High School

To work in most airport security jobs, you should have at least a high school diploma. However, security screeners can sidestep this educational requirement with previous job experience in security. While in high school, take classes in history and government to familiarize yourself with previous events and political threats that have threatened our national security, such as foreign hijackers and terrorist operations. You should also be comfortable working with computers since most jobs in security involve a great deal of technology. Math classes can be beneficial because as a security worker, you must be analytical and observant to identify and catch dangers before they happen.

Postsecondary Training

All security workers, from screeners to directors, are highly trained before starting their jobs. Screeners are trained on how to operate and identify dangerous objects from the X-ray machines and handheld wands. They also must be prepared to manage potentially dangerous individuals. Screeners currently receive 40 hours of training before their first day at work, and receive an additional 60 hours of training while on the job. This training period may be extended due to increased scrutiny on screeners' performance and heightened national security risks.

Air marshals are rigorously trained in classified training centers across the country, and come to the job with previous on-the-job experience from serving in a military or civilian police force. Similarly, security directors must have previous federal security experience and are trained for up to 400 hours before taking on the responsibility of directing an entire airport security staff.

Certification or Licensing

There are no certification or licensing requirements for airport security personnel.

Other Requirements

All screeners must have U.S. citizenship and pass the required physical and mental tests.

No prior experience is needed to work as a security screener, but those with prior work experience will increase their chances of landing a job, getting promoted, and possibly earning higher pay. You can gain experience by participating in security-related internships and jobs. Positions as air marshals or directors or security are not entry-level positions. If you are interested in one of these jobs, you will need previous experience with the police, U.S. military, or other position in which you have gained skills in protecting the lives of others.

All airport security personnel have demanding jobs that require a calm demeanor when under pressure. Screeners often have to stand for hours at a time and assist in lifting passengers' luggage onto the screening belt. Their eyesight must be strong enough to detect even the smallest of possible threats displayed on a computer screen. They must be able to lift at least 70 pounds, be able to walk up to two miles during the course of one shift, and be able to stand anywhere from one to four hours at a time. To ensure that individuals can handle these demands, potential screeners face many physical and vision tests to ensure they are up to the job. All screeners must be U.S. citizens or nationals and pass tests evaluating mental abilities (English reading, writing, and speaking), visual observation (including color perception), hearing, and manual dexterity. Similarly, air marshals and directors of security must pass vision and hearing tests and be in good physical shape to face and dominate potential attackers.