What is the primary method of screening airport employees at most US airports?

• A. Credentialing.
• B. Temperature checks
• C. Visual screening
• D. Random drug testing

Answer: (A)

Access to secure airport areas is controlled primarily through credentialing, which means verifying a person’s identity and background and issuing a security badge that grants access only to authorized areas. This process creates a formal barrier that gates entry, ensuring that only vetted employees can enter restricted zones such as airside, control rooms, and other sensitive locations. The credentialing system typically includes identity verification, background checks, and periodic re-credentialing to maintain up-to-date clearance, all coordinated by airport authorities and the TSA.

Health checks like temperature screening are useful for health surveillance but do not serve as the main security gate for accessing restricted spaces. Visual screening alone is not reliable for confirming who a person is or whether they are authorized. Random drug testing relates to safety and policy compliance but does not determine access rights or eligibility to be in secure areas. Credentialing directly addresses who is allowed in and under what conditions, making it the primary method of screening airport employees.