Security | Transportation Security Administration

Security Career Paths

Security roles fall into four main categories: Screening, Training, Inspection and Security Specializations. Most employees start as TSO or SSA then continue to more advanced positions, but it depends on their experience and the role they're pursuing. Both TSO and SSA positions are entry-level; however, the SSA role has a quicker hiring process, and provides employees an opportunity to convert to the TSO position. See below for career path options, to learn more about how these positions differ and how to grow within the Security career path.

This category is focused on keeping the traveling public safe by successfully screening passengers and baggage to detect threats at airport checkpoints. Swipe to learn more about the positions that go beyond TSOs and SSAs.

Security Support Assistant (SSA)

SSAs assist Transportation Security Officers (TSOs) at the checkpoints to move passengers through efficiently, maintaining order, and subsequently enhancing the nation's transportation systems. They Support airport operations where needed, including moving checked bags to and from x-ray conveyer systems and interacting with passengers to assist with passenger flow through the checkpoint.

The job responsibilities of the SSA requires fewer initial assessments as part of the hiring process, allowing them to onboard faster. It is a temporary position, with a Not to Exceed (NTE) timeframe of one-year with option to extend to two years and is a jump-start to the TSO position. SSAs can begin employment and obtain experience while continuing to complete the process to become a permanent TSO. As you scroll through the different departments the positions, keep in mind that the TSO and SSA positions are both entry-level, with clear career growth within TSA.

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Transportation Security Officer (TSO)

TSOs are on the front lines of transportation security and are one of the most important roles at TSA. TSO knowledge helps inform decisions made at numerous levels of the agency. As you scroll through the different departments and positions, keep in mind the TSO and SSA positions are typically the first step for each, although it depends on the position.

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Lead Transportation Security Officer (LTSO)

LTSOs identify, distribute, and balance workloads and tasks among employees. They act as team leads and oversee certified TSOs and SSAs in addition to some trainee and apprentice-level TSOs.

Supervisory Transportation Security Officer (STSO)

In addition to performing and supervising daily tasks, STSOs need to be able to make independent, security-based decisions using their experience, critical thinking, observation and passenger engagement. They’re responsible for mitigating actual and potential threats against civil aviation and other transportation modes.

Transportation Security Manager (TSM)

TSMs are in charge of managing screening checkpoints and act as first-line supervisors for the organization. Additional responsibilities include assigning work, setting priorities, reviewing and evaluating work and performance of subordinates; approving leave; coaching and developing employees.

Assistant Federal Security Director - Screening Operations (AFSD-S)

AFSDs serve as the principal advisors for the Federal Security Directors (FSDs) on all operational matters. They develop, plan, coordinate, and implement policies that support screening operations, customer service and stakeholder programs.

As new security threats emerge, TSA’s standard operating procedures (SOPs) must evolve. This can happen over time or with little notice, but it’s extremely important that the updated SOPs are implemented as quickly as possible. The employees on this career path are the ones responsible for effectively updating the screening workforce on the latest procedures, instructing and training employees on work standards and much more.

Master Transportation Security Officer – Security Training Instructor (MTSO-STI)

Master TSOs support the airport training program. Their main responsibilities include providing training instruction, adapting/developing local training materials, providing mentoring/coaching to trainees, and administering and scoring tests.

Expert Transportation Security Officer – Security Training Instructor (ETSO-STI)

Expert TSOs support the Training Programs and act as team leads. They are still responsible for some of the same tasks as Master TSOs, but they also coordinate class materials, confirm rosters, ensure evaluations are completed and submitted, conduct testing, record results, and certify all employee course completion information is recorded in the Online Learning Center (OLC). Expert TSOs work at the same professional level as Training Specialists.

Training Specialist

Training Specialists act as liaisons between the Federal Security Director (FSD) and TSA Headquarters for any and all training issues. This includes the Office of Workforce Performance Training and the Headquarters Aviation Programs Office. Training Specialists work at the same professional level as Expert TSOs.

Supervisory Training Specialist

Supervisory Training Specialists are responsible for some of the same tasks as Training Specialists but take a more senior role in day-to-day operations. This role also includes supervising employees during training activities, managing projects within assigned resources, and resolving routine problems that impact the objectives of Security Training as a whole.

Training Manager

Training Managers serve as primary advisors to the Federal Security Director (FSD) regarding the full scope of training programs, issues and requirements. They work with Training Specialists to act as liaisons between the FSD and TSA Headquarters, but are also responsible for the overall management of the airport's training function.

Assistant Federal Security Director (AFSD)

AFSDs serve as the principal advisors for the Federal Security Directors on all operational matters. They develop, plan, coordinate, and implement policies that support screening operations, customer service and stakeholder programs.

This category focuses on the detailed inspection of aircrafts, cargo and surface transportation vehicles to ensure compliance with transportation security regulations. Inspection methods range from simple screening to providing support for relevant criminal investigations.

TSI
STSI

Transportation Security Inspector (TSI)

TSIs are responsible for ensuring security compliance of persons, transportation systems and entities regulated under the Title 49 Code of Federal Regulations (CFR) Part 1500 series. They also perform selected assignments and inspection work, like conducting regulatory inspections and investigations and supporting criminal investigations related to suspected security violations.

Supervisory Transportation Security Inspector (STSI)

STSIs assist in the administration of critical compliance and enforcement programs. The programs are designed to protect the nation's public from terrorism, piracy, or other acts of sabotage. They’re responsible for applying their advanced technical knowledge to a variety of circumstances and/or environments to identify security weaknesses, threats or violations.

Experienced security officers can continue their career in Security by choosing an area of expertise. Candidates can choose to take on a four-legged partner with the canine unit or focus on assessing and identifying threats involving explosive devices. All specialties come with a new level of training, challenges and rewards.

Transportation Security Specialist – Explosives Detection Canine Handler (TSS - EDCH)

Canine Handlers attend formal canine handler training to develop skills necessary to evaluate and reward canine behavior, guide canines during threat mitigation activities, and ensure effective utilization of canines. After training, they’re responsible for conducting passenger screening and other threat assessment/mitigation activities to ensure the safety of the traveling public and mitigate potential threats.

Supervisory Transportation Security Specialist – Canine (STSS – C)

Supervisory Canine Handlers manage TSA's canine program at a specific airport. They are responsible for supervising Canine Handlers and ensuring that the standard of inspection is being carried out in an effective and efficient manner.

Transportation Security Specialist – Explosives (TSS–E)

Explosives specialists serve as subject matter experts for the Federal Security Director (FSD) at designated airports on all issues involving threats to the traveling public from explosives and Improvised Explosive Devices (IEDs). They are also in charge of applying experience and technical knowledge to assess threats, educating the workforce in the detection of threats, and supporting explosive vulnerability assessments in all modes of transportation.

Supervisory Transportation Security Specialist - Explosives (STSS-E)

Supervisory Explosives Specialists serve as technical consultants for the assigned Federal Security Director (FSD) and subordinate managers on all issues involving explosives, Improvised Explosive Devices (IEDs) and Chemical, Biological, Radiological and Nuclear (CBRN) threats. They also manage the local Bomb Appraisal Officer (BAO) program and coordinate the intermodal explosives security program within their assigned area.

Deputy Assistant Federal Security Director - Threat Assessment Program (DAFSD-TAP)

DAFSD-TAPs for threat detection are responsible for managing staff in support of threat assessment programs, including TSOs certified in Behavior Detection, Explosive Security Specialists and Explosive Detection Canine Handlers. They also administer laws, regulations and policies pertaining to TSA’s transportation security program with a focus on the utilization of layered security assets and techniques to mitigate threats.

