TSA Medical Evaluation: TSO Exam, Forms and Requirements
The TSA medical evaluation is a job-related pre-employment stage for Transportation Security Officer candidates. It is completed after earlier hiring steps and is separate from the Airport Assessment interview, federal drug screening and background investigation.
Current TSA hiring information states that the evaluation can include a physical examination, color-vision test, distance-vision test, hearing examination and joint-mobility assessment. Current TSO announcements also connect the medical review to the physical potential to repeatedly lift or carry property weighing up to 50 pounds, stand for approximately three to four hours without a break and walk up to three miles during a shift.
A medical condition or diagnosis should not be evaluated from a website alone. The authorized medical process reviews your information against the duties and medical standards applicable to the position. Do not stop medication, alter treatment or delay necessary care because of online rumors.
Prepare for the correct hiring stage
Use this page for medical forms and appointment preparation. For the earlier assessment and structured-interview stages, first review the TSA TAB guide and Airport Assessment guide, then use the JobTestPrep TSA preparation package for additional test and interview practice.
TSA Medical Evaluation Quick Facts
| Question | Current answer |
|---|---|
| Position in hiring | After earlier assessment and interview stages for many TSO candidates |
| Main purpose | Evaluate medical and physical ability to perform essential TSO duties |
| Current questionnaire | Online Security Officer Medical Questionnaire (SOMQ) under the 2026 process |
| Medical-clearance form | TSA Form 1137-1, completed by a licensed physician or other licensed health practitioner |
| Publicly named checks | Physical exam, color vision, distance vision, hearing and adequate joint mobility |
| Drug screening | Separate federal requirement, even when scheduled during the same general stage |
| Possible next step | Qualification, request for additional information or an unfavorable medical determination |
| Best source for logistics | Your Candidate Portal, clinic instructions and official notice |
TSA received approval in June 2026 to move the SOMQ from a paper process to an online version and introduce TSA Form 1137-1 for medical clearance. Follow the exact instructions in your portal because forms, submission methods and rollout timing can change.
Where Does the Medical Evaluation Fit in the Hiring Process?
The usual TSO sequence includes:
- application and qualification review;
- TSO Assessment Battery or another named assessment;
- tentative job offer;
- Airport Assessment structured interview;
- medical evaluation and federal drug screening;
- fingerprints and background processing;
- Ready Pool or Ready for Final Job Offer status; and
- final written offer and onboarding.
Passing the Airport Assessment does not waive the medical evaluation. Passing the medical evaluation does not waive the drug test or background investigation. Review the complete TSO hiring process and hiring timeline to understand the surrounding stages.
The JobTestPrep TSA preparation resources can support the TAB and interview stages, but they do not replace medical records, an authorized examination or instructions from TSA.
What Changed in the 2026 Medical Process?
A June 2026 Office of Management and Budget approval allowed TSA to revise the medical information-collection process. The updated structure includes:
- an online Security Officer Medical Questionnaire, commonly referred to as the SOMQ; and
- a paper-based TSO Medical Clearance Form, TSA Form 1137-1, completed by a licensed physician or other licensed health practitioner.
The medical-clearance form is designed to document whether the candidate can perform listed TSO duties and to record examination results that can include vital signs, visual acuity, peripheral vision, color vision and hearing.
Do not download an old questionnaire from a forum and assume it is current. Complete the version assigned through the official system and use the provider or clinic named in your instructions.
What Does the Medical Evaluation Examine?
The exact appointment can vary, but current public TSA and USAJOBS information identifies several core areas.
Vision
The evaluation can include distance vision, color vision and other visual measurements required by the authorized process. The 2026 medical-clearance information also references visual acuity and peripheral vision.
Bring the corrective lenses you normally use when instructed. Do not purchase special lenses or alter your normal correction solely because an unofficial source claims it will help you pass.
Hearing
The medical process includes a hearing examination. Follow clinic instructions concerning hearing aids or other devices. If further documentation is requested, submit the specific audiology or specialist information named in the notice rather than a general statement that your hearing is “fine.”
Joint Mobility and Physical Function
Current announcements identify an adequate joint-mobility examination. The review is connected to the physical demands of TSO work, which can include repeatedly lifting or carrying bags and property weighing up to 50 pounds, prolonged standing and walking during a shift.
The assessment is not simply a fitness competition. It evaluates whether you can safely perform job-related functions under the applicable medical standards.
Medical History, Treatment and Medication
The SOMQ and medical-clearance process collect information relevant to current and past health, treatment and functional ability. Answer the questions as written. Do not omit information because a condition is controlled, old or personally considered unimportant when the form asks for it.
Medication use does not create one universal outcome. Reviewers may consider the treated condition, stability, side effects, functional limitations and the relationship to essential duties. Never stop a prescribed medication without direction from your healthcare professional.
How Should You Complete the SOMQ?
Complete the online questionnaire carefully and consistently with your medical records. Before beginning, gather:
- names and contact details of relevant healthcare providers;
- current medications and dosages;
- significant diagnoses and approximate dates;
- surgeries, hospitalizations and treatment history;
- recent specialist reports or test results when available;
- corrective-lens or hearing-device information; and
- details of any current restrictions or accommodations.
Read each question before answering. An accidental omission can create delay when the clinic, reviewer or later form contains different information.
Save confirmation details when the system allows it. Do not email sensitive medical records to an address that has not been identified in an official notice.
What Should You Bring to the Appointment?
