TSO Accreditation Process 3 — Questions and Answers
Question 1: The TSA's 'Integrated Airport Experience' training module is designed to give new TSOs familiarity with:
- Flight scheduling and gate operations
- The overall airport environment and passenger flow dynamics (Correct answer)
- Air traffic control communications
- Airline ticketing and baggage claim systems
Correct answer: The overall airport environment and passenger flow dynamics
This module helps new TSOs understand how the airport operates as a whole, providing context for their screening role.
Question 2: Which document formally authorizes a TSO to perform screening duties at a specific checkpoint?
- TSA Form 3020 (Personnel Action)
- The TSO's appointment letter from HR
- A checkpoint certification issued after completing all required training (Correct answer)
- The TSO's federal ID badge alone
Correct answer: A checkpoint certification issued after completing all required training
Checkpoint certification documents that a TSO has completed all required training and is authorized to work at that specific screening location.
Question 3: During the accreditation process, TSO candidates must demonstrate proficiency in which of the following areas related to prohibited items?
- Memorizing the exact weight limits for all checked baggage
- Recognizing threat items in X-ray images and through physical inspection (Correct answer)
- Identifying counterfeit boarding passes and travel documents
- Operating the airport's computerized reservation system
Correct answer: Recognizing threat items in X-ray images and through physical inspection
A core TSO competency is identifying prohibited and threat items using X-ray imaging and physical screening methods.
Question 4: TSA's 'Continuous Online Readiness Training' (CORT) requirement means that certified TSOs must:
- Complete new hire training every year regardless of experience
- Regularly complete online modules to maintain and update their skills (Correct answer)
- Pass a physical fitness test quarterly
- Attend a week-long refresher course every six months
Correct answer: Regularly complete online modules to maintain and update their skills
CORT is an ongoing online training requirement that keeps TSOs current on evolving threats, procedures, and policies.
Question 5: A candidate's drug test during TSO accreditation returns a positive result for a prescribed medication. The correct TSA procedure is to:
- Immediately disqualify the candidate without further review
- Request documentation from the candidate's physician for review by a Medical Review Officer (Correct answer)
- Waive the result if the candidate has a valid prescription card
- Retest the candidate using a different drug screening method
Correct answer: Request documentation from the candidate's physician for review by a Medical Review Officer
A Medical Review Officer reviews positive drug test results and considers legitimate medical explanations, including prescribed medications.
Question 6: Which of the following best describes the role of a 'Coach' or 'Field Training Officer' during TSO on-the-job training?
- To evaluate the trainee's final written exam
- To provide real-time guidance and feedback during live checkpoint operations (Correct answer)
- To submit the trainee's background investigation paperwork
- To conduct the trainee's initial medical examination
Correct answer: To provide real-time guidance and feedback during live checkpoint operations
Coach/FTO TSOs supervise new officers during actual checkpoint operations, providing immediate feedback and guidance.
Question 7: If a TSO fails to achieve the required certification standard for a specific screening technology, the accreditation consequence is:
- They may not operate that technology until they achieve the required proficiency (Correct answer)
- Their entire TSO certification is immediately revoked
- They are permanently barred from working at that airport
- They receive a pay reduction until the standard is met
Correct answer: They may not operate that technology until they achieve the required proficiency
TSOs are prohibited from operating specific technologies they have not been certified on, but may still perform other screening duties.
TSO Accreditation Process 3
The TSA's 'Integrated Airport Experience' training module is designed to give new TSOs familiarity with: