Quote:
Originally Posted by gmh
Does it really take 4-6 weeks for the TSA to do their voodoo? I've had state background checks completed twice (once to teach public schools, and once for the Hazmat) and it took only a day or two. I can't imagine TSA is doing much beyond a computer check, so why the holdup?
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Yes it can take up to 4-6 weeks, but any more the checks are done within 1-2 weeks.
The big delays occurred when the program was first started and they were doing a computer based name check on all hazmat holders as well as the fingerprint checks on all new applicants.
The actual fingerprint checks are more involved than a simple computer search. Once your fingerprints are taken they are sent to the FBI and a comprehensive search is conducted. Even though it is by computer and may only take a few hours to actually run the search, it still takes time for the information to be transmitted/transferred back and forth plus you have to consider the number of searches that are done at any given time.
To play it smart though, if you have a CDL and are going to renew your hazmat or add it to your license then start the procedure a month to 6 weeks before your CDL is set to expire.
While states differ in the order they do things, every applicant is suppose to pass both the written test and the background check before being issued a hazmat endorsement.