Your clinic instructions control. A practical preparation checklist can include:
- official appointment confirmation;
- required government-issued identification;
- corrective glasses or contact lenses;
- hearing aids or other instructed devices;
- current medication information;
- requested specialist reports;
- completed forms that were specifically assigned;
- proof of a legal name change when identification differs; and
- contact details for the authorized medical program.
Wear clothing that allows the provider to complete the examination reasonably. Arrive early enough to manage check-in without rushing, and contact the official scheduling service promptly if an emergency prevents attendance.
What Functional Demands Can Matter?
The medical review is tied to the actual work of a TSO. Current TSA information describes duties and working conditions that can involve:
- lifting and carrying baggage, bins or property weighing up to 50 pounds;
- standing and walking for prolonged periods;
- walking up to three miles during a shift;
- bending, reaching, squatting and handling property;
- conducting searches and pat-down procedures with sufficient mobility and dexterity;
- working irregular shifts and occasional overtime; and
- remaining fit for duty in a safety-sensitive environment.
Read the TSO job description and TSO requirements before the medical stage. Understanding the duties helps you and your provider respond to requests for functional information.
Does a Diagnosis Automatically Disqualify You?
Do not assume that a diagnosis alone determines the result. The authorized review considers the medical information, treatment, symptoms, stability, functional ability and applicable standards. However, a controlled condition is not automatically guaranteed to qualify either.
Avoid online lists that label every condition as an automatic pass or automatic failure. TSA does not publish every medical decision rule as a simple public checklist, and individual documentation can matter.
When a reviewer needs more information, you may receive a request for records, testing or a provider statement. Respond to the precise concern identified rather than submitting a large collection of unrelated documents.
How Can You Reduce Medical-Review Delays?
You cannot control every review decision, but you can avoid common administrative delays:
- complete the SOMQ accurately;
- attend the authorized appointment on time;
- bring the devices and documents named in the instructions;
- submit readable records;
- ask providers to address functional ability, not only diagnosis;
- respond before every deadline;
- keep copies of submitted documents; and
- monitor email, spam and the Candidate Portal.
A general note stating only “the patient can work” may not answer a request about vision, hearing, mobility, symptoms, medication effects or a specific essential function. Give your provider the official request and relevant job-duty information.
What Happens After the Examination?
The medical program reviews the examination, questionnaire and any additional documentation. You may then receive:
- confirmation that the medical requirement is satisfied;
- a request for additional information or specialist evaluation; or
- an unfavorable medical determination with instructions for any available review process.
TSA does not promise one universal result timeline. Provider delays, missing records, additional testing and case complexity can extend the process. A quiet portal does not automatically mean failure.
If you receive an unfavorable determination, read the notice immediately. The TSA medical-appeal guide explains how to organize evidence around the specific issue and deadline without duplicating the general examination guidance on this page.
Is Reasonable Accommodation the Same as Medical Qualification?
No. Reasonable accommodation can support access to the hiring process or performance of a job, but it does not automatically remove an essential function or applicable medical standard.
If accommodation is relevant, use the official channel described in your vacancy or appointment notice and review the TSA reasonable-accommodation guide. A medical appeal and an accommodation request can involve related facts, but they are separate processes.
Is the Medical Evaluation the Same as the Drug Test?
No. TSA lists the medical evaluation and federal drug screening as separate assessments. They may be scheduled during the same general period, but each has its own procedures and result.
Current TSA guidance states that the federal urine specimen cannot test positive for illegal drugs, including marijuana, even when state law permits marijuana use. Use the TSA drug-test guide for that requirement rather than relying on medical-exam advice.
Common Medical-Evaluation Mistakes
Avoid:
- using an outdated questionnaire instead of the assigned online SOMQ;
- omitting conditions or medications requested by the form;
- arriving without corrective lenses, hearing devices or identification;
- changing treatment because of online advice;
- submitting blurry or incomplete records;
- waiting until the deadline to contact a specialist;
- sending documents through an unauthorized channel;
- assuming a diagnosis is always an automatic failure;
- assuming a well-controlled condition is automatically accepted; or
- resigning from your current job before a final written offer.
Frequently Asked Questions
What Is the SOMQ?
The Security Officer Medical Questionnaire is the medical-history questionnaire used for TSO candidates. Under the 2026 revision, TSA can administer it online.
What Is TSA Form 1137-1?
It is the TSO Medical Clearance Form introduced in the 2026 information-collection revision. A licensed physician or other licensed health practitioner completes it as directed.
Does the Medical Exam Include Color Vision?
Yes. Current TSA hiring information lists color vision as part of the medical evaluation.
Does the Medical Exam Include a Lifting Test?
Current announcements connect the joint-mobility and medical evaluation to the physical potential to repeatedly lift or carry up to 50 pounds. Follow the exact clinic procedure in your notice.
Is the Medical Evaluation the Drug Test?
No. They are separate federal hiring requirements.
Should You Stop Medication Before the Exam?
No. Do not change prescribed treatment based on an unofficial website. Follow your healthcare professional and official appointment instructions.
Can You Appeal a Medical Disqualification?
Your notice may provide a process for additional evidence, reconsideration or appeal. Follow the stated deadline and use the medical-appeal guide.
Can JobTestPrep Prepare You for the Medical Exam?
JobTestPrep is useful for the TSA assessment and interview stages, not as a replacement for medical care or official documentation. Review the JobTestPrep TSA package only for the appropriate preparation stages.
Later hiring stages
Map this step to the TSO hiring process, hiring timeline and application status guide. Candidates still preparing for the CBT can use the TSA test-prep hub and optional JobTestPrep TSA PrepPack.