The TSA medical evaluation is Step 6 in TSA’s current eight-step Transportation Security Officer hiring process, after the Airport Assessment and before the background check.
TSA’s current TSO careers page says the medical stage includes, but is not limited to, a physical exam, color-vision test, distance-vision test, and hearing exam. A federal drug screening is required at the same hiring stage but is a separate screening requirement.
This page summarizes current TSA candidate documents. It does not provide medical advice or decide whether an individual condition is qualifying or disqualifying.
For a deeper TSA-only walkthrough of forms, appointment preparation and surrounding hiring steps, use our specialist TSA Career medical-evaluation guide. TSA Career is part of our own network; official TSA instructions remain the authority for your case.
Where the medical evaluation sits
TSA currently publishes this TSO sequence around the medical stage:
- computer-based testing;
- tentative job offer;
- Airport Assessment / panel structured interview;
- medical evaluation and federal drug screening;
- background check;
- Ready Pool.
For the full sequence, see the TSA Hiring Process guide.
Complete the SOMQ before the appointment
TSA’s current medical checklist says candidates who successfully complete the Airport Assessment should complete the Transportation Security Officer Medical Questionnaire (SOMQ) through the candidate/EAS process and provide availability for scheduling.
The checklist warns that the SOMQ may take time because candidates may need to gather:
- documentation of current medical diagnoses;
- prescribed medications and dosages;
- treatments;
- current therapies.
TSA instructs candidates to print, sign, and bring the completed SOMQ along with relevant medical documentation to the appointment.
What to bring
TSA’s current medical checklist instructs candidates to bring:
- the completed, signed SOMQ;
- requested medical documentation;
- the Medical Kit supplied for the appointment;
- two forms of valid identification, including a government-issued photo ID;
- glasses or contact lenses with a current prescription if used;
- recent eye or hearing test results when available and relevant.
The checklist specifically warns candidates not to open or tamper with the Medical Kit before the appointment.
Vision screening
TSA’s current medical checklist says vision will be tested and advises candidates who use corrective lenses to bring them.
The current TSO Medical & Psychological Guidelines include standards for:
- distant visual acuity;
- intermediate visual acuity;
- near visual acuity;
- field of vision;
- color vision.
The detailed guidelines are the authority for medical standards. If you have a vision condition or recent eye evaluation, review the official document and bring relevant records.
For a narrower explanation, see the TSA Color Vision Test page.
Hearing screening
TSA’s medical checklist says hearing will be screened. It advises candidates with hearing aids that the initial screening is conducted without them and recommends bringing recent hearing-test results if available.
The detailed TSO Medical Guidelines describe the hearing frequencies and follow-up audiology procedures used when initial criteria are not met.
Do not rely on a prep blog for an individual medical determination. Use the official guidelines and, when appropriate, discuss them with your treating clinician.
Other medical conditions
The official TSO Medical Guidelines cover many areas beyond vision and hearing, including respiratory, cardiovascular, musculoskeletal, neurological, diabetes, sleep, psychiatric, medication, and other medical considerations.
TSA states that the guidelines are used to assess an applicant’s ability to perform job-related functions based on the medical conditions presented by that applicant.
The current guidelines also say TSA can require follow-up medical evaluation when needed before making a qualification determination.
Can you appeal a medical disqualification?
Yes. The current TSA Medical Guidelines state that if TSA determines an applicant is medically disqualified after an individualized assessment, the applicant is advised that the application process has ended and may appeal by notifying the evaluating physician and submitting supporting documentation.
Follow the exact appeal instructions you receive. Do not assume an outside website can predict the result of an appeal.
Practical preparation
The useful preparation for this stage is administrative:
- complete the SOMQ carefully;
- gather medical records early;
- make a current medication list;
- bring the required IDs and Medical Kit;
- bring corrective lenses if you use them;
- follow the checklist’s appointment-preparation instructions;
- respond quickly if TSA asks for additional documentation.
Do not stop prescribed medication or change treatment solely to prepare for the appointment. TSA’s own checklist specifically tells candidates not to skip medication for a chronic disease or condition on the day of the evaluation.
What this stage is not
The medical evaluation is not:
- the computer-based assessment;
- the Airport Assessment interview;
- the background check;
- a practice test.
Each stage has a different purpose and separate evidence requirements.
Official sources checked for this update
- TSA Transportation Security Officer / Security Support Assistant page — current TSO hiring sequence and medical-stage summary.
- What to Expect During Your Medical Evaluation — SOMQ, documentation, Medical Kit, vision/hearing, and appointment guidance.
- TSA Medical & Psychological Guidelines for Transportation Security Officers — detailed medical standards and appeal framework.
Related pages
FAQ
When does the TSA medical evaluation happen?
In TSA’s current public TSO sequence, it follows the Airport Assessment and comes before the background check.
What does TSA currently say the medical evaluation includes?
The public TSO page lists a physical exam, color-vision test, distance-vision test, and hearing exam, while the detailed medical guidelines cover additional conditions and standards.
What is the SOMQ?
It is the Transportation Security Officer Medical Questionnaire that candidates complete before the medical appointment according to TSA’s current medical checklist.
Should I open the Medical Kit before the appointment?
No. TSA’s checklist says not to open or tamper with it.
Can a medical disqualification be appealed?
The current TSO Medical Guidelines describe an appeal process using supporting medical documentation.