(PHOENIX, Ariz., June 2, 2004)—When traveling through any U.S. airport, it is difficult to ignore the heightened security measures in place since Sept. 11, 2001. One of the most important security feature that is not outwardly visible is the training and testing that transportation security screeners must now endure to be qualified for this federal position.

With only two other Arizona testing sites authorized to administer the federal Transportation Security Administration (TSA) security screening test, the Phoenix College testing center is contributing to homeland security by helping security screeners become workforce ready.

Prior to the tragedies of Sept. 11, transportation security screeners were not required to complete the federal application process of today. According to the TSA web site, screeners employed by the airlines, often through contracts with private companies, received minimal training. Transportation security screeners were subject to high rates of attrition that resulted in an average screener tenure of 4.5 months and unreliable security screening.

In the years following Sept. 11, the TSA revamped the hiring and training process for transportation security screeners, making it a federal government position. The comprehensive training developed by the TSA for transportation security screeners helps keep the country safe and secure, therefore maintaining valued freedom.

Among the multitude of changes and revisions made by the TSA is a federal standardized test that each transportation security screener applicant must pass in order to proceed with the application process. Phoenix College is the central Phoenix location that administers this test. Estrella Mountain Community College in west Phoenix and Scottsdale Community College in the east Valley also are authorized to administer this important exam that helps boost homeland security.

“Many transportation security screener applicants come to Phoenix College to take their exam because the campus is centrally located and easily accessible from most freeways,” said Rosemary Schweigert, Phoenix College Testing Center Coordinator. “We offer the test two days a week, year round.”

After applicants complete the TSA exam, their scores are placed into a database and evaluated by the TSA. If the applicant passes the exam, they are eligible for the next part of the hiring process. If they do not pass any part of the exam, they are allowed to re-test after 60 days, and must retake the entire exam.

As federal employees, transportation security screeners receive a minimum of 40 hours of classroom training and 60 hours of on-the-job training and are subject to periodic proficiency assessments and unannounced testing. Transportation security screeners are constantly notified of new threats and methods of concealment. Coinciding with the strict federal application process was a pay increase for transportation security screeners. They typically receive $23,600-$35,400 per year plus federal benefits.

Because of advancements in technology, the computer monitors used for testing simulate real-life airport screening monitors. The items shown on the screen look as they would in an actual airport setting. Before Sept. 11, this type of advanced testing did not exist.

Before January 2004, the PC Testing Center had only two computers to administer exams. In August and September 2003 alone, the Testing Center administered 95 TSA exams using only the two computers. Currently, the Testing Center houses eight computers that are on a continuous test rotation throughout the testing days.

The TSA is only one of many tests that the PC Testing Center offers. The center provides General Education Development (GED) testing, AZ & US Constitution testing for Teacher Certification, a host of licensing tests and most standardized aptitude tests.

In 2002 and 2003, the Testing Center received the Model Program for GED Test Administration Award and the Outstanding Efforts in Special Needs Accommodations Award from the Arizona Department of Education. The PC Testing Center is continuously helping to make those entering the workforce ready to perform their jobs at their highest potential.

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