Security Hiring Process and Eligibility

We've outlined the hiring process to show what you can expect. If you have any questions along the way, you can reach out to human resources or the point of contact listed on each Job Opportunity Announcement (JOA).

STEP 1

Complete and Submit Application

Create an account on USAJOBS USAJOBS and submit your application. Be sure to include all your skills and competencies applicable to the position. Once you’re ready to submit, double check that you’ve provided any additional documentation asked for in the JOA. Step-by-step guidance.

STEP 2

Interview

If you’re one of the best-qualified candidates, a supervisor or hiring official will request and schedule an in-person or telephone interview. The interviews consist of tests designed to measure a variety of competencies important to performance on the job.

STEP 3

Clearance and Evaluations

There will be additional clearances and evaluations you must pass before you can accept a position. For specific information about a position, review the entire JOA.

Eligibility

TSA accepts candidates of all different backgrounds and experience levels. Our basic requirements include:

U.S. citizenship
Ages 18 years or older
Completed background check
Completed drug screening
Registered with Selective Service ( learn more learn more )

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Learn how Donavahn trains officers on cutting-edge, advanced technology to detect threatening items and protect the nation's transportation systems.

The People of TSA

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Security Career Paths

Security Support Assistant (SSA)

Transportation Security Officer (TSO)

Lead Transportation Security Officer (LTSO)

Supervisory Transportation Security Officer (STSO)

Transportation Security Manager (TSM)

Assistant Federal Security Director - Screening Operations (AFSD-S)

Master Transportation Security Officer – Security Training Instructor (MTSO-STI)

Expert Transportation Security Officer – Security Training Instructor (ETSO-STI)

Training Specialist

Supervisory Training Specialist

Training Manager

Assistant Federal Security Director (AFSD)

Transportation Security Inspector (TSI)

Supervisory Transportation Security Inspector (STSI)

Transportation Security Specialist – Explosives Detection Canine Handler (TSS - EDCH)

Supervisory Transportation Security Specialist – Canine (STSS – C)

Transportation Security Specialist – Explosives (TSS–E)

Supervisory Transportation Security Specialist - Explosives (STSS-E)

Deputy Assistant Federal Security Director - Threat Assessment Program (DAFSD-TAP)

Security Hiring Process and Eligibility

STEP 1

Complete and Submit Application

STEP 2

Interview

STEP 3

Clearance and Evaluations

Eligibility

The People of TSA

Medical

Dental and Vision

Retirement

Life Insurance

Related Content

Careers at TSA

Federal Hiring Process

Events

Testimonials

Contact Support

Working on the Front Lines

Security Career Paths

Security Support Assistant (SSA)

Transportation Security Officer (TSO)

Lead Transportation Security Officer (LTSO)

Supervisory Transportation Security Officer (STSO)

Transportation Security Manager (TSM)

Assistant Federal Security Director - Screening Operations (AFSD-S)

Master Transportation Security Officer – Security Training Instructor (MTSO-STI)

Expert Transportation Security Officer – Security Training Instructor (ETSO-STI)

Training Specialist

Supervisory Training Specialist

Training Manager

Assistant Federal Security Director (AFSD)

Transportation Security Inspector (TSI)

Supervisory Transportation Security Inspector (STSI)

Transportation Security Specialist – Explosives Detection Canine Handler (TSS - EDCH)

Supervisory Transportation Security Specialist – Canine (STSS – C)

Transportation Security Specialist – Explosives (TSS–E)

Supervisory Transportation Security Specialist - Explosives (STSS-E)

Deputy Assistant Federal Security Director - Threat Assessment Program (DAFSD-TAP)

Security Hiring Process and Eligibility

STEP 1

Complete and Submit Application

STEP 2

Interview

STEP 3

Clearance and Evaluations

Eligibility

The People of TSA

Medical

Dental and Vision

Retirement

Life Insurance

Careers at TSA

Federal Hiring Process

Events

Testimonials

Working on the
Front Lines