Airport Security Personnel

High School

You should have at least a high school diploma to work in most airport security jobs. 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. It would help if you also were comfortable working with computers since most jobs in security involve a great deal of technology. Math classes can be beneficial because you must be analytical and observant as a security worker 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 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 receive 40 hours of training before their first day at work and an additional 60 hours of training while on the job. This training period may be extended due to increased scrutiny of 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 be trained for up to 400 hours before directing an entire airport security staff.