlap
- Global Entry replaces PreCheck entirely
- Global Entry members must apply separately for PreCheck
Correct answer: Global Entry members receive PreCheck as an included benefit
CBP's Global Entry program includes TSA PreCheck as a built-in benefit, so members get expedited domestic and international screening.
Question 4: What is the fee to apply for a new TSA PreCheck membership (as of recent program guidelines)?
- $85 for 5 years (Correct answer)
- $50 for 5 years
- $120 for 10 years
- $35 annually
Correct answer: $85 for 5 years
TSA PreCheck enrollment costs $85 for a five-year membership, which includes an in-person appointment and background check.
Question 5: Which of the following items is NOT required during a TSA PreCheck application appointment?
- Proof of employment history for the past 10 years (Correct answer)
- Proof of U.S. citizenship or legal permanent residency
- Government-issued photo ID
- Fingerprints
Correct answer: Proof of employment history for the past 10 years
TSA PreCheck applicants must provide identity documents and fingerprints but are not required to submit a 10-year employment history.
Question 6: The TSA credential known as NEXUS primarily facilitates travel between which two countries?
- United States and Canada (Correct answer)
- United States and Mexico
- United States and United Kingdom
- United States and Australia
Correct answer: United States and Canada
NEXUS is a joint US-Canada trusted traveler program that expedites border crossings between the United States and Canada.
Question 7: Under TSA's credential framework, what does the term 'vetting' refer to?
- A background check process to determine eligibility for a credential (Correct answer)
- The physical inspection of an applicant's travel documents
- The training required before receiving a credential
- The process of renewing an expired credential
Correct answer: A background check process to determine eligibility for a credential
Vetting is the process by which TSA checks criminal history, immigration status, and other records to determine if an applicant is eligible for a security credential.
TSA Credential Overview 3
What technology is embedded in the TWIC card to allow electronic identity verification?